Three Arctic Islands | Ocean Explorer | iExpedition

Three Arctic Islands: Iceland, Greenland, Spitsbergen

  • Overview

    Named one of National Geographic Traveler’s 50 Tours of a Lifetime, this unforgettable voyage begins above the Arctic Circle at Spitsbergen, the “wildlife capital of the Arctic,” ventures to the spectacular, remote landscape of East Greenland, and ends in Iceland.

    The towering cliffs, massive glaciers, rugged fjords and vast swaths of untouched tundra in these breathtaking environments will provide sights, sounds and scenes you’ve never experienced, permanently transforming your connection to the planet we call home. Explore the amazing Arctic, immerse yourself in the beauty and fragility of a wondrous region, and return with unique memories that will last a lifetime.

    Expedition Highlights

     

    • Experience Reykjavik, the vibrant and artistic capital of Iceland

    • Marvel at the glaciers and abundant wildlife of Spitsbergen

    • Hike the tundra and explore a remote fjord-strewn coast of East Greenland

    • Cruise in a Zodiac to explore glaciers, icebergs and more

    • Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic with optional kayaking adventures

    Duration: 15 days
    Passengers: 132 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Helsinki, Finland
    Disembarkation Point: Reykjavik, Iceland
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Arrive in Helsinki, Finland

      Your Arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, renowned for its extraordinary architecture and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences. If you arrive early, explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring at your included hotel.

    • Day 2 - Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard & Embark

      After breakfast, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement, as part of the transfer package. As you embark this afternoon, you’ll enjoy great views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this seaside town.

    • Day 3/6 - Exploring Spitsbergen, Svalbard

      Exploring Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, rewards you with austere beauty and opportunities to spot its abundant wildlife. Here, you’ll visit spectacular glacier fronts and tundra in full bloom, with walrus, polar bears and Svalbard reindeer amongst your possible wildlife sightings. Birders will be thrilled to see Arctic terns, skuas, Brünnich’s guillemots, black-legged kittiwakes and ivory gulls. If conditions allow, you could sail within 10 degrees of the North Pole!

    • Day 7/8 - Cruising

      While sailing south through the Greenland Sea, your Expedition Team will teach you about the wildlife and history of Greenland, your next stop. On deck, you’ll learn to identify seabirds on the wing. Take in a presentation, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a film—there are many things to do during your time at sea.

    • Day 9/12 - Exploring East Greenland

      During your tour of Greenland’s remote eastern coast, you’ll enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Explore the remains of ancient Thule settlements and keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen—40 percent of the world’s muskoxen population lives here. Finally, you will sail through spectacular Scoresbysund, the birthplace of many icebergs and, some say, the most beautiful fjord system in the world. If conditions allow, you may also visit Ittoqqortoormiit, the most remote community in East Greenland.

    • Day 13/14 - Cruising

      As we sail south, the Denmark Strait is your pathway toward Iceland. Your Expedition Team will keep you informed and entertained with presentations about the history of exploration in the Arctic and the seabirds you’ll see soaring above your ship.

    • Day 15 - Depart Reykjavik, Iceland

      You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of your journey. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, we provide a transferto a central downtown location.

    Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your captain and expedition leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

  • Adventure Activities

    Sea Kayaking

    One of the most exhilarating ways to experience Antarctica, the Arctic or any of our global voyages. The experience of sea kayaking in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica is guaranteed to stir your soul. Paddle between brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes, skim past penguin rookeries or under soaring bird cliffs, or drift quietly as you watch wildlife unobtrusively, absorbing the majestic scenery

    USD$ 850 per person

    Paddling Excursion

    If you’re interested in kayaking and would like to try something less in depth than Sea Kayaking, you can still enjoy the benefits of adding an on-water experience to your expedition with a Paddling Excursion. Sign up for a onetime paddle on our sit-on-top kayaks, which are stable and unencumbered— perfect for anyone with little to no kayak experience. Expert guides take rotating groups of passengers on calm days to connect with the sea.

    USD$ 319 per person

    Polar Plunge

    This rite of passage, experienced just once per expedition, sees you safely jumping into icy ocean waters under the watchful eye of our staff—and just about every single camera lens on board!

    Included

    Zodiac Cruising

    Zodiacs are the workhorses of polar expeditions, safely transporting guests to remote shorelines and shallow inlets—places the ships can’t reach. Expedition staff make stepping in and out of them safe and comfortable.

    Included

    Hiking

    There are options on most excursions for shorter walks, often to take advantage of excellent lookouts, that don’t require hiking boots and other equipment. Hiking participation is optional and your Expedition Team will advise you of what you can expect prior to each excursion.

    Included
  • Inclusions
    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
    - All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
    - All shore landings as per the daily program
    - Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
    - All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
    - Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
    - A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
    - An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
    - Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
    - All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
    - All luggage handling aboard the ship
    - Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
    - Transfer from Longyearbyen town center to port on embarkation day
    - Group transfer to downtown Reykjavik on disembarkation day
    - Greenland voyages cruise passenger tax
    - Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
    - A photographic journal documenting your expedition

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
    - Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
    - Laundry, bar and other personal charges unless specified
    - Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
    - Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
    - Airport transfer in Reykjavik
    - Arrival transfer in Helsinki
    - Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
    - Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
    - Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
    - Additional overnight accommodation
    - Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
    - Passport and Visa expenses
    - International airfare
  • Map
    Arc isl 15d2025 three arcticislands southbound 2025 map.png
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    Ocean Explorer - the 138-passenger vessel has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology. One of the ship’s key features is the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience thanks to the inverted bow. Located at the bow is the two-story, light-filled library, which introduces a welcome airiness to the expedition ship.  

    Spacious cabins feature a modern, bespoke Scandinavian design and almost all have verandas. Guests can relax and find comfort in the spacious gym, sauna with large windows, and two outdoor Jacuzzis.  

    Ocean Explorer features ample outdoor viewing areas and multi-height outer decks, which are ideal for long-view photography and wildlife viewing. The vessel is equipped with a fleet of 15 Zodiacs that enable guests to get off the ship quickly and safely for off-ship adventures. In addition to the well-appointed and spacious public areas, Ocean Explorer has an industry-leading mix of sustainability systems, including fuel-efficient Rolls Royce engines. 

    Features & Facilities
    • Sauna
    • Library
    • Fitness Center
    • Jacuzzi
    • Observation lounge
    • Main and Private Dining Room
    • High Observation Outdoor Decks
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating:
    Guests #: 138
    Crew #: 105
    Ice Class: 1A, PC6
    Speed: 16
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built:
    Length: 104m
    Width:
    Draft: 5
    Tonnage:
    Registry: Portugal
    Elec Outlets:
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability
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Ready to book your expedition?

We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.

Studio Double

13 Aug 2025 - 27 Aug 2025
Enjoy the calm ambience of this stateroom which features a porthole window and every amenity essential for your polar voyage.
USD$ 20,332pp
USD$ 13,968pp

Studio Veranda Stateroom

13 Aug 2025 - 27 Aug 2025
Located on Deck 6. These cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
USD$ 21,352pp
USD$ 14,656pp

Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom

13 Aug 2025 - 27 Aug 2025
Enjoy privacy and elegance at the front of the ship where guests are treated to sweeping views from their private veranda.
USD$ 22,576pp
USD$ 15,482pp

Deluxe Veranda Middle Stateroom 

13 Aug 2025 - 27 Aug 2025
These classic staterooms ensure guests have easy access to all amenities the ship has to offer.
USD$ 23,732pp
USD$ 16,263pp
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Deluxe Veranda Stateroom

13 Aug 2025 - 27 Aug 2025
Revel in superior comfort of this stateroom on Deck 4 while taking in the panoramic ocean views from your private veranda.
USD$ 24,344pp
USD$ 16,675pp
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Studio Single

13 Aug 2025 - 27 Aug 2025
Designed for one. These cabins are located on Deck 3, with one double bed and a porthole view. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor..
USD$ 25,772pp
USD$ 17,640pp

Grand Veranda Stateroom

13 Aug 2025 - 27 Aug 2025
Near the center of the ship on Deck 6, this stateroom offers easy access to the lounge, dining room and a private veranda.
USD$ 25,772pp
USD$ 17,640pp
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Royal Veranda Stateroom

13 Aug 2025 - 27 Aug 2025
This spacious, classic stateroom allows you to stretch freely. Centrally located on Decks 4 and 6.
USD$ 29,920pp
USD$ 20,439pp
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Studio Veranda Single

13 Aug 2025 - 27 Aug 2025
Designed for one. This unique cabin is located on Deck 7. It has one twin bed with a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a generous walkout balcony. There is also TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
USD$ 31,552pp
USD$ 21,541pp

Junior Suite

13 Aug 2025 - 27 Aug 2025
The decor and layout of this stately suite will amaze. The private veranda, convenient Deck 6 location, plus proximity to the lounge and downstairs dining room are equally impressive.
USD$ 33,796pp
USD$ 23,056pp
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Explorer Suite

13 Aug 2025 - 27 Aug 2025
This unique 2-room suite is located on Deck 7. It has one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom.and the outer sitting area is furnished with a sofa-bed. Walk-out from either room to a double sized balcony . There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. And an additional powder room in the outside sitting area.
USD$ 34,952pp
USD$ 23,836pp

Owners Suite

13 Aug 2025 - 27 Aug 2025
This palatial, airy apartment offers stunning views from its large private veranda on the highest cabin level. The luxurious suite features a large master bedroom, living room and dining area and two large master bathrooms, among other amenities.
USD$ 36,040pp
USD$ 24,570pp