Discover the breathtaking beauty of Northeast Greenland, a region shaped by soaring glaciers, stunning icebergs, and a landscape that remains inaccessible for most of the year. In late summer, when the tundra is shifting in autumn hues, we have a chance to explore this remote natural wonderland. This extraordinary expedition, perfectly timed for the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness this celestial event. For over two awe-inspiring minutes, the sky darkens as the moon aligns directly between the Earth and the sun, casting Greenland’s dramatic coastline into an unforgettable twilight.
Our journey begins in Svalbard, where we set sail aboard the 50-passenger expedition ship, M/S Quest. Here, we’ll explore the spectacular fjords of West Spitsbergen, with towering mountains and immense glacier fronts as our backdrop and keep an eye out for Arctic wildlife. We then chart a course across the Greenland Sea, scanning the waters for whales and navigating along the mesmerizing pack ice boarder that marks the gateway to Northeast Greenland.
- Timed for the total solar eclipse
- Small group of 50 passengers
- The impressive fjords Kejser Franz Joseph and Kong Oscar
- Remote and unexplored
- Magnificent icebergs
- Great hiking opportunities with rewarding views
- Visit Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland in one trip
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
We arrive to the charming settlement Longyearbyen where we spend a night in hotel.
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.
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.
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.
After an unforgettable exploration of Northeast Greenland, we cross the Denmark Strait to Iceland.
We disembark in Isafjordur in the morning, concluding our expedition and beginning our journey home or continuing on further adventures.
Our exact route will depend on ice, weather, and wildlife sightings. The sites mentioned above are examples of the many extraordinary places this expedition may include. Flexibility is essential to ensure you have the most enriching experience possible.
Quest
| Passengers: | 53 |
|---|---|
| Built / refurbished: | 1992 / 2005 / 2018 |
| Length: | 66 metres |
M/S Quest was built in Denmark in 1992 to serve as a ferry on Greenland`s west-coast. In 2004/2005 she was redesigned as an expedition ship and has now a career as a small and comfortable expedition vessel. She was extensively renovated in 2018. Quest takes 53 passengers in 26 cabins, all with sea-view and private facilities. The triple cabins on deck 3 have upper and lower berths. All other cabins have two lower berths or a double bed. In your cabin you also find a desk with chair and ample storage space for clothes and equipment. The superior cabins on deck 3 and 4 are spacious and have a separate sitting area and TV/DVD. The Owner`s cabin, next to the Captain`s cabin, on deck 4 has a double bed, two large picture windows, a sitting area and TV/DVD.
In the dining room you are treated to delicious meals in between landings and in the panorama lounge you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding polar landscape. Here you can listen to entertaining lectures on the area`s flora, fauna, history and glaciology. In the lounge you also find a well-stocked bar and a small library. The ship has spacious observation decks where you can enjoy the beautiful vistas and search for seabirds, whales and polar bears. The ship has a European Captain and there is a friendly and informal atmosphere on board. Travelling with this small expedition ship offers an entirely different experience and perspective than you get on a larger and more conventional cruise ship.
It is always possible to share a cabin on board M/S Quest. All cabins have windows and private facilities.
Vessel Type: Expedition
