Arctic Sights and Northern Lights | Sea Spirit | IExpedition

Arctic Sights and Northern Lights

  • Overview

    Vast, unspoiled, virtually uninhabited—East Greenland’s Scoresby Sund is an Arctic wilderness of transcendent quality.

    This memorable northern lights cruise starts and finishes in Reykjavík, Iceland. Across the Denmark Strait we explore the stunning Scoresby Sund fjord complex in East Greenland. Here we discover unbelievable scenery, historical sites, massive icebergs, a contemporary Inuit village, and of course the mesmerizing northern lights.

    On our cruise to Greenland we visit the town of Ísafjörður in the Westfjords of Iceland. On our way back we explore Iceland’s picturesque Snæfellsnes peninsula. Every night on this voyage brings another excellent chance to experience the northern lights in a beautiful setting.

    Duration: 12 days
    Passengers: 114 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Reykjavik, Iceland
    Disembarkation Point: Reykjavik, Iceland
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 1.7x - 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Arrival in Reykjavík, Iceland (hotel night)

      Welcome to Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland and starting point of our Arctic expedition! The drive from the Keflavik International Airport to the city center takes around 45 minutes by airport shuttle or taxi. After checking into your hotel, which has
      been arranged by us and is included in the price of the itinerary, you will be free to explore this attractive, friendly and quintessentially Nordic city.

      For an excellent overview of Iceland’s history and culture, we recommend starting at the superb National Museum and Culture House. You will also want to visit the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, Reykjavík’s most famous landmark. For those interested in natural history, we recommend the Whales of Iceland museum, which houses full-sized models of the 23 species of whale found around Iceland. For dinner, Reykjavík offers countless options for an authentic Icelandic meal.

    • Day 2 - Welcome Aboard!

      After breakfast at your hotel, the morning is yours to enjoy Reykjavík. Take a leisurely stroll through a peaceful garden or a relaxing soak in a thermal bath. Nature lovers will appreciate the abundant birdlife at Tjörnin, a placid lake in the heart of the city. You can also take advantage of shopping for souvenirs or some last-minute necessities such as cold-weather gear. Just remember, you will soon receive your very own parka to keep and waterproof boots to borrow on board the ship.

      In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier where we will warmly welcome you aboard the deluxe expedition vessel M/V Sea Spirit. Get settled in your spacious suite and explore the ship that will be your comfortable home during the extraordinary adventure to come. After getting underway, a full schedule of events kicks off with informative briefings and introductions from your expedition staff. After the first of many delicious dinners on board, step out onto the open decks to admire the views as we sail through Faxaflói, where it is possible to encounter our first whales.

    • Day 3 - Across Denmark Strait

      As we sail north across the Denmark Strait to East Greenland, we celebrate our crossing of the Arctic Circle. We keep a continuous lookout for great whales and flocks of seabirds feeding in the productive waters near the sharp rise of Greenland’s continental shelf. After nightfall, we have our first of many opportunities to see the aurora borealis overhead.

    • Day 4/9 - Scoresby Sund, East Greenland

      The itinerary for this part of our voyage focuses on the spectacular fjords, coasts and islands of Scoresby Sund, also known as Kangertittivaq in the Greenlandic language. This area contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery and Greenland’s best wildlife viewing. As with any true polar expedition, our exact schedule and route will be shaped by weather and ice. At this late stage of the season, we expect our explorations will be minimally affected by sea ice. However, we will be alert for icebergs from surging glaciers, which can present interesting navigational challenges. Our experienced captain and expedition leader will continually adjust plans as conditions and opportunities warrant in this wild and remote corner of the Arctic.

      Scoresby Sund is one of the longest and most visually stunning fjord systems in the world. Almost totally devoid of human habitation, it is also one of the most pristine natural environments on Earth. In this epic wilderness, the forces of nature have shaped a landscape of incomparable grandeur. Deep fjords and narrow passages are framed by sheer rock walls up to 2,000 meters high. Colossal icebergs—calved by immense glaciers and sculpted by wind and water into fantastic shapes—drift throughout the intricate fjord system in striking contrast to sparkling blue waters and polychromatic mountains capped with fresh snow. From verdant coastal plains to ice-clad peaks all the way to the glaciated heart of Greenland, a trip through Scoresby Sund sets a new standard for “scenic”.

      Our area of exploration includes part of Northeast Greenland National Park, the largest and most northerly national park in the world. This vast Arctic landscape is a paradise for hikers who appreciate astounding views of untouched tundra wilderness. Across hillsides emblazoned with autumnal red and yellow, a flash of white reveals the flight of a snowy owl or a startled mountain hare. Tufts of the finest fleece ensnared in polar willows underfoot point the way to a nearby herd of shaggy musk oxen. You may hear the crack of horns colliding as bulls engage in fearsome battles of strength. Boreal fowl of every description are preparing to migrate south with their newly fledged chicks. All throughout the waterways of Scoresby Sund, we are on constant watch for polar bears and other marine mammals, including a variety of seals, walrus and narwhal, which can be spotted at any time.

      Ancient Thule archeological sites remind us of humankind’s age-old relationship with this austere yet life-sustaining environment. For a look at how this tradition has been carried forward, we plan to visit the modern Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit, the only permanent settlement in the region and one of the most remote communities in the world. The village boasts a wonderful museum, a bookstore, handmade crafts for sale, a post office, and an abundance of Greenlandic sled dogs.

      In September, at the equinox, day and night are given equal opportunities to astound you. As night falls, the darkening sky becomes a stage for nature’s greatest celestial performance: the Northern Lights. East Greenland is one of the very best places in the Arctic to view this otherworldly natural phenomenon. In addition to being at the perfect latitude for strong aurora displays, the skies above Scoresby Sund are often cleared by katabatic winds rolling down from the nearby Greenland Ice Sheet. Lights dancing from horizon to horizon are mirrored in calm waters while the silhouettes of gigantic icebergs and serrated mountains add to the romantic splendor of the experience.

      This itinerary offers a deep dive into one of the Arctic’s most scenic and soulful environments. From dawn to dusk and beyond, your days will be filled with incredible shore excursions, world-class Zodiac cruising, and enough stunning scenery to fill your camera and overwhelm your emotions. Hikers will live their wilderness dreams and sea kayakers will be rewarded with some of the finest paddling on the planet.

    • Day 10 - Back to Iceland

      After our amazing time in Scoresby Sund, we head back across the Denmark Strait toward Iceland. Presentations and workshops by our expert staff, as well as our range of onboard recreation facilities, ensure that this day at sea is not idly spent. Seabird viewing and whale sightings can be enjoyed from panoramic open decks and balconies.

    • Day 11 - Westfjords, Iceland

      Our last expedition day is spent in the beautiful Vestfirðir (Westfjords) of Iceland. This remote and sparsely populated region of crenulated coastlines, voluminous waterfalls and rugged mountains sees only 10% of Iceland’s visitors. Deep fjords are home to whales while estuaries abound with seals and birdlife.

    • Day 12 - Disembarkation in Reykjavík, Iceland

      After filling up with one last buffet breakfast on board, we bid you a fond farewell in Reykjavík. We provide transfers to Keflavik international airport or to the city center in case you plan to extend your stay in Iceland.

    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

    Photography

    This voyage offers a wealth of subjects for photographers of all levels and interests. Our included photography program gives you the chance to learn and practice your skills alongside a professional photographer.

    Zoom out to capture dramatic landscapes of sweeping moorland and rugged coastlines or go macro to expose the beauty of flowers. You will get plenty of practice with the special art of architectural photography as well.

    From historical monuments to colorful puffins, the sights on this voyage will make a photographer out of anyone. Our expert will be there to help you make the most of the bounty in your viewfinder.

    Included

    Kayaking

    We are pleased to offer our sea kayaking option along the coastal waters of Ireland, Wales and Scotland! Experience some fascinating bird cliffs and unusual geological structures against a backdrop of ethereal verdant slopes, all from our sturdy and stealthy sea kayaks. Join us for an unscripted adventure as we explore rugged coastlines and remote coves in which few people have ever paddled.

    USD$ 900 per person
  • Inclusions
    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - Pre-departure materials
    - Shipboard accommodation
    - All meals on board throughout the voyage
    - Tea and coffee station 24 hours daily
    - All scheduled landings/excursions (subject to weather conditions)
    - Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader & Expedition Team
    - Branded Poseidon Expeditions windbreaker jacket
    - Rubber boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise
    - Welcome and Farewell cocktails
    - All port fees
    - Digital Voyage Log
    - Wi-Fi on board
    - Group transfer to the ship for embarkation on Day 2
    - 1 pre-voyage hotel night on Day 1
    - Group transfer to Keflavik International Airport (KEF) or centrally located hotel for luggage storage right after disembarkation

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Transfers from the airport to the hotel at beginning of the program
    - Mandatory emergency evacuation insurance to a minimum coverage of US$ 200,000 per person
    - Staff gratuities
    - Fuel surcharge may be applied for all bookings
    - Personal expenses such as laundry and telecommunication charges
    - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages other than those for special events and celebrations
    - Luggage and trip cancellation insurance
    - Visa and passport fees (if applicable)
    - Airfare
    - Kayaking
  • Map
    Map east greenland en
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    SEA SPIRIT

    Like some of the birds we see in the Arctic and Antarctica, our m/v Sea Spirit is migratory and follows the sun, northbound in the summer and southbound in the winter, always ready for spontaneous discoveries – a pod of whales, a family of polar bears or a glaciated mountain vista. She is highly maneuverable and capable of navigating the narrow fjords of East Greenland and entering the small bays of Spitsbergen. Onboard, we create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for all our guests. They are united by one goal – to have a memorable wilderness experience and to become real polar adventurers. We believe that first-hand travel to such places makes one an ambassador for conservation, and helps strengthen our resolve to protect these natural environments for future generations. Providing spacious suite accommodation of 114 passengers the Sea Spirit at the same time features maneuverability and friendly atmosphere of small ships. The vessel has an ice-strengthened hull, a fleet of Zodiacs, and a set of retractable fin stabilizers for smoother sailing.

    Features & Facilities
    • Luxury accommodation
    • Bar
    • Lounge
    • Presentation Lounge
    • Open Bridge Policy
    • Gym.
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 4
    Guests #: 114
    Crew #: 72
    Ice Class: 1D
    Speed: 15
    Refurbished: 2017
    Technical Specs
    Year built: 1991
    Length: 90m
    Width: 15
    Draft: 4
    Tonnage: 4200
    Registry: Bahamas
    Elec Outlets: 110V / 2 Flat Pin
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.
sea spirit triple suite

Triple Suite

15 Sep 2025 - 26 Sep 2025
A generous Suite with 3 x lower berths and private facilities. This suite is open to single travellers who would like share. All share cabins are gender specific.
USD$ 9,446pp
USD$ 8,502pp
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sea spirit main deck suite

Main Deck Suite

15 Sep 2025 - 26 Sep 2025
A generous Suite with twin or king bedding and private facilities.
USD$ 13,046pp
USD$ 11,742pp
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sea spirit classic suite

Classic Suite

15 Sep 2025 - 26 Sep 2025
A generous Suite with twin or king bedding and private facilities.
USD$ 13,871pp
USD$ 12,485pp
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sea spirit superior suite

Superior Suite

15 Sep 2025 - 26 Sep 2025
A generous Suite with twin or king bedding and private facilities.
USD$ 14,171pp
USD$ 12,046pp
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sea spirit deluxe suite

Deluxe Suite

15 Sep 2025 - 26 Sep 2025
An extremely comfortable Suite with twin or king bedding, private facilities and a balcony.
USD$ 15,896pp
USD$ 13,512pp
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sea spirit premium suite

Premium Suite

15 Sep 2025 - 26 Sep 2025
An extremely comfortable Suite with twin or king bedding, private facilities and a balcony.
USD$ 17,396pp
USD$ 14,787pp
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Single Suite | Sea Spirit | iExpedition

Single Suite

15 Sep 2025 - 26 Sep 2025
A generous Suite with king bedding, picture window and private facilities. Please consider, the window may be covered during rough sea crossings in this cabin.
USD$ 19,421pp
USD$ 17,480pp
sea spirit owner's suite

Owners Suite

15 Sep 2025 - 26 Sep 2025
Among the most sought-after Owner's Suites due to its unique forward position above the bridge.
USD$ 22,346pp
USD$ 18,995pp