Northeast Greenland Solar Eclipse: Hondius

Greenland

Get the ultimate Arctic experience on this amazing voyage of Svalbard and Greenland, experiencing not only the solar eclipse but also getting the option for long hikes far from our landing sites. Our route takes us through some of the best areas for viewing polar bears, Arctic foxes, various seals, and even more species of whale. The primary goal of our solar eclipse voyages is to position our ships in the center of totality on Aug 12, 2026

  • View the Solar Eclipse in a remote, polar setting
  • Amazing colors, ice and landscapes of Greenland
  • Musk Oxen and other wildlife such as Arctic fox and Arctic Hare
  • Hike on the Greenland tundra
  • Scoresby Sund, the largest fjord system in the world
  • Ittoqqortoormiit with its colourful houses
  • Possible whale and polar bear sightings

Solar Eclipse details and goal location for viewing: -

  • Latitude 70.878 north, longitude 27.286 west (Øfjord in Scoresby Sund)
  • Duration of Totality: 2 minutes, 17 seconds
  • GMT (= Ittoqqortoormiit time minus 1 hour)
  • Start of Eclipse 04.33 pm
  • Start of Totality 05.33 pm
  • Max. Eclipse 05.35 pm (Alt. 25.0)
  • End of Totality 05.36 pm
  • End of Eclipse 06.34 pm

Path of Solar Eclipse 2026

This itinerary allows us to reach this goal when we have an average sea ice situation, as we’ve had in the past fourteen years. If this is not the case, we will adapt the itinerary and skip landing areas on our sailing from Longyearbyen to Øfjord. If we can’t get into Scoresby Sund, we sail to Blosseville Coast, south of Søkongens Bugt.

Stewart's Take

Solar eclipse experience in a spectacular polar wilderness!

Overview

Get the ultimate Arctic experience on this amazing voyage of Svalbard and Greenland, experiencing not only the solar eclipse but also getting the option for long hikes far from our landing sites. Our route takes us through some of the best areas for viewing polar bears, Arctic foxes, various seals, and even more species of whale. The primary goal of our solar eclipse voyages is to position our ships in the center of totality on Aug 12, 2026.
Day 1: Longyearbyen, Svalbard: Largest town, biggest island You touch down in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Enjoy strolling around this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum make for fascinating attractions. Though the countryside appears stark, more than a hundred species of plant have been recorded in it. In the early evening the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where we might spot the first minke whale of your voyage. Day 2: Sabine observatory and Raudfjorden In 1823 the Irish scientist, soldier, and explorer Edward Sabine had an observatory on Indre Norskøya, in northwestern Svalbard. Using a pendulum to study gravity, he suggested a project to measure the meridians (lines of longitude through the poles) on Spitsbergen, the goal of which was to define the curvature of the Earth. We will try to get to Sabinehaugen, where he did his observations. Sailing next into Raudfjorden, on the north coast of Spitsbergen, we’ll see in an expansive fjord spilling with glaciers – and maybe even visited by ringed seals, bearded seals, and polar bears. The cliffs and shoreline of this fjord also support thriving seabird colonies. Day 3-4: Onward to East Greenland We may eventually see the jagged edge of East Greenland sea ice flashing into sight ahead, depending on the conditions. Keep watch for whales and migrating seabirds here. Day 5: Tundra, mountains, and icebergs As we approach Greenland, we may sail through the sea ice into Foster Bay and land at Myggebugten. Beyond the old hunters’ hut (where Norwegian trappers hunted for polar bear and Arctic fox in the first half of the 20th century), there is a sprawling tundra populated by musk oxen, with geese floating the small lakes. From here we’ll sail through Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, surrounded by towering mountains and bright interior icebergs. For those who choose to attend, we will have our first long hike (6-7 hours) today. We’ll start at Myggbukta station and head into Badlanddal, then turn south to Fangsthytte near Kap Bennet. A Zodiac will sail ahead of the walking party and parallel to the coast to watch out for bears. We will then sail through Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, surrounded by towering mountains and bright interior icebergs. Day 6: Islands of Antarctic Sound We arrive at Teufelschloss (Devil’s Castle), a mountain with layered geology. On the other side of the fjord is Blomsterbugt and the intended landing site. In the afternoon, we head into Antarctic Sound to find the islands of Ruth, Maria, and Ella. Maria is the most likely spot for a landing. Day 7: Alpefjord’s lofty peaks In the morning, we enter Segelsällskapets Fjord, with the streaked slopes of the Berzelius Mountains bordering the north side. We land on the south shore, where ancient sedimentary formations lie right at our feet. A hike takes you near a small lake with good chances to see musk oxen, Arctic hares, and ptarmigans. In the afternoon, the ship ventures into Alpefjord, aptly named for the spire-like peaks that thrust up around it. We may then embark on a Zodiac cruise around Gully Glacier, which once blocked access to the interior of these waters. Continuing deep into the fjord, we’ll experience a definitive Greenland adventure. Day 8: Sights of the Arctic autumn The first half of the day we will spend in Antarctic Havn, an extensive valley where you can spot groups of musk oxen. At this time of year, the sparse vegetation is wearing the fiery colors of autumn. Day 9: Largest fjord in the world Today we reach Scoresby Sund, sailing along the glaciated Volquart Boons Kyst. We may also enjoy a Zodiac cruise past one of the glacier fronts, along with a visit to the basalt columns and ice formations of Vikingebugt. In the afternoon, we plan to sail along the east coast of Milne Land among a multitude of giant icebergs. If we can also land at Charcot Havn, we will make a walk to Charcot Glacier before continuing to Bjørneøer. Day 10: Enormous bergs, Arctic hares In the morning, we will encounter colossal icebergs, some over 100 meters (330 feet) high and more than a kilometer (.6 miles) long. We’ll then land near Sydkap, with fine views of Hall Bredning and Arctic hares. Today's long hike goes from Sydkap to Satakajik, showing us the remains of Thule winter houses built with whale vertebrae. In the evening, we sail into Øfjord. Day 11: Total solar eclipse We will have a Zodiac cruise near Sorte Ø in the morning, surrounded by icebergs. Their austere blue-white contrasts sharply with the sediment slopes nearby. At midday we will position the ship in the center of the moon shadow in Øfjord. In the afternoon, we watch the solar eclipse either from the ship or one of the nearby shores. Day 12: Settlement at Scoresby Sund Today we make a tundra landing on Liverpool Land, in Hurry Inlet. The afternoon stop is Ittoqqortoormiit, the largest settlement in Scoresby Sund at about four hundred inhabitants. At the post office, you can buy stamps for your postcards or just stroll around to see the sled dogs and drying skins of seals and musk oxen. In the afternoon, we sail south, passing the picturesque landscapes of the Blosseville Coast. Day 13: Sea life on our way to Iceland A sea day grants us the opportunity to spot whales and seabirds. Day 14: Journey’s end at Akureyri, Iceland Even the greatest adventures eventually come to an end. We disembark in Akureyri, where on request you can transfer by chartered bus (six-hour drive that must be booked in advance) to the bus stop at Harpa Concert Hall at Austurbakki, Reykjavík. Long Hikes: - Long hikes are for groups of 24 passengers maximum, accompanied by two armed expedition staff and a Zodiac that will sail ahead to watch for polar bears along the shoreline. Passengers who join this activity should have the willingness and ability to hike at least 15 km (9 miles) in semi-rough terrain that includes shorelines, tundra, low hills, and river crossings. Hikes will take around six hours from start to finish, rest times included. We will hike at a modest pace and not cross any alpine terrain. Guests who do not wish to take part will have a landing in the morning at the start point of the hike, then sail to the end point for their second landing in the afternoon. PLEASE NOTE: The probability of sailing into Scoresby Sund is high based on recent experience, but there is still a chance (about 10%) that ice will obstruct passage into the fjord system. All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per AECO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with AECO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. The average cruising speed of our vessel is 10.5 knots.

Expedition Vessel: M/V Hondius

MV Hondius

The Hondius was built in 2019 as an ice-strengthened and specially crafted vessel for expedition voyages.  Hondius was the first vessel to be built to class “LR PC6”, meeting the latest and highest demands of Lloyd’s Register for “Polar Class 6” vessels, the highest Polar Class notation for ice-strengthened vessels. The vessel is fully compliant with the mandatory requirements of the Polar code, for safe ship operation and the protection of the Polar environment. Hondius offers deluxe accommodations for in total 176 passengers. One deck has been entirely reserved for (multi-language) lectures and presentations in one large observation lounge and in addition one separate lecture room. The vessel offers a deluxe standard and at the same time a distinctive cozy and informal atmosphere.

The philosophy is to keep sea legs short and to focus on fast and effective access to shore and near shore activities for all nature and wildlife minded passengers. A powerful fleet of zodiacs will guarantee quality outings and swift landing operation for all passengers at the same time. Our main focus remains discovery, taking advantage of wildlife opportunities and the related shore activities, a product that has been very much appreciated by our current travelers for many years. A speedy zodiac embarkation is guaranteed with two separate gangways and in addition a zodiac embarkation indoor-platform which can also be used for special outdoor activities such as kayaking. While cruising, 72 crew and staff members (including expedition and hotel staff) will be at the passengers’ service. Hondius is equipped with 2 main engines and can reach a maximum speed of 15 knots.

For full information about this vessel click here:

Included
  • Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
  • All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
  • All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
  • Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
  • Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
  • Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on the group flights to Longyearbyen.
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
  • AECO fees and governmental taxes.
  • Comprehensive pre-departure material.
Excluded
  • Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
  • Pre- and post- land arrangements.
  • Passport and visa expenses.
  • Government arrival and departure taxes.
  • Meals ashore.
  • Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
  • Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
  • Transfer supplement for bus shuttle between Akureyri (ship) and bus stop Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre at Austurbakki, Reykjavik (6 hours).
  • The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
Rates, Share and Sole Use policy All rates are quoted per person, based on shared twin, triple or quad occupancy. If you are travelling alone and wish to share, you will be matched with another person of the same gender at the shared rate. Twin and Superior cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the share rate. Children Upon request (some voyages may be excluded), children under 16 with parents may receive 40 % discount in Superior, Triple (sharing with 2 parents / adults) and Quadruple Cabins (sharing with 3 parents / adults). Deposits Reservations require a deposit of 20% at the time you receive a booking confirmation from Expeditions Online. A payment link will be sent to you and this may be paid by major credit card. Bookings within 60 days of departure require full payment. Final Payments Balances are due 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. Cancellations received 90 days or more prior to departure, are refunded less a fee of 20 % of the total price. If cancellation is received between 89 days and 60 days prior to departure, are refunded less a fee of 50 % of the total price. If cancellation occurs less than 59 days up to and including the day of departure: 100 % of the total price. If full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and any unpaid balance is due immediately. We strongly recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance. Booking Terms Please read carefully the General Booking Conditions for Expeditions Online. This voyage is operated by Oceanwide Expeditions and you additionally travel under their terms and conditions as the operator as well as of the Shipping Company/transport carrier. Details will be forwarded to you at the time of booking.
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