LEG 4: arctic adventure

Ísafjörður – scoresby sund/TASIILAQ – reykjavik

Follow in the footsteps of both historic explorers who navigated sea ice in the North Atlantic/Denmark Strait and also modern-day scientists in the quest to limit changes to our vulnerable environment.

Join us for a truly unforgettable sailing adventure between Iceland and Greenland, two of the most stunning and remote destinations in the world. Experience the beauty and diversity of the Arctic landscape, from majestic fjords and glaciers to rugged mountains and tundra. Encounter wildlife such as whales, seals and seabirds, and learn about the culture and history of the local people.

Depending on the weather conditions and ice flow, we will take one of two options:

1) Head north into the Arctic Circle to Scoresby Sund, the world’s biggest fjord. Experience snowy peaks, towering icebergs and expansive glaciers as we negotiate our way through to the remote settlement of Ittoqqortoomiit. The sample itinerary for this option can be found below.

2) Head west to the remote town of Tasiilaq and surrounding fjords including (if accessible), Ikateq, the home of World War II US airbase, ‘Bluie East Two’. The sample itinerary for this option can be found on the Leg 3: Greenland Explorer page.

Regardless of the route taken, if conditions allow we will endeavour to cross into the Arctic Circle (latitude approx. 66°34’N) where you will become a ‘blue nose’ – a tradition that marks a sailors’ first journey into the Arctic Circle, marked by painting their noses blue.

There is often remarkable refraction on the Greenland coast which means the mountains can be seen at a range of more than 60 miles. A word of warning – Greenland midges make the Scottish ones look amateurish. Fortunately they don’t like flying very far from the shore!

EXTEND YOUR ADVENTURE

If you want to venture beyond this leg, you can book an additional leg(s) and receive a 5% discount off your total booking value.  Discover more about the next leg here.

Leg 4: ARCTIC ADVENTURE

Miles: +800nm

Temperature Range: 0°c – 15°c

Dates: 13-28 August 2025

MIN. EXPERIENCE NEEDED:

RYA DAY SKIPPER, CLIPPER LEVEL 1 TRAINING OR EQUIVALENT

Cost: £3250

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+44 (0) 2392 215 215

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Depending on the weather and ice flow, we will take one of two options; head northwards into the Arctic Circle and to Scoresby Sund or head westward to Tasiilaq. The itinerary below is based on heading to Scoresby Sund but you can find the alternative sample itinerary on the Leg 3: Greenland Explorer page. 

 

ARRIVAL: Ísafjörður, ICELAND

Arrive in Isafjordur, a charming fishing town in the Westfjords of Iceland, between 1700 and 1800 to meet your Skipper and crew.

You will be welcomed aboard and get the chance to familiarise yourself with the boat before heading off for a crew dinner.  

DAY 1

EXPEDITION DEPARTURE

After breakfast, we will go through some safety procedures and checks, and make sure you are comfortable with the boat and its equipment.

Depending on conditions, we will depart Isafjordur in the early afternoon, and set sail towards Greenland. You will have a chance to learn some sailing skills, whilst getting familiar with sail trimming. winch handling and helming. 

DAYS 2-4

ENTERING THE ARCTIC CIRCLE

We will sail north through the Denmark Strait where we will soon cross into the Arctic Circle, an occasion marked by a ‘blue nose ceremony’ where sailors’ noses are painted blue!

Experience the thrill of sailing in the open ocean where we will likely encounter various sea birds, whales and dolphins and keep your eyes peeled for your first iceberg sighting!

DAYS 5-8

SCORESBY SUND

If ice conditions allow, we will enter Scoresby Sund, the largest fjord system in the world. Stretching for more than 200 miles the fjords contain hundreds of islands, glaciers, icebergs, and mountains. Explore different bays and coves, and head ashore to experience the remote beauty and grandeur of this incredible landscape.

Potential Stops:
Ittoqqortoormiit or similar

DAYS 9-13

ICEBERGS, FJORDS & ISLANDS

Depart Scoresby Sund and sail back towards Iceland, taking a different route and visiting some other fjords and locations along the way. Enjoy the beauty of nature and keep an eye out for marine wildlife including whales, dolphins, seals..

Finally, make your way to Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland where the Leg 4 adventure ends.

Potential Stops:
Arnafjordur, Grundarfjordur or similar

DAY 14-15

LEG FINISH: REYKJAVIK, ICELAND

Arrive in Reykjavik as a ‘blue nose’ and enjoy a crew dinner before spending your last night on board. 

After breakfast, you will assist with a deep clean of the boat before saying goodbye to your skipper and crew. You will be free to depart the boat by 1300 on 28 August, with memories that will last a lifetime. 

EXPECT AN EXPEDITION
NOT A CRUISE

The itinerary we provide for our sailing expedition is a guideline that may vary depending on weather conditions, wildlife sightings, and other contributing factors.

All SKIRR Adventures itineraries are examples and do not form any part of the contract.

the detail

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • All food and accommodation on board (except the evening of joining)
  • Use of wet weather gear (jacket and trousers)
  • Use of safety equipment including life jacket
  • Personal injury & travel insurance for the duration of your leg

What’s not included

  • Dinner on arrival night
  • Travel to and from the boat for joining and departure
  • Any meals ashore
  • Visas
  • Personal equipment (see packing list)

FAQS
SOLO TRAVELLERS

Did you know that most of our guests are solo explorers? Sailing is a wonderful way to explore new destinations and make new friends. You’ll never feel lonely on board, as you’ll be part of a friendly and diverse crew.

PERSONAL FITNESS
You will be expected to participate in various tasks such as hoisting sails, steering, anchoring, and docking. You will also have the opportunity to explore different destinations on foot, which may involve a short hike. Therefore, we recommend that you have a moderate degree of fitness, mobility and health before joining our expeditions.

 

You can always improve your fitness in the months leading up to your departure by following a simple exercise routine and eating a balanced diet.
AGE

To join a SKIRR adventures expedition, you must be at least 18 years old. Our trips are designed for people who love adventure, regardless of their age. We welcome guests from 18-70+. We don’t see age as a barrier, just a number. Come and explore the world with us!

GROUP SIZE
Our small group sailing expeditions operate a maximum guest size of 12 onboard each boat. We send two boats on each expedition, so there can be up to 24 guests across both boats at any one time.
 
You can book individually or with your friends and family, and enjoy the experience of sailing with a professional crew and a friendly group of fellow explorers.

sailing experience

To join this expedition leg, you will need prior recent sailing experience.

This can be one of the following:

  • Clipper Race Level 1 Training
  • RYA Day Skipper
  • Equivalent sailing experience

If you have sailing experience, but no prior qualifications, we will consider your application on a case by case basis. Please contact us with details of your sailing history.

If you have no prior sailing experience, don’t worry… you can still book onto the Clipper Race Level 1 training (below) or work towards your RYA Day Skipper (a globally endorsed qualification).

OPTION 1

CLIPPER RACE: LEVEL 1

Join crew onboard a Clipper Race yacht for an intensive course that prepares aspiring sailors for the challenges of long ocean crossings. The training covers the basics of sailing, safety, teamwork and leadership.

You will be joined by crew looking to take on the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, many of whom will have never sailed before, so it’s a fantastic place to begin your sailing journey.

FROM £650* | 7 DAYS

*when purchased with a leg of SKIRR adventures

OPTION 2

RYA DAY SKIPPER

You can obtain your RYA Day Skipper qualification through our preferred training provider, Hamble School of Yachting.

For those with no prior sailing experience, we would recommend that you do your RYA Competent Crew prior to your RYA Day Skipper qualification, where you will be taught the fundamentals of crewing, as well as how to ‘live’ onboard a cruising yacht.

 FROM £980 | 9 DAYS +

ACHIEVED RYA COMPETENT CREW?

If you have already achieved RYA Competent Crew or equivalent you may gain the relevant experience required for later legs by sailing on this leg, Leg 1 Western Coves & Scottish Isles.

WILDLIFE HIGHLIGHTS

Polar bear Iceland
Whale dive near Ilulissat among icebergs. Their source is by the Jakobshavn glacier.
White tail sea eagles on the hunt on the Isle of Mull In Scotland
A hiker at the top of the mountain views the magnificent landscape of the Isle of Skye. Bla Bheinn, Isle of Skye, Scotland

Sailing from Iceland to Greenland is a unique opportunity to witness the rich and diverse wildlife of the Arctic. Along the way, you might encounter various species of whales, seals, seabirds, musk ox and polar bears. Some of the highlights include humpback whales, harp seals, puffins and Arctic foxes. You will also marvel at the stunning scenery of icebergs, glaciers and fjords that make this region so special.

ARE YOU READY TO EXPLORE?

BOOK NOW TO JOIN THE 2025 EXPEDITION.
THE JOURNEY STARTS HERE.

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