EXPEDITION CRUISE

Iceland & East Greenland: Through the Lens Photography

All departures of this trip

CRUISE ID # AURORAIGR001S

Reykjavík TO Reykjavík

Iceland & East Greenland: Through the Lens Photography
Iceland & East Greenland: Through the Lens Photography
Iceland & East Greenland: Through the Lens Photography
No Single Supplement
Embark on our Photography Expeditions where you’ll capture the world’s wonders, alongside some of the finest photographers on the planet. Our photographers will teach you the tricks of the trade, whether you’re wielding professional gear or snapping shots on your smartphone. Enjoy extended opportunities for breathtaking shots, from specially designed Zodiac cruises to immersive onshore excursions, where every moment becomes an invitation to create.

Our multiple award-winning photographers will inspire you with their passion, sharing their insights through onboard presentations and off-ship guidance. An exploration crafted for the discerning eye; this one-of-a-kind photography voyage unveils the dramatic landscapes of Eastern Greenland and Iceland’s Westfjords. East Greenland beckons, a land where colossal icebergs calve from glaciers into deep fjords, offering unparalleled opportunities to capture the raw power of nature.

Witness the dance of light as kittiwakes, arctic terns, and glaucous gulls dive amidst the sculptural ice, a photographer’s dream. In Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord system, photograph icebergs drifting serenely against the vibrant autumnal flora, while keeping your lens ready for arctic hares, musk oxen, and the camouflaged ptarmigan. True photographic exploration awaits at every turn
TRIP STARTS ON
July 31, 2027
SHIP SAILS ON
July 31, 2027
HOTEL NIGHTS
Pre-Cruise: 0, Post-Cruise: 0
SHIP
Sylvia Earle
TRIP ENDS ON
August 10, 2027
STOPS
11 Stops, 1 Country
CRUISE NIGHTS
10
OPERATOR
Aurora Expeditions
FROM: 

$13,196

WITH SPECIAL SAVINGS APPLIED

FARES SHOWN ARE PER GUEST

Suites & Fares

No Single Supplement

CHOOSE START DATE 

: July 31, 2027

 
STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR PREFERRED DEAL
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Itinerary

11 Ports
1 Country

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

Iceland is well-known for its spectacular waterfalls. The iconic Dynjandi waterfall, located in the Westfjords region, is regarded as one of Iceland’s most impressive and majestic waterfalls. At the top, the cascading water is roughly 100 feet wide and tumbles down about 330 feet into the fjord. Its name Dynjandi means, “the thundering one” and its vast size, enormous sound, and sheer force is overwhelming. It has also been nicknamed, ‘The Bridal Veil’ because of the way the water sprays and spreads over the rocks.

In the coming days, a host of choices are available to us, and depending on ice and weather conditions, the east coast of Greenland is ours to explore. Our experienced Expedition Team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor our itinerary on a day-to-day basis. This allows us to make best use of the prevailing weather, ice conditions and encounters with wildlife. We generally attempt up to two landings or Zodiac excursions per day, including cruising along spectacular ice cliffs, following whales feeding near the surface. East Greenland contains some of the Arctic's most impressive scenery. Deep fjords and narrow channels, flanked by sharp ice-clad peaks up to 2,000 m (6,562 ft) high. Gigantic icebergs calved from glaciers drift throughout the fjord system creating breathtaking scenery. The landscape is filled with multi-coloured tundra home to musk oxen and arctic hare. Throughout the area are ancient Thule archaeological sites, historical trappers' huts, and modern Inuit hunters' cabins. A highlight is a visit to the Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit, the most isolated and northernmost permanent settlement in the region, with approximately 500 inhabitants. Here you can explore the village, the fascinating museum or sit in the beautiful Lutheran Church. The locals are friendly, and from underneath their Arctic fox-fur jackets, the shy young children are keen to say hello and practice their English. The community boasts an excellent museum, gift shop, an abundance of Greenlandic sled dogs, and the opportunity to meet Inuit people. Each day offers new compositions: reflections on glassy waters, glacial textures, and vast tundra painted in autumn hues. Thanks to the fertile volcanic soil mountains that protects areas from the strong winds, the area is rich in wildlife. You may spot everything from muskox and arctic foxes to mountain hares and even reindeer near the fjord. Look skyward and you could catch a glimpse of birds including common eider, glaucous gull, black-legged kittiwake, northern fulmar, and arctic terns gracefully gliding or plunging into icy bays for zooplankton. North of Scoresbysund, we hope to visit Kong Oskar and Kaiser Franz Josef fjords, two of the most significant fjord systems in Greenland, each one encompassing several smaller fjords and sounds. Thanks to the fertile volcanic soil and the surrounding mountains offering protection from strong winds, the area is rich in wildlife. You may spot everything from musk ox and arctic foxes to mountain hares, and even reindeer, near the fjord. Look skyward and you could catch a glimpse of birds, including the glaucous gull, black-legged kittiwake, northern fulmar, common raven and common eider. There are great hiking options in the area, where flowering tundra plants, scattered bones of whales and muskox from centuries of hunting by the Inuit and fumaroles can be found. These are areas where heated groundwater boil to the surface creating bubbling pools and mineral formations as the water reacts with the atmosphere. The area also boasts some of the most striking sedimentary sandstone, shale, and siltstone formations imaginable. The layers of sediment here are estimated to have taken about 4,000 years to be laid down, and the alternating colours and patterns in the layers of rocks are stunningly beautiful. Golden-hour light and expert guidance from onboard photographers ensure unforgettable images and creative growth each day.
Day
Five
Arrival
August 04, 2027
Port
Greenland's East Coast Fjords
Day
Six
Arrival
August 05, 2027
Port
Greenland's East Coast Fjords
Day
Seven
Arrival
August 06, 2027
Port
Greenland's East Coast Fjords
Day
Eight
Arrival
August 07, 2027
Port
Greenland's East Coast Fjords
Day
Nine
Arrival
August 08, 2027
Port
Greenland's East Coast Fjords

As we cross the Denmark Strait to Iceland, we begin our series of informative and entertaining onboard lectures from our team of experts.

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

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About the Ship

Name

Sylvia Earle

Operator

Aurora Expeditions

A floating ambassador for the planet.

On our small purpose-built ship, the Sylvia Earle, connect with like-minded travellers in a meaningful way on perspective-altering voyages to some of the most remote, unique and spectacular places on the planet. Featuring the Ulstein X-BOW® design, it cuts through the swell for a smoother transit through waves while minimising its environmental impact.

Ship Facts
cabin count
71
capacity
130
crew count
74
deck count
8
currency
USD onboard
gross tonnage
7400
language
en
launch year
2022
length
104.4m
speed
12kts
wheelchair count
2
width
18.2m

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DINING
From the moment you step onto the Sylvia Earle, we aim to give you the best hospitality service possible. Starting with the official Captain's Welcome, as our guests, you're welcome to 24 hours complimentary coffee, tea and snack facilities in addition to a range of different menu options and courses for each meal. 
Dining

Whatever adventures the day holds, you will be fuelled-up with hearty meals and delicious morning and afternoon teas cooked by our onboard chefs.

Meals are a great time to soak up the expedition camaraderie in our open seating dining area. Share stories with your fellow travellers and ask our expedition team questions that may have come up during the day.

Tea, coffee, and snacks are available 24 hours a day, and our chefs offer dif....

The Rockhopper Restaurant

More information coming soon.

Gentoo

More information coming soon.

Entertainment

When you’re relaxing during a sea day or you have a little downtime on the ship between excursions, what is there to do onboard the Sylvia Earle? Plenty!

The Sylvia Earle is also decked out with other facilities for your enjoyment. There is a library on Deck 5 with books and maps and a Wellness Centre complete with gym equipment, sauna and spa. Feeling a little sore after walking around all day? Treat yourself to a massage at the Wellness Centre and feels the aches disappear!

Observation Points

Let's face it – you don't want windowless rooms when travelling around some of the most beautiful locations around the world. This is why the Sylvia Earle is designed with plenty of dedicated observation spaces – ideal for keen bird spotters, wildlife watchers and those wanting to watch the scenery go past.

From the indoor 180-degree lounge and outdoor 360-degree open deck, both on deck 8, to the 270-degree open sundeck on level 7, there....

Bars & Lounges

Communal meeting areas have always played a major role in fostering the warm camaraderie on board our ships. They are the heart of the expedition, where people meet to share tales from the day, swap photos, keep an eye out for wildlife and watch the sun go down.

The bars and lounges on board are refined yet inviting places to gather, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views, and of course friendly bartenders to shoot the bre....

Library & Multimedia Centre

With floor-to-ceiling windows, the library is a peaceful sanctuary where you can find non-fiction books to read up on the day’s destinations, plug in and organise your photos or play board games with newfound friends.

Choose from our range of informative non-fiction titles, wildlife guidebooks, travel journals, novels and a selection of children’s books and board games.

Wildlife guides, books and binoculars can also be found on the....

Glass Atrium Lounge
Experience the Glass Atrium Lounge inside the bow, featuring huge windows and superb views to the front of the ship.
Observation Lounge

Wildlife guides, books and binoculars can also be found on the observation lounge on deck 8, the perfect place to relax and watch the incredible landscapes pass by, or spot unique polar wildlife. 

Health And Fitness

There is a Wellness Centre complete with gym equipment, sauna and spa. Feeling a little sore after walking around all day? Treat yourself to a massage∘ at the Wellness Centre and feels the aches disappear!

Sauna & Spa

You are welcome to visit the wellness centre during your voyage where you can use our sauna (which we highly recommend after the polar plunge!) or book a massage (additional cost applies).

Gym

In between landings, enjoy complimentary access to the onboard gym.

Swimming Pool & Sun Deck

There are also two jacuzzis on the top outside deck with amazing views of the world outside.

Enrichment

One of the great benefits of travelling with AE Expeditions is the number of optional activities that you can participate in. From kayaking and skiing to diving and climbing, these are one-in-a-lifetime opportunities that you need to take advantage of.

Aboard the Sylvia Earle there is a specially designed launching platform for all activities, a concept overseen by our activity experts. This area also includes individual lockers in the expansive mudroom and rapid drying areas for wetsuits so you can quickly get warm after exploring in the elements!  

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Citizen Science

Travel is always the best educator and we offer the chance to enrich your curiosity and expand your knowledge and understanding of the places we travel to. There is no better learning opportunity than being in the field with subject matter experts.

Our Citizen Science Program is designed to be an interactive forum of like-minded travellers to share new discoveries and deepen their connection to the natural world in a relaxed, informal an....

Excursions

Although the ship is fun, the real enjoyment comes from the many shore excursions that are available. Depending on weather conditions, it may be possible for multiple landings, taking a look at everything from rock formations and ancient ruins to cute groups of penguins. We know time is of the essence in these wild locations, so the Sylvia Earle has been designed to carry 15 Zodiacs, which means you can maximise your time on shore.

From ....

Science Centre & Lounge
Learn more about the world we explore with our onboard naturalist and expedition team in our science centre, or enjoy superb views to the front of the ship.
Lecture Theatre

On all expeditions you will meet naturalists and local specialists, who offer presentations on their area of expertise to deepen your understanding of the region you’re visiting.

Join the team in the lecture theatre for presentations covering topics as broad as history and culture, biology and climate change, but they have one thing in common: they all aim to engage, educate and entertain.

Mudroom

No need to take your wet expedition gear back to your cabin to dry. Keep your cabin warm and cosy by leaving your outer jackets and pants in the mudroom.

The mudroom is your launchpad for all shore excursions and activities. Here, you will have access to a locker when you can hang your gear up to dry, and store your boots between excursions.

Zodiac Launching Platform

Zodiacs are a vital part of getting up close and personal on your adventure – sneaking into areas that the Sylvia Earle can't reach. On this new ship, there are specially designed launching platforms that enables us to load Zodiacs easily and quickly, allowing you to spend more time exploring on the two to three daily landings.

There are 15 Zodiacs that are boarded from either side of Deck 3 (sea level), perfect for when there is a group....

Custom-Built Activity Platform
Regardless of your destination, we offer a number of additional activities to allow you to see more of the environment. From kayaking and diving to climbing and ski touring, it's these optional activities that often leave the biggest impression on your trip as a whole. On board the Sylvia Earle, there is a spacious prep and loading platform for these activities and more – designed in consultation with our expert activity guides. 
Kids And Teens

There are no dedicated children's facilities onboard the Sylvia Earle.

UNIQUE FEATURES

The streamlined Ulstein X-BOW® cuts through the swell for a smoother transit through waves. It also helps reduce fuel consumption. Experience the Glass Atrium Lounge inside the bow, featuring huge windows and superb views.

USEFUL TO KNOW
Medical Facilities
When travelling to extreme environments, ensuring our expeditioners are healthy and happy is our number one priority. That's why we have a doctor on board at all times, as well as a well-equipped clinic to provide basic medical care.
Dress Code

Shipboard clothing is informal and casual Jeans, jumpers and long-sleeved shirts are ideal for indoors in the polar regions; however be sure to keep your jacket close for unexpected wildlife sightings! Some people∘ like to take a nicer outfit for the captain's welcome and farewell drinks but formal clothing is not necessary. For health and safety reasons, we do request you wear enclosed shoes in public areas while on board the ship. AE Expedit....

Temperatures

Our expeditions to the polar regions operate during the summer months in the Antarctic and Arctic. During the summer months in Antarctica∘ the temperature can range from -2°C (28°F) to 8°C (46°F). Big storms are rare, but if one comes through the temperature could drop to -8°C (17°F).

In the Arctic the temperature can range from -3°C (26.6°F) to 7°C (44.6°F).

Special Dietary Requirements
We can accommodate most special meal requests if given advance notice. Our talented chefs will take your requirements into their meal planning and ensure you receive tasty, healthy meals. Ensure you list any dietary requirements on your personal details form. Although we aim to accommodate most dietary requirements, we are unable to cater to all requirements, nor can we guarantee that our onboard meals do not contain traces of peanuts or other nu....
Wi-Fi and Connectivity

Onboard wi-fi internet packages are available for purchase during the voyage. Telephone access for personal use is not available on board. In case of an emergency, our expedition team can facilitate communication∘ with your family members if necessary. 

Smoking Policy

There is a ‘No Smoking’ policy throughout the interior of our ships.

Age Restrictions

Our travellers have ranged from 8 to 92, so as long as you have a thirst for adventure, you’re welcome to join us in Antarctica. Any person under 18 years of age must travel with their legal guardian.

Health & Safety

Medical Form

It is compulsory for each passenger to return a signed medical from their general practitioner. Your Medical Form is required to be signed by your general practitioner and returned to AE Expeditions no later than three months and no earlier than six months before your voyage departure date.

If you become aware of any change in your health and fitness that may be likely to affect your participation on the trip (e....

What's included

Standard Inclusions

We offer a number of standard inclusions on our voyages. Please see full list below:

  • Fully-serviced accommodation in your chosen stateroom or suite
  • Daily shore excursions, guided walks, Zodiac cruises and some activities^
  • Entry fees to historic or tourist sites
  • An experienced team of destination specialists, activity leaders, and local guides*
  • An informative and entert....
What To Pack

When packing for your holiday, do you have trouble deciding between what to take versus leave at home? If so, you’re certainly not alone – it can be tricky deciding what makes the cut into your luggage.

Of course, what often helps is knowing the environment that you’re entering into. With Antarctica and the Arctic – known as the coldest, most isolated and remote landscapes in the world – there might be a tendency to pack your suitcase wi....