Arctic solar eclipse Expedition 2026

witness the total solar eclipse in northeast greenland

Join us on a wild and remote Arctic expedition encompassing Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland, timed to coincide with the total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026. Our 50-person expedition ship, the M/S Quest, will be positioned in Greenland when, for over two minutes, the moon aligns directly between the Earth and the sun, casting the dramatic coastline into near darkness.

The start point for our adventure is Longyearbyen, located on Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago. Longyearbyen is the world’s northern-most town, located at latitude 78 ̊ North – just 1,316 km from the North Pole! We board the M/S Quest in Longyearbyen and venture into the stunning fjords of western Svalbard, keeping an eye out for Arctic wildlife such as polar bears, walruses, foxes and seabirds.

With seven days to explore Northeast Greenland, we aim to enjoy daily paddle excursions and landings in this awe-inspiring world of pack ice, giant icebergs and serene fjords. In the stunning Kong Oscar Fjord, we seek the perfect vantage point to witness the total solar eclipse. The adventure is not over as we then explore Scoresbysund, the world’s biggest fjord system and a favourite hunting ground of the local Inuit. Massive glaciers dump into the fjord, creating the birthplace of the famous big Greenland icebergs. After an unforgettable Northeast Greenland exploration, we cross the Denmark Strait to Iceland and disembarking in the scenic settlement of Ísafjörður.

We have an exceptional team of passionate polar experts on board M/S Quest to help you enjoy and understand the region’s wildlife, geology, flora and history.

Join SSV on this once-in-a-lifetime, awe-inspiring and incredible journey!

Aboard the M/S Quest: Arctic Elegance & Exploration

The M/S Quest is a sleek, Scandinavian-designed expedition vessel, built to navigate Greenland’s ice-choked waters. Accommodating just 50 passengers, it offers a personalised and immersive Arctic experience. The ship boasts spacious observation decks to enjoy the stunning vistas and the bridge welcomes you around the clock. With comfortable, well-appointed cabins and a welcoming atmosphere, the M/S Quest provides the perfect base for our Arctic adventures.

Request Detailed Itinerary

Grade

Easy – Moderate

This trip is suitable for active individuals with a thirst for adventure. The kayaking program suits paddlers with some kayak experience.

Trip Grading

Dates

2026

4-19 August

Cost

2026
Cruise from US$14290.00 per person*

Optional extras:

Kayak Surcharge US$1995.00 pp

Costs are in US dollars and per person.

*Final price will depend on cabin chosen.

Includes

One night’s hotel accommodation (twin share) in Longyearbyen, transfer from hotel to ship, 14 nights’ ship accommodation – all public areas are open to passengers, all meals on board, zodiac shore excursions from the ship, lectures, videos, slide and film shows, expedition guide services, port taxes and port charges.

Excludes

Flights, single hotel room and cabin supplements, visa, passport, airport departure taxes (if any), hotels and meals not included in the voyage itinerary, optional excursions not included in voyage itinerary, laundry, personal clothing, medical expenses, personal travel insurance and items of a personal nature such as bar charges and wifi charges, tips on board for crew and service personnel, alcohol unless specified. The kayaking activity is an additional cost.

4 AUG

Arrive in Longyearbyen and transfer to the group hotel.

5 AUG

Morning at leisure in Longyearbyen before boarding the M/S Quest. Depart Longyearbyen and begin the adventure.

6-7 AUG

Paddling, Zodiac excursions and hikes in Northwest Spitsbegen, on the lookout for Arctic wildlife such as walrus.

8-9 AUG

Sailing towards Greenland.

10-16 AUG

Our explorations for these seven days take place largely within the Northeast Greenland National Park, the world’s largest national park. We aim to make daily kayak outings, Zodiac trips and/or landings at some of the region’s most remarkable locations. Our itinerary is entirely dependent on ice, weather conditions and regulations.

On 12 August we will locate to Kong Oscar Fjord for the solar eclipse. This event is a rare opportunity as a total solar eclipse in the Polar Regions is uncommon.

We continue to Scoresbysund, home to the world’s largest fjord system.