Please note the tour price reflected on the brochure is subject to change. Due to seasonality, and taxes prices of the tour are subject to change without due notice. Please consult with the operator directly for the recent price.
East Greenland: Northern Lights
Overview
Highlights (Bullets)
- Experience Greenland’s vast landscapes
- Explore the world’s largest fjord system
- Visit the largest and most remote national park on the planet
- Possibly catch sightings of muskoxen and whales
- Cruise in a Zodiac
- Hike the tundra
- Visit a local community
- Take advantage of optional kayak adventure
Short Description
Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord system, beckons you to explore Greenland. Enticing you with some of the best displays of the northern lights, the Inuit settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit and its inhabitants offer you a rare connection to the past with their tradition of living off the land, just as their ancestors did hundreds of years ago.
Iceberg-choked fjords, tundra hikes and the arctic wildlife of Northeast Greenland National Park create picture-perfect scenes every day. This is one of our most active expeditions, where you can hike across mountaintops and watch herds of grazing muskoxen on the horizon. This is pure wilderness at its finest: the untouched Arctic as it was thousands of years ago
Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavík, Iceland
Your adventure begins with an overnight stay in the modern city of Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital city.
Day 2: Embarkation Day in Akureyri, Iceland
You’ll fly from Reykjavik to the northern Icelandic town of Akureyri to begin your expedition to Greenland. As you sail out to sea, your first wildlife sightings will be seabirds above and whales below. Get ready for a great adventure!
Day 3: At Sea
Sail through the Denmark Strait en route to mysterious Greenland. Your Expedition Team will keep you informed and entertained with presentations about Greenland’s wildlife, history and geography.
Days 4 to 7: Northeast Greenland National Park
Fjords and colorful tundra punctuate the scenery of Northeast Greenland National Park, where arctic fox and muskoxen roam free. Your days will be spent exploring and learning about the unique history and geology of Greenland.
Kong Oscar Fjord is a hiker’s paradise. Marvel at the vibrant fall colors as you walk across the tundra at Holm Bay, cruise in a Zodiac through spectacular Alpefjord or challenge yourself with a trek to the top of nearby Ella Island (the views are worth it).
From Ella Island, you’ll head to the Antarctic—the Antarctic Sound, that is. Yes, curiously, there is an Antarctic Sound in the Arctic. The area is home to beautiful purple- and gold- colored rocks, with Ymer Island and Blomsterbugten, known as the Bay of Flowers, in the distance, waiting to be explored.
Keeping a watchful eye out for wildlife, you will then head south along the Liverpool Coast. Weather conditions are variable here, but we’ll aim to visit Storfjord.
Days 8 to 11: Scorsbysund Fjord
Arriving at Scoresbysund, you’ll find yourself mesmerized by the largest, longest and—some say—most beautiful fjord system in the world. This area was named after William Scoresby, who charted the east coast of Greenland in 1822. With clear skies, you may catch a glimpse of the northern lights during our evenings in the fjord.
At the start of the sound, Ittoqqortoormiit is East Greenland’s most northerly community. You’ll have the chance to support the local Inuit artisan community by purchasing unique handicrafts. Your time here is spent bonding with the Inuit people and gaining an appreciation of their way of life.
Sailing deeper into Scoresbysund, you’ll encounter massive icebergs and an ancient Thule settlement as we approach Sydkap and Øfjord. The scenery here is beyond belief, with towering mountainsides and hundreds of apartment-sized icebergs playing tricks with your sense of perception.
Pushing onward, your expedition will come to Rypefjord and Cape Hofmann Halvø. We will keep our eyes peeled for sightings of rare blue icebergs, which are usually seen in the Antarctic. With binoculars in hand, birders should keep watch for wheatears, snow buntings and ravens at Rypefjord.
At Cape Hofmann Halvø, we’ll have a good chance of experiencing muskoxen up close and enjoying a final hike out on the colorful tundra.
Days 12 and 13: At Sea
Our journey back to Iceland has us re-crossing the Denmark Strait, allowing a couple of days for whale watching. During our crossing, you may see white-beaked dolphins and humpback, minke and blue whales. Birders will enjoy spotting kittiwakes, gannets, guillemots, fulmars and razorbills.
Day 14: Disembarkation Day in Akureyri, Iceland
Your Greenland adventure comes to an end as you enter port in Akureyri and board your flight to Reykjavik. We provide a transfer to downtown Reykjavik. If you have time, it’s worth sticking around to explore this great city.
Availability
- Deposit Price: $ 1,000
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78 Quark Expeditions Travel Reviews & Ratings
East Greenland: Northern Lights
Company Reviews
Run! Scam! Worst cruise company ever!
Firstly, Quark Expeditions cancelled our cruise without any prior warning or communication. I understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, but the complete lack of transparency and consideration for their customers was unacceptable. We had already made travel arrangements, taken time off work, and were eagerly looking forward to our trip, only to have it snatched away without any explanation.
To make matters even worse, the communication from Quark Expeditions during this ordeal was abysmal. There was no attempt made to keep us informed of the cancellation, and we were left scrambling to find out what had happened ourselves. It was an infuriating and anxiety-inducing experience, as we were left in the dark with no information about alternative options or compensation.
To add insult to injury, Quark Expeditions then decided to hold us captive in an airport hotel for three days, with no clear reasoning or explanation. We were effectively trapped, unable to leave the hotel or explore the area while we waited for further instruction. This was not only a waste of our time and money, but it also left us feeling like prisoners in a foreign country.
Perhaps the most frustrating part of this entire situation is the fact that Quark Expeditions informed us that it would take a whopping 60 days to process our refund. Sixty days! This long wait is completely unreasonable and demonstrates a complete disregard for their customers' financial well-being. It's as if they have no understanding or respect for the fact that people have budgets, bills to pay, and other responsibilities to fulfill.
Overall, my experience with Quark Expeditions was truly disappointing. The cancelled cruise, lack of communication, being held captive in an airport hotel, and the exorbitant wait time for a refund have left me with a sour impression of this company. I would strongly advise others to think twice before booking a trip with Quark Expeditions, as their lack of professionalism and customer care is completely unacceptable.
Company is a scam
Terrible company.
So much excitement yet letdown after letdown
Everything was great until we actually went to go book. It started off by experiencing an abnormal 3 week delay in response to our request to book a tour. Then once we did and responded with specifics about what to book and where to send the deposit, another long delay. Eventually Quark made the decision to cancel all of its upcoming trips until March 2021. They presented options on how to reconcile any prepayments. We responded with how we would like to move forward. THREE MONTHS LATER, we get a response that they had a technical error preventing them from being able to provide refunds without having to send over specific bank details. Poor customer service in general. Maybe we will have forgotten by the time we go to book this again in the future, but other travelers should know.
TLDR: Great marketing, terrible service.
Warning
I booked a trip to the Arctic Circle 2021 on 08/28 and paid a deposit.
On 09/10 Quark canceled the trip and informed me today that the repayment will take up to 90 days due to the high workload!
I assume that Quark knew about the cancellation at the End of August and managed to collect my money in 2 days despite the workload.
I would like the money back that fast!
With the cancellation, Quark made a promise that it would be very easy to rebook in 2022, fo the same voyage, the same ship and the same price (or two options for money back).
Well, nothing was easy, because the promise could not be kept, since 2 trips in 2021 will only become one trip in 2022.
First they had a single cabin for me, then suddenly they didn't.
Instead of offering me another shared cabin at the price of the booking period - there was an early bird discount - they offered a single cabin for 34,000.00 and told me that the prices in 2022 were now higher.
Where was the promise?
And now they keep my money up to 90 days. This is really bad style Quark Expeditions!
Do NOT book with Quark
Details
Ship Name
Sea Adventurer
Ship Stats
Staff and Crew: 83
Guests: 117
Lifeboats: 4 partially enclosed
Length: 101.1 meters
Breadth: 16.2 meters
Draft: 4.5 meters
Propulsion: Diesel Twin Engines - 5,200 horsepower.
Ice Class: 1A
Cruising Speed: 12 knots in open water
Registration: Bahamas
Ship Description
Designed to carry travelers in comfort to the most remote corners of the world, Sea Adventurer was built in Yugoslavia in 1976, refurbished in 1999 and had further upgrades in 2002. You will be impressed by this ice-strengthened ship, which carries up to 117 passengers and features a spacious forward lounge and bar, window-lined dining room and promenades.
The nimble, ice-strengthened Sea Adventurer is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation. Take a look at what to expect for 2017:
- A new look and feel throughout
- Renovations to the interior of the ship including outside cabins with ensuites, spacious forward lounge and bar, and other amenities
- The addition of new passenger cabins
- New bathrooms in every cabin, and upgrades to the Main Lounge and Main Dining Room, gym, and select suites
- Significant technical enhancements – including two new engines, generators, gear boxes, drive systems, and re-bladed propellers
- Increased fuel efficiency, and a minimized carbon footprint.
Deck & Cabin Plans
Optional Activities
Ramp up your Expedition
Every Quark Arctic voyage includes great daily outdoor activities including Zodiac cruises, hiking and some also offer snowshoeing. We also offer kayaking on most of our voyages; a great way to experience the beauty of the Arctic in a more personal way. Contact a Quark Polar Travel Adviser to learn more about adventure options, including physical requirements.
Kayaking - $595 per person
Kayaking in the Arctic is probably one of the most intimate and inspiring ways you can explore the rugged coastlines and calm bays of the regions we visit.
Kayaking in the Polar Regions is highly weather-dependent, however we guarantee at least one outing throughout your voyage, but your kayak guides will take you out as many times as possible throughout your voyage.
Offered on most Arctic voyages, spaces are limited and require some kayaking experience. All equipment, guides and instructions are provided by Quark
Flight & Transport Inclusions
All internal ground transport
Group Size
Standard Group - 25 + people
Cancellation policy
All requests for cancellation must be received in writing. Cancellations received 180 days or more prior to departure, are refunded less an administrative fee of minimum US$1250, AU$1000, £650, €800 per person. If cancellation is received between 179 days and 120 days, the deposit is forfeited. If cancellation occurs less than 120 days prior to departure, all payments are forfeited. If full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and any unpaid balance is due immediately. To protect the traveler’s investment, we recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance.
Cancellations cannot be made online.
Additional Information
Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. When travelling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. The above is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.
Trip ID#:
EasGreQua
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