East Greenland Scoresby Sund Expedition Cruise
Cross the Arctic Circle into a world full of whales and beauty
Price: Upon request
East Greenland Scoresby Sund
A 9-day long expedition cruise
9 Reviews
A 9-day long Cruise
9 Reviews
The Trip Highlights
Hunt for the Norther Lights
Whale watching & Arctic hares
Explore Greenland like few travelers do
Largest and deepest fjord system in the world
Your Polartours 'Plus' Experience
Extensive lecture program by noted naturalists
Optional Kayaking Progression Camp
Free Photo Workshop
Great hiking and zodiac landings
The East Greenland – Scoresby Sund cruise crosses the Arctic Circle into the home waters of multiple whale species. This expedition cruise aboard the Hondius will spot enormous icebergs as it sails into the largest and deepest fjord system in the world. And if we're lucky, the Northern Lights will guide our way.
Your ship: Hondius
We are proud to welcome you aboard Hondius, the world's first Polar Class 6 vessel. Purpose-built for demanding Antarctic exploration, Hondius meets the latest and highest Lloyd’s Register standards for ice-strengthened cruise ships.
Built to exceed the Polar Code requirements adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Hondius is the most flexible, advanced, innovative Antarctic cruise vessel currently operating. Her modern design allows you to enjoy genuine exploration that will bring you closer to the real Antarctic than ever before.
Huge expense and technical skill ha … Read more about Hondius
Amenities
Lecture Theater
Observation Deck
Zodiac Fleet
Observation Lounge
Gift Shop
Rubber Boots
Library
Select Tour Dates
Adventure Options
Optional activities during your cruise
Day 1 • Your adventure begins in Iceland!
Your journey begins in the morning, where by request you can transfer via chartered bus from the city hall of Reykjavik (the meeting point) to the ship in the port Akureyri. You arrive in the afternoon after a six-hour drive through northern Iceland.
PLEASE NOTE: This transfer must be booked and paid for in advance. In the early evening, the ship departs from the Akureyri harbor, sailing north toward the Denmark Strait.
Day 2 • Sail to east Greenland
While sailing north you’re likely to see fulmars, kittiwakes, gannets, and common guillemots. You then cross the Arctic Circle, possibly spotting whales. By evening, the first icebergs flash into sight with your approach to the east Greenland coast, near Brewster.
Southern Greenland and the southwest of the island is the most verdant part, and it was this region that gave the island its name. As the area with the “mildest” climate (although that’s relative!), it is home to many sheep farms and small farming communities.
Visitors often comment on the “Scandinavian” appearance of Southern Greenland - fjords and mountains, with small settlements and sheep farms, all watched over by floating icebergs and towering glaciers.
Nuuk is the capital of Greenland (and the most northerly capital in the world), and despite its remoteness, it’s a vibrant and cosmopolitan city of 17,000 inhabitants.
The South west coast is the where the White-tailed Eagle can be seen, whilst birds that occur throughout the south include Common Loon, Gyrfalcon, Harlequin Duck, Iceland Gull, the Raven, the Wheatear, and the Lapland Bunting. The Iceland Gull is a smaller version of the Glaucous Gull that breeds in southern Greenland and winters in Iceland, that should really be called the Greenland Gull!
The SE of Greenland is the closest part to Iceland, and the 'far' SE includes some isolated and spectacular fjords that are more isolated from the rest of southern Greenland.
Day 3 • Inuit neighborhood of yesteryear
Today you reach Scoresbysund, sailing along the glaciated Volquart Boons Kyst. The afternoon goal is to visit Danmark Island, where you find the remains of an Inuit settlement abandoned around 200 years ago. The circular stone tent rings indicate the summer houses, while the winter houses can be seen closer to a small cape. The sites are well preserved, with easy identifiable entrances, bear-proof meat caches, and grave sites. In the evening you continue sailing the berg-crowded fjords to the west.
Southern Greenland and the southwest of the island is the most verdant part, and it was this region that gave the island its name. As the area with the “mildest” climate (although that’s relative!), it is home to many sheep farms and small farming communities.
Visitors often comment on the “Scandinavian” appearance of Southern Greenland - fjords and mountains, with small settlements and sheep farms, all watched over by floating icebergs and towering glaciers.
Nuuk is the capital of Greenland (and the most northerly capital in the world), and despite its remoteness, it’s a vibrant and cosmopolitan city of 17,000 inhabitants.
The South west coast is the where the White-tailed Eagle can be seen, whilst birds that occur throughout the south include Common Loon, Gyrfalcon, Harlequin Duck, Iceland Gull, the Raven, the Wheatear, and the Lapland Bunting. The Iceland Gull is a smaller version of the Glaucous Gull that breeds in southern Greenland and winters in Iceland, that should really be called the Greenland Gull!
The SE of Greenland is the closest part to Iceland, and the 'far' SE includes some isolated and spectacular fjords that are more isolated from the rest of southern Greenland.
Day 4 • Colors of the cape
The goal is a Zodiac cruise near Røde Ø, one of the world’s most cherished iceberg attractions: The austere blue-white of the icebergs sets sharp against the brooding red backdrop of the sediment slopes. The afternoon plan is to sail through the northern parts of Røde Fjord, with the chance to see musk oxen and warm autumnal foliage.
The northeast of Greenland is blessed with some of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet, with the tundra, the mountains, and the huge icebergs reflected in the calm waters of the sheltered fjords. As benefits the world’s largest island, northeast Greenland is home to some record-setting features. This part of the country is part of the North-east Greenland National Park, at some 375,000 square miles, the world’s largest.
Another stunning feature here is Scoresby Sound (Scoresby Sund in Danish), one of the world’s largest and longest fjord systems. It’s so vast you could easily spend an entire cruise in the system and not explore it all. Rich in wildlife, this part of Greenland should let you experience great encounters with the wildlife highlight, the Musk-Ox, as well as a variety of birdlife. Ravens are common and also keep a look out for the Gyr Falcon, the largest falcon in the World. Also look out Wheatear, Lapland Buntings, the Arctic Hare, lemmings, and the Stoat - also known as Ermine in their white winter coats.
The presence of Lemmings mean Snowy Owl breed, but many have migrated south by the time many cruises ships explore the area later in the season.
Being remoter there is a better chance than in other parts of Greenland to see Polar Bear, but it should be stressed that are still elusive and wary compared to Svalbard bears that are not hunted. Because of the impact of hunting, although fairly low due to the fact there is only the one community in the whole vast region, at Ittoqqortoormiit, it does mean Walrus and other seals are wary.
Overall, for late seasons visits, when many seabirds have finished breeding, the real highlight is the stunning and unique Greenland landscape with the huge icebergs and autumn colours, plus the pre-historic looking Musk-Ox.
Day 5 • Enormous bergs, Arctic hares
The northeast of Greenland is blessed with some of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet, with the tundra, the mountains, and the huge icebergs reflected in the calm waters of the sheltered fjords. As benefits the world’s largest island, northeast Greenland is home to some record-setting features. This part of the country is part of the North-east Greenland National Park, at some 375,000 square miles, the world’s largest.
Another stunning feature here is Scoresby Sound (Scoresby Sund in Danish), one of the world’s largest and longest fjord systems. It’s so vast you could easily spend an entire cruise in the system and not explore it all. Rich in wildlife, this part of Greenland should let you experience great encounters with the wildlife highlight, the Musk-Ox, as well as a variety of birdlife. Ravens are common and also keep a look out for the Gyr Falcon, the largest falcon in the World. Also look out Wheatear, Lapland Buntings, the Arctic Hare, lemmings, and the Stoat - also known as Ermine in their white winter coats.
The presence of Lemmings mean Snowy Owl breed, but many have migrated south by the time many cruises ships explore the area later in the season.
Being remoter there is a better chance than in other parts of Greenland to see Polar Bear, but it should be stressed that are still elusive and wary compared to Svalbard bears that are not hunted. Because of the impact of hunting, although fairly low due to the fact there is only the one community in the whole vast region, at Ittoqqortoormiit, it does mean Walrus and other seals are wary.
Overall, for late seasons visits, when many seabirds have finished breeding, the real highlight is the stunning and unique Greenland landscape with the huge icebergs and autumn colours, plus the pre-historic looking Musk-Ox.
Day 6 • Settlement at Scoresbysund
The northeast of Greenland is blessed with some of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet, with the tundra, the mountains, and the huge icebergs reflected in the calm waters of the sheltered fjords. As benefits the world’s largest island, northeast Greenland is home to some record-setting features. This part of the country is part of the North-east Greenland National Park, at some 375,000 square miles, the world’s largest.
Another stunning feature here is Scoresby Sound (Scoresby Sund in Danish), one of the world’s largest and longest fjord systems. It’s so vast you could easily spend an entire cruise in the system and not explore it all. Rich in wildlife, this part of Greenland should let you experience great encounters with the wildlife highlight, the Musk-Ox, as well as a variety of birdlife. Ravens are common and also keep a look out for the Gyr Falcon, the largest falcon in the World. Also look out Wheatear, Lapland Buntings, the Arctic Hare, lemmings, and the Stoat - also known as Ermine in their white winter coats.
The presence of Lemmings mean Snowy Owl breed, but many have migrated south by the time many cruises ships explore the area later in the season.
Being remoter there is a better chance than in other parts of Greenland to see Polar Bear, but it should be stressed that are still elusive and wary compared to Svalbard bears that are not hunted. Because of the impact of hunting, although fairly low due to the fact there is only the one community in the whole vast region, at Ittoqqortoormiit, it does mean Walrus and other seals are wary.
Overall, for late seasons visits, when many seabirds have finished breeding, the real highlight is the stunning and unique Greenland landscape with the huge icebergs and autumn colours, plus the pre-historic looking Musk-Ox.
Day 7 • Remote shores
Turner Sound and Rømer Fjord grant you the opportunity to sail far inland, as they have no glacier front at the head and are not clogged with ice. In this location, you may get the opportunity to spot narwhals.
Southern Greenland and the southwest of the island is the most verdant part, and it was this region that gave the island its name. As the area with the “mildest” climate (although that’s relative!), it is home to many sheep farms and small farming communities.
Visitors often comment on the “Scandinavian” appearance of Southern Greenland - fjords and mountains, with small settlements and sheep farms, all watched over by floating icebergs and towering glaciers.
Nuuk is the capital of Greenland (and the most northerly capital in the world), and despite its remoteness, it’s a vibrant and cosmopolitan city of 17,000 inhabitants.
The South west coast is the where the White-tailed Eagle can be seen, whilst birds that occur throughout the south include Common Loon, Gyrfalcon, Harlequin Duck, Iceland Gull, the Raven, the Wheatear, and the Lapland Bunting. The Iceland Gull is a smaller version of the Glaucous Gull that breeds in southern Greenland and winters in Iceland, that should really be called the Greenland Gull!
The SE of Greenland is the closest part to Iceland, and the 'far' SE includes some isolated and spectacular fjords that are more isolated from the rest of southern Greenland.
Day 8 • Sea life under the northern lights
A sea day grants you the opportunity to spot whales and seabirds – and at night, the magical northern lights.
Southern Greenland and the southwest of the island is the most verdant part, and it was this region that gave the island its name. As the area with the “mildest” climate (although that’s relative!), it is home to many sheep farms and small farming communities.
Visitors often comment on the “Scandinavian” appearance of Southern Greenland - fjords and mountains, with small settlements and sheep farms, all watched over by floating icebergs and towering glaciers.
Nuuk is the capital of Greenland (and the most northerly capital in the world), and despite its remoteness, it’s a vibrant and cosmopolitan city of 17,000 inhabitants.
The South west coast is the where the White-tailed Eagle can be seen, whilst birds that occur throughout the south include Common Loon, Gyrfalcon, Harlequin Duck, Iceland Gull, the Raven, the Wheatear, and the Lapland Bunting. The Iceland Gull is a smaller version of the Glaucous Gull that breeds in southern Greenland and winters in Iceland, that should really be called the Greenland Gull!
The SE of Greenland is the closest part to Iceland, and the 'far' SE includes some isolated and spectacular fjords that are more isolated from the rest of southern Greenland.
Day 9 • Journey’s end at Akureyri
Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. You disembark in Akureyri, where on request you can transfer by chartered bus (a six-hour drive that you must book in advance) to the Reykjavik city hall, taking home memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.
Reviews
Deanna Rieden
May 2022
This was the trip of a lifetime. Our final continent. Once we arrived in Punta Arenas, we were met at the airport by Paula from Aurora who took us to hotel. My baggage was lost by airline and she gave me a coat to wear immediately. Shout out to Paula and Michael for tracking my Luggage. Once we transferred to Antarctica we were met by ship crew with drinks and smiles. The week was packed with excursions and amazing information presented by scientists in different aspects of expertise. The ship staff was friendly, personable making the trip an amazing adventure. The fly and cruise is the way to go!
Marion K
May 2022
It was an AMAZING journey through one of the most spectacular landscapes I have ever scene (if not the most). The boat was top of the line, the professional crew incredibly professional, knowledgeable and fun to hang out with. The service crew took well care of us during all the journey. The kayak pack is specially recommended and if you are lucky you will also a face to face hunch whale experience you will remember as your top wildlife adventure for life (copied from Trip Advisor)
Doug Beham
May 2022
Couldn't be better! This company checks all the boxes: well-planned expeditions, pristine ship, and skilled & courteous service from all the employees. Best cruise company I have traveled with by far. (Copied from Google)
Cristian Coudeu
May 2022
Impressive trip, a beautiful destination that thanks to A21 becomes unforgettable. The concern for every detail, the professional level of the team, the joy with which they do their work make this experience something unique. Discovering Antarctica with A21 is a dream that we should all have. (copied from Trip Advisor)
Till K
April 2022
We booked the 2.5 week trip incl. Antarctic peninsula and South Georgia. We received good information on clothing, recommended literature, itinerary etc. previously. The one night in Punta Arenas extended due to fog around the antarctic landing strip to three days, with an OK emergency program. The difficulty to get to Antarctica shows that it a somehow adventurous place and not normal tourism. Once arrived on board, we were welcomed nicely and shown the beautiful new vessel, the Magellan Explorer. The expedition staff and the crew are very friendly and professional. The cabins and excellent, all have balconies, mini bars are refilled all the time. Food on boards in really good and varied every day. Wine is OK. The expeditions are what you came for. Protocols are very strict, in order to protect wild life. Whats you see is totally amazing, in Antarctica the icebergs and white sceneries, later on in South Georgia the immense amount of king penguins, seals with puppies, etc. During the days of pure navigation, you can spot whales, albatrosses etc., and get very interesting lectures of Antarctic related topics (history, political situation, animals, etc.). Lecturers are excellent professionals, some are also funny. What could be improved? On our specific trip, the three days lost in the beginning were cut off just from the Antarctic peninsula part of the trip, nothing from South Georgia. Could have been more balanced. And in general, on zodiac tours without landing, people could be grouped by interest (photographers have other needs than the rest, some older people get cold earlier than some younger, etc.). Overall… a trip of the lifetime. I intend to do the pure Antarctic trip with the same company and the same vessel. (Copied from Trip Advisor)