National Geographic Endurance Inaugural

Iceland and Greenland

Inaugural

Is the ship the destination or where she explores?

The National Geographic Endurance inaugural, from July 21 to August 8, will begin and end in Reykjavik. National Geographic Endurance will explore Iceland, where her walls of gleaming glass and expansive decks will provide optimal viewing of Iceland’s wilder side, and where her sleek flanks will create thrilling sightlines for photographers. Her Base Camp and adjacent garage will enable our team to rapidly dispatch guests in Zodiacs—to tour puffin-studded cliffs and hike stunning landscapes. Then National Geographic Endurance will follow the ice edge off the coast of east Greenland, an Arctic savannah, where the wildlife we seek can be found. If Greenland opens for visitors, we’ll make landings and explore ashore. If it doesn’t, we’ll put National Geographic Endurance’s might to the test against the ice, marveling at our ability to explore this part of the world.

See the itinerary below for details. In the event that Greenland opens for visitors, our flexible itinerary will allow us to capitalize on opportunity. Be part of the adventure!

Iceland and Greenland Map

The National Geographic Endurance inaugural, from July 21 to August 8, will begin and end in Reykjavik. National Geographic Endurance will explore Iceland, where her walls of gleaming glass and expansive decks will provide optimal viewing of Iceland’s wilder side, and where her sleek flanks will create thrilling sightlines for photographers. Her Base Camp and adjacent garage will enable our team to rapidly dispatch guests in Zodiacs—to tour puffin-studded cliffs and hike stunning landscapes. Then National Geographic Endurance will follow the ice edge off the coast of east Greenland, an Arctic savannah, where the wildlife we seek can be found. If Greenland opens for visitors, we’ll make landings and explore ashore. If it doesn’t, we’ll put National Geographic Endurance’s might to the test against the ice, marveling at our ability to explore this part of the world....

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Day by Day: National Geographic Endurance Inaugural: Iceland & Greenland


DAY 1: U.S./Reykjavik, Iceland
Depart on an overnight flight to Reykjavík.

 

DAY 2: Reykjavik/Embark
Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies only a fraction below the Arctic Circle and receives just four hours of sunlight in winter and 22 in summer. Check in to our group hotel in the morning and take time to rest and refresh before lunch. In the afternoon, take a panoramic drive through the city’s Old Town before embarking National Geographic Endurance. (L,D)

 

DAY 3: Flatey Island/Látrabjarg
Explore Iceland’s western frontier by Zodiac cruise, visiting Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries. In the afternoon, sail past the immense Látrabjarg cliffs, the westernmost point of Iceland and home to a huge population of razorbills. The cliffs are an area once famous for egg collecting; the men were tied to ropes and lowered like spiders down onto the ledges. (B,L,D)

 

DAY 4: Grimsey/Húsavík
This morning, take Zodiacs ashore to the tiny island of Grimsey, which lies exactly on the Arctic Circle. Here we celebrate being officially in the Arctic, in the company of nesting arctic terns, fulmars, and puffins in burrows, all bathing, courting, and fishing—another wonderful photo op. In the afternoon we set a course south for Húsavík, watching for whales on our way. In the evening, explore Þeistareikir—a colorful geothermal area with active fumaroles and clay pools. We take advantage of the midnight sun this evening by visiting an unforgettable sight: Goðafoss, the waterfall of the gods. Discover this incredible, thundering waterfall and perhaps practice your photography in the early stages of sunset. (B,L,D)

 

DAY 5: At Sea/Skálanes
Spend the morning at sea as we round the northeast rugged northeast corner of Iceland. This afternoon, visit Skálanes Nature Reserve in Seydisfjörður, to see and learn about the fascinating ongoing archaeological excavations, in addition to the peninsula’s bird cliffs and abundant wildflowers. (B,L,D)

 

DAY 6: Djúpivogur
Dock in Djúpivogur and drive down the coast to explore the deep blue icebergs of the large ice lagoon of Jökulsárlón. Alternatively, choose to join us on hikes along the region’s stunning black sand beaches. (B,L,D)

 

DAY 7: Heimaey & Surtsey, Westman Islands
The Westman Islands were formed by undersea volcanoes between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago and are among the youngest of the world’s archipelagos. In 1963, the world witnessed on film the birth of its newest island, Surtsey—a UNESCO World Heritage site—which we see as we cruise past the coast. In 1973, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. We visit the crater, where the earth is still hot, and have amazing views of areas that had been engulfed by lava. (B,L,D)

 

DAY 8: Akranes
Arrive in Akranes this morning and depart the city for Iceland’s remote interior. Choose to visit Hraunfossar to see a series of waterfalls, formed by rivulets streaming out of the nearby Hallmundarhraun lava field. Relax in the natural geothermal baths at Krauma, where the hot water originates in Iceland’s most powerful nearby hot spring. Alternatively, join us on a glacier excursion and discover the beautiful blue ice found inside Langjökull’s ice tunnels.

 

DAY 9: Arnafjörður/Dynjandi Waterfall
Early this morning, glide into beautiful Arnafjörður, an inlet that reaches deep into the northern Westfjords. If you wish, disembark early and hike several miles along the shore to the fjord’s end, where the spectacular Dynjandi Waterfall tumbles some 300 feet over many tiers of rock. Alternatively, join our expedition staff on the deck of the ship to watch our approach to the falls and go ashore by Zodiac to see them close up. There’s a chance we’ll spot nesting arctic terns along the way. (B,L,D)

 

DAY 10: Crossing the Denmark Strait
Cross the Denmark Strait, where the cold east Greenland current carries icebergs south. Enjoy presentations and be on the lookout for wildlife in these nutrient-rich waters. (B,L,D)

 

DAYS 11-14: Exploring East Greenland’s Ice Edge
Weather and ice will dictate our exact route, but we plan to explore the ice edge along the coast of East Greenland. In the Arctic, the ice provides habitat for all manners of wildlife. We hope to see the icons of the Arctic: polar bears, walruses, seals, and whales. The ice also provides an incredible sea scape and the potential for beautiful lighting. We will explore up and down the coast and have a flexible agenda to make the best use of our time. (B,L,D)

 

DAY 15 & 16: At Sea across the Denmark Strait to Iceland’s Westfjords
We return across the Denmark Strait headed just south of the Arctic Circle to the Westfjords, a remote area backed by majestic cliffs. We’ll call into Isafjörður in the Westfjords, for customs and immigration clearance back into Iceland. We’ll explore this beautiful and peaceful region. Perhaps take a hike to a remote waterfall or a Zodiac cruise alongside stunning scenery. (B,L,D)

 

DAY 17: Ísafjarðardjúp and Vigur Island
Enter Ísafjarðardjúp and land at Vigur Island, a privately owned island that is home to numerous species of seabirds, including a large colony of eider ducks. After our visit we will have an expedition afternoon exploring deep into Ísafjarðardjúp for Zodiac cruises and perhaps tundra hikes. (B,L,D)

 

DAY 18: Western Iceland
Today we let nature be our guide as we explore Iceland’s beautiful and peaceful western coast. (B,L,D)

 

DAY 19: Reykjavík/Disembark/Home
Today we complete our circumnavigation of Iceland, disembarking in Reykjavík. Join us for a panoramic tour and lunch prior to flights home. (B,L)

Rates

Cabin Category

Price

Cat 1 $22,190
Cat 2 $22,930
Cat 3 $27,880
Cat 4 $30,880
Cat 5 $33,980
Cat 6 $39,380
Cat 7 $43,730
Solo A $34,750
Solo B $38,530


Prices are per person based on double occupancy in Categories 1-7

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Learn more about National Geographic Endurance

Explore

Learn more about our Health and Safety Protocols

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