East Greenland - Scoresby Sund - Iceland, Aurora Borealis, Fly & Sail | RVR19-27

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Title

East Greenland, Scoresby Sund - Iceland, Aurora Borealis, Fly & Sail

Start – End

Tripcode

RVR19-27

Language

English

Ship

s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Embarkation / Disembarkation

Constable Pynt - Akureyri

Nights / Days

11 nights

More about

The Arctic cruises

Iceland cruises

Scoresby Sund cruises

East Greenland cruises

Cabins & Prices

Group request For reservations with more than 15 guests you can contact us directly

Itinerary

2025_OEX_Site_All_Arctic_TripPage-Headers_RVR19-27 © Jacques Marais - Oceanwide Expeditions.jpg

Voyage overview

Sail through Earth’s largest fjord system on a historic three-masted vessel, getting the chance to encounter exotic Arctic wildlife like musk oxen and Arctic hares under the enchanting aurora borealis. Greenland whales may also appear between landing sites, where we will enjoy enormous icebergs, ancient Thule settlements, and scenic shoreline hikes.

Please note: End of trip

This trip concludes with a crossing of the Denmark Strait. Since Northern Atlantic weather can be rough in October, the captain will decide when to depart East Greenland to make for the most pleasant crossing.

Day 1: Push-off at Constable Pynt

You arrive by chartered plane from Keflavik and land at Constable Pynt, the airfield at the head of Hurry Inlet. This area is known for its remarkably rich geological history.

Day 2: Sailing among the glaciers

Enjoy the sights as we sail the glaciated Volquart Boons Coast. Here you may set out on a Zodiac cruise along one of the shoreline glacier fronts, with your first activity near Månegletcher or Vikingebugt.

Day 3: Inuit neighborhood of yesteryear

We sail by the east coast of Milne Land among a multitude of giant icebergs. If we can also land at Charcot Havn, we will make a walk to the Charcot Glacier before continuing by the Bjørneør and sail to Øfjord.

Day 4-7: Mountain-fringed fjord

Today marks a visit to the east entrance of one of the most impressive fjords in the world: Ø Fjord is almost 40 nautical miles long (74 km, 46 miles), with mountains on each side up to 2,000 meters high (6,562 feet), and icebergs that drift over depths of more than 1,000 meters (3,281 feet). The aim is to land at Jyttehavn and hike the tundra in mythic surroundings. We may also sail into Harefjord, Rypefjord, and Rödefjord, walking into C. Hoffmanhalvöya and on Storö. We will then land near Sydkap, where you can see colossal icebergs, some of them over 100 meters (328 feet) high and more than a kilometer long (.62 mile). Most of these bergs are grounded, as the fjord is only about 400 meters deep (1,312 feet). At Sakatajik we can also view the remains of Thule winter houses. As many as twenty people lived here once, hunting Greenland whales and building houses out of their vertebrae.

Day 8: The tundra of Jameson Land

At the western shores of Jameson Land lies a vast tundra with grazing musk oxen. We will try to make a landing on one of the areas, such as Tyskit Nunat, remembering Alfred Wegener’s efforts to cross Vandreblokken. We may also visit Kap Hooker or a lovely lagoon west of Kap Stewart.

Day 9: Settlement at Scoresby Sund

Today’s stop is Ittoqqortoormiit, the largest settlement in Scoresby Sund at about five hundred inhabitants. At the post office you can buy stamps for your postcards or just stroll around to see the sled dogs and drying skins of seals and musk oxen.

Day 10-11: Under the northern lights

If there is not too much cloud cover, you might enjoy the magical lightshow of the aurora borealis today.

Day 12: Journey’s end in Akureyri

We disembark in the Icelandic town of Akureyri, taking home memories that will accompany us wherever the next adventure lies. If requested, you can take a chartered bus (six-hour drive) to Reykjavik.

PLEASE NOTE:

All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per AECO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with AECO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises, and willingness to compromise on comfort is a basic requirement on a historic sailing vessel. Important information about the use of sails: The vessel is equipped with sails to be used in good conditions (based on open sea, water depth, wind, and time allowance), but the use of sails is not guaranteed. The captain decides whether to use the sails or engine. If sails are used, the crew will operate them. Guests must follow the safety instructions of the team. The average cruising speed for s/v Rembrandt van Rijn is 6.5 knots.

Included in this voyage

Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
Free use of snowshoes.
Baggage handling between the airport Constable Pynt and ship only for those passengers on the charter flight to and from Keflavik.
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
AECO fees and governmental taxes.
Comprehensive pre-departure material.

Excluded from this voyage

Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
Pre- and post- land arrangements.
Passport and visa expenses.
Government arrival and departure taxes.
Meals ashore.
Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
Transfer supplement for bus shuttle between Akureyri (ship) and bus stop Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre at Austurbakki, Reykjavik (6 hours).
The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Highlights you might experience

Sydkap

An area of Scoresby Sund where wildlife, striking terrain, and ancient Thule culture converge

Northern Lights

One of the great attractions in the Arctic are the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis.

Scoresby Sund

Enter the world's largest fjord system, and discover an ancient tundra landscape of ice, rock and snow

Ringed Seal

These are the most populous seals in the Arctic, and though also the smallest are capable of boring through ice sheets thicker than their bodies are long

Bearded Seal

The largest of their kind to take up in the Arctic, these loud-singing sopranos sport whiskers so long they were named after them

Musk Ox

Among the few hooved animals to survive the last ice age, these goat-like creatures have an underlayer of fur that is one of the world's warmest natural fibers

Minke Whale

Though the smallest of the fin whales, these migrating mammals can let out a cry as loud as a plane taking off

Arctic Hare

They can run like the wind, see everything around them without turning their heads, and sometimes eat animals instead of leaves – all while looking this cute

What Our Travelers Say

Since we curate unique itineraries for every sailing, these reviews reflect similar past cruises. They illustrate the general atmosphere and quality standards, though specific activities and wildlife encounters will vary.

Excellent

by Joke Sens

The Arctic

Astonishing nature (cliffs, rocks, glaciers, tundra, beautiful plants, mosses, fjords). Arctic silence (except for a few moments completely offline), the sun that never sets. An international crew that thinks along. A fantastic expedition leader Jordi and captain Ismael, 27 pleasant fellow travelers and 2 bird guides. Animals in their own habitat, such as polar bear, walrus, seal, bearded seal, arctic fox, reindeer, graceful belugas, minke whale, colonies of auks, kittiwakes and puffins. History of Svalbard, whaling, mining, the science centre, information about past expeditions to the North Pole, geological background etc. etc. too much to mention. Good food and good weather!

Outstanding trip/guides/ship/wildlife

by sue cobley

The Arctic

A for us once in a lifetime trip to Svalbard. We picked the Rembrandt as we wanted a small boat experience,rather than luxery and wildlife and outdoor walks/rib boat expeditions was our priority without disturbing wildlife. From start to finish the trip exceeded expectations. The boat as described-yes cabins are rather bijou but apart from sleeping /changing we were not in them. The food was wholesome and plentiful. The guides (Jordy & Bill) were fantastic, good humoured and knowledgable. We were exceptionally lucky to see lots of polar bears close up from the Rib boats and ship ( The Rembrandt can get closer than the bigger ships) along with artic reindeer,foxes and lots of birds. The glaciers and scenery were outstanding. We particularly liked that the schedule could be adjusted- we watched polar bears for 3 hours one morning having been called at 4 am for an exceptional sighting and all the ship crew helped make this very special. Please pass our thanks onto the whole team.

Reise nach Nord-West-Spitzbergen

by Michael Popp

The Arctic

Wir hatten 10 unvergessliche Tage an Bord der Rembrandt van Rijn und unsere Erwartungen wurden teilweise mehr als erfüllt. Einen besonderen Dank gilt der Crew um Kapitän Hans Joachim und den Guides Jordi und Fritz, welche mit seemännischem Können und sehr fundiertem Wissen stets für neue Eindrücke und Informationen sorgten. Nochmals herzlichen Dank Bettina und Michael

Trip of a lifetime

by Christian Dreyer

The Arctic

We were a 25 guest birthday trip, it was spectacular and lots of fun! The s/v Rembrandt van Rijn is a wonderful ship, charming and comfortable. You get a taste of arctic exploring, somewhat softened by modern comfort. The guides are excellent - very knowledgeable, experienced, and friendly. The food is fine, the drinks affordable, and the captain knows his way around arctic waters!! An experience we will remember for the rest of our lives.

Grandios

by Andrea Schmeinck

The Arctic

Wahnsinnig schön!!!

Greenland experience

by William Francis

The Arctic

We've been waiting since 2020 to do this expedition and almost didn't make this one because of medical issues. I want to take special note of the Service Manager, Alfredo who went above and beyond in making us feel welcome aboard. Also kudos to the chef Khabir for his excellent variety of well prepared meals. Thanks also Captain Joachim for his safe guiding in these pristine waters. Thanks again for a special memory. Bill and Carla Francis

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