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Quark Expeditions_ Greenland Adventure Arctic

South Greenland Explorer, Aurora Borealis Expedition Cruise

Experience the northern lights while sailing the Earth's largest fjord

Length

10 Days

Ship category

Classic

Ship type

Small Ship

Capacity

108 Passengers

South Greenland Explorer, Aurora Borealis

10 Reviews

Trip highlights

Hunt for enchanting Northern Lights

Hike along breathtaking shorelines

Visit ancient Thule settlements

Sail through Earth's largest fjord system

The Polartours experience

Best price guaranteed

Experience history and dazzling glaciers

Extensive lecture program by noted naturalists

Scenic zodiac landings

Southeast Greenland offers many historic sites relating to ancient Thule, Norse, and Moravian culture while also allowing us to walk in the footsteps of famed polar explorers like Fridtjof Nansen. Glaciers, icebergs, and fjords make for a dazzling environment where we may see polar bears, and the crossing to Iceland will give us a great opportunity to observe migrating whales and seabirds.

Your ship: Plancius

Plancius deck plan

M/v “Plancius” was built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy and was named “Hr. Ms. Tydeman”. The ship sailed for the Dutch Navy until June 2004 and was eventually purchased by Oceanwide Expeditions. The vessel was completely rebuilt as a passenger vessel in 2009 and complies with the latest SOLAS regulations (Safety Of Life At Sea). M/v “Plancius” is classed by Lloyd’s Register and flies the Dutch flag.

M/v “Plancius” accommodates 108 passengers with private toilet and shower in 4 quadruple porthole cabins, 2 triple porthole cabins, 9 twin porthole cabins, 25 … Read more about Plancius

Cabins

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Twin Deluxe Cabin

Type:

Twins

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

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Twin Porthole Cabin

Type:

Twins

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

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Superior Cabin

Type:

Matrimonial

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

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Triple Porthole Cabin

Type:

Triple

Max. occupancy:

3

More about this cabin

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Twin Window Cabin

Type:

Twins

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

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Quadruple Porthole Cabin

Type:

Quadrupel

Max. occupancy:

4

More about this cabin

Map

Itinerary

Keep in mind this is an expedition cruise, so your itinerary will depend greatly on the weather, amount of ice and wildlife breeding behavior.

photo workshop

0 Days

Photography Workshop

Please note that depending on the ship, length of your cruise, and the itinerary, this price may vary. Inquire with your Polar Specialist. All "Basecamp" itineraries include this activity at no additional cost. Most expedition voyages offer an incredible opportunity for all photographers and videographers of any skill level. An expert photographer is onboard to provide unique lectures and presentations as well as useful tips and tricks to help you improve your skills behind the lens and to help you to capture your experience like a true pro. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, you’ll be in the company of some of the world’s best. You’ll have the opportunity to learn or hone your craft with presentations and informal coaching both onboard or during landings and excursions.

Price on request

Sea-Kayaking-What-To-Wear-In-Antarctica

0 Days

5.0

(1)

Sea Kayaking

Embark on an exhilarating sea kayaking adventure in some of the world's most magnificent and biodiverse wilderness areas, including Antarctica and the Arctic. Take in the breathtaking scenery as you navigate through ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes. In Antarctica, spend unforgettable moments with penguins, seals and whales, and keep an eye out for the occasional encounter with leopard seals or killer whales. In the Arctic, paddle through bird colonies, past massive glaciers and around huge icebergs. Led by experienced guides, you will join a small group of like-minded adventurers to explore the picturesque coastlines of these wild and remote destinations. Paddling offers an intimate and unique way to experience the beauty of these regions and make the most of your time there. Important: This activity is subject to weather conditions and logistics.

Price on request

Greenland
Albatros Expedition wake of Eric the red
Albatros Expedition North West Passage

Tasiilaq & Kulusak

Narsarmijit & Tasermiut Fjord

Narsarsuaq & Qaqortoq

Skjoldungen

Sermiligaaq

Uunartoq

Nuuk

Qassimiut

Kangilinnguit

We arrive by plane at Narsarsuaq and board the ship, preparing to start our Greenland adventure. In the evening we visit Bratthalid, where Erik the Red lived about a thousand years ago.

Greenland
Albatros Expedition wake of Eric the red
Albatros Expedition North West Passage

Tasiilaq & Kulusak

Kangilinnguit

Narsarsuaq & Qaqortoq

Narsarmijit & Tasermiut Fjord

Prince Christian Sound

Skjoldungen

Sermiligaaq

Uunartoq

Nuuk

Qassimiut

Today we reach Lichtenau, a lovely though nearly deserted Greenlandic village, where the Herrnhuters had a mission in the 18th century and where some of their large German-style buildings still remain. We will then try to get to Uunartoq, where we can bathe in a large hot spring surrounded by icebergs. Across at Vagar, we find the remains of a Norse homestead.

Greenland
Albatros Expedition wake of Eric the red
Albatros Expedition North West Passage

Tasiilaq & Kulusak

Kangilinnguit

Narsarsuaq & Qaqortoq

Narsarmijit & Tasermiut Fjord

Prince Christian Sound

Skjoldungen

Sermiligaaq

Uunartoq

Nuuk

Qassimiut

Our eastward passing of Prins Christian Sund is surrounded by mountains of over 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) and is one of the highlights of the voyage. We will try to make a landing at the small village of Augpilaqtoq, where we can still meet some hunters of the area. As an alternative, we may make a landing at Svaerdfiskens Havn.

Aurora Borealis Placius Oceanwide expeditions
Greenland
Albatros Expedition Disko Bay

Blomsterbukta

Daneborg and Clavering Island

Rypefjord & Terrassepynt

Ofjord & Bear Islands

Rodefjord and Rode island

Ella Island

Nansen fjord

Føhnfjord

Milneland

Vestfjord

Ittoqqortoormiit

Nordvestfjord

Jan Mayen

Sailing northward in the East Greenland Current, we aim for Igutsait Fjord or Napassorsuaq Fjord. Both feature glacier fronts and small icebergs, where an isolated population of polar bears was once found hunting seals.

Greenland
Albatros Expedition Disko Bay
Albatros Expedition through north atlantic

Blomsterbukta

Daneborg and Clavering Island

Rypefjord & Terrassepynt

Ofjord & Bear Islands

Rodefjord and Rode island

Ella Island

Nansen fjord

Føhnfjord

Milneland

Vestfjord

Ittoqqortoormiit

Nordvestfjord

Jan Mayen

Today we land at Tingmiarmit, seeing an abandoned Greenlandic settlement and remains of Thule houses at the north side of the island. Deep into the Tingmiarmiut Fjord, we are again in the area where polar bears hunt seals among the drifting glacier ice.

Greenland
Albatros Expedition Disko Bay
Albatros Expedition through north atlantic

Blomsterbukta

Daneborg and Clavering Island

Rypefjord & Terrassepynt

Ofjord & Bear Islands

Rodefjord and Rode island

Ella Island

Nansen fjord

Føhnfjord

Milneland

Vestfjord

Ittoqqortoormiit

Nordvestfjord

Jan Mayen

Next we visit Skjoldungen, one of the most spectacular fjords of southeast Greenland. Our aim is to land at Qornoq, where we’ll see houses from the Thule culture, then visit Mariedal and a beautiful valley where Greenlanders used to collect berries in autumn.

Greenland
Albatros Expedition Disko Bay
Albatros Expedition through north atlantic

Blomsterbukta

Daneborg and Clavering Island

Rypefjord & Terrassepynt

Ofjord & Bear Islands

Rodefjord and Rode island

Ella Island

Nansen fjord

Føhnfjord

Milneland

Vestfjord

Ittoqqortoormiit

Nordvestfjord

Jan Mayen

We sail to today’s landing at Umivik, where the explorer Fridtjof Nansen ascended the Greenland ice sheet. Here you may even be able to walk a short distance in his steps.

Greenland
Albatros Expedition Disko Bay
Albatros Expedition through north atlantic

Blomsterbukta

Daneborg and Clavering Island

Rypefjord & Terrassepynt

Ofjord & Bear Islands

Rodefjord and Rode island

Ella Island

Nansen fjord

Føhnfjord

Milneland

Vestfjord

Ittoqqortoormiit

Nordvestfjord

Jan Mayen

As we sail in Denmark Strait on our way to Iceland, the going can be rough. But be sure to spend some time on deck looking for migrating whales, seabirds, and the magical lightshow of the aurora borealis.

Quark Expeditions_ Essential Greenland Arctic
Quark Expeditions_ Essential Greenland Arctic
Quark Expeditions_ Essential Greenland Arctic

Arrival at Reykjavik

We return from our adventure with memories that will last a lifetime, arriving at the Icelandic port town of Keflavik.

Dates & Prices

From

Until

Info

Availability

Price

2

Sep

2025

11

Sep

2025

- German language assistance

Available

From

USD 5,150

2

Sep

2025

11

Sep

2025

German language assistance

Available

From

USD 5,150

Preferred date unavailable? Contact us

Info

Single Cabin Supplement

When booking online, you can choose the option to "Upgrade to single occupancy". This will guarantee you the whole cabin to yourself, for an additional fee. If you don't select this option, then another traveler of the same sex might be placed into the same cabin with you. Exceptions may apply.

What's included

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 rubber boots and snowshoes.

All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.

AECO fees and governmental taxes.

Comprehensive pre-departure material.

What's not included

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 Radhus Reykjavikur / city hall in Vonarstraeti and v.v. (6 hours)

The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Credit Card charges may apply

A fuel surcharge may apply at a later stage. More info

Reviews

Meghal Lotia

Plancius Antarctic and Arctic Cruises

Classic

To talk about the cruise, it was an amazing experience! The services by Oceanwide were managed very efficiently despite the covid outbreak during the tour. I am a vegetarian so I was surprised that they had plenty of meal options for me and the kitchen staff made great efforts. The tour guides were very knowledgeable and friendly. We would often sit down in the evening after our dinner and chat about our personal lives and passions. It felt more like being friends with them than the conventional tourist-guide relation. I am glad that I made it to this trip. It has been a very memorable experience with the activities that we did and friends I made. I would rate Oceanwide very highly for all their efforts! I would love to go on another trip with Oceanwide, maybe to the Arctic this time.

Isabel Good

Plancius Antarctic and Arctic Cruises

Classic

I have wanted to go to Antarctica for some time, especially after going to Churchill, Canada. It is truly amazing to see such color variation in a mostly monochromatic environment.! The food on board was excellent. All of the staff were friendly and helpful. Penguins were just too cute! Probably the highlight was the Orcas that followed our ship and put on quite a display for us. Lectures were entertaining and surprisingly, it wasn't as cold as I had feared. I brought way too much stuff ! A very nice touch to have a log sent out from the ship and crew. (Copied from Oceanwide Expeditions)

Susie Storey

Plancius Antarctic and Arctic Cruises

Classic

A truly unique and memorable Artic experience on M/V Plancius with a group from Heatherlea and BBC Wildlife. We enjoyed the company and expertise of Nick Baker from BBC Wildlife and were accompanied by the knowledgable guides from Heatherlee. The excellent crew who took great care of us both in the cabin and the restaurant, superb food and nothing was too much trouble!. The Expedition team worked tirelessly 24/7 to find us those all important sightings of polar bear, walrus, seals, reindeer and whales!.bird life was in abundance and some exceptional sightings included ivory gull, great skuas, snow bunting and ptarmigan together with the numerous auks and the inevitable fulmars around the ship. The trips ashore in the zodiaks were well planned and executed, giving us outstanding views of the landscape together with polar bear and arctic fox footprints seen frequently. Every evening we gathered to review the days events and hear interesting talks from our experienced guides. Also I met some very interesting and highly amusing friends so sincere thanks to everyone at Oceanwide, Heatherlea and BBC Wildlife for making this Artic trip such a memorable, once in a lifetime experience. (Copied from Oceanwide Expeditions)

FAQ

When it comes to traveling to Antarctica, one of the first questions that often arises is, "Can I fly to Antarctica?". The answer is: Yes, you can. Most trips start in Patagonia (Ushuaia and Punta Arenas) and cross the Drake Passage by ship, but there are also trips that use planes to cross that infamous sea passage. Here are the Pros and Cons for each method:

Flying to Antarctica:

  • Pros: Flying to Antarctica is the quickest way to reach the continent. It offers convenience and is often the choice for those with very limited time.

  • Cons: There are limited commercial flights to Antarctica, and these are primarily reserved for research and expedition purposes. Tourist accessibility is limited, and it can be costly. Also, as not many trips include flights, you'll be limiting your choice a lot if you decide to only look for such trips.

Crossing the Drake Passage by ship:

  • Pros: If you choose to cross the Drake Passage by ship, you embark on an incredible adventure. This journey is not just a means of transportation; it's an expedition in itself. The crossing takes 1.5 - 2 days, which are filled with scientific lectures that prepare you for the experience. You'll witness diverse wildlife, including penguins and whales, as your anticipation starts building up. To us, the crossing is a quintessential experience of a true Antarctic explorer.

  • Cons: Crossing the Drake Passage takes some time, and the seas can be rough. It's not the quickest way to reach the continent, and you need to allocate more time for your expedition.

In conclusion, when it comes to traveling to Antarctica, you have these two choices. Flying offers efficiency and direct access, perfect for specific purposes. Crossing the Drake Passage by ship provides an unmatched adventure and connection with Antarctica's unique environment. Consider what truly matters to you, and you'll find the Antarctic transportation choice that suits your goals and spirit of exploration.

All cruises in the polar regions operate to itineraries that are more-or-less fixed. We say "more or less", because wildlife (breeding, seasonality) and weather always play an important role in routing. Most cruises will offer a range of land-based and water-based activities that you will enjoy at various points in your cruise, including:

  • Land excursions (including hiking trails, visitor centers, time relaxing on beaches, observing animals, etc.)
  • Bird Watching
  • Snorkeling (from ship or beaches)
  • Dinghy rides
  • Kayaking
  • Diving (on ships with diving itineraries)
  • Naturalist presentations. These usually take place every evening - on board the bigger ships also with help of projectors, microscopes etc.

All boats carry English speaking, scientifically trained guides. They will lead you on your excursions, allowing you to learn as much as possible about the unique wildlife and habitats of the Polar Regions.

Choosing the right ship for a cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic seems difficult, but it doesn't have to be. Our fleet is over 30 vessels, we are sure that there is the perfect one for you. Please, follow these simple steps, and you will be able to find your ideal ship:

  • Determine your budget and desired level of comfort: Are you looking for luxury or more budget-friendly options? On our website you can set the price range.
  • Consider ship size: Large ships offer more amenities and facilities, but they can also feel crowded and impersonal. Smaller ships offer a more personal experience, but may not have as many amenities.
  • Look at the cabins: Although you probably won’t spend much time in your cabin, look at the photos and read the descriptions to make sure you're happy with the one you choose.
  • Consider the activities on board: Are you interested in kayaking, camping, diving or a photography workshop? Or maybe you want to take part in a Citizen Science Program? These activities can enhance your overall experience. See what our ships have to offer.
  • Read customer reviews: Learn about other travelers' experiences by reading reviews.
  • Ask your Polar Specialist: Feel free to contact your Polar Specialist. They are happy to share their knowledge and are always ready to help.

In addition: We work with responsible partners who provide a great experience for their passengers. All of our providers are committed to sustainability and to preserving the beauty of the polar regions. You don’t need to worry about the impact of your cruise, because we’ve already taken care of it.

We love to help people find their dream vacation to the Arctic and Antarctic. Whether you give us a call, contact us via email, or use our website inquiry form, one of our Polar travel experts will be more than happy to answer any questions, recommend ships and itineraries, and walk you through the whole process!

Step 1: Find your perfect trip. If you have already started looking for Polar Cruises, you will have quickly noticed that the sheer amount of options can be quite overwhelming. To help you navigate the countless departures and itineraries that our fleet offers, we have put together a great filter page for Antarctic and Arctic Expedition Cruises. Use this page to filter all trips by price, date, ship category, and even destinations you wish to visit. We update all dates, prices, and availabilities daily, and are proud to host what is doubtlessly the world's most complete collection of information.

Step 2: Found something you love? We'll hold your spaces, free of charge! If you find a cruise you like, you can either inquire directly with us or make an unbinding booking online. We will then reach out to the shipowners to put a hold on your spaces for a limited time, free of charge. Once we have confirmed your block with the ship, we will send you a written confirmation of your reservation and include full payment details in an invoice. Typically, we are able to hold unpaid reservations for up to 1 week*. This gives us time to clarify all your remaining questions, and also ensures that no other passengers can book your spaces, while we continue our conversation.

Step 3: Confirm your booking. In order to confirm your booking, we ask for a deposit payment. You can pay via bank transfer or credit card. Keep in mind, that we can only hold your spaces for a limited amount of time. If we don't receive your payment after this time, we can no longer guarantee that the places will be available or that the price won't increase. To prevent disappointment, we will automatically cancel your reservation if we don't receive your deposit by the due date stated on your booking reservation.

Step 4: Booking confirmation & Payment. As soon as we have received your deposit and a completed passenger information form, we will be pleased to send your booking confirmation and updated invoice, along with your trip itinerary, important information, and other great tips for your cruise.

Step 5: Final payment. In your initial invoice, we will define a final payment date by when you need to pay us the remaining amount of your trip. Once we have received your final payment we'll send you your cruise documents and voucher. As your trip approaches, we make sure to pass along all necessary information, so you feel super prepared and stress-free.

*For last-minute bookings, we might not be able to hold your spaces for so long. We will also require the full payment of your cruise upon booking.

An expedition cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic is a big deal! Most people plan for this type of trip at least 8 months in advance. This means the earlier you book, the better chance you'll have to reserve your prefered cabins. Early bird discounts are also popular and a great way to get 10-30% off your cruise.

Most expedition cruises offer optional activities like camping and kayaking, but the spaces are limited. A cruise with 120 passengers can have only 10-15 spaces for kayaking. These are reserved on a first come first served basis. The earlier you book, the higher your chance of grabbing a spot.

Even though last minute deals do occur, keep in mind that the airline prices will be much higher if you purchase them last minute. You may save a few hundred on your cruise, but you may end up paying the most for airfare.

If you are prone to motion sickness then here are a few hints to help you.

Firstly, book a cabin in the middle of the ship. The middle of the ship will move less, both in roll and in pitch. Secondly, chose a larger ship. Bigger vessels typically are more stable, and some of them are even equipped with "stabilizers", fins under water that remove the rolling in the swells. Thirdly, take medical advice on anti-seasickness medication. Some traditional remedies are said to be very effective, such as taking ginger or using commercially-available acupressure wristbands.

Watch this informative video about life onboard an expedition ship and seasickness from our expert guide and Polartours Brand Ambassador, Kevin.

Life Onboard & Seasickness
South Greenland Explorer, Aurora Borealis

5.0

(10)

Classic

From

USD 5,150