HIGHLIGHTS
- Witness
a total solar eclipse from a polar ship in the High Arctic
- Learn
about the science of solar eclipses with guest expert Michael Zeiler
- Explore
seldom-visited Westfjords, the hidden gem of west Iceland
- Sail
across the Denmark Strait
- Witness
the wildlife of Northeast Greenland
- Cruise
the 110–kilometer Kong Oscar Fjord
- Embark
in Reykjavik, Iceland, and disembark in Nuuk, Greenland, two of the
world’s northernmost capital cities
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
| Start Date | End Date | Studio Single | Deluxe Veranda Fwd | Veranda Stateroom | Veranda Suite | Junior Suite | Studio Veranda Single | Penthouse Suite | Owners Suite |
|---|
| Aug 03, 2026 | Aug 19, 2026 | 34,395 | 25,995 | 27,495 | 28,995 | 29,995 | 36,995 | 39,895 | 41,995 |
Package
Price: USD 995
Includes
- One
night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Reykjavik
- Group
transfer from the Reykjavik hotel to the ship on Day 2
- Group
transfer from the ship to the Nuuk airport on disembarkation day
- Charter
flight from Nuuk to Reykjavik
- Group
transfer from Keflavik international
- One
night’s post-expedition airport hotel accommodation in
Keflavik
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Studio Single | (Mid-range)
Junior Suite | (High-end)
Owners Suite |
|---|
| Aug 03, 2026 | Aug 19, 2026 | 34,395 | 29,995 | 41,995 |
Package
Price: USD 995
Includes
- One
night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Reykjavik
- Group
transfer from the Reykjavik hotel to the ship on Day 2
- Group
transfer from the ship to the Nuuk airport on disembarkation day
- Charter
flight from Nuuk to Reykjavik
- Group
transfer from Keflavik international
- One
night’s post-expedition airport hotel accommodation in
Keflavik
ITINERARY
Day
1: Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland
Arrive
in Reykjavik and transfer independently to your hotel, which is
included in the Charter Flight & Hotel Package. Depending on
your arrival time, you may wish to explore sites of the fascinating
capital, which is known for its mix of modern architecture and Viking
heritage. At 64°08′ north, Reykjavik is the
world’s northernmost capital of an independent sovereign
state.
Day
2 to 4: Embark in Reykjavik and Explore the Westfjords
After
breakfast on Day 2, you’ll have time to explore on your own
before your afternoon transfer to the modern, purpose-built ship Ocean
Explorer. We set sail for “Iceland’s best-kept
secret”—the Westfjords. This rugged peninsula, on
the remote northwestern tip of Iceland, is dominated by mountains,
volcanic rock and fjords. Mountains slope down to the sea in a dramatic
fashion, providing plenty of opportunities for incredible landscape
photography. We’ll spend the day exploring by Zodiac and
ship, as well as guided shore landings where possible. The views are
diverse: dramatic cliffs, gushing waterfalls, colorful beaches, rolling
green hills, high moorlands dotted with rocky outcrops and tiny lakes.
You’ll likely spot Icelandic ponies and shaggy sheep grazing
the hillsides. A few outposts of civilization include small fishing
communities at the fjord edges and along the shores of the Denmark
Strait. One of the highlights in the Westfjords is a chance to visit
Vigur, a private island where guests can delve into Icelandic culture
and heritage as far back as the 11th century. Vigur is widely regarded
as a capsule of Icelandic heritage. Upon arriving on shore by Zodiac.
One of the island’s co-owners is polar explorer Felicity
Aston, the first woman to ski solo across Antarctica. You’ll
learn about the Icelandic tradition of eiderdown harvesting, and the
wide array of Arctic birdlife and seals that are found in Vigur.
It’s estimated that Vigur Island is home to over 7,000
breeding ducks, 100,000 puffins, Europe’s largest colony of
Black Guillemots, and huge flocks of Arctic terns. You’ll
also have opportunities to ramble about the island, taste local food
and visit the island café. Today’s adventure
options include Zodiac cruising, sea kayaking, paddle excursion
program, and, potentially, a guided shore hike. Right across the bay is
Mongufoss, one of Iceland’s most remote and beautiful
waterfalls, which we’ll visit by ship. We may also visit
Flatey, a small 1.5 km-long island in
Breiðafjörður Bay.
Day
5: At Sea: Crossing the Denmark Strait
As
we sail north across the Denmark Strait between Iceland and Greenland,
the Expedition Team will prepare you for the exciting adventures
ahead—both on and off-ship. Our team of polar experts will
present on a wide range of topics, including Arctic history, wildlife,
geology, and climatology. The team will also search for and identify
seabirds soaring about the ship—and they’ll most
certainly alert you whenever there’s a whale sighting.
Day
6 & 7: Northeast Greenland: Exploring Kong Oscar Fjord
Navigating
within the boundaries of the Northeast Greenland National
Park—the planet’s largest national park covering
972,000 square kilometers—we will sail into Kangerluk Kong
Oscar, also known as Kong Oscar Fjord, on the northern border of
Scoresby Land. This major f jord system, popular for its famously
bright sandstone, stretches 110 kilometers long and 10 to 25 kilometers
wide. You will also experience the wonders of nature in
Segelsällskapet Fjord, where a spectacular display of
“geological art” awaits: alternating layers of
limestone and dolomite stretching before you in a stunningly beautiful
canvas created over tens of thousands of years.
Day
8 & 9: Exploring the Depths of Scoresby Sund
Our
purpose-built vessel will cruise deep into Scoresby Sund, allowing
guests to marvel at the overwhelming beauty of the world’s
largest fjord system and its vast icebergs. This area offers plenty of
opportunities to explore during Zodiac cruises and onshore visits, and,
if conditions allow, time to visit Ittoqqortoormiit, the most remote
community in East Greenland. There will be a palpable sense of
excitement in the air as anticipation builds for our much-awaited
eclipse viewing. Behind the scenes, your Expedition Leader and the Ship
Captain will work closely together, monitoring sea and ice conditions
and meteorological forecasts—particularly cloud
cover—to strategically position Ocean Explorer in the best
location possible to maximize your views of the solar eclipse.
Day
10: Solar Eclipse Viewing: In the Path of Totality
Ocean
Explorer will sail further into Scoresby Sund, where the team will
identify the most optimal viewing point along the path of totality.
With the total eclipse of the sun lasting 2 minutes and 17.2 seconds,
this region of the Arctic provides the longest duration of totality
along the entire eclipse path. The eclipse will start at 2:34 pm, and
totality will begin at 3:34 pm and end at 3:36 pm. The eclipse viewing
experience, a duration of 2 hours, 1 minute, and 3 seconds, will
conclude at 4:35 pm. Throughout this exciting day, you will have
opportunities to learn from our guest eclipse expert, Michael Zeiler.
This 2026 eclipse is part of Saros series 126, which is a cycle of
solar eclipses that repeats approximately every 18 years.
It’s worth noting that total solar eclipses in Polar Regions
are relatively rare due to the smaller land area and the fact that the
sun only illuminates each pole for part of the year. The Quark
Expeditions team and our special eclipse expert will continue to
research the geography of this region as we prepare for the event.
Right up until the day of the eclipse itself, our team will study the
mountainous terrain, the angles of the sun in the sky, localized ice
conditions and weather patterns to determine the best possible viewing
experience. Your Expedition Leader will outline the day’s
agenda in the days and hours leading up to the eclipse.
Day
11 to 13: At Sea: Sailing the Coast of Greenland
You’ll
have plenty of opportunities during your at-sea days to enjoy the
amenities of Ocean Explorer. Guests can relax in Tundra Spa, the gym,
the sauna with large windows, and two outdoor Jacuzzis, or deepen your
polar knowledge in the light-filled Discovery Library. Almost all
suites have verandas, ideal for watching the passing Arctic landscape.
Spending time outside on on deck as we transit south along the east
coast offers an opportunity to spot icebergs and, as always, we keep
our eyes peeled for whales. Remember to check the lineup of polar
presentations featuring our learned Expedition Team and guest eclipse
expert.
Day
14: Aappilattoq and Prins Christian Sund
Tiny
and picturesque Aappilattoq, home to approximately 100 permanent
residents, is perched on the shores of one of the world’s
most scenic fjords, the 100-km long Prins Christian Sund (also known as
Ikerasassuaq). Aappilattoq is the second-most southerly settlement in
Greenland (after Narsamiit). The name Aappilattoq has been interpreted
to mean “sea anemone,” or “red”
after the crimson mountain rising above the settlement. The area has
been inhabited since the 1800s, but the current village was only
established in 1922. The majority of residents rely on hunting and
fishing, with local fishermen selling surplus cod and turbot to a small
fish factory run by Royal Greenland. Services include a general store,
fire station, elementary school, boat service, church and a general
repairs workshop.
Day
15: Ivittuut: Norse History and Muskoxen
Ivittuut,
formerly known as Ivigtût (“grassy
place”), is an abandoned mining town near Cape Desolation in
southwestern Greenland, close to the ruins of the ancient Norse Middle
Settlement. Historians and archeologists believe this
settlement— the least documented Norse settlement in
Greenland—once comprised about 20 farms. A handful of
miningrelated structures still remain—some
dilapidated—including a barracks, a storehouse and a
cemetery. The 1987 translocation of muskoxen to Ivittuut from the
Kangerlussuaq area is the reason you may see the lumbering beasts in
the area. Otherwise, native wildlife consists mostly of Arctic hare and
Arctic fox. It’s also possible to spot semi-domestic reindeer
from Greenland’s only active reindeer husbandry operation,
the Isortoq Reindeer Station, located south of Ivittuut.
Day
16: Disembarkation in Nuuk, Charter Flight to Reykjavik
Upon
arriving in Greenland’s capital, enjoy one more Zodiac ride
to shore for the group transfer to the airport to catch your charter
flight to Reykjavik, Iceland. Upon arrival in Reykjavik, we will
transfer you to your hotel. Both your hotel and charter flight are
included in the Charter Flight & Hotel Package.
Day
17: Depart Reykjavik, Iceland
After
a restful night at your hotel, make your way to Keflavik International
Airport for your onward flight, or spend additional time exploring
Reykjavik at your leisure.
Ocean Explorer (Luxury Expedition, 138-guests)
Ocean Explorer, the newest addition to our fleet, is modern, elegant
and purpose-built for polar exploration. 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.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Specialist
Expedition Leaders
Our
team is comprised of the most professional and passionate Expedition
Leaders in the world, who bring a wide range of experience and
expertise to every adventure.
Immersive
Off-ship Activities
Itineraries
are packed with adventure options designed to immerses travelers in the
polar wilderness, enabling them to connect with the natural wonders of
their surroundings.
On-Ship
Experiences & Facilities
Designed
for comfort and adventure, each ship accommodates no more than 200
guests. Facilities include comfortable cabins, exceptional dining
options, wellness treatments, and breathtaking panoramic views of the
polar landscape.
Food
& Beverages
Premium
dining, with a wide selection of options that accommodate a variety of
dietary preferences.
Quark
Expedition Perks
Complementary
Wi-Fi, alcohol on all voyages, and the Official Quark Expeditions parka
to take home.
Transfers
Select
voyages include essential transportation and accommodation arrangements
for guests, ensuring seamless travel to and from the expedition
starting point.
International
airfare & visa expenses, travel insurance, mandatory expedition
gear, on-ship expenses, adventure options and trip extensions are not included.
Adventure
Options:
- Hiking in the Arctic
- Photography
- Polar Plunge
- Presentations
- Zodiac Cruising
Optional
Activities
- Paddling
Excursion - USD 295
- Sea
Kayaking - USD 1,795
