The Arctic is imbued with a romance—from the history of polar exploration and dauntless early Vikings to the 18th- to 21st-century Northwest Passage and North Pole explorers. It has a reputation for extraordinary beauty and majesty, which is reflected in its central symbol, the polar bear. We’ve explored it for over 30 years, which enables us to offer an Arctic expedition exploring several diverse sectors of the vast Arctic geography—and assure your safety and comfort. With a fleet of three top-tier ice-class vessels fanning out across the vast Arctic, we offer a great variety of ways to explore this region. Discover cultural centers like Iceland, the iconic coasts of Norway, the ice edge of Greenland, and so much more.
Arctic
Iceland
Special Offers
Length
11 days
From
$11,920
Prices are per person
Arctic
Iceland
Special Offers
Arctic
Iceland
New and Noteworthy
Special Offers
Length
17 days
From
$22,470
Prices are per person
Arctic
Iceland
New and Noteworthy
Special Offers
Arctic
Iceland
New and Noteworthy
Special Offers
Length
20 days
From
$24,750
Prices are per person
Arctic
Iceland
New and Noteworthy
Special Offers
Arctic
Russian Far East
Special Offers
Length
13 days
From
$20,120
Prices are per person
Arctic
Russian Far East
Special Offers
Trace the history of Viking explorers from Iceland to Greenland to the coast of North America. Venture into Greenland’s ice, where few have gone before. Sail into Norway’s towering fjords fringed in green, with tiny villages clinging to the cliffsides. See massive ice walls of tumbling glaciers. Discover the culture and fire of Iceland. There are so many ways to explore it. And with a fleet of three ships and 30+ years in the region, we have the tools and experience to ensure you a peak experience.
Experience the Fagradalsfjall volcano , in the region of Geldingadalur, post-voyage on an optional excursion (conditions permitting) included on the summer 2021 departures of: 11-day Circumnavigation of Iceland, 6-day Wild Iceland Escape, 13-day Iceland and Greenland: Wild Coasts and Icy Shores, and 19-day National Geographic Endurance Inaugural: Iceland & Greenland.
See more Highlights
Director of Expedition Photography Ralph Lee Hopkins spent two weeks obsessively devoted to capturing the mood swings of the world’s newest and most active volcano.
Read moreThe cultural activities were wonderful and it seemed like we were warmly welcomed each time we stopped.
Bonnie R.
It is a privilege to visit the Arctic, one of the planet’s most interesting places, and to this privilege, National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Explorer, and National Geographic Resolution add the luxury of comfort—a quality of shipboard life and a philosophy of wellness designed to relax and rejuvenate body, mind, and spirit.
Aug 21
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National Geographic Explorer
It was a bittersweet day. We had perfect weather all day, from our approach to the Westman Islands and into Heimaey harbor. On our approach, we appreciated the vast amount of bird life. Then, when in Heimaey, we climbed up the “new” volcano from the 40-year-old eruption and embarked on a bus tour of the island. Upon our return to the ship, we remembered and reminisced on our time in this vast, beautiful landscape before sharing in the Captain’s farewell party and dinner.
Aug 21
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National Geographic Explorer
Our morning started docked at Djupivogur, a great location in eastern Iceland. Our intrepid guests were divided according to activities. Some went to explore Diamond Beach and the nearby glacier lagoon, where they took great pictures of icebergs stranded by the currents. Others went to observe the coastal wetlands and black sand beaches, where they could see plenty of shorebirds. And the ones really looking for some exercise departed on the Halsar Hike, which would take us through the Icelandic soft mossy tundra, up to the peaks of Djupivogur. On our 5.6 mile hike (which had 670 feet elevation gain), through the mossy tundra, we encountered fulmars nesting on the cliffs, ravens, and a couple of golden plovers, which whistled at us, probably because they were nesting in the nearby area. The last stretch of the hike went through a forest (yes - there are some forests in Iceland!), where we could hear the song of the goldcrest, one of the smaller passerines in Europe. It was a delightful hike, and thanks to our local guide we learned about local plants, elves, hidden people, trolls and Icelandic folklore. Certainly, a nice way to exercise and enjoy the landscape while learning new things!
Jul 21
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National Geographic Explorer
Early morning visitors on National Geographic Explorer’s bridge during our passage from Húsavík to the Skálanes Nature Reserve saw several pods of five white-beaked dolphins. One pod expressed an interest in riding our bow wave, but veered off at the last minute. We also saw several minke whales, along with the usual sea birds: fulmars, skuas, puffins, black guillemots, and Arctic terns. The cloudy morning gradually morphed into a beautiful sunny day, perfect for the afternoon activities. One activity was a visit to the Skálanes Nature Reserve, a 1250 hectare (3000 acres) private nature reserve that includes habitats and ecosystems representative of eastern Iceland. The reserve also houses at least 80 archaeological sites, revealing continuous habitation from settlement of Iceland (over 1000 years ago) to modern times. Staff at the reserve cheerfully explained the area’s rich cultural history, as well as guided hikes to the viewing platform for the famous Bird Cliffs. The second activity was a two-hour Zodiac tour of the local seashore. A highlight was floating at the base of the Bird Cliffs, bathed in sunlight, pitching and rolling in the swell, and listening to our naturalists describe the geological and biological features. After dinner, we listened to the ‘The Arctic Terns,’ an ephemeral band formed by merging ‘The Spice Boys’ (talented musicians from the ship’s crew) and our guest band Árstíđir (Ragnar and Daniel) in their first and only performance. A good time was had by all!
Jul 21
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National Geographic Explorer
After a night’s steaming from Isafjardardjup in the West Fjords, we woke to glassy seas and clear, sunny skies off Grimsey Island, 41 km north of the Iceland mainland. Grimsey is home to some 155 people and has the distinction of being cut by the Arctic Circle, marked by a monument. Its spherical shape allows the marker to be moved as the exact position of the Arctic Circle shifts through time. Along our way to the marker, literally thousands of puffins hugged the sea cliffs we walked along. We then shifted positions and, after an early dinner, departed by bus for the spectacular waterfall known as Godafoss and Thyeistareykir, an impressive geothermal field that has been harnessed for electrical power generation.
Jul 21
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National Geographic Explorer
Today we visited the Westfords of Iceland, and the truly spectacular Dynjandi waterfall, also known as Fjallfoss. The water falls from a very high cliff, creating a thunderous sound that is apparently how it got its Icelandic name. It is actually a series of waterfalls cascading down into the ocean. Using our Zodiacs, we easily landed on the volcanic black sand beach at its base and then proceeded to walk on a trail leading along each one of the waterfalls that compose Dynjandi: Fjallfoss, Háifoss, Úðafoss, Göngufoss, Hundafoss and Bæjarfoss. The fantastic scenery is so typical of Iceland. Each one of the waterfalls was unique in its own way, and deserved time to stop and enjoy, as well as an opportunity to catch our breath from walking up the trail. Truly delightful for our photographers!
The Arctic is clearly a place we should seek to better understand and appreciate—for its own sake and for the sake of the world at large.
Sven-Olof Lindblad
