Two puffins with fish in their mouths.

Circumnavigating Iceland And Exploring Greenland

10 Days

Starting at $14,490

National Geographic Explorer, Premium Ship 148 Passengers

Reykjavik, Iceland

Home » Arctic » Arctic Ships » National Geographic Explorer » Circumnavigating Iceland And Exploring Greenland
Voyage Overview

Combine two popular Arctic destinations in one voyage.

Experience geological extremes across two distinct Arctic islands, from the thundering waterfalls and bubbling hot springs of Iceland to the rugged fjords that carve out the coast of East Greenland. Hike and bike over volcanic landscapes, witness iconic wildlife in remote fjords, learn history steeped in sagas and see local traditions in tiny seaside villages as you circumnavigate Iceland. Across the Denmark Strait, navigate and actively explore a network of a network of wild fjords, and take in Greenland’s spectacular tidewater glaciers. Along the way, Icelandic experts and musicians add insight and energy to this immersive Arctic adventure.

Trip Details

Highlights: 

  • 6 planned days in Iceland & 2 days in East Greenland
  • Circumnavigate Iceland to explore across a variety of landscapes, including the rim of a volcanic crater, a backcountry summit, burgeoning birch forests and the shores of a fjord
  • Navigate the glacier-carved fjords of East Greenland while keeping a watchful eye for whales, arctic fox or the more elusive beluga whales and narwhal
  • Experience Icelandic culture alongside local guest speakers who share insights into traditional and contemporary daily life
  • With a National Geographic photographer by your side, capture incredible highlights like Dettifoss, the second most powerful waterfall in Europe, or the stunning puffin island in east Iceland
  • Kids and teens will delve deeper into the region’s natural wonders with National Geographic Explorers-in-Training, our exclusive hands-on family program 

Trip Itinerary Overview:

Day 1: Arrive Reykjavík, Iceland & Embark Ship

Day 2: Westfjords

Day 3: Siglufjörður

Day 4-5: East Coast of Greenland

Day 6: Húsavík

Day 7: Grímsey

Day 8: Borgarfjörður Eystri

Day 9: Westman Islands

Day 10: Reykjavík / Disembark Ship

Two puffins with fish in their mouths.

Tour Dates

  • April 2026 to September 2026
DatesAvailability
Jun 8 – Jun 17, 2026 (10 days)
Very Limited
Jun 24 – Jul 3, 2026 (10 days)
Very Limited
Jul 10 – Jul 19, 2026 (10 days)
Very Limited

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Reykjavík, Iceland & Embark Ship
Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies just below the Arctic Circle. Transfer from the airport to the city and spend the day exploring at your own pace. Check in with the hospitality desk this afternoon before embarking the ship. Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Westfjords
Explore the dramatic and remote Westfjords region of Iceland. Hike along the base of a fjord to discover a towering waterfall before entering Ísafjarðardjúp, known for its wealth of wildlife, including whales, seals and countless nesting seabirds. Land at Vigur Island, a fragile wildlife sanctuary, where the landowners continue the traditional eiderdown collection and cleaning process and are active stewards of the colonies of puffins, eider ducks and black guillemots who call the island home. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Siglufjörður
Siglufjörður was the center of Iceland’s once-thriving herring industry. Stop by the Herring Museum for a salting demonstration and a tasting. Enjoy the surroundings of Iceland’s northern most mainland settlement by joining the local forestry association for an afternoon of conservation in their local woods. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4-5: East Coast of Greenland
Strike out across the Denmark Strait to the wild shores of Eastern Greenland. Known for its volume of calving tidewater glaciers stretching back to the ice sheet, this region offers incredible opportunities to explore multiple fjords aboard ship as well as on landings, where hiking, kayaking or Zodiac cruising might all be possible. While you navigate these waters as a modern-day explorer, spend time on the Bridge or at the ship’s railing, scouring the landscape and waterline for the unique wildlife that call this region home. Look out for humpbacks, beluga whales and seals as well as the elusive narwhal and polar bear. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Húsavík
Húsavík is the gateway to the Highlands of northern Iceland. Depart for a full day overland visiting one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland, Goðafoss, as well as Lake Mývatn, the most geologically active area in Iceland. Alternatively, enjoy an adventurous journey through Ásbyrgi Canyon, said to be formed from the hoof of Odin, with a stop at Dettifoss, the second most powerful waterfall in Europe, or stay along the coast and enjoy a slower pace to the day with forest bathing, bird watching and a soak in the GeoSea bath. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Grímsey 
This morning, take Zodiacs ashore to the tiny island of Grímsey, which lies exactly on the Arctic Circle. Celebrate officially arriving in the Arctic, in the company of nesting arctic terns, fulmars and puffins in their burrows. Enjoy an afternoon at sea sailing around the northern corner of Iceland as you continue circumnavigating the island. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Borgarfjörður Eystri
Located on the eastern shore of Iceland, Borgarfjörður Eystri is well known for its local puffin colony and stunning fjord framed by the Svartvell Summit. Challenge yourself with a hike up to the summit, standing over 1000 feet above sea level, or bike into the backcountry to take in a different perspective on the surrounding mountain range. Join a local guide on a walk through the small village, including a stop at the local eider down shop or get a taste of the local libations. Throughout the day, enjoy some free time observing the puffins in their bustling island colony as they make their way in and out of their burrows. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Westman Islands
The Westman Islands were formed by undersea volcanoes between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago and are among the youngest of the world’s archipelagos. In 1963, the world witnessed on film the birth of its newest island, Surtsey—a UNESCO World Heritage site—which you’ll see as you cruise past the coast. In 1973, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. Visit the crater, where the earth is still hot, for amazing views of areas once engulfed by lava. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Reykjavík / Disembark Ship
Disembark in Reykjavík and transfer to the airport for flights home. Meals Included: Breakfast

Please note the itinerary and route map are only tentative outlines of what you may experience. No specific itinerary, routing or landing sites can be guaranteed in advance. Where the ship actually sails will depend on a lot of factors including, but not limited to, the weather & ice conditions and the captain & expedition leader. Every trip is different, which adds to the excitement of expedition cruising in the polar regions.

 

Trips & Rates

Please note, rates are Per Person in USD

Availability & prices are subject to change at anytime

Voyage Season: Oct 2025 – Mar 2026 April – September 2026 Oct 2026 – Mar 2027 April – September 2027 Oct 2027 – Mar 2028
Cabin Type:
Occupancy:
Cabin Category
Category 1
Category 2
Category 3
Category 4
Category 5
Category 6
Category 7
Category A Solo
Category B Solo
Per Person Price in USD$12,980$15,290$15,939$18,194$19,723$23,628$27,346$19,052$19,877
AvailabilityFullFullFullLimitedLimitedLimitedLimitedFullFull
Cabin Category
Category 1
Category 2
Category 3
Category 4
Category 5
Category 6
Category 7
Category A Solo
Category B Solo
Per Person Price in USD$11,800$13,900$14,490$16,540$17,930$21,480$24,860$17,320$18,070
AvailabilityFullFullFullLimitedLimitedLimitedLimitedLimitedFull
Cabin Category
Category 1
Category 2
Category 3
Category 4
Category 5
Category 6
Category 7
Category A Solo
Category B Solo
Per Person Price in USD$11,800$13,900$14,490$16,540$17,930$21,480$24,860$17,320$18,070
AvailabilityFullFullLimitedLimitedFullFullFullFullFull

Single Travelers

  • Can book a dedicated solo cabin in Category A Solo or Category B Solo at the prices listed above
  • Share cabins may be available in select cabin categories, please enquire for more details
  • If booking Cat 1 – 7 at solo occupancy, the rate is 2x the per person share price

Adventure Options

  • Paddling – included in the voyage cost. Guests may have the chance to paddle once, conditions permitting.

Single Travelers

  • Can book a dedicated solo cabin in Category A Solo or Category B Solo at the prices listed above
  • Share cabins may be available in select cabin categories, please enquire for more details
  • If booking Cat 1 – 7 at solo occupancy, the rate is 2x the per person share price

Adventure Options

  • Paddling – included in the voyage cost. Guests may have the chance to paddle once, conditions permitting.

National Geographic Explorer Cabins & Deck Plan

Category 7

Recently remodeled in May 2023, each large suite has a private balcony, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, and a sofa bed that can accommodate a third guest. There is a seating area with a writing desk, coffee table with sitting chair, and a small table. Suites feature a double closet, TV, mini bar, and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.

388 sq. ft. (36 m2)

1-3

1 queen or 2 single + sofa bed

Category 6

Newly renovated in May 2023, each spacious suite has two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, double closet, chairs, large windows, TV, mini bar, and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. Suites #101 & 102 are larger with a sofa bed that can accommodate a third guest, but do not have a private balcony. Suite #213 has a private balcony with glass doors. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.

#101-102: 355 sq. ft. (32.98 m2), #213: 291 sq. ft. (27 m2)

1-3

1 queen or 2 single + sofa bed in #101-102

Category 5

The lowest priced balcony cabins on National Geographic Explorer. In addition to the balcony, the cabins have sliding glass doors, one queen-sized bed, writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV. (Cabin 221 has two single beds that can convert to a queen.)

172 sq. ft. (15.98 m2)

1-2

1 queen (except #221 which can have 2 singles)

Category 4

Cabins feature two single beds than can convert into a queen (cabins 217, 226 & 228 have a queen bed only). They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV.

168 sq. ft. (15.61 m2)

1-2

1 queen or 2 single

Category 3

The most abundant cabin category on the ship with two single beds (can be converted to a queen-sized bed), one large window, a sitting chair, a small table, ample storage, writing desk with chair, floor length mirror, reading lamps, TV, and well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower. #341 & 343 are larger L-shaped suites that were renovated in 2023 and have a sofa-bed that can accommodate a third guest, double closet, espresso maker, and generously sized bathrooms.

210 sq. ft. (19.51 m2)

1-2 (cabin #341 & 343 can accommodate 3)

1 queen or 2 single

Category 2

Category 2 cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), and one large window. They offer a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.

171 sq. ft. (15.89 m2)

1-2

1 queen or 2 single

Category 1

Forward on the Main Deck, Category 1 cabins have one or two portholes. Cabins #301, 302, and 307 have two twin beds. Cabins #304-306 feature one queen-sized bed. Cabin #308 features two twin beds that can be converted to a queen. All cabins feature a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.

188 sq. ft. (17.47 m2)

1-2

1 queen or 2 single

Category A Solo

Solo occupancy cabins featuring one single bed, a large window, writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV.

126 sq. ft. (11.71 m2)

1

1 single

Category B Solo

There are just four Category B solo cabins onboard. They feature one single bed, a large window, writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.

126-129 sq. ft. (11.71 – 11.98 m2)

1

1 single

Inclusions/Exclusions

Inclusions: 

  • All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore
  • Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship (except certain super premium brands which are available for purchase)
  • Hors d’oeuvres, 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
  • Excursions and airport transfers to and from recommended flights, as indicated in the itinerary
  • Crew gratuities
  • Exploration tools curated to destination, such as Zodiacs & kayaks
  • Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff
  • Assistance by the National Geographic Photography Expert and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor
  • Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker
  • Presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers.
  • Complimentary parka or jacket
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle
  • Services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic
  • Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment
  • 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library, and other shared spaces
  • Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes. Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable

Exclusions: 

  • Airfare (except flights when indicated as included)
  • Pre- and post-expedition extensions
  • Additional hotel nights (except when indicated as included)
  • Private transfers
  • Laundry, spa treatments, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
  • Travel protection plans
  • Passport, visa, and immigration fees

Solo Travelers

Are you traveling alone? Solo travelers have the following options.

  • Book a dedicated Category A or B Solo cabin
  • Book into a share cabin (please enquire for details)
  • Book a Category 1 – 7 at 2x the per person share price for solo occupancy
Solo traveler photographing the ice.