About this tour
Opportunities to witness a total solar eclipse are rare and your chances of experiencing one in the Arctic, from the deck of a polar ship no less, are even more so (considering the last total solar eclipse north of the Arctic Circle occurred in 2015). The next will take place on August 12, 2026. This voyage aboard the Ocean Explorer features your bucket-list eclipse adventure, time to explore Northeast and South Greenland, and two of the world’s northernmost capital cities – the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik and Nuuk, Greenland. World-renowned eclipse cartographer Michael Zeiler will also be onboard to deepen your understanding of eclipse-viewing, observational astronomy and celestial mechanics. Of course, you’ll also get to witness waterfalls, towering cliffs and remote fishing villages in the Westfjords – a hidden gem of Iceland – as well as icebergs, wilderness areas, glaciers and the deep fjords of Greenland. As you’d expect, temperatures in the Arctic are very cold. A warm parka will be provided along with waterproof boots and unlimited hot drinks, but you should also bring base layers and lots of warm clothing. Please see the Essential Trip Information's 'Packing' section., Weather depending, you will be making regular excursions in a Zodiac boat to explore the local area and look for wildlife. It can get very cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you are dressed appropriately and that you keep your camera safe and dry. Sturdy sea legs are needed as you make wet and dry landings from the boat, and on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. Some ships have a lot of stairs, so please hold on to the handrails if the seas are rough., The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned for. Flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially to such a remote area.