Colorful houses dot a rocky bluff overlooking the ocean, icebergs, and mountains, in the greenland, the arctic circle
a puppy sits on the ground in greenland
Zodiac boat with south Greenland travelers cruises past a massive iceberg resembling a snow-covered mountain in the sun.
Guides and passengers from Essential Greenland expedition cruise stand atop a rock, arms outstretched, with a view of the ocean and the arctic in front of them.
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Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

Wild Fjords of South Greenland: Land of the Vikings

On this 13-day voyage aboard Ultramarine, enjoy an ultra-immersive exploration of Greenland’s serene shores, sailing the icy waters of the rarely traveled southeast coast. Travel down to the lush southern tip, stop to visit local communities and Viking sites, and observe imposing glaciers on the south and southeast coasts, which are the featured regions of this voyage.

Visits to picturesque communities and Viking sites provide an intimate look into Greenland’s distinct culture and history. And the rugged landscape, highlighted by dramatic fjords, imposing glaciers, towering mountains, verdant valleys and incredible wildflowers, will leave you breathless. Search for whales, seals and seabirds. Explore icebergs, glaciers and fjords. And experience flightseeing aboard on of Ultramarine’s twin-engine helicopters.

The 13-day Wild Fjords of South Greenland: Land of the Vikings cruise is aboard the 199-guest Ultramarine, a modern, purpose-built polar expedition vessel. Her twin helicopters access unique terrain; her innovative, internal hangar launches Zodiacs in a modern way; and her specialized, cutting-edge safety features provide added security in remote Arctic environments. AdventureSmith Explorations’ crew of award-winning polar small ship cruise experts have personal experience sailing in the polar regions. Contact us to discover more about this Arctic small ship cruise and other options to suit your travel interests and timeline.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Greenland small ship cruises or more Arctic cruises and Arctic trips.



Itinerary

Wild Fjords of South Greenland: Land of the Vikings Itinerary

This South Greenland cruise operates from Reykjavik, Iceland to disembark in Nuuk, Greenland, with a charter flight to end the trip in Toronto, Canada.

Route map of Wild Fjords of South Greenland cruise from Reykjavik, Iceland to Nuuk, Greenland with a charter flight to end in Toronto, Canada.
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Day 1
Arrive Reykjavik, Iceland

Arrive in the Icelandic capital and make your way to your included hotel. You will have the rest of the day to explore the city on your own.

Accommodations

Hotel TBA

Meals

n/a

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Day 2
Embark Reykjavik

This afternoon, board your vessel and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead!

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 3 - 4
Denmark Strait & At Sea

As you sail across the Denmark Strait, your expedition team will teach you about the wildlife and enthralling history of Greenland, its fascinating geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. Staff will also keep watch for the seabirds you’ll likely see soaring around your ship, as well as the whales that can be encountered here.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 5 - 6
Exploring Southeast Greenland

Your exploration of Greenland begins with South East Greenland, one of the least visited and most remote parts of the island. Your days sailing along the coast will be guided by weather and ice conditions, with each day and each excursion presenting new adventures. The region is a sight to behold, boasting a mesmerizing maze of vast glaciers, steep mountains and breathtaking fjords.

Another possible destination is Lindenow Fjord (Kangerlussuatsiaq), and if conditions are favorable, it’s a great spot for hiking through lush and varied flora, surrounded by epic mountain vistas. This rarely visited deep fjord is fed by a number of glaciers and offers ample opportunities for your camera to get a workout.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 7 - 8
Exploring South Greenland

Sailing on, explore Greenland’s fertile southern coast. Nicknamed Arctic Patagonia, this region is as rich in spectacular scenery as it is in history and culture. Here, it’s easy to see why Erik the Red gave Greenland its name: everywhere you look rewards with vistas of icy waters set against a backdrop of soaring mountains and unbelievably lush, green valleys. Scattered around the shores of the fjord systems that dominate the area are several small settlements, both ancient and present day, making South Greenland an ideal place to explore.

The magical Prins Christian Sund (Ikerasassuaq), a complex maze of narrow fjords and channels, is a great place for cruising. You’ll explore this stunning sound, home to calving glaciers, jagged mountains and sheer cliffs that plunge dramatically into the water. Sailing through this fjord from the vantage point of your ship or a Zodiac is an exhilarating experience. If conditions allow, venturing ashore provides opportunities for all levels of hiking.

Steeped in Norse history, the southern coast of Greenland provides plenty of places to learn about this ancient culture. One such landing we hope to make is at Hvalsey (Qaqortukulooq), the site of Greenland’s largest and best-preserved Norse ruins. Exploring the remains of the circa 14th-century church will feel like stepping back in time, as the building appears much as it did when it was abandoned in the 15th century and the surrounding fells and fjord remain similarly untouched.

The little village of Igaliku, home to about 25 inhabitants, is Greenland’s oldest sheep-farming settlement. It’s a charming place to go ashore, as sheep peacefully graze on the grass, surrounded by bloom-covered rolling valleys and tall mountains. The area is also known for its storied past, as evidenced by the remarkable red sandstone ruins of the Gardar cathedral (the largest church in Greenland in the Middle Ages) and bishop’s residence, which date back to the early 12th century, when Greenland’s first bishop was appointed. Wandering the foundations, excavated in 1926, you’ll get to see a bit of history firsthand as you learn about this interesting relic of the Viking period. Together with four other historic farming communities, Igaliku is part of the newly established UNESCO World Heritage Site Kujataa.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 9 - 11
Exploring West Greenland

Boasting spectacular glaciers, mountainous landscapes and vibrant communities, the west coast of Greenland will leave you awestruck. Heading north, each day hope to take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites, discovering some of the quaint communities dotting the islands and fjords in the region and cruising in some of Greenland’s most picturesque places.

The west coast is home to Nuuk, the charming Greenlandic capital. You’ll have time to wander the streets of the historic Old Nuuk neighborhood and see the Hans Egede Church and Hans Egede statue near the waterfront, both named after the missionary who founded the settlement. History buffs will want to visit the national museum to view the famous Greenlandic mummies, found under a rock outcrop in 1972 by two brothers who were ptarmigan hunting.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 12
Disembark Nuuk, Greenland, Fly to Toronto, Canada & Overnight

Enjoy one more Zodiac ride to shore, where you’ll board your charter flight to Toronto, Canada. Upon arrival in Toronto, be transferred to your included hotel.

Accommodations

Hotel TBA

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 13
Depart Toronto, Canda

Today, you can make your way home at your leisure or spend some time exploring this artistic city.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Mandatory Transfer Package ($695 for 2025; 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 Toronto; group transfer from Toronto Pearson Airport to group hotel on Day 12; one night’s post-expedition hotel accommodation in Toronto); shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; all meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board; select beer and house wine during dinner; all shore landings per the daily program; leadership throughout the voyage by experienced expedition leader; all Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program; formal and informal presentations by expedition team and special guests as scheduled; photographic journal documenting the voyage; a pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings; official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep; coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock; hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; all luggage handling aboard ship; Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person; Greenland voyages cruise passenger tax.

Exclusions

International airfare; arrival and departure transfers, except where listed in the Mandatory Transfer Package; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above; meals ashore unless otherwise specified; baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended; excess-baggage fees on international flights; mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned; laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified; phone and Internet charges; voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew; additional overnight accommodation; any adventure options.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 180 days – $1,250 fee
179 to 120 days – 100% of deposit
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 60 days – 75% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Wild Fjords of South Greenland cruise begins in Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF) and ends in Toronto, Canada (YYZ). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Reykjavik anytime on Day 1 of the itinerary and make your way to the included hotel. Embarkation is on Day 2 in Reykjavik (typically around 4:00pm) with an included transfer from the hotel to the ship. Disembarkation is between 7:00 and 8:00am on Day 12 of the itinerary in Nuuk, Greenland, followed by a return charter flight to Toronto. Plan flights to depart Toronto on Day 13 of the itinerary anytime after breakfast; however, AdventureSmith strongly suggests that a flexible air ticket be held for your journey home in case you need to change your travel arrangement following a delay of the return flight from the Arctic. Airport transfers in Reykjavik and Toronto are not included and cannot be pre-arranged through the cruise operator. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

A group charter flight between Nuuk and Toronto is required on this trip’s itinerary; see the Mandatory Transfer Package information listed in this trip’s Inclusions. There is a luggage limit which will be detailed in your final documents. There is no option to pay for additional luggage. On Day 12 of the itinerary, the ship is scheduled to arrive at the pier between 7:00am and 8:00am local time. Disembarkation follows breakfast, with a transfer to the airport for the charter flight to Toronto.

Activities

Various optional activities may be available on your Wild Fjords of South Greenland cruise, for guests aged 16 and older. The sea kayaking program must be reserved in advance. One-time paddling excursions are available for those who want something less in-depth than the full sea kayaking program; no experience is necessary. Each departure’s first paddling excursion may be pre-booked and all subsequent outings are booked on the ship. Please contact AdventureSmith to reserve activity space with your booking. Sea kayaking is $795; one-time paddling excursion is $295; hiking, photography, the polar plunge and flightseeing are all included.

Room Configuration

Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a triple or twin-shared cabin, where you will be matched with a person of the same gender. If the other cabin berth goes unsold, you will be guaranteed the double rate. Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x (2x for Premium cabins) the per-person listed rate in select cabins based upon availability. Premium Cabins are as follows:
Ultramarine: Deluxe Balcony Suite, Terrace Suite, Penthouse Suite, Owner’s Suite & Ultra Suite

Families & Children

At date of embarkation, a minimum age restriction of 8 years and minimum height and weight requirements (weight of 64lbs or 29kg and 48 in. or 1.2 m. tall) must be met. Children under 16 years of age must be supervised by a parent/guardian at all times, and may not participate in adventure options.

Travel Insurance

Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of up to $500,000 USD per paying traveler provides coverage between the first and last day of ship-based travel and is included in the cost of this trip. For ship- and land-based trips, additional days of travel pre- and post-expedition are not covered. Travelers are responsible for having adequate international medical coverage prior to embarkation, with a minimum benefit of $50,000 USD. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers also protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change.

Jul 19 - Jul 31, 2025
Ultramarine • 13 days
brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity A brown kayak paddle icon depicting a one-time paddle activity option
From $8251USD
Per Person
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brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity Kayaking
A brown kayak paddle icon depicting a one-time paddle activity option One-Time Paddling
Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
Ultramarine

The new Ultramarine 199-passenger polar ship is purpose-built for safety and far-off exploration in Antarctica and the Arctic. Dual helicopter pads and an incredible 70-day cruising range allow access to the hardest-to-reach places.

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Current Deals on This Trip

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Expert Review

Reviews From Our Experts So You Know What To Expect

Andrew Browning • December 1st, 2023
Expert Aboard: Ultramarine Ship Review

Read a detailed ship review from our expert who was aboard Ultramarine, plus see traveler ratings on everything from the food & helicopters to his Greenland itinerary highlights.

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Wild Fjords of South Greenland: Land of the Vikings

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