Opportunities to witness a total solar eclipse are rare. Your chances of experiencing one in the Arctic—from the deck of a polar ship—are even more rare considering the last total solar eclipse north of the Arctic Circle occurred in 2015. The next will take place on August 12, 2026.
To satisfy the demand of eclipse-watchers, this longer voyage has been introduced on one of Quark's newest ships, Ocean Explorer. Covering 2,200 nautical miles in total—this expedition features your bucket-list eclipse adventure, time to explore Northeast and South Greenland, plus you get to check off two of the world’s northernmost capital cities: the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik (64°08′ north), where you’ll have time to explore, and Nuuk, Greenland (64°11′ north), where we disembark for our charter flight back to Reykjavik.
World-renown eclipse-cartographer Michael Zeiler will be onboard to deepen your understanding of eclipse-viewing, observational astronomy and celestial mechanics. Of course, you’ll also get to witness waterfalls, towering cliffs and remote fishing villages in the Westfjords, a hidden gem of Iceland, as well as icebergs, wilderness areas, glaciers, and the deep fjords of Greenland.
Special guest Michael Zeiler: The highly respected author, geographer and eclipse cartographer is a member of the International Astronomical Union Working Group on Solar Eclipses – with an asteroid named in his honour. Zeiler has been witnessing solar eclipses since 1991 and was among the first to develop eclipse maps online.
Activity Areas
New Polar Holidays
Polar
Polar Marine and Wildlife
Region & Country & City
Arctic: Greenland, Iceland, Reykjavik
Included in the Price
— All meals while on the ship
— Beer and house wine during dinner
— All accommodation
— All transport and listed activities
— Tour leader throughout and qualified Expedition Staff
Not Included In The Price
— Travel insurance
— Single accommodation (available on request)
— Visas or vaccinations
Accommodation Information
— 15 nights on the ship, 2 nights hotel in Reykjavik
— Expedition cruising in comfortable conditions
Map
Itinerary
Day 1 Start Reykjavik, Iceland
Arrive in Reykjavik and transfer independently to your included hotel for the night. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to explore the fascinating capital of Iceland.
Day 2 - 4 Embark in Reykjavik and explore the Westfjords
After breakfast on Day 2, you’ll have time to explore on your own before your afternoon transfer to the modern, purpose-built ship Ocean Explorer.
We set sail for “Iceland’s best-kept secret”—the Westfjords. This rugged peninsula, on the remote northwestern tip of Iceland, is dominated by mountains, volcanic rock and fjords. Mountains slope down to the sea in a dramatic fashion, providing plenty of opportunities for incredible landscape photography. We’ll spend the day exploring by Zodiac and ship, as well as guided shore landings where possible. The views are diverse: dramatic cliffs, gushing waterfalls, colorful beaches, rolling green hills, high moorlands dotted with rocky outcrops and tiny lakes. You’ll likely spot Icelandic ponies and shaggy sheep grazing the hillsides. A few outposts of civilization include small fishing communities at the fjord edges and along the shores of the Denmark Strait.
One of the highlights in the Westfjords is a chance to visit Vigur, a private island where guests can delve into Icelandic culture and heritage as far back as the 11th century. Vigur is widely regarded as a capsule of Icelandic heritage. One of the island’s co-owners is polar explorer Felicity Aston, the first woman to ski solo across Antarctica. You’ll learn about the Icelandic tradition of eiderdown harvesting, and the wide array of Arctic birdlife and seals that are found in Vigur. It’s estimated that Vigur Island is home to over 7,000 breeding ducks, 100,000 puffins, Europe’s largest colony of Black Guillemots, and huge flocks of Arctic terns. You’ll also have opportunities to ramble about the island, taste local food and visit the island café.
Today’s adventure options include Zodiac cruising, sea kayaking, paddle excursion program, and, potentially, a guided shore hike. Right across the bay is Mongufoss, one of Iceland’s most remote and beautiful waterfalls, which we’ll visit by ship. We may also visit Flatey, a small 1.5 km-long island in Breiðafjörður Bay.
Day 5 At Sea: Crossing the Denmark Strait
As we sail north across the Denmark Strait between Iceland and Greenland, your Expedition Team prepares you for the exciting adventures ahead – both on and off the ship. Our team of polar experts present on a wide range of topics, including Arctic history, wildlife, geology and climatology. The team also searches for seabirds soaring about the ship – and they’ll most certainly alert you whenever there’s a whale sighting.
Day 6 - 7 Northeast Greenland: Exploring Kong Oscar Fjord
Navigating within the boundaries of the Northeast Greenland National Park, the planet’s largest national park, we sail into Kangerluk Kong Oscar, also known as King Oscar Fjord, on the northern border of Scoresby Land peninsula. This major fjord system, poplar for its famously bright sandstone, stretches 70mi (110km) long and 6mi-15mi (10km-25km) wide.
You will also experience the wonders of nature in Segelsällskapet Fjord, where a spectacular display of “geological art” awaits: alternating layers of limestone and dolomite stretching before you in a stunningly beautiful canvas created over tens of thousands of years.
Day 8 - 9 Exploring the depths of Scoresby Sund
Our purpose-built vessel will cruise deep into Scoresby Sund, allowing guests to marvel at the overwhelming beauty of the world’s largest fjord system and its vast icebergs. This area offers plenty of opportunities to explore during Zodiac cruises and onshore visits, and, if conditions allow, time to visit Ittoqqortoormiit, the most remote community in East Greenland. There will be a palpable sense of excitement in the air as anticipation builds for our much-awaited eclipse viewing. Behind the scenes, your Expedition Leader and the Ship Captain will work closely together, monitoring sea and ice conditions and meteorological forecasts—particularly cloud cover—to strategically position Ocean Explorer in the best location possible to maximize your views of the solar eclipse.
Day 10 Solar eclipse viewing: in the path of totality
Ocean Explorer will sail further into Scoresby Sund, where the team will identify the most optimal viewing point along the path of totality. With the total eclipse of the sun lasting 2 minutes and 17.2 seconds, this region of the Arctic provides the longest duration of totality along the entire eclipse path. The eclipse will start at 2:34 pm, and totality will begin at 3:34 pm and end at 3:36 pm. The eclipse viewing experience, a duration of 2 hours, 1 minute, and 3 seconds, will conclude at 4:35 pm.
Throughout this exciting day, you will have opportunities to learn from our guest eclipse expert, Michael Zeiler. This 2026 eclipse is part of Saros series 126, which is a cycle of solar eclipses that repeats approximately every 18 years. It’s worth noting that total solar eclipses in Polar Regions are relatively rare due to the smaller land area and the fact that the sun only illuminates each pole for part of the year.
The Quark Expeditions team and our special eclipse expert will continue to research the geography of this region as we prepare for the event. Right up until the day of the eclipse itself, our team will study the mountainous terrain, the angles of the sun in the sky, localized ice conditions and weather patterns to determine the best possible viewing experience.
Your Expedition Leader will outline the day’s agenda in the days and hours leading up to the eclipse.
Day 11 - 13 At Sea: Sailing the Coast of Greenland
You’ll have plenty of opportunities during your at-sea days to enjoy the amenities of Ocean Explorer. Guests can relax in Tundra Spa, the gym, the sauna with large windows, and two outdoor Jacuzzis, or deepen your polar knowledge in the light-filled Discovery Library.
Almost all suites have verandas, ideal for watching the passing Arctic landscape. Spending time outside on on deck as we transit south along the east coast offers an opportunity to spot icebergs and, as always, we keep our eyes peeled for whales. Remember to check the lineup of polar presentations featuring our learned Expedition Team and guest eclipse expert.
Day 14 Aappilattoq and Prins Christian Sund
Tiny and picturesque Aappilattoq, home to approximately 100 permanent residents, is perched on the shores of one of the world’s most scenic fjords, the 100km long Prins Christian Sund (also known as Ikerasassuaq).
Aappilattoq is the second-most southerly settlement in Greenland (after Narsamiit). The name Aappilattoq has been interpreted to mean “sea anemone,” or “red” after the crimson mountain rising above the settlement. The area has been inhabited since the 1800s, but the current village was only established in 1922. The majority of residents rely on hunting and fishing, with local fishermen selling surplus cod and turbot to a small fish factory run by Royal Greenland. Services include a general store, fire station, elementary school, boat service, church and a general repairs workshop.
Day 15 Ivittuut: Norse History and Muskoxen
Ivittuut, formerly known as Ivigtût (“grassy place”), is an abandoned mining town near Cape Desolation in southwestern Greenland, close to the ruins of the ancient Norse Middle Settlement. Historians and archeologists believe this settlement— the least documented Norse settlement in Greenland—once comprised about 20 farms. A handful of miningrelated structures still remain—some dilapidated—including a barracks, a storehouse and a cemetery.
The 1987 translocation of muskoxen to Ivittuut from the Kangerlussuaq area is the reason you may see the lumbering beasts in the area. Otherwise, native wildlife consists mostly of Arctic hare and Arctic fox. It’s also possible to spot semi-domestic reindeer from Greenland’s only active reindeer husbandry operation, the Isortoq Reindeer Station, located south of Ivittuut.
Day 16 Disembarkation in Nuuk, charter flight to Reykjavik
Upon arriving in Greenland’s capital, enjoy one more Zodiac ride to shore for the group transfer to the airport to catch your charter flight to Reykjavik, Iceland. Upon arrival in Reykjavik, we will transfer you to your hotel. Both your hotel and charter flight are included in the Charter Flight & Hotel Package.
Day 17 Depart Reykjavik, Iceland
After a restful night at your hotel, make your way to Keflavik International Airport for your onward flight, or spend additional time exploring Reykjavik at your leisure.
