Iceland to Greenland: Total Solar Eclipse

Expedition Overview

Iceland to Greenland: Total Solar Eclipse, 17 Days

Opportunities to witness a total solar eclipse are rare. Your chances of experiencing one in the Arctic—from the deck of a polar ship—are even more rare, considering the last total solar eclipse north of the Arctic Circle occurred in 2015. The next will take place on August 12, 2026.

To satisfy the demand of eclipse-watchers, we’re offering two eclipse-themed itineraries in 2026: Iceland to Greenland: Total Solar Eclipse, 13 days, on the helicopter-equipped Ultramarine; and Iceland to Greenland: Total Solar Eclipse, 17 Days, on one of our newest ships, Ocean Explorer.

This longer voyage—2,200 nautical miles in total—features your bucket-list eclipse adventure, time to explore Northeast and South Greenland, plus you get to check off two of the world’s northernmost capital cities: the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik (64°08′ north), where you’ll have time to explore, and Nuuk, Greenland (64°11′ north), where we disembark for our charter flight back to Reykjavik.

World-renowned eclipse cartographer Michael Zeiler will be onboard to deepen your understanding of eclipse-viewing, observational astronomy, and celestial mechanics. Of course, you’ll also get to witness waterfalls, towering cliffs, and remote fishing villages in the Westfjords, a hidden gem of Iceland, as well as icebergs, wilderness areas, glaciers, and the deep fjords of Greenland.

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 the 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

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.

DAYS 2 – 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, and 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.

DAYS 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 fjord 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.

DAYS 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 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.

DAYS 11 – 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 their polar knowledge in the light-filled Discovery Library. Almost all suites have verandas, ideal for watching the passing Arctic landscape.

Spending time outside on the 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 mining-related structures 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.

Eclipse Expert

Michael Zeiler

We’re honored to have a world-leading eclipse expert on board for the journey. Geographer-turned-eclipse cartographer Michael Zeiler became obsessed with the study of eclipses upon witnessing his first total eclipse in 1991. In his 2009 book, Modeling Our World, he explored how advanced GIS technology could be applied to high-precision eclipse maps. After creating his first eclipse map for the total solar eclipse of July 22, 2009, Zeiler launched the website eclipse-maps.com to showcase new and historic eclipse maps. In 2014, in response to the growing worldwide interest in eclipse-watching, he established GreatAmericanEclipse.com, and subsequently co-authored “Atlas of Solar Eclipses: 2020 to 2045.” Zeiler is a member of the International Astronomical Union Working Group on Solar Eclipses and is honored to have the asteroid (53253) Zeiler named after him.

Arrival and Departure Details, and International Flight Planning

As you prepare for your journey, you may be interested to know your arrival and departure details. Since air transportation is not included in the cost of your expedition, you have some flexibility in planning your flights.

Arrival Day and Embarkation

DAY 1 — ARRIVING AND HOTEL NIGHT IN REYKJAVIK

You may arrive in Reykjavik at any time during Day 1 of the itinerary and make your way to your group hotel, which is included in the Charter Flight & Transfer Package.

DAY 2 — EMBARKATION IN REYKJAVIK

On the morning of Day 2, your luggage will be collected from the lobby of your hotel, transferred to the ship and stored in your cabin. Ship embarkation will occur on Day 2 of your itinerary, usually around 4 pm.

You and your shipmates will meet in the lobby of your hotel and board the waiting buses for transfer to the ship. Information about transfer timing will be posted in the lobby of your Reykjavik hotel.

Final Day and Departure

DISEMBARKATION IN NUUK

Your ship is scheduled to arrive in Nuuk in the morning and you will disembark after breakfast. The disembarkation process takes about an hour. After disembarkation, you will be transferred to the airport for the charter flight to Reykjavik. Upon arrival in Reykjavik, there will be a group transfer to your hotel. The flight from Nuuk to Reykjavik and hotel night are part of your Charter Flight & Hotel Package.

DEPARTING FROM REYKJAVIK

After breakfast the following morning, you may make your way to the airport to connect with your onward flight, or stay longer if you have booked additional accommodation.

Arrival and Departure Transfers

REYKJAVIK AIRPORT TRANSFERS

An arrival transfer in Reykjavik is not included in the expedition; if you require a transfer to the city center, we can arrange it for you separately.

PLEASE NOTE

Included Hotel Accommodations: Your included accommodation begins on Day 1 of your itinerary, and the specific hotel(s) will be indicated in your final voyage confirmation. If you are arriving prior to Day 1 of your expedition or are staying after the disembarkation day, we can book for you extra nights.

Your Ship

OCEAN EXPLORER

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. Spacious cabins feature a modern, bespoke Scandinavian design and almost all have verandas.

Guests can relax and find comfort in the spacious gym, sauna with large windows, and two outdoor Jacuzzis.

Ocean Explorer features ample outdoor viewing areas and multi-height outer decks, which are ideal for long-view photography and wildlife viewing. The vessel is equipped with a fleet of 15 Zodiacs that enable guests to get off the ship quickly and safely for offship adventures. In addition to the well-appointed and spacious public areas, Ocean Explorer has an industryleading mix of sustainability systems, including fuelefficient Rolls Royce engines.

SHIP SPECIFICATIONS:

• Staff and Crew: 105
• Guests: 138
• Lifeboats: 2
• Ice Class: 1A, PC6

Included Activities

These off-ship activities are included in your voyage.

Ready for a little adventure beyond your ship? Each Quark Expeditions® voyage offers a variety of recreational activities to enhance your polar experience.

ECLIPSE–VIEWING ACTIVITIES

Specially curated eclipse-viewing activities are scheduled for Day 7.

Each guest will be given special protective eclipse eye glasses.

ZODIAC CRUISING

Zodiacs are the workhorses of polar expeditions, taking you to places the ships can’t access, allowing you to reach remote shorelines, explore shallow inlets and search for wildlife.

Expedition staff make stepping in and out of them safe and comfortable, and your Zodiac drivers will provide active interpretation, making the landscape come even more alive.

HIKING

Led by experienced staff, exploring on foot is one of the best ways to appreciate the polar landscapes. Our guides are able to accommodate a range of skill levels to suit every guest.

PRESENTATIONS

Enjoy daily chats with and presentations by our world-class onboard polar experts—expedition guides, specialists, photography guides and other special guests who will introduce you to the fascinating history, biology, ornithology, glaciology and geology of the region, and much, much more.

BONUS This voyage also features eclipsefocused special presentations by eclipse cartographer Michael Zeiler.

POLAR PLUNGE

This rite of passage, scheduled only once per expedition, gives you the chance to jump safely into the bracing Arctic waters under the watchful eye of our staff —and just about every single camera on board.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Documenting your voyage so you can take the memories home is a rewarding experience. Our photography guide will help you hone your skills to capture the beauty of the polar regions.

These off-ship activities are included in your voyage.

Contact us for more information about your Included Activities and Adventure Options, including the necessary experience, physical requirements and cost.

Adventure Options

These off-ship activities cost extra and should be booked in advance.

SEA KAYAKING

Imagine gliding across the surface of a bay in the presence of icebergs and glaciers. Our Sea Kayaking program is a great way to intimately explore your surroundings. A small group of kayakers will plan to go out multiple times per voyage as an alternative to shore landings or Zodiac cruises.

The number of opportunities to kayak is weather dependent, and will be conducted only during calm conditions.

Prior kayaking experience is required, and you must be able to do a wet exit to participate. Beginners interested in kayaking should consider participating in the Paddling Excursion.

PADDLING EXCURSION

If you’re interested in kayaking but would like to try something a bit less demanding than Sea Kayaking, you’re the perfect candidate to sign up for a one-time paddle on our stable sit-ontop kayaks—perfect for anyone with minimal or no kayaking experience.

Small groups of passengers will be taken out on calm days, with our expert guides always present to provide instruction and help you connect with the polar sea.

Two groups of 10 will be pre-booked, and once successfully completed, any subsequent outings will be offered via lottery on board.

PLEASE NOTE

Pre-booking is required for all paid activities. We recommend booking early, as spaces fill quickly.

Departure Date

Iceland to Greenland: Total Solar Eclipse, 17 Days.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions

RATES INCLUDE:

• An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep • A pair of special protective eclipse-viewing eye glasses

• Special presentations and keynote address by eclipse experts

• Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities

• All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program

• All shore landings as per the daily program • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)

• Complimentary select beer, wines and select cocktails during bar service hours and dinner

• Complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock

• Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled • A photographic journal documenting the expedition • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin • Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more data-intensive applications.)

• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program

• All luggage handling aboard the ship • Greenland voyages cruise passenger tax

Exclusions

RATES SPECIFICALLY DO NOT INCLUDE:

• *Charter Flight & Hotel Package • International airfare

• Arrival and departure transfers in Reykjavik • 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 and domestic flights

• Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned • Laundry, bar and other personal charges unless specified

• Phone charges may vary by location • Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew

• Additional overnight accommodation • Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities

*CHARTER FLIGHT & HOTEL PACKAGE 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

Your Expedition Team

Our Expedition Leaders and their teams bring diverse expertise in subjects as varied as polar history, marine biology, glaciology, ornithology and photography. Their knowledge and enthusiasm will greatly enhance your immersion into the polar environment and further deepen your connection to the Arctic.

With over 30 years of experience bringing passengers to remote polar regions and an industry-leading staff-to-guest ratio, we know how to safely handle the unexpected. Ensuring this hard earned experience is passed on, our expedition staff receive comprehensive training in Quark Academy, which provides hands-on polar expedition training prior as part of our onboarding process as well as ongoing training for experienced staff.

Raise a Glass and Stay Connected

See below for specifics on our complimentary Wi-Fi and bar service.

Meals on Board

If there is one constant on board, it is that you’ll enjoy delicious meals daily.

While meal times may change due to landings and wildlife sightings, you’ll always be served three well-prepared meals per day. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated by letting us know prior to your expedition.

Breakfasts and lunches are normally served buffet style, while dinners are served plated. À la carte meals are made at the time of your order, allowing our chefs to prepare each dish to your individual needs, ensuring you receive top-quality meals during the course of your expedition.

Complimentary coffee, tea, cocoa and water stations are available around the clock, while soft drinks and juices are available during meals and when the bar is open—all included in the cost of your package.

Enjoy free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner as part of our “Raise a Glass and Stay Connected Free” program.

Premium wines and champagne are available at extra cost and can be billed to your shipboard account. The well-stocked bars on the ship are open late morning, afternoon and evening, though hours may occasionally change to accommodate the expedition schedule.

Possible Excursions

Iceland

FLATEY ISLAND

Flatey is a small island (approximately 2 kilometers long and 1 kilometer wide) in Breiðafjörður Bay, which is located between the Westfords and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Largely uninhabited during winter, Flatey becomes livelier in the summer as Icelanders flock to the quaint outport community with its century-old homes.

Birders come for the Red-necked Phalaropes, Black Guillemots, Arctic Terns and Atlantic puffins. Flatey offers an excellent snapshot of Icelandic outport life. A popular attraction is the local church, built in 1926, which showcases ceiling murals—painted in the 1960s by Spanish artist Baltasar Samper— celebrating local nautical history.

MÖNGUFOSS WATERFALLS

Möngufoss is one of Iceland’s most remote and beautiful waterfalls, where torrents of glacial meltwater cascade down a 60-meter drop. We’ll approach this coastal waterfall by Zodiac, and get a much closer look at the falls during a guided hike.

VIGUR

Vigur is the second-largest island in the Ísafjarðardjúp fjord in the Westfjords.

Located just south of the Arctic Circle, the island measures 2 kilometers long and only 400 meters wide. Visitors can explore traditional Icelandic farmsteads, photograph puffins, or simply enjoy the tranquility of this small-town next to the choppy waters of the North Atlantic.

Thanks to Vigur’s large population of eider ducks (an estimated 3,500 pairs), the island is home to one of country’s primary eiderdown harvesting enterprises.

THE WESTFJORDS

The Westfjords region, in the northwestern part of Iceland, astounds visitors with its dramatic landscapes and natural beauty: jagged coastline, abundant fjords, towering cliffs, rocky peninsulas that jut out into the North Atlantic Ocean, and wildlife scenes featuring puffins and seals. The Westfjords is also home to geothermal hot springs, vibrant fishing villages and scenic hiking trails.

EXPEDITION SPIRIT

Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea, the ice and the weather to guide the route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife encounters as described are expected, but not guaranteed. Your Expedition Team will use their considerable experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not a guarantee.

East and Northeast Greenland

AAPPILATTOQ

Aappilattoq is home to about 100 people, many of whom rely on fishing and hunting for their livelihood. It’s the only settlement in the remote Kujalleq region of South Greenland. While the area has been inhabited since the 19th century, Aappilattoq was only founded in 1922. Its name derives from the Greenlandic word for “red,” inspired by the red mountain that towers above the settlement—which offers some of the most picturesque views in Greenland.

BLOMSTERBUGTEN

Known as the Bay of Flowers, Blomsterbugten boasts a colorful and lush landscape that’s distinct from typical Arctic scenery. We may possibly hike to Noa Lake. Blomsterbugten is also home to a little hut known as “Varghytta” (the wolf hut). Built in 1929, the small hut is still used by the Sirius Patrol, a specialized military unit of the Danish Armed Forces.

BOTANIKERBUGT

Botanikerbugt Bay, in Kong Oscar Fjord, is home to a variety of flora, resulting in the nickname Botanist’s Bay. It’s located on the south coast of mountainous Ymer Ø (Ymer Island) in the vast Northeast Greenland National Park.

HOFMANN HALVØ

This peninsula can be a great location for viewing muskoxen. It is also home to wheatears and snow buntings, and you may spot rock ptarmigans or great northern divers (common loons) while exploring onshore. The peninsula is dominated by deep fjords and towering cliffs, which provide nesting habitats for the robust bird population. Encounter stunning icebergs at this group of small, rugged islands, which offer stupendous views of Scoresby Sund and Øfjord. If conditions permit a Zodiac landing, our expedition team will plan a relatively short hike to an archeological site.

HOLM BAY AND ELLA Ø

Holm Bay is a common landing site on Kong Oscar Fjord that offers panoramic views of the fjord and surrounding area. Ella Ø (Ella Island) is also located within the fjord, and hence within Northeast Greenland National Park.

The legendary Danish navy unit Sirius Sledge Patrol operates here in summer.

We may also spot muskoxen.

PRINS CHRISTIAN SUND (IKERASASSUAQ)

Prins Christian Sund (also known as Ikerasassuaq) is one of the most scenic fjords in the world. The massive tidewater glaciers and dramatically steep cliffs that dominate this picturesque fjord system have earned South Greenland the informal designation “Arctic Patagonia.”

Aappilattoq is one of only two settlements in this remote region.

What to pack on your expedition

WHAT TO BRING

To make it easier for you, all Quark Expeditions voyages include a Quark parka to keep, and a loan of insulated waterproof boots.

For this trip only: We’ll also provide you with a pair eclipse-viewing glasses.

BY SEA AND AIR

All transfers ship to shore, helicopter flights and Zodiac/ship cruising.

• Waterproof pants (mandatory for every Zodiac and helicopter ride)
• Base-layer wool or synthetic top*
• Mid-layer warm or fleece bottom*
• Base-layer wool or synthetic bottom*
• Mid-layer warm or fleece top*
• Warm hat that covers ears (bring an extra)
• Scarf, buff, or other face protection
• Warm wool or synthetic socks (keep a dry pair in your bag, and bring extras for layering)
• Waterproof gloves or mitts (bring an extra, lighter pair for hiking)
• Glove liners*
• Hand and feet warmers*
• Binoculars
• Polarized sunglasses with UV protection (consider bringing an eyewear retainer: string/clip, etc.)
• Sunscreen
• Ski goggles (for Zodiac cruising on snowy or windy days)
• Waterproof, lightweight backpack or dry sack and/or rain sleeve for camera, or a waterproof phone case (to keep gear dry)

* Recommended layering depending on the day’s conditions and your personal thermo-regulation comfort levels.

BY LAND (Shore Excursions and Hiking)

In addition to the gear requirements (as above) mandatory for the transit from ship to shore, it is recommended to bring:

• Worn-in hiking footwear
  (While Muck-boots are provided and encouraged for most shore excursions, additional Gore-Tex–lined or similar waterproof hiking boots can enhance comfort for keen hikers.)
• (Smart) wool or synthetic hiking socks
  (bring an extra pair)
• Lightweight, quick-dry trekking pants
  (*may convert to zip-off shorts depending on your thermo-regulation)
• Breathable waterproof pants* and rain jacket** for outdoor activities in inclement weather
  (*can be the same pants you use for Zodiac operations; **can be the outer shell of the complimentary Quark 3-in-1 Parka)
• Comfortable hiking shirt (long or short sleeve; synthetic/quick-dry or merino wool)
• Hiking gloves (medium thickness; waterproof preferred)
• Hat, buff, or scarf (for wind and weather protection)
• UV protection (hat, polarized sunglasses, sun block, lip balm)
• Collapsible walking sticks for hikes
  (quantities available to borrow on every vessel)
• Additional reusable thermos or water bottle
  (in addition to the collapsible bottle provided)

TO WEAR ON BOARD

• Comfortable casual clothing (lighter shirts, pants or jeans, etc.) for when the ship’s interiors warm up
• Comfortable non-slip, closed-toed, heelless shoes (no flip-flops, sandals or slip-ons for safety)
• Workout attire (for the fitness center and other indoor activities)
• Swimsuit for the Polar Plunge (and—on some vessels—for pool, hot tub, sauna or steam-room use; see your ship book for details)

Note: No formal evening wear is required, but if you’d like something dressy for the Captain’s welcome and farewell cocktails, feel free to pack it.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS

• Passport, visas, immunization records, travel documents, etc. (as required)
• Camera gear — complete with charger, storage medium, transport and cleaning kit (lens cloth, etc.), and extra batteries
• Waterproof cell phone case or rain sleeve for camera
• Earplugs and eye mask for sleeping
• Voltage converters and plug adapters (see ship book for details)
• Moisturizer for face and hands (to combat skin dryness from wind and temperature changes)
• Seasickness, indigestion, headache, or other medications
• Small amount of local currency
• Insect repellent
• Mosquito netting

WEATHER CONDITIONS & TEMPERATURES

Polar weather is extremely variable; temperatures may hover around the freezing mark and winds can be strong. The extended daylight warms sheltered areas so that you may sometimes find it warm enough for t-shirts. However, you may encounter rain, snow squalls, fog and white-outs during an expedition and should be ready for any conditions.

Contact us to personalize your exclusive vacation!