Arctic, Greenland

Iceland to Greenland: Total Solar Eclipse, 17 Day Expedition Cruise

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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-renown eclipse-cartographer Michael Zeiler (see page 6) 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 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

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 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.

Days 6 and 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.

Days 8 and 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.

Days 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.

Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

03 August, 2026 to 19 August, 2026
Ocean Explorer Save up to $2,350 AUD

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Veranda Stateroom

~~$47,595 AUD~~
$45,245 AUD pp

Located throughout the ship and approximately 208 sq. f. (19.3 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There are also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. Note: Cabins include a separate sitting area except 609, 610, 611, 612, 614 and 615.

Veranda Suite

~~$50,095 AUD~~
$47,745 AUD pp

Located throughout the ship and approximately 205 sq. ft. (19.2 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles, and seperate sitting area furnished with a sofa-bed. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.