Lying between Greenland and Iceland, the Denmark Strait was first crossed by the Vikings in the late 10th century during Erik the Red’s expeditions. In World War II, its waters witnessed a significant battle between the Kriegsmarine and the Royal Navy on May 24, 1941. In winter, extremely dense pack ice forms along the Greenlandic coasts. While the Transpolar Drift sweeps icebergs along throughout the year, the strait is generally clear of ice during the summer.

Beneath the strait lies the world’s largest waterfall, an undersea cataract formed by the temperature difference between the cold waters of the Greenland Sea and the warmer waters of the Irminger Sea. This rich ecosystem is home to numerous cetacean species, making it a prime location for whale watching and marine exploration.

Today’s adventure has been inspired by Jules Poret de Blosseville, the French explorer and sailor. In 1833, he set off to discover this isolated and unexplored part of eastern Greenland aboard La Lilloise, a journey that ended in tragedy. The uninhabited territory that bears his name lies south of Scoresby Sound. Surrounded by ice, icebergs, and pack ice, the Blosseville Coast is a remote and wild place visited by few.

Exploring this region means immersing yourself in the heart of a frozen, almost surreal desert, where the changing light alters your perception of the landscape. In the kingdom of polar bears, Le Commandant Charcot, a silent ship, offers exceptional moments observing Arctic wildlife through a series of unforgettable encounters.

On the east coast of Greenland, in the Ittoqqortoormiit region, covered with snow and ice for nine months of the year, provides the rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of an isolated territory and explore the beauty of its endless polar whiteness. The high alpine mountains punctuate the sky, gradually revealing their dark rock edges beneath a blanket of snow.

At the entrance to the world’s longest fjord system lies the village of Ittoqqortoormiit, one of the northernmost inhabited places on the east coast. Its name means ‘great house’ in Greenlandic, and it is home to the last of the polar hunters. As soon as the ice floe is thick enough, the hunters set out in pursuit of walruses, seals, narwhals, musk oxen, and polar bears, traveling by traditional dog sleds.

On these snowy expanses, the silence is broken only by the sounds of the dogs, the grating of a sled returning from a run, or footsteps on the ice. Discover Inuit traditions through unique and festive moments on the ice floe and in the village.

Set sail for North-East Greenland, delve deeper into the Arctic region and explore the unexpected riches of the sea ice, where traditional ships cannot venture at this time of year. As the light shifts and the sky changes moods, the varying shades of the ice and its infinite textures create an exceptionally stunning vista. With patience and humility, navigate the floating white cathedrals and ice carried by the Transpolar Drift.

In the midst of this vastness, beauty lies in the details and the magic of the moment. In the realm of polar bears, Le Commandant Charcot provides a reassuring cocoon built for polar exploration, offering wonderful opportunities to observe these majestic creatures. You may even witness the moving sight of a mother and her cub traveling across the pristine icy expanse.

Return south and cross the Denmark Straight, taking this opportunity to relax and enjoy the many services aboard, spend some time learning from highly experienced expeditions team and reflect on your journey.

On arrival in Reykjavik, disembark and spend some time exploring the city or head to the airport for your onward flight.