The Arctic Riviera Join SSV on a voyage of pure exploration to the largest fjords in the world, paddling in Scoresby Sound where the famous big Greenland icebergs are born. There will be opportunities to visit remote Eskimo communities, and to see wildlife such as musk oxen, reindeer and arctic fox. In the pack ice, keep an eye out for polar bears, walrus, whales and narwhale. This will be a fantastic adventure so don’t miss out - space is limited.
Trip Details
Duration
14 Days
Location
Greenland, Spitsbergen, Norway
Season
July/August
Trip Type
Sea Kayaking
Nearest City
Longyearbyen, Keflavik
Physical Condition Required
Good
Destination(s)
Greenland Iceland Norway
Distance Traveled
10-24 km per Day
Minimum Age Limit
16
Paddling Skill Level Required
Intermediate
Fully Guided
Yes
Guest Capacity
12
Kayaks Supplied
Double Kayaks; Some Singles Available
Kayak Brands
Prijon
Support Vehicles
Ship-Based Trip
Accommodations
Twin share cabins aboard 71-meter ship.
Showers Available
Yes
Transportation to Start Site
Not Included
Dining
Chefs prepare wholesome and uncomplicated meals. If you have special dietary needs, just let SSV know in advance.
About Liquor
Alcohol is sold on board the ship.
Additional Activities
Zodiac Cruises, Shore Excursions
Rates
$7,463.00 - $12,104.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
Additional Rate Info
From AUD $8780: Trip costs are per person in AUD dollars and depend on cabin chosen.
Note: US cost provided is only a guideline based on current exchange rates.
Does not include airfare or pre and post-cruise accommodations and transfers.
Please Note: This trip is not available for the Adventure Agents Program.
Click here to email this trip by "Southern Sea Ventures Pty. Ltd." to yourself or to a friend.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Board Ship, Cruise Begins Embark Longyearbyen
Today there is time to explore the bustling village of Longyearbyen, ‘capital’ of Spitsbergen. In the afternoon, board the ship, Polar Pioneer, and cruise out of the beautiful Isfjorden, escorted by gliding fulmars, and perhaps the occasional puffin. The sea kayakers will attend a briefing to distribute dry suits, pogies (paddling mitts for your hands), life jackets, and dry bags.
Days 2- 3: Sea Kayaking, Zodaic Cruising, Shore Excursions Northwest Coast of Spitsbergen
Cruise northwards along the west coast of Spitsbergen stopping at intriguing places like Kongsfjorden or Magdallenefjorden. Spend long periods kayaking or walking on the lush tundra amongst the summer flowers.
Along Spitsbergen’s north coast, explore places such as Woodfjorden and Leifdefjorden, in search of the mighty polar bear. This is a beautiful place where you can stretch your legs as well as paddle, before heading on a southwesterly course towards the East Greenland pack ice belt and the world’s largest island.
Day 4 : At Sea Cruising southwest across the Greenland Sea - the main outlet of the Arctic Ocean - you may encounter pack ice. The strong icy currents have isolated East Greenland from the rest of the world for millennia. These currents carry nutrients from the Polar Basin, attracting large numbers of fish, seals and whales.
Day 5: On Board Ship - Possible Sea Kayak or Shore Excursion Approaching East Greenland
Approaching East Greenland, seek out pack ice where you may see seals and a variety of seabirds, including Ivory Gulls and migratory Brunnichs Guillemots. Conditions permitting, there will be a good chance to launch sea kayaks today. You may also land on the Greenland coast. This stretch of coastline is ripe for exploration, with its many secrets locked in place by drift ice for up to eight months each year.
Days 6-11: Sea Kayaking, Zodiac Cruises, Shore Excursions Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord & Scoresby Sund
SSV will attempt to enter Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, a remote and rarely visited fjord system with countless opportunities for exploration, that lies within the Northeast Greenland National Park. Then head south along the coast of Liverpool Land, with passage dependent on ice conditions. SSV aims to reach Scoresby Sund, the world’s biggest fjord and a favorite hunting ground of the local Inuit. Massive glaciers dump into this fjord, the birthplace of the famous big Greenland icebergs.
SSV hopes to visit remote Inuit communities like the unpronounceable Ittooqqortoormiit (Scoresby Town) and to hike across the tundra in search of ancient graveyards or summer villages occupied 3,000 years ago by Eskimos. This area provides excellent opportunities for sea kayaking in its maze of calm, interconnecting waterways.
If lucky, you may see musk oxen and seals, and maybe even polar bears or narwhal, although due to the relentless pursuit of the local hunters, these sightings are very rare.
Day 12: Cruising, Possible Sea Kayak or Shore Excursion Kund Rasmussen Land
Sail south along the Blossville Coast of Knud Rasmussen Land where explorations will depend on the weather and ice conditions.
There are virtually no charts for some of the bays and fjords along this stretch of coast. So who knows where your adventures will take you and what you will discover? This evening, head out into the Denmark Strait.
Day 13: At Sea You will be at sea all day, cruising across Denmark Strait towards Iceland.
Day 14: Disembark Keflavik, Iceland Today, arrive at Keflavik, the main port of Iceland. As the journey draws to an end, you will have time to reflect on the amazing experiences you have shared, before bidding each other farewell.
This Package Includes
Accommodations Aboard Ship
Meals on Ship
Kayaks
Dry Suits
Paddling and Safety Equipment
Reservation Policy
A non-refundable deposit of AUD$1500 per passenger and a completed booking form is required to hold your reservation. The balance becomes due 90 days prior to departure. If the balance is not paid by the due date, SSV will regard the booking as cancelled.
Cancellation Policy
If it becomes necessary to cancel your holiday, you must notify SSV immediately in writing. Cancellation will take effect when SSV receives your written notice. The following fees apply when cancellation occurs between:
Time of booking and 90 days prior to departure: loss of your full deposit;
90 and 60 days prior to departure: 50% of the trip cost per person;
Less than 60 days prior to departure: 100% of the trip cost per person.
There is no refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early.
RELATED VACATIONS
In addition to kayaking, browse related adventure travel and active vacations in the following categories:
Featured Adventures
