STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise
Trip Code: ACAEGNL
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Reykjavik, Iceland
Finish: Tromso, Norway
SHIP: Sylvia Earle
Iceland, Jan Mayen, Svalbard, Norway
18/08/2026
Breakfast at hotel & All meals, snacks, tea & coffee onboard. Beer, house wine & soft drinks with dinner
Group Transfers throughout
Hotel & Cabin On board a Ship
Half day Iceland tour, Daily Excursions in location, Zodiac Cruising, Onboard Expert Lectures & Briefings by the Experienced Expedition Team
NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather & ice conditions
Embark on an extraordinary Arctic adventure. From the vibrant capital of Iceland to the untouched and pristine landscapes of the High Arctic, this expedition offers an unparalleled journey. Discover the raw beauty of Iceland, with its cascading waterfalls like Dynjandi and the excitement of whale watching. Immerse yourself in the secluded charm of Vigur Island and the rich culture of Ísafjörður. Venture deep into the Arctic as we explore the mysterious Jan Mayen, a volcanic island brimming with wildlife. Experience the magic of Svalbard in autumn, a polar paradise famous for its polar bears and breathtaking glaciers. Conclude your journey in the enchanting landscapes of Norway, with visits to North Cape and Tromsø, gateways to the northern lights. This expedition is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the Arctic’s awe-inspiring beauty and embrace the thrill of exploration.
* Arctic 2026 & Beyond: Promotional discount of up to 25% off available on departure 18 Aug 2026. Discounts are on sale until 31 Dec 2024 and subject to availability. Discounts are not combinable with any other promotions except back-to-back voyage or loyalty discounts. Discounts and pricing are subject to change and may be withdrawn or varied at any time. Price based on triple share cabin.
**No single supplement promotion is based on the full fare and not valid with other promotions or discounts. Offer is only valid on new bookings available until sold out. Availability is limited and capacity controlled and available on select cabins categories only. Offer can be withdrawn at any time and not redeemable for cash. This offer is not combinable with any other discounts (except Loyalty offer). Please contact us for full terms & conditions.
PLEASE NOTE: Pricing is subject to change and availability at the time of booking. Contact us for more information.
Having made your way to Reykjavik, you will be met by a representative and transferred to our group hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality area where you can leave your luggage and enjoy refreshments if arriving prior to 4pm. Whilst here you can collect your luggage cabin tags and speak with our ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about preembarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket.
The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.
Accommodation: The Grand Hotel Reykjavik (or similar)
Today we follow the path of one of Reykjavik’s most popular seismic attractions – the Golden Circle. Stops along our route include Thingvellir National Park, accredited as the site of Iceland’s first parliament. A shaky start to the new nation, it is also the point where the Eurasia and North American tectonic plates meet as an open fissure. Our next stop is Gullfoss waterfall. This impressive water feature tumbles 34 meters into the Hvítá River, offering a popular photographic opportunity. Next we explore the geothermal fields and geysir’s for which Iceland is famous. The variety of hot springs and bubbling pools are mesmerising as the sheer capacity of water and steam erupting from the ground makes you ponder just how much power is beneath your feet. Late afternoon we return to Reykjavik to board the Sylvia Earle.
After boarding, there’s time to settle into your cabin before our important safety briefings before we ‘throw the lines’ to begin our adventure. This evening, meet your expedition team and crew at the Welcome Dinner.
Over the next two days, we explore the Westfjords region featuring outstanding landscapes with jaw-dropping views of dramatic fjords carved by ancient glaciers, sheer table mountains that plunge into the sea and pristine North Atlantic vegetation.
Immerse yourself in the tranquillity as we cruise northward, taking in breathtaking landscapes and keeping a watchful eye for whales. Later, we'll embark on a Zodiac landing to witness the awe-inspiring power of Dynjandi waterfall.
On Vigur Island, birdwatchers can try and tick a few species on their list, while others can enjoy walks and hikes of varying levels of difficulty, soaking in the stunning surrounds. The island's unique ecosystem is a haven for birdlife, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Stroll along the coastline, keeping an eye out for puffins and other seabirds, or venture deeper into the island to discover hidden gems. With its rolling hills, picturesque landscapes, and fresh sea air, Vigur offers an unforgettable experience. The region also features attractive towns such as Isafjordur, surrounded by sheer mountains and steeped in history, evident in its preserved wooden architecture. Delight in its lively cultural scene and abundant outdoor activities.
Enjoy the sea crossing to Jan Mayen Island accompanied by sea birds while searching for whales. Enjoy informative talks from our team of experts, get to know your fellow expeditioners, stay active in the gym or treat yourself to a massage in the wellness centre.
The approach to Jan Mayen is spectacular. The huge 2,277-metre (7,470 foot) Beerenberg volcano is the northernmost active volcano in the world, and it last erupted in 1985. The northern part of the island is a great place to look for whales and dolphins and contains impressive glaciers, some of which reach the sea. If the weather is favourable, we will try to land at Kvalrossbukta, a relatively sheltered bay on the island’s west coast. This is one of the landings used to supply the weather station Olonkinbyen, situated on the eastern side of the island.
The Norwegian Sea surrounding Jan Mayen offers excellent whale-watching opportunities (bottlenose, fin, and perhaps bowhead whales in the pack ice). Sail towards Svalbard, retracing the route of Dutch explorer Willem Barents who discovered Spitsbergen and the Barents Sea, named after him.
Svalbard offers Arctic wilderness at its best. Our experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design our day-to-day itinerary, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, sea-ice conditions, and wildlife encounters.
Phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountains ranges and a polar desert rich in fossils set the stage for heroic tales of early exploration. See walrus hauled-out on sea ice or on beaches. On land, stretch our legs on walks across tundra coming out in brightly-coloured wildflowers. We visit towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots and puffins, and scree slopes that hold Svalbard’s largest little auk colonies. Most memorable are encounters with the majestic polar bear on pack ice.
If you have chosen an optional activity such as kayaking, you’ll have the option to enjoy the activity when conditions allow. For those who are enthusiastic to participate in a polar plunge, as soon as conditions are suitable, you’ll hear the announcement to prepare for an exhilarating plunge, a memory you’ll savour for years to come.
Bear Island, Svalbard’s southernmost outpost, is a remote gem nestled halfway between Spitsbergen and Norway’s North Cape. Despite its name, polar bears haven’t been spotted here since 2004, but the island’s history is deeply intertwined with the Arctic’s most iconic predator, thanks to Dutch explorer Willem Barentsz’s encounter in 1596.
Strategically positioned at the confluence of the Norwegian and Barents Seas, Bear Island boasts a unique landscape. Its northern plains, dotted with freshwater lakes, contrast sharply with the dramatic cliffs that characterise the southern coast. This pristine environment, designated a Nature Reserve, is a haven for wildlife.
The island's southern cliffs are a birdwatcher's paradise, hosting vast colonies of seabirds, including the dominant Black-legged Kittiwake, Little Auk, Common Guillemot, and Brünnich’s Guillemot. Zodiac cruises offer an exhilarating opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, with the chance to spot rarer species like Atlantic Puffins, Northern Gannets, Glaucous Gulls, and Great Skuas.
Enjoy informative talks from our team of experts, get to know your fellow expeditioners or stay active in the gym. Remember to look to the skies at night and hope for sightings of the northern lights.
Over the next few days, we explore parts of Norway’s remarkable 1,000-kilometre (600-mile) coastline. Starting in North Cape, in the very north of the country, we make our way south, stopping in the Lofoten Islands.
The spectacular northern lights are a natural phenomenon that is most commonly seen in the sky above the Arctic Circle, between autumn and early spring. As we are near North Cape in northern Norway, keep a close watch in hope of witnessing this dazzling spectacle in the night sky. The North Cape is located at a latitude of 71° 10´ 21 and is Europe’s northernmost point.
Today you can personalise your expedition by choosing the experience that best suits your interests and level of fitness.
Tucked above the Arctic Circle at latitude 69 ⁰N, Tromsø is the main gateway to experiencing the northern lights in Norway. Today we embark on an enchanting journey into the celestial wonders of the Arctic sky at the Tromsø Science Centre. Join an immersive experience that combines the magic of a northern lights followed by an engaging presentation by an astronomer, providing you with insight into the captivating phenomena of the aurora borealis.
Settle into the comfort of the planetarium’s auditorium for a cinematic journey into the heart of the Arctic night. Join the award-winning photographer Ole Salomonsens on his journey through northern Norway, Finland and Sweden in pursuit of his passion – filming the wildest and most spectacular light show the nature has to offer. Extreme Auroras is a stunning new full-dome visual, featuring the aurora in science, history and myths.
After the movie, enjoy a live presentation by the in-house astronomer, introducing them, a presentation of the few Norse constellations that are still known, and the Hunting Party story from the Sami mythology. This talk looks at the sky from a northern angle and will add new knowledge to old.
At the end you will have time to explore the Science Centre’s interactive displays and exhibits. Engage with hands-on activities that further enhance your understanding of the natural forces at play, making this experience both entertaining and educational.
Disembark in the early morning and bid a fond farewell to fellow travellers before a transfer to the airport to continue your journey.
Delight in Svalbard’s golden autumn light, transforming landscapes into breathtaking photo opportunities.
Experience the thrill of seeing walrus, seals, whales, reindeer, arctic fox, guillemots, and puffins.
Discover Vigur Island and witness the eiderdown harvest and relax with some traditional Icelandic coffee and cake accompanied by the best view in the North!
Sail in the prime region to encounter the natural phenomenon of the dazzling aurora borealis.
Featuring industry-leading technology and streamlined cruising design the Sylvia Earle is one of the most modern and technologically advanced vessels sailing the polar regions. Named after the first female Chief Scientist of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Sylvia Earle lives up to her namesake with a deep focus on protecting the natural environment. The ship features one of the lowest polluting marine engines in the world, with low energy consumption and higher fuel efficiency bringing an overall 80% reduction to emissions compared to Tier 1 engines. The ship also utilises virtual anchoring technology along with thrusters and propellers to minimise damage to the ocean floor caused by conventional anchors. The Sylvia Earle carries a maximum of 132 passengers and has 71 on board cabins. Between landings, guests will be able to enjoy time in the gym, sauna or wellness centre. For zodiac excursions the vessel has four dedicated, sea-level launching platforms making boarding as efficient and safe as possible, allowing you to get off and experience the magical sights of fjords, glaciers and icebergs as quickly as possible. Cabins and suites are elegantly designed and spacious to give guests the most comfortable experience possible. Certified 100% Climate Neutral, with a fully equipped Citizen Science Centre, expert lectures and participative Citizen science programs, to enrich your knowledge and connection to the polar regions.
Ice Class:
Length: 104m
Breadth: Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 10-12 knots
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:126
View Ship Details
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
Optional Activities vary for each itinerary. Limited spaces available. Contact your Destination Specialist for pricing & availability.
Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.
Learn MorePrices are based on per person, may be based on quad/triple/twin share.
Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.
Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions
INCLUSIONS
All transfers as mentioned in the itinerary.
One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Reykjavik on Day 1.
Visit Iceland's famous Golden Circle prior to embarkation, on Day 2.
Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service.
All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage.
Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner.
Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team.
Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation).
One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.
Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage.
Comprehensive pre-departure information.
Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
Wi-Fi. Please note we travel to remote regions and therefore the connection can be unreliable.
EXCLUSIONS
International or domestic flights – unless specified in itinerary
Transfers – unless specified in itinerary
Airport arrival or departure taxes
Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges
Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges
Hotels and meals – unless specified in the itinerary
Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges
All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, wi-fi, email or phone charges
Subject to availability upon request. Contact us for more details.
Departure date, fuel surcharges, cabin category, currency fluctuations, seasonality and availability.