Arctic & Alaska

Arctic Edges – Iceland Westfjords to East Greenland

8 Days aboard National Geographic Explorer. From AUD $13,618pp.
Small Ship Expeditions
Details

Overview

Sail into pristine corners of Iceland’s Westfjords region and Eastern Greenland, remote areas famed for their fascinating natural features and charismatic wildlife. On this 8-day adventure, actively explore these dynamic shores in a multitude of immersive ways, from hiking past cascading waterfalls to Zodiac cruising through rugged fjords or rafting on a glacial river. Search for whales and seals, walk among prolific sea bird colonies and experience enduring traditions on visits to tiny fishing villages steeped in history.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Discover the rich biodiversity of the remote Westfjords, spotting nesting puffins along the coast and watching for humpback and minke whales in the surrounding waters
  • Navigate the glacier-carved fjords of Greenland while keeping a watchful eye for whales, arctic fox or the more elusive beluga whales and narwhal
  • Take a challenging hike on an island plateau or a thrilling whitewater rafting trip in Skagafjordur, known as the cradle of Icelandic horsemanship and for its stunning geologic formations

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Reykjavík, Iceland / Embark Ship
  • Day 2: Djúpavík
  • Day 3: Skagafjörður
  • Day 4 and 5: East Coast of Greenland
  • Day 6 and 7: Westfjords of Iceland
  • Day 8: Reykjavík / Disembark Ship

This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.

Ship Information

For more information on the National Geographic Explorer please view the ship page.

View National Geographic Explorer

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1: Reykjavík, Iceland / Embark Ship

Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies just below the Arctic Circle. Transfer from the airport to the city and spend the day exploring at your own pace. Check in with the hospitality desk this afternoon before embarking the ship.

Dinner included.

Day 2: Djúpavík

Enjoy a leisurely morning at sea learning about Iceland and its incredible biodiversity. Join your expedition staff on the bow of the ship as you keep watch for the close to 20 different whale species that call the Westfjords home.

Spend the afternoon on the remote eastern side of the Westfjords, an area difficult to access but boasting spectacular beauty and rich history. The tiny town of Djúpavík held its place on the map because of the golden age of herring. During its heyday in the 1930s, its herring plant was the largest concrete structure in Iceland. The plant closed in 1954 but remains as a small museum and a memory of the rich productivity of the herring industry in Iceland. Visit the museum and learn about the significance of this resource to all of Iceland in the 20th century as well as choose from active options in the surrounding mountainsides.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 3: Skagafjörður

Skagafjörður is the gateway to north Iceland, known for its glacial rivers, Icelandic horses and saga history. Take a float trip on the Jökulsá River or visit a historic rural turf farm to understand rural life in Iceland, including the iconic Icelandic horses. Finally, learn about Grettir the Strong, and the saga named after him, by exploring Drangey Island and spotting the multitudes of birds that call the island home like kittiwakes, shearwaters and possibly even ravens and gyrfalcons.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 4 and 5: East Coast of Greenland

Strike out across the Denmark Strait to the wild shores of Eastern Greenland. Known for its volume of calving tidewater glaciers stretching back to the ice sheet, this region offers incredible opportunities to explore multiple fjords aboard ship as well as on landings, where hiking, kayaking or Zodiac cruising might all be possible. While you navigate these waters as a modern-day explorer, spend time on the Bridge or at the ship’s railing, scouring the landscape and waterline for the unique wildlife that call this region home. Look out for humpbacks, beluga whales and seals as well as the elusive narwhal and polar bear.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 6 and 7: Westfjords of Iceland

Explore the beautiful and peaceful Westfjords region of Iceland. Enter Ísafjarðardjúp and land at Vigur Island to visit an eider farm where you’ll learn about the traditional eiderdown collection and cleaning process as well as their prolific bird colonies. Walk over the boardwalks amongst their puffin colony, a shared project between the island owners and conservation partners to develop a safer environment for the puffins along with better infrastructure for local scientists to study the birds. As the ship transits back through the fjord, make your way out to the railings to spot some of the whales that call this region home. The next day explore yet another stunning, remote fjord with expedition activities, including hiking along fjord trails to a dramatic waterfall cascading down from the high plateaus above.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 8: Reykjavík / Disembark Ship

Disembark in Reykjavík and transfer to the airport for flights home.

This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.

Breakfast included.

Next Departure Date: 17 Jun 2026
DatesCabinFromAdditional
17 Jun 2026 - 24 Jun 2026 AUD$13618ppExpand to view prices
Category 1 Cabin AUD$13618ppContact us
Category 2 Cabin AUD$16058ppContact us
Category 3 Cabin AUD$16740ppContact us
Category 4 Cabin AUD$19118ppContact us
Category Solo A AUD$19990ppContact us
Category 5 Cabin AUD$20737ppContact us
Category Solo BAUD$20875ppContact us
Category 6 SuiteAUD$24851ppContact us
Category 7 SuiteAUD$28773ppContact us
03 Jul 2026 - 10 Jul 2026 AUD$13618ppExpand to view prices
19 Jul 2026 - 26 Jul 2026 AUD$13618ppExpand to view prices
26 Jul 2026 - 02 Aug 2026 AUD$13618ppExpand to view prices

**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply

Cabin Details

Category 1 Cabin

17.5m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, non-smoking, 1-2 portholes, writing desk, reading lamp, private bathroom, shower, TV, A/C, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, luggage storage.

Category 1 Cabin
Category 1 Cabin
Category 2 Cabin

16m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, non-smoking, window, writing desk, reading lamp, private bathroom, shower, TV, A/C, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, luggage storage.

Category 2 Cabin
Category 2 Cabin
Category 3 Cabin

19.5m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, non-smoking, window, writing desk, reading lamp, private bathroom, shower, TV, A/C, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, luggage storage.

Category 3 Cabin
Category 3 Cabin
Category 4 Cabin

15.5m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, non-smoking, window, writing desk, reading lamp, private bathroom, shower, TV, A/C, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, luggage storage.

Category 4 Cabin
Category 4 Cabin
Category Solo A

12m², single bed, non-smoking, window, writing desk, reading lamp, private bathroom, shower, TV, A/C, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, luggage storage.

Category Solo A
Category Solo A
Category Solo B

12m², single bed, non-smoking, window, writing desk, reading lamp, private bathroom, shower, TV, A/C, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, luggage storage.

Category Solo B
Category Solo B
Category 5 Cabin

16.5m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, balcony with sliding glass doors, non-smoking, writing desk, reading lamp, private bathroom, shower, TV, A/C, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, luggage storage.

Category 5 Cabin
Category 5 Cabin
Category 6 Suite

33m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, balcony with sliding glass doors, non-smoking, writing desk, reading lamp, large private bathroom, shower, 2 wash basins, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, TV, A/C, luggage storage.

Category 6 Suite
Category 6 Suite
Category 7 Suite

36m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, sofa bed, balcony with sliding glass doors, non-smoking, seating area, writing desk, reading lamp, large private bathroom, shower, 2 wash basins, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, TV, A/C, luggage storage.

Category 7 Suite
Category 7 Suite

National Geographic Explorer Deckplan

deck plan

Specifications

  • Crew: 86
  • Officers: International
  • Guests: 148
  • Tonnage: 6471
  • Length: 367 Feet / 112 Metres
  • Width: 54 Feet
  • Speed: 15 Knots
  • Passenger Decks: 6
  • Built: 1982
  • Registry: Bahamas

What's included?

  • Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
  • Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
  • Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible.
  • Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
  • 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
  • Beer, wine, cocktails, liquors and spirits aboard all ships, with the exception of Sun Goddess and Oberoi Philae. We are also pleased to offer a selection of premium brands available for purchase.
  • Crew gratuities aboard National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution, National Geographic Explorer,  National Geographic OrionSea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, Oberoi Philae, Sun GoddessCharaidew II, The Jahan, Aqua Blu, and Connect.
  • As part of our Suite Amenities program, complimentary laundry is available on suites booked on National Geographic Endurance Categories 6 and 7; National Geographic Resolution Categories 6 and 7; National Geographic Explorer Categories 6 and 7; National Geographic Orion Categories 4, 5, and 6; National Geographic Quest Category 5; National Geographic Venture Category 5; National Geographic Endeavour II Suites A, B, and C; National Geographic Gemini Categories 5, 6, and 7; and the National Geographic Islander II Islander Suite.
  • Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard our National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media. Enhanced and Premium internet packages are available for purchase, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting).
  • Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
  • Onboard physician consultations (where available)
  • Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
  • 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
  • Complimentary National Geographic parka or jacket on select Arctic and Antarctic voyages
  • Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photographer (National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Resolution) and National Geographic certified photo instructor (all ships)
  • Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard our National Geographic fleet, except in Galápagos)
  • Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes

What's not?

  • Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
  • Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
  • Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
  • Additional costs associated with medical services outside onboard physician consultation (where available)
  • Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)

Important notes and additional information

Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable.

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: Arctic

Viking history, Inuit villages and an abundance of wildlife are just some of the wonders you’ll discover in the Arctic. You’ll be amazed by the natural beauty that surrounds you. Search for Polar Bears while cruising through breathtaking fjords or around the nature lovers dream, Spitsbergen.

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

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Arctic Edges – Iceland Westfjords to East Greenland

8 Days aboard National Geographic Explorer. From AUD $13,618pp.