On arrival into Reykjavik (REK), you will be met and transferred to the group hotel. Visit the hospitality desk to collect your cabin luggage tags and speak with our ground operations team. They will share any important pre-embarkation information and can assist with local dining suggestions, cash withdrawals or last-minute purchases. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Please ensure your main luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. Keep valuables, travel documents, medication and anything needed during the day in your hand luggage. Your main bag will be delivered to your cabin ahead of your arrival onboard. After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board our charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. Here, Sylvia Earle awaits at the head of a vast fjord. Once onboard, settle into your cabin before joining the mandatory safety briefings. This evening, meet your Expedition Team and crew over a welcome dinner as we prepare for the active days ahead.
M/V Sylvia Earle
Grade: Premium Boat
Kangerlussuaq sits at the end of a 190-kilometre (118-mile) fjord and provides rare road access to Greenland’s vast interior. Today, we aim to offer a choice of active experiences across a landscape shaped by ice, rock and tundra. Final options will depend on permits, weather, surface conditions and local operations. Greenland Ice Sheet Hike – Limited Places Journey towards Point 660, where the road ends at the edge of the ice. After a safety briefing and equipment fitting, step into crampons and follow an experienced guide onto the Greenland Ice Sheet. Move across an extraordinary frozen surface of ridges, channels and ancient blue ice while learning how this immense body of ice continues to shape Greenland and influence the planet. Previous crampon experience is not required, but good fitness, balance and mobility are essential. Point 660 and Russell Glacier Discover two of Kangerlussuaq’s defining ice landscapes. Stand at Point 660 for sweeping views across the ice sheet, then continue towards Russell Glacier, where a towering wall of compressed ice rises above the surrounding moraine. Short walks and viewpoints reveal the glacier’s immense scale and the raw terrain left behind by its movement. Tundra Wildlife Safari Head into the broad glacial valleys surrounding Kangerlussuaq in search of musk oxen, reindeer and Arctic birdlife. Explore by vehicle and on foot, scanning the open tundra with local guides who understand the animals, seasonal conditions and subtle signs of movement across this expansive landscape. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the search is all part of the adventure. Kayakers will aim to launch in Kangerlussuaq Fjord, following a route selected for the day’s conditions and operating separately from the inland excursions.
After sailing north across the Arctic Circle, we arrive in Sisimiut, Greenland’s second-largest city and an outdoor-adventure hub framed by mountains, sea and open tundra. Colourful houses climb the rocky slopes above the harbour, while the old blue church and its whalebone gate offer a glimpse into the city’s distinctive character. People have lived in this region for approximately 4,500 years. The Saqqaq, Dorset and Thule cultures each left traces across the landscape, and modern Sisimiut remains a vibrant centre of Greenlandic life, where traditional knowledge, fishing and hunting coexist with contemporary Arctic culture. Today is about choosing how far you want to go. Strong hikers may tackle a section of the legendary Arctic Circle Trail, which begins beyond Sisimiut and stretches through Greenland’s backcountry towards Kangerlussuaq. Another option includes climbing towards Nasasaq, the rugged mountain dominating the city, where steep terrain is rewarded with far-reaching views. If bikes and local permissions can be secured, we also hope to explore Sisimiut on two wheels, linking the harbour, neighbourhoods and surrounding trails. Shorter guided walks will reveal coastal viewpoints, colourful streets and cultural landmarks at a more relaxed pace. Final routes and activities remain subject to conditions, access and group safety. Meanwhile, kayaking-program participants may trace Sisimiut’s rocky coastline, sheltered bays or small islands beneath the city’s dramatic mountain backdrop.
Ilulissat means icebergs and the name could not be more fitting. Nearby Sermeq Kujalleq—also known as Jakobshavn Glacier—moves with extraordinary speed, releasing immense volumes of ice into the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ilulissat Icefjord and Disko Bay. The result is a constantly changing procession of icebergs, some rising like mountains above the sea. Set out on foot along the Icefjord trail network, crossing open rock and tundra towards viewpoints over the ice-filled fjord. Choose a route suited to your energy and experience, from a shorter walk to a more sustained hike revealing the landscape from different angles. The sound of shifting ice and the scale of the frozen panorama make this one of Greenland’s most powerful experiences. There may also be time to visit the architecturally striking Icefjord Centre and learn more about the glacier, its surrounding environment and thousands of years of human connection to this place.
Over the next three days, we leave the timetable behind. Ice, weather and opportunity will shape our exploration of Disko Bay and its surrounding fjords. We may Zodiac cruise among sculpted icebergs, scout a remote shore for an unplanned hike or visit a rarely reached community. The kayaking group may seek out a longer paddle in sheltered water, while everyone can keep watch for humpback and minke whales, seals and seabirds as the adventure unfolds.
Volcanic Disko Island rises dramatically from the bay, its black-sand beaches, broad valleys and dark mountains contrasting with the granite landscapes found elsewhere in Greenland. We plan to use Qeqertarsuaq as a launch point for some of the voyage’s biggest adventures, while retaining the freedom to adapt to local conditions. The headline challenge is the hike towards Lyngmark Glacier. Beginning near sea level, the route climbs steadily through tundra and mountain terrain, gaining around 800 metres (2,625 feet) towards the ice above Qeqertarsuaq. It is a demanding day requiring strong fitness, sure footing and stamina, but the reward is an immense panorama across Disko Bay, scattered islands and drifting icebergs. Snow, trail and glacier conditions will determine how far the group can safely progress. For a more moderate challenge, the Kuannit trail follows the coast through tundra and volcanic terrain to basalt columns, freshwater springs and open views across the bay, with continued opportunities to watch for whales and seabirds. Beyond these planned highlights, conditions may open the door to additional hikes, Zodiac cruises, kayaking or a community visit.
Routes, landings and activities remain subject to weather, ice, permits and the Expedition Team’s assessment—but with three days in the region, we have time to pursue the strongest opportunities across Disko Island and its surrounds. Throughout our time in the region, kayakers will aim to explore Disko Island’s volcanic coastline and sheltered, iceberg-filled bays whenever conditions allow.
Return to Kangerlussuaq and transfer to the airport after breakfast on board, for your charter flight back to Reykjavík.
Polar travel requires a degree of flexibility, and our itinerary can change at short notice. While we’ll always aim to visit our planned landing sites, weather and other factors might affect the running order of this trip. Our expert leaders and captain will have the final say.
Occasionally, during extreme weather, we might be unable to land the ship. There is a gym, sauna, and library onboard, so there’s plenty to keep you busy.
It goes without saying it’s going to get chilly! We recommend appropriate clothing, including waterproof outerwear and base layers – a recommended packing list will be provided beforehand.
While we hope to see polar bears and other Arctic wildlife during this trip, sightings can’t be guaranteed.
It’s worth noting that this trip isn’t exclusive to Explore, and you’ll be travelling with passengers from other companies.
Type B (North American) - Two flat prongs + ground pin
GMT-01:00,GMT-03:00,GMT+00:00
Type K (Danish) - Two round pins + ground pin
Christianity (Lutheran)
GMT+00:00
Type E/F (European Schuko) - Two round pins + ground contacts
Whilst landings are included in the cost of your trip as per the outline itinerary, some departures aboard the MV Sylvia Earle have additional optional excursions which can be pre-booked with the ship operator directly. These will be charged at an additional fee, depending on the excursion and we recommend booking these in advance to ensure availability. Please speak to a member of our Polar team who will advise you on the booking process.
Parkas
A complimentary parka is provided for you on board the ship and is yours to keep after the voyage. It has a comfortable wind-resistant inner jacket, which is detachable from the waterproof outer shell, and is designed to be worn over your essential base layers.
Gloves
Keeping your hands warm and dry can be a challenge. Thin polypropylene gloves can be worn underneath warm outergloves. This allows you some protection from the cold when removing your gloves to operate your camera etc. We strongly recommend that you bring more than one pair of gloves, in case one gets wet (or lost).
Hat/Cap
Warm, woollen hat/cap to protect your ears, as well as a scarf, neck gaiter or other face protection, such as a balaclava.
Trousers
Water-resistant trousers of coated nylon or, even better, Gore-Tex® are essential for your comfort. They can be worn over your regular clothes to keep you warm and dry. We suggest that you purchase trousers a few sizes larger than you normally wear as you will be wearing them over other clothing. Gore-Tex® or similar fabrics are excellent for keeping out wind and water without trapping excess heat. Rain gear and Gore-Tex® products can be found in any outdoor sport clothing store. In addition to your waterproof trousers, warm ski pants are suggested if you have them. Warm trousers such as jeans, corduroys etc are also good.
Socks
Warm wool socks worn over a thin pair of silk, polypropylene socks should provide enough warmth and insulation for your feet. Bring several pairs of socks, since you will inevitably get your feet wet.
Outer Clothing Woollen, knit or cotton sweaters/tops, polar fleece tops (medium weight), several cotton turtlenecks and T-shirts for layering on and off the ship.
Underclothing
Thermal underwear is highly recommended as it will keep you warm without adding bulk. Most polar travellers prefer a lightweight version.
Complimentary waterproof boots will be supplied on-board. However, if you have extra small or large feet, you are advised to bring your own. Also ensure you take good walking boots and trainers for relaxing.
Sunglasses and sun cream
Insect repellant
Personal toiletries
A refilllable water bottle
Books/reading material
Camera and memory cards
Seasickness remedy
Walking poles
The suggested amount is USD $15 per person per day spent on board. Tipping is a personal choice and is purely discretionary.
The Sylvia Earle is a 104 metre ship, purpose-built for expedition travel and built to world-class polar standards.With just 130 passengers, guests will enjoy the same added comforts as its sister ship, the M/V Greg Mortimer, such as spacious stateroom cabins, a large mud room and easy boarding access. A distinguishing feature of the Sylvia Earle is the glass-fronted atrium which offers excellent viewing opportunities from the interior of the ship. On-board facilities include a library, a two-level science centre, wellness centre with a gym, sauna, spa, outdoor Jacuzzi and a multimedia room. There is also a swimming pool on the outer deck.
The lead-in prices on our website are based on triple outward facing, Stateroom cabins. All staterooms have private bathrooms, ample storage, with twin beds. Many of the stateroom categories, have floor to ceiling windows that offer prime observation opportunities around the clock. Additionally, there are private balconies in most of the staterooms, allowing you to watch the world float past and take in the salty air of the open ocean. A full layout of the deck plan can be found under the Polar Ships section on our website. Your confirmed cabin type will appear on your Booking Confirmation, which will be sent on receipt of your deposit payment.
Meals are served in the large, spacious dining room with an open seating arrangement, perfect for swapping stories with your extended expedition family. A range of courses is offered at each meal time and you can enjoy a variety of house wines, beers and soft drinks which are included with your evening meal. Complimentary coffee, tea and snacks are available throughout the day and any additional drinks can be purchased at the fully-stocked bar.
Meals are served in the large, spacious dining room with an open seating arrangement, perfect for swapping stories with your extended expedition family. A range of courses is offered at each meal time and you can enjoy a variety of house wines, beers and soft drinks which are included throughout your voyage. Complimentary coffee, tea and snacks are also available throughout the day and any premium drinks, not included in your voyage cost can be purchased at the fully-stocked bar.
On the last day of your trip, the team will provide a special farewell four-course dinner with cocktails - a perfect way to end your voyage and reflect on your magnificent time on-board.
Norway: Entry visas NOT required by UK, AUS, NZ, USA, CAN Citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.
Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.
Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.
Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.
If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking. For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here
Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.
You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.
We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.
On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.
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