Expedition highlights

• Watch for humpback and minke whales around Iceland’s Westfjords
• Explore remote fjords by ship and Zodiac, with kayaking and guided walks when conditions allow
• Visit Vigur Island’s seabird colonies and learn about traditional eiderdown collection
• Discover northern Iceland’s turf-house heritage, birdlife and glacial rivers
• Experience East Greenland’s ice, coast and potential wildlife encounters with an expedition team

Your expedition route

An eight-day voyage beginning and ending in Reykjavík. This is the published route structure; the captain and expedition team adjust the programme to local conditions.

Day 1

Reykjavík, Iceland

Arrive in Iceland’s capital and embark National Geographic Explorer. Arriving a day early gives you a buffer before the voyage.

Day 2

Djúpavík

Spend the morning at sea watching for whales with the expedition team. In the afternoon, visit the former herring factory museum in remote Djúpavík and explore the surrounding Westfjords landscape.

Day 3

Skagafjörður

Explore northern Iceland’s rural history and birdlife. Published options include a river float trip, a visit to a traditional turf farm or an outing to Drangey Island. The final programme depends on local conditions.

Days 4-5

East Greenland

Cross the Denmark Strait for two days of exploration along East Greenland’s coast. Ice and weather shape the route, with potential hiking, kayaking and Zodiac outings where access allows. Watch from the deck and Bridge for whales and seals.

Days 6-7

Iceland’s Westfjords

Return to the Westfjords for Vigur Island’s eiderdown traditions and seabird colonies, whale watching in Ísafjarðardjúp and further fjord exploration. Hiking may lead to a waterfall descending from the high plateau.

Day 8

Reykjavík, Iceland

Disembark and transfer to the airport for your journey home. We can also help arrange an extra night in Iceland.

Activities and exploration

Zodiac cruising, guided walks, wildlife observation and photography guidance form the core programme. Kayaking and northern Iceland river outings may be offered where conditions and the local programme permit.

Choose your walking level with the expedition team. Some outings, including Drangey Island, can involve a more demanding climb. We can help you understand the activity choices before you book.

Your ship: National Geographic Explorer

An ice-class expedition ship carrying up to 148 guests in 81 cabins, with stabilisers and an ice-reinforced hull for polar exploration.

Explorer has a lounge with bar and presentation space, library, observation lounge, dining room, Bistro and a mudroom for expedition equipment. The open Bridge policy offers another place to watch the sea and speak with the officers, when conditions permit.

Life on board

Cabins & suites

Choose from porthole and window cabins, private balconies and larger suites. Bed arrangements and available categories vary by departure.

Category 01

Main Deck · 188 sq ft

One or two portholes, with two single beds or a queen depending on the cabin. The practical entry category when time outside matters more than a large window.

Category 02

Main Deck · 171 sq ft

A large window and two single beds. Confirm the precise bed arrangement when requesting your cabin quote.

Category 03

Main Deck · 210-312 sq ft

Large windows and twin beds that convert to a queen. Cabins 341 and 343 have an L-shaped layout and a sofa bed for a third guest.

Category 04

Upper / Veranda Deck · 168-192 sq ft

Large-window cabins with twin-to-queen beds in most layouts. Cabins 217, 226 and 228 have a queen only.

Category 05

Upper Deck · 172 sq ft

A private balcony and a queen bed. Cabin 221 has twin beds that convert to a queen.

Category 06

Upper / Veranda Deck · 291-355 sq ft

Window suites with a sofa bed, minibar, espresso maker and a larger bathroom. Complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure are included.

Category 07

Upper Deck · 388 sq ft

Balcony suites with twin-to-queen beds, a sofa bed, minibar and espresso maker. Includes complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.

Dedicated Solo A and Solo B cabins are also offered, subject to availability. Ask us for the correct solo fare rather than assuming the double-occupancy price applies.

Cabin sizes and photographs are operator-published examples. Layout, views and furnishings vary; confirm your selected cabin and bed arrangement with the quote.

Dates & departures

Published 2027 departures aboard National Geographic Explorer. We confirm the current schedule, cabin availability and fare with your quote.

Fares are in US dollars per person based on two adults sharing one cabin. They exclude flights, extra hotel nights and insurance. These are dated examples, subject to change and cabin availability; request a current quote before arranging travel.

What is included

Your departure-specific quotation confirms the full inclusions and exclusions. View Lindblad’s published inclusions.

EA guidance

Start with the date and cabin, then build the flights and hotel around them. The 24 July example currently offers the lowest observed double fare, but a window cabin on another date may suit you better.

This is a voyage for travellers happy with a flexible Greenland programme and a sea crossing. If you prefer an entirely Iceland-based journey or want to avoid the Denmark Strait, tell us and we can compare alternatives.