Three Arctic Islands Iceland, Greenland, Spitsbergen
Highlights
- Encounter the Arctic’s iconic wildlife—polar bears, walrus, and muskoxen—amid blooming tundra and towering glacier fronts.
- Sail Scoresby sund, the world’s largest fjord, where vast icebergs drift in still waters beneath glowing Arctic skies.
- Follow in the wake of polar explorers from Spitsbergen to Greenland to Iceland, uniting the Arctic’s wildest frontiers.
Embark on a 15-day polar odyssey that links three of the Arctic’s most captivating realms—Svalbard, East Greenland, and Iceland—each offering its own brand of wonder and wilderness. From the sophisticated charm of Helsinki to the rugged outpost of Longyearbyen, your adventure begins where civilization gives way to the wild. In Svalbard, austere beauty reigns supreme: glaciers tumble into icy fjords, tundra blooms beneath the endless sun, and polar bears patrol the ice edge. Sailing through these northernmost latitudes, you may venture within just 10 degrees of the North Pole—a feat few on Earth can claim.
As you cross the Greenland Sea, the rhythm of the expedition slows to the sway of the ship and the sweep of seabirds overhead, a prelude to East Greenland’s grandeur. Here, immense fjord systems like Scoresbysund cradle ancient Thule sites, sapphire icebergs, and grazing muskoxen against a backdrop of jagged peaks and glacial silence. Zodiac excursions and shore landings bring you closer to both the region’s wildlife and its rare human presence—most memorably in the remote community of Ittoqqortoormiit.
Ending in vibrant Reykjavik, this voyage leaves you with more than photographs: it gifts a sense of having glimpsed the Earth at its most primal and poetic. Ideal for lovers of remote wilderness, Arctic wildlife, and cultural discovery alike, this is a journey for those who yearn to feel the edge of the map beneath their feet—and return forever changed by the stillness and strength of the North.
Standard Activities
About the Three Arctic Islands Iceland, Greenland, Spitsbergen
Embark on a 15-day polar odyssey that links three of the Arctic’s most captivating realms—Svalbard, East Greenland, and Iceland—each offering its own brand of wonder and wilderness. From the sophisticated charm of Helsinki to the rugged outpost of Longyearbyen, your adventure begins where civilization gives way to the wild. In Svalbard, austere beauty reigns supreme: glaciers tumble into icy fjords, tundra blooms beneath the endless sun, and polar bears patrol the ice edge. Sailing through these northernmost latitudes, you may venture within just 10 degrees of the North Pole—a feat few on Earth can claim.
As you cross the Greenland Sea, the rhythm of the expedition slows to the sway of the ship and the sweep of seabirds overhead, a prelude to East Greenland’s grandeur. Here, immense fjord systems like Scoresbysund cradle ancient Thule sites, sapphire icebergs, and grazing muskoxen against a backdrop of jagged peaks and glacial silence. Zodiac excursions and shore landings bring you closer to both the region’s wildlife and its rare human presence—most memorably in the remote community of Ittoqqortoormiit.
Ending in vibrant Reykjavik, this voyage leaves you with more than photographs: it gifts a sense of having glimpsed the Earth at its most primal and poetic. Ideal for lovers of remote wilderness, Arctic wildlife, and cultural discovery alike, this is a journey for those who yearn to feel the edge of the map beneath their feet—and return forever changed by the stillness and strength of the North.
Itinerary Day to Day
Arrive in Helsinki, Finland
Your Arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, renowned for its extraordinary architecture and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences. If you arrive early, explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring at your included hotel.
Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard & Embark
Exploring Spitsbergen, Svalbard
Cruising
Exploring East Greenland
Cruising
Depart Reykjavik, Iceland
Route Map
Save up to 10%-30% in selected departures.
Save up to 10%-30% in selected departures.
Terms & Conditions
- — The discounted percentage indicates the offer in effect at the time this deal was last updated, and may not reflect the current discounts available.
- — Each passenger's full name is required at time of booking in order to initiate a hold, or to process a confirmed booking.
- — Offer applies to voyage only, not applicable to transfer packages, adventure options, additional hotel accommodations, pre/post tours, insurance, flights, or group bookings.
- — If combined with a dollar value discount, this offer will be applied afterwards.
- — Only a hold booking or a confirmed booking can guarantee the offer.
- — Name changes are not allowed.
- — No cash value.
- — We keep the right to limit, change or discontinue the promo savings discount offer at any time without notice.
The kayak adventure option is open to all levels of experience. However, it is highly recommended that you have some sea kayaking related experience prior to kayaking in the polar regions. Our sea kayaks are the ideal means by which to slow down and connect with the pristine natural environments and surroundings.
Positioning yourself in the seat of a kayak is one of the most intimate ways travelers can connect with the polar regions—at water level, up close, where you can touch and feel every polar sensation imaginable. The Sea Kayak Program enables a small group of like-minded individuals to forge bonds as they explore fjords, glacial faces or mazes of sea ice.
Conditions and logistics permitting, your kayak guide(s) will endeavor to have you paddling as often as possible throughout the voyage. Typically, sea kayakers are shuttled by Zodiac from the ship to an ideal starting point, where the kayak excursion begins. Guests return to the ship by Zodiac at the end of their paddling experience. Some kayak excursions are designed so guests can go ashore and explore.
Glide through the pristine polar waters in a sit-on-top, two-person, inflatable kayak for an unforgettable experience in the Arctic and Antarctic wilderness. These stable, rugged and comfortable crafts are an ideal way to see the polar regions from a different perspective. Experienced guides will lead you safely throughout the paddling excursion. Your group will always be escorted by an additional safety driver who will stay close by to provide additional support.
Is past kayaking experience necessary?
The Paddling Excursion was created for guests with little or no paddling experience, or for those who want a single paddle experience to add variety to their expedition. Participants must be fit enough to enter and exit the inflatable kayak from the Zodiac, and to maneuver with your paddle.
What’s the difference between the Paddling Excursion and the Sea Kayaking Program?
The Paddling Excursion is a one-time, guided outing using stable inflatable kayaks—perfect for beginners or those wanting a short, easy experience. The Sea Kayaking Program is a more in-depth, multi-day experience with traditional sea kayaks, offering experienced kayakers a more active and immersive adventure.
Note: This activity has a minimum age requirement of 18, or, 16 if accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is also a weight restriction of 250 lbs.
When does the Paddling Excursion takes place, and does it conflict with shore landings?
Paddling excursions are scheduled in either a morning or afternoon excursion slot, when weather and sea conditions are ideal. You’ll embark on your paddling excursion while others are exploring in a Zodiac, or conducting a shore landing. You may get to conduct a shore landing after the excursion, however if you don’t, no need to worry as you’ll still have other opportunities to go ashore during the voyage.
What happens if the weather isn’t suitable for paddling?
Your paddle guide will only take you out when the weather is favorable and the water is calm. Your safety is always our top priority. If conditions aren’t suitable on a given day, the excursion will be postponed and rescheduled for a day with better conditions. If we’re unable to run the paddling excursion at all during your voyage due to weather, you’ll receive a full refund for the activity.
How do I book Paddling Excursion?
If you’re booking with one of our Polar Travel Advisors, just let them know you’d like to join a Paddling Excursion and they’ll be happy to add it to your booking (pending availability). If you’re booking online, you’ll have the option to add a Paddling Excursion during checkout, provided it’s available for your chosen voyage.
Already booked your expedition? No problem, just reach out to our Client Experience Team by giving us a call. They’ll confirm availability and pricing, and help you add the experience to your booking.
What you’ll need
Suggested Equipment
Base and mid-layer clothing
Wool or synthetic hiking socks
Glove liners
Hand warmers
Brimmed hat or warm hat
Scarf, buff, or neck warmer
Sunglasses
Waterproof & sweatproof sunscreen & lip balm (minimum SPF 30)
Waterproof camera and accessories
Provided Equipment
Inflatable kayak
Muck boots
Dry suit
Paddle
Gloves
Life jacket
Quark Expeditions parka
Water bottle
What's Included
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Specialist Expedition Leaders.
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Immersive Off-ship Activities.
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On-Ship Experiences & Facilities.
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Food & Beverages.
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Expedition Perks.
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Transfers.
What's Excluded
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International airfare & visa expenses.
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Mandatory travel insurance.
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Mandatory expedition gear
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On-ship expenses.
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Adventure options and trip extensions are not included.
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Svalbard Summer Solstice: Micro Cruise
South Greenland Exploration: Fjords, Waterfalls and Fishing Villages
Arctic Sights and Northern Lights
Iceland & East Greenland: Through the Lens Photography
Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage