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
TALK TO AN EXPERT
Get 5% discount on your total booking value when you purchase two or more expedition legs. Or choose 'Experience Everything' to purchase all five legs and save further.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
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.
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)
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
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
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
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.
