East Greenland Photo Expedition: Aurora, Icebergs & the Scoresbysund Fjords
Trip Overview
There are places on Earth where the sky competes with the land for your attention — and then there is Scoresbysund. Here, in the remote fjords of East Greenland, cathedral-size icebergs drift through the world’s largest fjord system, musk oxen move across ancient tundra, and when darkness finally returns after the long Arctic summer, the northern lights ignite the sky in ways that no photograph can fully prepare you for — though this expedition is designed to come as close as possible.
This is a journey for landscape photographers and aurora chasers who want both: the extraordinary daytime world of East Greenland in autumn, and the celestial theater that plays out overhead once the sun goes down. September is the sweet spot. The fjords of Scoresbysund are at peak beauty, the wildlife is active, and the returning darkness brings with it a genuine chance to witness the aurora borealis above one of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth, completely free of light pollution.
The logistics are as purposeful as the destination. Each night, our expedition vessel sails into a narrow fjord and settles gently into forming sea ice, locking into place and creating a naturally stable platform for long-exposure photography. With the ship anchored and still, the deck becomes your studio. Above you, majestic peaks. Around you, silence. And when the lights appear — green and violet and white, shifting and folding across the sky — you’ll be ready.
By day, the fjord system reveals a different kind of wonder. Scoresbysund’s labyrinthine waterways are strewn with icebergs of every scale and shape, each one a photographic subject in its own right. Shore landings bring us to Thule cultural remains, hunters’ cabins, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking ice-filled channels. We may visit Ittoqqortoormiit, one of the most remote settlements on the planet, for a glimpse into a way of life unlike any other. Wildlife encounters — musk oxen, Arctic foxes, Arctic hares, and although rare, maybe a narwhal or polar bear — add to a daytime experience that would be remarkable even without the aurora.
Our Reefs to Rockies guests will have exclusive access to hands-on photography instruction from Cheryl Opperman, a professional photographer with deep expertise in both technical craft and polar environments. Whether you’re working on aurora technique, composing icebergs against mountain backdrops, or capturing wildlife in the grandeur of the landscape, Cheryl will be at your side, helping you find the shot, read the light, and bring home images that do justice to what you’re seeing.
The vessel carries just twelve guests in total with 10 spots available for Reefs to Rockies guests rounding out an intentionally small and unhurried group, with a minimum of six guests required for departure. With Zodiacs at our disposal and no lines, no waiting, and no crowds, every landing and every sighting belongs to you.
Our days are shaped by what the Arctic offers, ice conditions, weather, and wildlife opportunity, not by a rigid schedule. This is an expedition in the truest sense, and that spontaneity is precisely what makes it so rewarding.
This is a fly-and-cruise expedition, a format that maximizes your time in the field and minimizes time at sea. Rather than sailing from Iceland, we fly together on a private charter flight with Icelandair aboard a fixed-wing turboprop aircraft designed for regional Arctic operations, landing directly at Nerlerit Inaat Airport in Greenland.
The flight itself is an experience worth savoring: the view from above Greenland is immense. It is, in every sense, the ideal way to begin.
Expedition cruise dates: September 19–27, 2027.
Travel logistics begin in Iceland, with a charter flight into Nerlerit Inaat Airport in Greenland. We are happy to assist with coordination and pre- and post- accommodations.
About Your Photo Expedition Leader
Cheryl Opperman is a nationally acclaimed nature photographer who has photographed on all seven continents, capturing unforgettable images of wildlife, natural landscapes, and indigenous cultures. Her work has appeared in The Denver Post, National Geographic Society publications, and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
She has earned top honors from organizations including the International Photography Awards, Nature’s Best Photography, and the National Wildlife Federation. A sought-after educator and keynote speaker, Cheryl leads with passion, patience, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. Whether you are new to photography or a seasoned shooter, her teaching style inspires confidence and creativity.
Details
Price – Signature Twin Cabin: $21,950* per person based on double occupancy (two people sharing a cabin; 1 double bed cabin and 2 twin bed cabins or 6 berths available)
Price – Class Single Cabin: $24,000* per person based on single occupancy (2 cabins available)
Price – Signature Single Cabin: $24,575* per person based on single occupancy (1 cabin available)
Includes: Cruise + 1 night in Reykjavik at end of cruise; breakfast, lunch and dinner during cruise with wine and beer at dinner; Photo Guide – Cheryl Opperman with daily photo instruction; Expedition Cruise Guide; Zodiac excursions; shore landings; on board lectures; rubber boots for shore landings; and round-trip charter flight between Keflavik and Nerlerit Inaat Airports. A conservation donation will be made on behalf of all participants.
Excludes: flights to Keflavik meeting point (we will assist with flight planning); pre- or post- accommodations in Reykjavik; mandatory travel insurance with emergency medical evacuation (quotes available); optional activities; passport/ visa fees; alcohol except dinner inclusions; personal expenses; and gratuities.
*Reflects payment by check or ACH. Credit card fees, if applicable, will be assessed at time pf payment.
Important Note on Cabin Arrangements: To make the most of the vessel’s limited accommodation and ensure all eight Reefs to Rockies guests can participate, twin cabins on this departure will be shared by two guests. Solo travelers are warmly welcomed and will be paired with a same-gender cabin mate whenever possible. The cabins are designed for expedition travel, and sharing accommodation is a common and enjoyable part of the small-ship polar experience.
Level of Difficulty – Moderate: This expedition is designed for travelers with a reasonable level of mobility and fitness. Participants should be comfortable boarding and disembarking Zodiacs in variable sea conditions, and walking on uneven ground, gravel beaches, and snow-patched ground at an unhurried pace. Shore excursions are focused on photography, wildlife observation, and cultural exploration rather than strenuous hiking, though the Arctic environment always demands attentiveness and sure footing. Extended time outdoors in cold, damp, and sometimes windy conditions is a daily reality, and participants should be prepared to layer appropriately and remain flexible as weather dictates the day’s plans. Evening aurora sessions may require patience and time on deck in cold temperatures, a small price for what awaits. No previous expedition cruising experience is required; a sense of adventure and willingness to embrace the unexpected are the only prerequisites.