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Northern Lights Explorer | Sylvia Earle

19 Days
Save Up To 20%

WAS From USD 21,595   Now From USD 17,276

STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise

Trip Code: ACAEMNL

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Tromso, Norway

Finish: Reykjavik, Iceland

SHIP: Sylvia Earle

DestinationDestination

Norway, Jan Mayen, Greenland, Iceland

DestinationDeparture Date

02/09/2026

MealsMeals

Breakfast at hotel & All meals, snacks, tea & coffee onboard. Beer, house wine & soft drinks with dinner

TransportTransport

Breakfast at hotel & All meals, snacks, tea & coffee onboard. Beer, house wine & soft drinks with dinner

TransportAccommodation

Hotel & Cabin on board ship



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Included SightseeingIncluded Sightseeing

Half day Tromso tour, Daily Excursions in location, Zodiac Cruising, Onboard Expert Lectures & Briefings by the Experienced Expedition Team

 

NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather & ice conditions 

OVERVIEW

Up to 20% off selected dates & cabins*

NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT OFFER**

As the days shorten in the high latitudes, the evening skies darken, creating the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable voyage. On this journey, we stay close to the coastlines of the Arctic Circle, navigating the Norwegian and Greenland seas, and exploring the remote islands and villages of the region. As night falls, we turn our gaze upwards, hoping to witness the enchanting northern lights. This spectacular natural phenomenon creates a surreal display as vibrant hues of blue, green, pink, and violet dance across the night sky. Northern Norway, Iceland, and Greenland, all near the Arctic Circle, are among the best places in the world to experience this breathtaking light show.


 

*Promotional discount of up to 20% off available on departure 18 Jun 2026. Discounts are on sale until 31 Oct 2024 and subject to availability. Discounts are not combinable with any other promotions except back-to-back voyage or loyalty discounts. Discounts and pricing are subject to change and may be withdrawn or varied at any time. Price based on triple share cabin.

**No single supplement promotion is based on the full fare and not combinable with other discounts & promos. Offer is only valid on new bookings available until sold out. Availability is limited and capacity controlled and available on select cabins categories only. Offer can be withdrawn at any time and not redeemable for cash. This offer is not combinable with any other discounts (except Loyalty offer). Please contact us for full terms & conditions.  

PLEASE NOTE: Pricing is subject to change and availability at the time of booking. Contact us for more information.

ITINERARY

Arriev in Tromso

Having made your way to Tromso, you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to our group hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with our ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket.

The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.
Accommodation: Clarion Hotel The Edge (or similar)

Embarkation

This morning, please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. Your luggage will be collected from your hotel and transferred directly to the port for clearance and delivered to your cabin ahead of your arrival on board. Please keep any valuables or personal items with you throughout the day.

After breakfast, check-out of your room before embarking on an enchanting journey into the celestial wonders of the Arctic sky at the Tromsø Science Centre. Join an immersive experience that combines the magic of a Northern Lights followed by an engaging presentation by an astronomer, providing you with insight into the captivating phenomena of the Aurora Borealis. Settle into the comfort of the planetarium’s auditorium for a cinematic journey into the heart of the Arctic night. Join the award-winning photographer Ole Salomonsens on his journey through northern Norway, Finland and Sweden in pursuit of his passion – filming the wildest and most spectacular light show the nature has to offer. Extreme Auroras is a stunning new full-dome visual, featuring the aurora in science, history and myths.

After the movie, enjoy a live presentation by the in-house astronomer, introducing them, a presentation of the few Norse constellations that are still known, and the Hunting Party story from the Sami mythology. This talk looks at the sky from a northern angle and will add new knowledge to old. At the end you will have time to explore the Science Centre’s interactive displays and exhibits. Engage with hands-on activities that further enhance your understanding of the natural forces at play, making this experience both entertaining and educational.

Transfer to the pier for embarkation in the late afternoon, when you will have time to settle into your cabin before attending our mandatory safety briefings and enjoy the thrill of departure as we ‘throw the lines’ and set sail. This evening, get to know your fellow expeditioners, friendly expedition team and crew at the Welcome Dinner to celebrate the start of a thrilling adventure.

Anderdalen National Park, Norwegian Coast

Over the next few days, we explore parts of Norway’s remarkable 1,000-kilometre (600-mile) coastline. Starting in Torsken, in the very north of the country, we make our way south, stopping in the Lofoten Islands. The spectacular northern lights are a natural phenomenon that is most commonly seen in the sky above the Arctic Circle, between autumn and early spring. As we are near Ånderdalen National Park in northern Norway, keep a close watch in hope of witnessing this dazzling spectacle in the night sky.

Embark on a leisurely amble through the quaint village of Torsken, where breathtaking natural beauty provides a captivating backdrop. As you meander along Torsken’s narrow lanes, immerse yourself in the village’s fascinating history, a rich tapestry woven from centuries of fishing traditions and the enduring spirit of its community. Admire the scenic splendour that surrounds you, with the majestic Senja mountains creating a stunning panorama and the tranquil streets lined with colourful houses, each possessing its own unique character. En route, you will have the opportunity to visit Torsken Church, a cherished local landmark dating back to the 18th century. Before your exploration concludes, indulge your palate with a selection of local delicacies, not only distinctive to this region but also emblematic of Norwegian culinary heritage.

Svolvaer, Norwegian Coast

We make our way to the stunning Lofoten – meaning puma’s foot – Islands. This is a land scoured by ice and legend, the towering crags with their sharp edges, standing in silent protection of the villages below. Today you will have the opportunity to personalise your expedition with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences that best suits your interests and level of fitness.

Leknes & Reine, Norwegian Coast

As you traverse the scenic vistas of Lofoten, marvel at majestic mountain peaks and expansive fertile lands that once set the stage for Viking sagas. Your expedition begins in Haukland Beach, a paradisiacal haven with its pearly white sands and sapphire waters, embraced by lush greenery and towering peaks, evoking the essence of an Arctic paradise. We will have ample time to hike from Uttakleiv, to Haukland Beach—a gentle stretch over hills and along the coastal path to the pristine white sand beach.

Upon reaching the Viking Museum in Borg, enjoy an exhibition showcasing archaeological discoveries and meticulous recreations of Viking dwellings, gaining a vivid understanding of the daily lives of these seafaring people a millennium ago. The museum endeavours to authentically recreate the Viking village atmosphere, complete with handicrafts, traditional buildings, and era-specific cuisine. As part of this immersive experience, you'll be treated to a soup crafted from an ancient North Norwegian recipe, prepared over an open fire—a culinary journey back in time amid the fascinating history of the Vikings.

Drive through the scenic landscapes of Lofoten to Norway's renowned Sund where you will visit a Black smith at the Fishery Museum, famous for his beautiful cormorants made of steel. The decorative wrought iron cormorants are famous all over the world, and can be found in the Pentagon, the Kremlin and in the King of Norway's palace. Continue to the village of Reine where your ship will be waiting for you. This fishing village is one of the most beautiful in Norway, and we are sure that when you see it you will understand why!We make our way to the stunning Lofoten – meaning puma’s foot – Islands. This is a land scoured by ice and legend, the towering crags with their sharp edges, standing in silent protection of the villages below. Today you will have the opportunity to personalise your expedition with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences that best suits your interests and level of fitness.

At Sea - Day 6 & 7

Enjoy the crossing to Jan Mayen, accompanied by seabirds as we search for whales. Enjoy informative talks from our team of experts, get to know your fellow expeditioners or stay active in the gym. Remember to look to the skies at night and hope for sightings of the northern lights.

Jan Mayen

The approach to Jan Mayen is spectacular. The huge 2,277-metre (7,470 foot) Beerenberg volcano is the northernmost active volcano in the world, and it last erupted in 1985. The northern part of the island is a great place to look for whales and dolphins and contains impressive glaciers, some of which reach the sea. If the weather is favourable, we will try to land at Kvalrossbukta, a relatively sheltered bay on the island’s west coast. This is one of the landings used to supply the weather station Olonkinbyen, situated on the eastern side of the island.

East Greenland - Day 9 to 14

In the coming days, a host of choices are available to us, and depending on ice and weather conditions, the east coast of Greenland is ours to explore. The members of our experienced Expedition Team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor our voyage to suit the day-to-day conditions. This allows us to make best use of the prevailing weather, ice conditions and any opportunities for wildlife encounters. We generally attempt up to two landings or Zodiac excursions per day, including cruising along spectacular ice cliffs, following whales feeding near the surface.

Be prepared to experience ice – and lots of it! East Greenland contains some of the Arctic’s most impressive scenery. Deep fjords and narrow channels, flanked by sharp ice-clad peaks soaring up to 2,000 metres (6,562 feet), and glaciers birthing gigantic icebergs that drift throughout the fjord system, combine to create breathtaking scenes. The tundra landscape is home to musk oxen, arctic hares and reindeer. Throughout the area there are ancient Thule archaeological sites, historical trappers’ huts, and the cabins of present-day Inuit hunters. A highlight is a visit to the Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit, the most isolated and northernmost permanent settlement in the region, with approximately 450 inhabitants. The community has an excellent museum, gift shop, an abundance of Greenlandic sled dogs and provides the opportunity to meet the friendly locals.

Explore Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord system and a favourite hunting ground of the local Inuit. Massive glaciers flow into this fjord, the birthplace of hundreds of majestic Greenland icebergs. It is a spectacular place that simply needs to be seen to be believed. North of Scoresbysund lie Kong Oskar and Kaiser Franz Josef fjords, two of the most significant fjord systems in Greenland, each one encompassing several smaller fjords and sounds. Thanks to the fertile volcanic soil and the surrounding mountains offering protection from strong winds, the area is rich in wildlife. You may spot everything from musk oxen and arctic foxes to mountain hares, and even reindeer, near the fjord. Look skyward and you could catch a glimpse of birds, including the glaucous gull, black-legged kittiwake, northern fulmar, common raven and common eider. We will attempt to enter Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, a remote and rarely visited fjord system with countless opportunities for exploration, located within the Northeast Greenland National Park. Cruising through Kong Oskar Fjord, we marvel at the geological beauty of the mountains.

We will then head south along the coast of Liverpool Land, with our passage dependent on ice conditions. We stretch our legs on hikes across tundra in search of ancient graveyards and summer villages occupied 3,000 years ago by Inuit. We may see musk oxen, arctic hares and reindeer grazing. The maze of calm, interconnecting waterways in this area provides excellent opportunities for sea kayaking. We will see ring seals, perhaps catch a glimpse of the elusive narwhal, and maybe even a polar bear hunting on pack ice.

Isafjordur & Vigur Island

Over the coming days, we explore the Westfjords region, which features outstanding landscapes with jaw-dropping views of dramatic fjords carved by ancient glaciers, sheer, table-top mountains that plunge into the sea, and pristine north Atlantic vegetation. The region features attractive towns such as Isafjordur, surrounded by sheer mountains and steeped in history, evident in its preserved wooden architecture. Delight in its lively cultural scene and abundant outdoor activities.

On Vigur Island, birdwatchers can try and tick a few species on their list, while others can enjoy walks and hikes of varying levels of difficulty, soaking in the stunning surrounds. The island's unique ecosystem is a haven for birdlife, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Stroll along the coastline, keeping an eye out for puffins and other seabirds, or venture deeper into the island to discover hidden gems. With its rolling hills, picturesque landscapes, and fresh sea air, Vigur offers an unforgettable experience.

Thingeyri, Westfjords

Thingeyri, a quaint village nestled on a slender strip of land, graces the shores of one of Iceland's most picturesque fjords, Dýrafjörður. Much like many other coastal settlements in Iceland, the village's culture and industry have been intricately woven with the influence of the sea over centuries. The surrounding landscape is adorned with towering mountains, lending a distinctive charm to the scenic expanse that envelops Thingeyri. This idyllic region is often hailed as the "Alps of the Westfjords," especially the highland area nestled between the majestic fjords of Dyrafjordur and Arnarfjordur. The beauty of Thingeyri lies not only in its coastal simplicity but also in the dramatic backdrop of high mountains that paints a captivating portrait of this Icelandic village.

Today you can personalise your expedition with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences that best suits your interests and level of fitness.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Grundafjordur is the starting point of our adventures on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, gateway to Snæfellsjökull National Park. Snaefellsnes Peninsula is an area of diverse landscapes that is characterised by lava fields and glistening fjords and home to a vast array of birdlife. The area is crowned by the magnificent, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano, a 700,000-year-old dormant subglacial volcano, visible from Reykjavik on a clear day and immortalised in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth. 

Today you can choose one of three shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness.

Disembark in Reykjavik

During the early morning, we cruise into Reykjavik and disembark at approximately 8.00 am. Farewell your Expedition Team and fellow passengers as we all continue our onward journeys. Transfer to Keflavik airport.

Note: At the conclusion of the voyage, we recommend booking flights departing after 12.00 pm on the day of disembarkation in case there are delays.

* Cruise itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions, ice conditions and other factors.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

WHY CHOOSE THIS CRUISE?

  • Sail in the prime region to encounter the natural phenomenon of the dazzling aurora borealis

  • Discover the largest fjord system in the world at Scoresbysund, a superb place to photograph icebergs

  • Hike among the splendid scenery of Iceland’s remote Westfjords, where you rarely see another soul

  • Embark on an enchanting journey into the celestial wonders of the Arctic sky at the Tromsø Science Centre

  • Visit the dramatic and powerful Dynjandi waterfall in the wild Westfjords of Iceland

  • Hike Haukland Beach in Norway, a paradisiacal haven with its pearly white sands and sapphire waters, embraced by lush greenery and towering peaks

  • Marvel at the black sands, colossal rock formations and volcanic landscapes of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

  • Sail to Jan Mayen, home to the northernmost active volcanic in the world

  • On Vígur Island, birdwatchers can tick a few species on their list, while others can enjoy walks and Icelandic cake

Sylvia Earle

Sylvia Earle

Featuring industry-leading technology and streamlined cruising design the Sylvia Earle is one of the most modern and technologically advanced vessels sailing the polar regions. Named after the first female Chief Scientist of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Sylvia Earle lives up to her namesake with a deep focus on protecting the natural environment. The ship features one of the lowest polluting marine engines in the world, with low energy consumption and higher fuel efficiency bringing an overall 80% reduction to emissions compared to Tier 1 engines. The ship also utilises virtual anchoring technology along with thrusters and propellers to minimise damage to the ocean floor caused by conventional anchors. 

The Sylvia Earle carries a maximum of 132 passengers and has 71 on board cabins. Between landings, guests will be able to enjoy time in the gym, sauna or wellness centre. For zodiac excursions the vessel has four dedicated, sea-level launching platforms making boarding as efficient and safe as possible, allowing you to get off and experience the magical sights of fjords, glaciers and icebergs as quickly as possible. Cabins and suites are elegantly designed and spacious to give guests the most comfortable experience possible.

Certified 100% Climate Neutral, with a fully equipped Citizen Science Centre, expert lectures and participative Citizen science programs, to enrich your knowledge and connection to the polar regions. 

Ice Class: Length: 104m
Breadth: Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 10-12 knots
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:
126

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Accommodation

We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.

Standard

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Superior

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Deluxe

Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Optional Activities vary for each itinerary. Limited spaces available. Contact your Destination Specialist for pricing & availability.

Kayaking

Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.

Learn More

Pricing per person & date

Northern Lights Explorer | Sylvia Earle from USD 17,276
Departing Ending Duration
02 Sep 202620 Sep 202619

Important Information

  • Prices are based on per person, may be based on quad/triple/twin share.

    Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time. 

    Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions

  • INCLUSIONS

    All transfers as mentioned in the itinerary.
    One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, on Day 1
    Tour of Tromso and transfer to ship Day 2
    On-board accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
    All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage
    Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner
    Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages
    All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
    Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team
    Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation)
    One 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
    Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage
    Comprehensive pre-departure information
    Port surcharges, permits and landing fees
    Wi-Fi. Please note we travel to remote regions and therefore the connection can be unreliable.

     

    EXCLUSIONS

    International or domestic flights – unless specified in itinerary
    Transfers – unless specified in itinerary
    Airport arrival or departure taxes
    Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges
    Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges
    Hotels and meals – unless specified in the itinerary
    Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges
    All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, wi-fi, email or phone charges

  • 2 (light adventure)
  • Subject to availability upon request. Contact us for more details. 

  • Departure date, fuel surcharges, cabin category, currency fluctuations, seasonality and availability.