EXPEDITION From Svalbard to Greenland & Iceland
Experience the raw beauty of Northeast Greenland, a remote wilderness of glaciers, icebergs, and autumn-colored tundra. This once-in-a-lifetime expedition is perfectly timed for the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, when the moon will briefly align with the sun and cast Greenland’s dramatic coastline into twilight.
Our journey begins in Svalbard, aboard the small expedition vessel M/S Quest (max. 50 passengers). We’ll explore the fjords of West Spitsbergen, search for Arctic wildlife, and cross the Greenland Sea toward the mesmerizing pack ice and wild shores of Northeast Greenland.
A rare blend of nature, science, adventure and a chance to witness a celestial event in one of the most untouched places on Earth
- A once-in-a-lifetime adventure
- 10 nights on board M/S Quest
- Small group – great moments
- 5-star nature experiences
- 5 experienced guides
- All trips are unique
- Accommodation: Cabin on board M/S Quest, hotel.
- Transport: Expedition ship, Zodiac.
- Ship: M/S Quest.
- Passengers: Maximum 50 passengers.
- Languages: English & Swedish.
- Length: 12 days, 10 nights on board.
- Highlights: Total solar eclipse (August 12, 2026), Northeast Greenland, Svalbard fjords, Arctic wildlife.
- Price: From USD 11 490
- Bookings: With Polar Quest.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Longyearbyen, Svalbard
We arrive in Longyearbyen and transfer to our hotel.
Day 2-4: Northwest Spitsbergen
We board M/S Quest in the afternoon venture into some of western Svalbard’s most impressive fjords, where massive glaciers spill into the sea. As we navigate these serene waters, we’ll keep a lookout for Arctic wildlife, such as polar bears, walrus, foxes and seabirds.
Day 5-6: Greenland Sea
Sailing southwest towards Greenland, we’ll scan for whales and enjoy insightful talks from our guides. Encountering the edge of the pack ice is a thrilling experience, offering dramatic views of Greenland’s icy frontier.
Day 7-13: Northeast Greenland
As we reach the wild coastline of Northeast Greenland, we enter a world entirely dependent on ice and weather. We aim to make daily Zodiac trips or landings at some of the region’s many remarkable sites:
On Clavering Island is an authentic hunter’s hut, offering insight into the challenging lives of Arctic hunters. The tundra is home to the mighty musk ox, one of the few places in the world where you might encounter these impressive, woolly herbivores weighing up to 400 kilos.
In Kejser Franz Josef Fjord and Kong Oscar Fjord, the solitude is profound, framed by imposing mountains and an otherworldly silence, with only a few scientists and Danish Sirius Patrol personnel nearby in remote Daneborg.
Blomsterbugten, “the Bay of Flowers,” and Ella Ø a paradise for hikers, surrounded by rugged cliffs, ice-choked waters, and striking icebergs, the bay reveals purple- and gold-streaked rock formations unique to the Arctic.
We delve deeper into the stunning Kong Oscar Fjord, seeking the perfect vantage point to witness one of nature’s most extraordinary phenomena—the total solar eclipse. This awe-inspiring event will begin at 3:34 PM and grace the skies for 2 minutes and 17 seconds of totality. Including the partial phases, the entire eclipse experience will span around two unforgettable hours.
This particular eclipse is a rare opportunity, as total solar eclipses in the Polar Regions are uncommon. It’s a thrilling feeling be among the few to experience the surreal combination of the Arctic’s dramatic landscapes and the fleeting magic of totality.
Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord system, showcases Greenland in a spectacular way, with peaks rising 2000 meters from the sea, beutiful scenery, and historical remnants of the Thule culture. In Ittoqqortoormiit, a remote settlement with approximately 350 inhabitants, we gain a glimpse into life 300 miles north of the Arctic Circle.
Day 14-15: Denmark Strait and Isafjordur
After an unforgettable exploration of Northeast Greenland, we cross the Denmark Strait to Iceland.
Day 16: Isafjordur
We disembark in Isafjordur in the morning, concluding our expedition and beginning our journey home or continuing on further adventures.
Please note: The above locations are examples of places we may visit. Our exact route will depend entirely on weather, ice conditions, wildlife and government regulations. The eclipse experience may also be affected by cloud cover and bad weather
MS QUEST
A COMFORTABLE EXPEDITION SHIP WITH A WONDERFUL CREW
The ship was built in Denmark in 1992 to serve as a ferry on Greenland’s west coast. In 2004/2005 she was completely refurbished into a comfortable expedition ship and in 2018 she underwent a renovation of the passenger areas. M/S Quest takes 50 passengers and all 24 cabins are outside cabins with private facilities. The triple cabins have upper and lower berths. All other cabins have two lower berths or a double bed. In your cabin you find a desk with a chair and a cupboard for storage. The superior cabins are spacious and have armchairs and TV. The owner’s cabin has a double bed, two large picture windows, a separate seating area and TV.
In the dining room you are treated to delicious meals in between landings and in the panorama lounge you can enjoy breath-taking views of the surrounding landscape. Here you can listen to entertaining talks on the area’s flora, fauna and history. In the lounge you also find a bar and a small library. The ship has spacious observation decks, where you can enjoy the beautiful vistas. Passengers are welcome on the bridge around the clock and there is always something to see or search for. You are welcomed by an international crew and the atmosphere is relaxed and very friendly. There are five Zodiacs and five guides on board M/S Quest.
It is always possible to share a cabin on board M/S Quest. All cabins have windows and private facilities.
Price includes
- 7 nights on board M/S Quest
- 1 night in a hotel in Longyearbyen
- Lunch day 2
- All meals on board
- Coffee and tea
- An experienced Expedition Leader and knowledgeable guides
- Guiding ashore and talks on board
- All excursions and activities
- Comprehensive information material before the expedition
Not included
- International flights to Svalbard and from Iceland
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Gratuity to the ship’s crew
- Personal expenses such as bar and shop charges