Greenland -Scoresby Sound 2024

Gigantic icebergs and glaciers - spectacular fjords - polar bears - muskox - northern lights

Whether you are a photographer, nature lover or you are looking for stunning Arctic landscapes you should not miss out on visiting East Greenland's Scoresby Sund. Imagine icebergs the size of 10 story buildings, the dramatic calving of giant glaciers, or a lone muskox wandering on a rolling hill painted in all shades of red autumn colors. Scoresby Sund is the birthplace of the largest icebergs on the northern hemisphere. Broken off from gigantic glaciers the icebergs slowly drift across the qualm waters of this vast fjord system to the Atlantic Ocean. One of these icebergs was responsible for the disastrous sinking of the Titanic.

During our 10 day cruise exploring the extensive fjord system of Scoresby Sound we will use zodiacs to take us close to icebergs or to shore where we will hike to the top of moraines enjoying breathtaking views onto glaciers that carved the rocky landscape into deep fjords over millions of years.

We have chosen this time of the year to hopefully witness the mesmerizing northern lights (weather permitting), a visual spectacle reminding one of colored silk curtains gently moving in a light breeze. Also in September the Arctic vegetation has changed into colors of fire ranging from amber to crimson. There is no better time of the year to experience the harsh beauty of Arctic landscapes.

Although sightings of polar bears are very rare in Scoresby Sund, we have had some of the most exciting encounters on a previous trip where a male polar bear climbed onto a small iceberg right next to our ship. The chef noticed the king of the Arctic while peeling potatoes outside of the kitchen. Since then we have asked the chef to embrace the cold and peel the potatoes outside rather than in the warm kitchen.

Nothing is guaranteed on this cruise. We are very dependent on weather conditions and on luck to spot wildlife. We will however do our best to make this trip as exciting as possible with zodiac cruises among iceberg giants and hikes to high points with spectacular panoramas.

For more information and feedback from trip participants of a past Greenland trip please check out the REVIEWS

  • Duration
    12 Days
  • Group Size
    14 People
  • Price

    $9,975.00

Per person sharing

In stock

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M/S Freya



Per Person Sharing


MS Freya preliminary deck plan 2017 4

Letters correspond to points on the map in the map tab.


  • Day 1: September 01

     

    Arrive in Akureyri, Iceland

    You will arrive at the Akureyri airport coming from Reykjavik. Please book a hotel soon as this town gets many visitors during this time of the year.

    Hotel and meals are not included

  • Day 2: September 02

    Akureyri, Denmark Strait

    After breakfast you will have time for shopping or exploring the small town. We will board the M/S Freya early afternoon and will leave Akureyri as soon as we have settled in our cabins. Look out for whales  while we are traveling across Eyjafjord. During the night we will start crossing the Denmark Strait towards East Greenland.

    Overnight M/S Freya (B,L on your own, dinner included)

     

    Day 2: September 02

  • Day 3: September 03

     

    Denmark Strait

    Today we will cross the Denmark Strait. Please be aware that the crossing can be quite rough. Secure all items in your cabin. We had smooth as well as turbulent crossings before. Please be prepared for the latter ones. Generally the crossing of the Denmark Strait takes around 35 hours. In rough seas in can take several hours longer.

    Overnight M/S Freya (B,L,D)

  • Day 4-11: September 04-11

    Scoresby Sound

    The next 8 days we will explore the vast and very scenic fjord system in Scoresby Sound. The landscape is dominated by deep fords carved by giant glaciers and icebergs of all shapes and sizes. We chose this time of the year for the red and orange fall colors of the tundra slopes as well for the dark nights that might present us with the mesmerizing northern lights. Although sightings of polar bears are rare we have been very lucky before seeing the king of the Arctic in close proximity. We also might spot muskox roaming the colorful tundra. We have planned several excursions via zodiac and hikes up towards glaciers. Every day we will be in awe while cruising through one of the most breathtaking landscapes on earth.

    Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight stay are included on board the M/S Freya.

     

    Day 4-11: September 04-11

  • Day 12: September 12

     

    Flight to Iceland

    After breakfast we will leave the M/S Freya and will be transferred to Nerlerit Inaat Airport at Constable Point (40 km from the Inuit town of Ittoqqortoormiit) from where we take a charter flight back to Iceland, either to Akureyri or Reykjavik. Flight details TBD

    (B)

    End of services

Included

  • Accommodation for 10 nights in twin/single share room basis
  • Flight from Greenland to Iceland
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Zodiac excursions
  • Certified bear guards
  • Two Wild Focus Expedition Leaders
  • Photography Workshop

Not Included

  • Any expenses of a personal nature such as telephone calls, beverages, liquor and wines, etc.*
  • Hotel and meals in Akureyri
  • International airfare
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Travel/medical insurance (highly recommended)

*Beverages including liquor can be purchased in USD on the ship at the bar. Credit cards are accepted.

For this ship-based trip, a relatively moderate level of exertion is required. You will need to be able to climb into and out of rigid inflatable Zodiac rafts for excursions ashore and have the ability to walk one to three miles over sometimes rough and uneven terrain such as rocky beaches and/or snow. This is an active expedition that requires mobility and good health. Travel via Zodiac may include variable conditions and can on occasion be bumpy and windy. If it’s windy, you may get wet from sea spray. We provide one-piece immersion suits that will protect you and your outer clothing from getting wet.

Travelers must be prepared for any type of weather, including extreme conditions that may involve high winds, rain and snow. While seas are generally calm on this expedition, it’s possible that we could encounter rough conditions which may cause issues for travelers prone to motion sickness. Please consult your physician about medications that control motion sickness. Inquire specifically about the Transderm Scop patch which we have found to be extremely effective without causing drowsiness. Discuss this with your doctor first because it should not be prescribed if you have been treated for glaucoma. There may be newer medications available as well, so please consult your physician.

Expedition Leaders

TheoPortraitSvalbard450px

Theo Allofs

"There is a magic about the Arctic that is difficult to describe...even for me having lived in the far North for more than two decades. You have to experience it for yourself. Scoresby Sound is one of the most impressive places on earth regarding the harsh beauty of the Arctic environment.

A photographer on a sailboat in Svalbard

Jami Tarris

“The Arctic is indescribably beautiful. For centuries, explorers were drawn to it. It is one of my very favorite places to photograph and explore. Ice is a photographer’s dream. And polar bears, the ultimate predators, live in this icy landscape. This expedition is the ultimate adventurer's adventure.

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