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Poseidon Expeditions - your polar cruise operator

Arctic / Iceland

Discover the remote Arctic off the beaten path! Depart to or from Reykjavík, Iceland and explore Greenland and Svalbard, depending on your chosen cruise. Travel aboard the small expedition ship, the Sea Spirit, and see the best of nature, history, local culture and wildlife. Cruise in small Zodiac boats to get a close-up view of magnificent fjords, glaciers and landscapes or join our kayak club.

Why travel with Poseidon Expeditions?

Poseidon Expeditions is one of the leading operators of polar expeditions in the cruise industry. Since 1999, we’ve offered voyages that combine the spirit of adventure with a generous measure of onboard comfort and well-being, along with educational enrichment.

Why travel with us?
M/V Sea Spirit – Tiny but Mighty

M/V Sea Spirit – Tiny but Mighty

With a maximum capacity of just 114 passengers, we usually operate with 100 guests off the ship. It maximizes our travelers' time ashore because there is no need for splitting passengers into groups for landing rotations as required on larger ships.

A real polar expedition

A real polar expedition

Experience active exploration of the polar regions through a variety of activities. Weather permitting, we schedule up to 3 excursions per day and offer optional kayaking and, in Antarctica, camping. Enrich your polar knowledge in an engaging and interactive way through Poseidon’s edutainment program.

24 years of polar cruising

24 years of polar cruising

Polar cruising is our passion and expertise and over the past 24 years, we’ve gained tremendous experience building a strong team of enthusiastic polar professionals who are all experts in their field. Each cruise is a thoughtfully crafted expedition voyage.

Thank you for choosing poseidon expeditions

Highlights

Reykjavík

Reykjavík

As the northernmost capital of a sovereign state in the world, it’s located right below the Arctic Circle. You can explore geysers, waterfalls, mountains and glaciers just outside the city.

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The Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon

Treat yourself to a spa day in the volcanic hot springs. Located between Keflavik International Airport and Reykjavík, it’s the perfect stop before or after your cruise. This is a popular tourist destination, so make sure you book in advance.

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Iceland_Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Iceland_Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

You can explore this magnificent waterfall, located about 1,5 h drive from the capital, in a single day. Originating from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier, it drops down 60 meters on the southern coast of Iceland.

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Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland
Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland map route

US$ 9 086

14

Sea Kayak Club Photography

East Greenland East Greenland map route

US$ 6 386

11

Sea Kayak Club Photography

British Isles, Jan Mayen & Svalbard
British Isles, Jan Mayen & Svalbard British Isles, Jan Mayen & Svalbard map route

US$ 6 206

13

Photography

Departures

Itinerary Dates Days Activities Special Offer Rates from
British Isles, Jan Mayen & Svalbard
Crossing the Arctic Circle
29 May - 10 Jun 2024 13 Photography EARLY BIRD SPECIAL FLIGHT TO OSLO INCLUDED
US$ 6 895
US$ 6 206
per person
Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland
Arctic Odyssey
20 Aug - 02 Sep 2024 14 Sea Kayak Club Photography
SOLD OUT
East Greenland
Arctic Sights and Northern Lights
01 Sep - 11 Sep 2024 11 Sea Kayak Club Photography EARLY BIRD SPECIAL
US$ 7 095
US$ 6 386
per person
East Greenland
Arctic Sights and Northern Lights
10 Sep - 20 Sep 2024 11 Sea Kayak Club Photography EARLY BIRD SPECIAL
US$ 7 095
US$ 6 386
per person

About Iceland

iceland-seoblock-2.jpgGeography

Iceland is located right below the Arctic Circle with a coastline of 4,970km featuring numerous fjords and a landmass of 100,329 km2. The island is volcanic and geologically active with many volcanos, geysers and hot springs. The climate is subarctic with the North Atlantic Current generating warmer temperatures than at similar latitudes elsewhere on the planet. Average temperatures in the summer months range around 13 °C.

Flora and Fauna

Iceland is mostly covered by grassland. Native trees include the northern birch, aspens, rowans, willows and junipers, while other species have been introduced for reforestation. The local wildlife includes Arctic foxes, mink, mice, rats, rabbits, reindeer and polar bears that occasionally travel on sea ice down from Greenland. Livestock includes the Icelandic sheep and sheepdog, cattle, chickens, goats and the Icelandic horse.

Top Things to see

On the cruises to Svalbard and Greenland, we depart or return via Reykjavík, Iceland. Depending on your chosen cruise, you can see the following gems of the Arctic:

Nanortalik (Greeland)

This quaint town on the southernmost point of Greenland (Cape Farewell) is surrounded by steep mountains that flank an intricate fjord system. Visit the local open-air museum to learn about Viking and Inuit history from past to present.

Hvalsey, Whale Island (Greenland)

Explore the largest and best-preserved Norse ruins of Greenland here. Stroll the beautiful area and learn about ancient farmsteads surrounded by fjords and a granite stone Christian church dating back to the early 14th century.

Qassiarsuk (Greenland)

Follow in the footsteps of Eric the Red when he founded the town back in the 10th century after being exiled from Iceland for murder. Explore the picturesque Eriksfjord and the remains of his manor house, which is now a sheep farm.

iceland-seoblock-4.jpg

Disko Bay (Greenland)

Discover the “city of icebergs” Ilulissat in West Greenland and see the unimaginable amount of icebergs in the bay. Hike to the historic settlement Sermermiut and enjoy spectacular views. Visit the local museum dedicated to the life of famous Danish explorer Knut Rasmussen. See local people who live from fishing and hunting in the small village of Itilleq above the Arctic Circle. With only 120 inhabitants, this quaint little settlement has more sled dogs than people!

Longyearbyen, Svalbard (Norway)

Choose your cruise to Svalbard and you will depart from this small Arctic town. Visit the museum, shops, cafes and restaurant and get a glimpse of how people live on the remote Arctic archipelago.

Spitsbergen (Norway)

As the biggest island of the Svalbard archipelago, it’s a great place for wildlife viewing and scenery. Immerse yourself in landscapes with fjords, snow-capped mountains, glaciers and icebergs. Stroll through the blooming tundra and spot reindeer, Arctic foxes and polar bears.

Northeast Greeland National Park (Greenland)

Discover the Franz Josef Fjord and Kong Oscar Fjord in one of the world’s largest national parks. Explore Scoresby Sund, the largest and longest fjord system in the world, with breathtaking views and some of the world’s best northern scenery.

Westfjords (Iceland)

Explore the remote coastline of Iceland with its waterfalls and rugged mountains that few visitors coming to Iceland get to see. This area is also perfect for whale watching, seals and birds.

Plan your Iceland Tour

iceland-seoblock-1.jpg

How to get to Iceland

Airfare to and from the departure port of Reykjavík, Iceland (or Longyearbyen, Norway if applicable) is paid and organized by travelers themselves. We’ll pick you up from the airport and provide one night prior to departure in a local hotel.

Visa control

You may require a visa to reach the departure port in Reykjavík, Iceland and, if applicable, for Greenland and Norway (for our Svalbard cruise). Please check with the relevant consulate before your cruise. Contact us for further information; we’ll be glad to assist.

Iceland Ships

Our small expedition cruise ship, the Sea Spirit, is perfectly suited for cruising the Arctic. With only 114 travelers, it offers a maximum level of comfort for your adventure. Choose from various cabin categories and enjoy the comfortable amenities. The ship features a restaurant, bar, outdoor bistro, 24-hour coffee and tea facilities, library, lecture hall and gym.

When to visit Iceland

We cruise during the beautiful Arctic summer months (May – September). We’ll have maximum daylight during the polar day and temperatures will be mild at around 10 – 13 °C in Iceland and Greenland.

Facts about the Iceland

Iceland has a population of around 371,580 with two thirds living in the capital, Reykjavík. Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull, is located in Iceland (it’s larger than all other glaciers in Europe combined). It’s the youngest country geologically and has the most active volcanos in the world. Try Iceland’s famous bread, which is baked by burying the pot in volcanic ground near a hot spring!


FAQ

Average temperatures in Iceland in the summertime are around 13 °C.
Wi-Fi aboard the Sea Spirit is included in the cost of the cruise.
We cruise aboard our 114-passenger cruise ship, the Sea Spirit.
We provide our signature Poseidon Expedition parka, which you can take home, and rubber boots for the duration of the trip for landings.

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