Arctic Expedition: At Sea to Greenland

Arctic Expedition

At Sea To Greenland

Previous: Exploring Hamiltonbukta

Photo Album: At Sea to Greenland from Ranufjorden

The Svalbard journey has come to an end… and the next chapter begins.

After 14 incredible days exploring the High Arctic and circumnavigating the Svalbard Archipelago, it was time to say goodbye. On our final day, at Hamiltonbukta on Spitsbergen, we watched birds take flight, foxes play, and even pitched in to clean up some ocean debris. A fitting end to an unforgettable trip.

One last glance back as we slipped out of Raudfjorden, at the northwestern tip of the archipelago, before our trusty ship Polar Pioneer turned southwest—Greenland-bound.

As we settled in for dinner, our Expedition Leader shared the news: we were in for a two-day crossing with calm weather. The seas looked kind, so the TravelCalm and ginger pills could stay buried in the satchel (for now).

After two weeks of jam-packed landings, life aboard slowed to a gentler rhythm. We passed time watching the ever-changing sea and drifting ice, with ocean birds gliding gracefully by—some even hitching a ride on deck. No whales, sadly.

No other vessels in sight. We were completely alone.

Neither were any vessels in sight. We were ALONE.

The wind picked up a little, but the sea stayed friendly—nothing to scare off dinner appetites or send people to their bunks.

The onboard theatre kept spirits high. A photography essentials session, polar documentaries, and a great lecture on Arctic marine mammals from our eco-scientist Roger made the hours fly by. Genuinely fascinating stuff.

The next morning rolled in misty and mysterious. Floating icebergs began to dot the horizon—small at first, then bigger and bigger. The ship veered south to skirt a large icy zone, and through the haze, a fogbow—yes, fogbow!—appeared off the port side. Not quite a rainbow, but still magical.

Back on the Bridge, the maps were out. Where were we going exactly? Hard to tell. The captain’s absence suggested it was smooth sailing, though.

Later, one of our eco-guides, Ryan gave a very educational talk on bird migration—right after breakfast. The weather held steady: calm, clear, and just breezy enough to remind you you’re still in the Arctic.

We continued to slowly move through the gathering floating ice and small icebergs. It became denser and denser, and soon, we were in the thick of it.

More and more seals were seen sunbathing lazily atop these float platforms. Sorry for the intrusions!

People rotated between the deck and the Bridge, scanning the horizon with binoculars, cameras clicking nonstop. Hopes with rising for sighting more wild lives…polar bears, walrus etc. We had cruised nearly 1,000 Km, however we were still a few hundred kilometers from terra-firma. However, Polar Bears are known to have swum 300+ kilometers to get a feed. But none appeared.

Then—surprise announcement! Conditions were perfect for the legendary Greenland Sea Arctic plunge. No time to overthink. I wasn’t quite mentally ready… but I went for it, again!

Colder than Svalbard. Much colder. The water was stunningly clear, and my legs went numb immediately. Recovery was slow, but the hot shower felt like heaven.