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NEW Trip – Ladakh Mountain Biking AdventureView Trip Details

12 Days$8715USD

Activities
  • 10 days expedition cruising, optional kayaking
Accommodation
  • 1 night hotel Akureyri
  • 10 nights aboard Polar Pioneer
Meals
  • 10 Dinners
  • 9 Lunches
  • 11 Breakfasts
1
Discovery and Cruising
 
 

Trip highlights


  • Cruising the ice-laden fjords of Greenland’s East Coast
  • Magnificent range of Arctic wildlife
  • Spectacular glaciers and icebergs

An inlet system of the Greenland Sea, the Scoresby Sund is the largest and longest fjord system on the planet. The fauna of the region is unusually rich for Greenland, and the wildlife we hope to encounter on this voyage include Musk Oxen, Arctic Fox, Stoat, Mountain Hare and Lemming, along with numerous species of seabirds. Setting sail from Iceland, we cruise north into the Denmark Sea, before entering Scoresby Sund where we explore its myriad of inlets and bays. We spend our days kayaking, walking and zodiac cruising to explore the iceberg-filled fjords, abandoned Inuit settlements and wildlife viewing. Whilst at sea we have the opportunity to whale watch, and hopefully catch glimpses of the beautiful Aurora Borealis or 'Northern Lights'. This unique voyage takes us to the heart of this wild and beautiful region.

Trip Code: OSS

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the group hotel for your overnight stay. This evening you’ll meet your expedition leaders for a trip briefing.

Meals:  Nil

Today is yours to explore Akureyri. The city buses are free of charge and a handy way to get around town. Sightseeing recommendations include exploring the old town, lunch in one of the outdoor cafes (if fine), a visit to the botanical gardens, museums, or a walk along the river enjoying a farm fresh ice cream. Board the Polar Pioneer in the late afternoon. We depart Akureyri and our adventure begins as we cruise along the sheltered waters of Eyjafjörður, the longest fjord in North Iceland. The sea kayakers will attend a briefing to distribute dry suits, pogies (paddling mitts for your hands), lifejackets and dry bags.

Meals:  B,D

Sailing north through the Denmark Strait. We are almost certain to see Fulmar, Kittiwake, Gannet and rafts of Common Guillemot. We cross the Arctic Circle and continue north, perhaps seeing whales.

Meals:  B,L,D

Scoresby Sound stretches almost 300 kms from east to west. Numerous fjords radiate from the sound, the longest is 200 kms and extending to the edge of the inland ice cap. Scoresby Sound is one of the birthplaces of Greenland’s famous giant icebergs and among the most scenically spectacular landscapes in the world. Our aim is to experience as much time as possible outdoors, be it paddling, hiking or wildlife viewing (or all three!) Our experienced Arctic team will use their know-how to design a day to day itinerary that makes the best use of the weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities. Following are locations we’ll potentially visit. SYDKAP - A small promontory jutting out from Scoresby Land offering good walking and delightful views across the sound. There are great opportunities for kayaking past lonely beaches where 3000-year-old gravesites can be visited on shore. Nests of grounded giant bergs the size of 10 storey buildings with green tunnels and aquamarine lakes offer hours of endless enjoyment for kayakers and zodiac rides. ITTOQQORTOORMIIT - A colourful Inuit community of about 400 residents, the majority of whom still depend largely on hunting. Explore the village and meet parents pushing prams with cute round-faced babies peeping out from Arctic fox fur jackets or stop into the museum and gift shop to see remarkable local crafts. The town is situated close to the world’s largest national park and right next to the world’s largest and deepest multi-branched fjord system. Meeting the locals in this far flung settlement is a highlight for many. THE BEAR ISLANDS - The Bear Islands or Bjornøya, provide incredible opportunities to wind through the narrow passages and towering icebergs by kayak and zodiac and hike steep but accessible ridges up the islands. Step ashore to explore the coastline or hike to the hill tops to view the icecap in the distance. SEFSTROM GLACIER – ALPEFJORD A narrow waterway between peaks of up to 2200 metres, it is surrounded by serrated brown mountains with hanging glaciers clinging like limpets to stony gullies. The snout of the Sefstrom Glacier juts out and almost blocks Alpefjord, however, there’s access for kayaks and zodiacs and the opportunity to walk on the glacier. Clumps of Arctic flora in its late summer glory are visible as we cruise along the coast. RED FJORD - The contrast of red sandstone arches against white and blue icebergs makes Red Island a photographer’s paradise. We may be able to land on the islands for a tundra walk and an opportunity to see musk oxen grazing in the autumn sun. Some other possible landing places are Rypefjord, Øfjord, Fønfjord, Milne Land and Hekla Havn on Danmark Island.

Meals:  B,L,D

We will spend the whole day at sea recrossing the Denmark Strait.

Meals:  B,L,D

During the early morning we cruise back into Akureyri. Say your farewells to the crew and expedition leaders before a transfer to the airport.

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • 11 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 10 dinners
  • 1 night twin share accommodation in Akuyeyri
  • Comfortable cabin accommodation and use of all public areas on cruise
  • Specialist expedition staff
  • use of gumboots on the voyage free of charge (various sizes available)
  • All shore excursions from the ship including the use of zodiacs
  • Lectures, videos, slide and film shows and guide services
  • Medical services (there is a resident medical officer and infirmary on board)
  • Port taxes and port charges imposed by government authorities
  • Pre-departure information

  • Air transport and airport transfers before and after the cruise
  • Visa, passport and vaccination charges and airport departure taxes
  • Accommodation and meals or other services not included in the ship cruise itinerary
  • Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses, travel insurance and items of a personal nature such as bar charges, wine and phone calls
  • Emergency evacuation charges
  • Tips and gratuities

Cabins


Departure dates


Notes

K
Kayak

Priceper person from

$8715USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Twin PublicUSD$9855
  • Twin PrivateUSD$11995
  • Mini SuiteUSD$14550
  • SuiteUSD$16450
  • KayakingUSD$1150
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Greenland - Scoresby Sund trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


Voyage reviews


Other Polar Pioneer voyage reviews


Why travel with us

Award Winning Adventures

Enhancing your journey with authentic experiences, genuine cultural exchange and real exploration are the focal points on all of our adventures. In 2019, we were crowned by our peers as the best in adventure travel at The Travel Awards in Sydney.

Thoughtful Travel

Our vision is to leave the world a better place by following our sustainable active outdoor travel charter. All our adventures are 100% carbon offset and our Regenerative 2030 Project aims to integrate ‘regenerative’ projects into every one of our global operations by 2030.

Ultimate Value

 When you book one of our adventures, you will receive quality services at the best prices with plenty of inclusions. There are no hidden costs, single travellers don’t pay more and you’ll enjoy many ‘extra touches’ that ensure your holiday is excellent value for money.

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