Greenland Expeditions 2025: with Jess Wandering

GREENLAND 70-74°N

With the expeditionary tradition of the past and the trappings of the future, an array of dramatic nature and Arctic wildlife awaits you!

EXPEDITION B : 04- 11 SEPT. Passengers: 12

EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS

  1. Remember what its like to be a kid again, to experience pure unadulterated excitement, free of judgement or second guesses

  2. Explore the remote coast of Northeast Greenland

  3. Get a taste of the golden age of exploration on a traditionally rigged, wooden sailing vessel

  4. Visit some of the most remote, ice-free fjords in East Greenland

  5. Visit the world’d largest fjord system

  6. Participate in an active scientific programme which seeks to collect data about the Arctic (entirely voluntary)

  7. All of this with a small ground of 12 amazing people from all over.

  8. Enjoy stunning Arctic vistas and landscapes with the trappings of civilisation

  9. Pursue an intentional, knowledge-oriented expedition experience with respect to the destination

  10. Experienced crew and Expedition Leader that are at least as excited to be there as you (!)

  11. Eat well, drink well and live well whilst traversing the most remote parts of the Arctic.

Where are we going on this intrepid expedition? Clink/tap to expand.

To join this expedition 🥁 You need to apply!

The Great Expedition Company invites those with an expeditionary spirit to join us on a voyage of breath-taking scenery and unforgettable wildlife encounters high into the quiet sanctuary of the Arctic

Read through all of the information on this page.

Fill out this form 📝 and start your application

to Join the expedition

Tucked away high above the level of the Arctic Tundra, itself a very unforgiving landscape, lie the world’s largest fjords, some of which extend to over 240 miles in length. Sailing 70° north, only 20 degrees away from the North Pole, this expedition will take you on an invigorating and disconnected exploration far away from the stresses of the modern world. This slice of simplicity and proximity to nature is restoration for the spirit that is weary of modernity.

The human exploration of Scoresbysund is but a brushstroke upon a tremendous and exuberant canvas on one of the oldest places in the world.


We propose to seek out its secrets, and reveal them, with you.

What’s all the fuss about Northeast Greenland, anyway?

It is said that there are two phases in life: life before Greenland and life after Greenland. Greenland is portal through which one passes and cannot pass back through: whatever you think think Greenland is, it’s more, its bigger, and grander.  This expedition will lay bare the secrets of Greenland in an unparralled setting.

OUR PEOPLE MEAN EVERYTHING TO US. MEMORIES FROM YEARS PAST.

JOINING YOU ON BOARD

The Great Expedition Company has no back-office. Expedition leader Joe Shutter has carefully curated this unique sailing itinerary, along with the expertise of S/V Linden’s Captain, Rasmus Jacobsen, and together they will sail with you through the wonders of the Svalbard seas.

Joe Shutter

YOUR EXPEDITION LEADER

Founder of The Great Exped & Expedition Leader

Welcome, curious explorer! Joe here. British-Brazilian, I made Iceland my home 10 years ago.

I’ve spent many summer seasons sailing in Eastern Greenland and traversing the harsh highlands of Iceland. In recent years, I have had the pleasure of depending my knowledge of the Arctic and Antarctic.

My affinity for the Polar Regions has no limits. Through my lens and many years of exploration, I have honed the artful skill of curating positive and purposeful experiences which I take great joy in sharing with fellow explorers.

I prosecute a gratuitous and exuberant expedition leading style. I believe fervently in enjoying myself and fomenting an atmosphere of merriment and jubilation with my expedition parties. I strive to use my expedition time on the most remote and unique places and experience, but I’m always ready for whatever nature has lined up for me. I am always there for my people.

For me, seducing the spirits of fellow explorers and sharing in the wonders of the Arctic is my eternally-repeatable aim. Bringing people together with a common passion has always been my favourite thing: there’s a special energy in this that I have never found anywhere else.⁣

Rasmus Jacobsen

YOUR ARCTIC CAPTAIN

Captain of S/V Linden & Experienced Navigator

Growing up in Denmark and living on a yacht, my family raised me within a maritime lifestyle and eco-friendly culture from childhood. Since then, I’ve enjoyed over 30 years on the ocean thus far: working on galleons, square rigs, research vessels and passenger ships.

My passion lies in seeking out the most untouched arenas of the Arctic, placing a great emphasis on exploring without any signs of human activity. 

My crew and I are committed to embodying an environmentally-friendly approach to sailing, inspired to seek out the abundant beauty of Svalbard in a purposeful manner. Hence, collaborating with The Great Expedition Company is a harmonious eco-expedition match.

Jess Wandering

YOUR WANDERER-IN-CHIEF

Arctic wildlife enthusiast, storyteller, photographer and filmmaker 

Hi, I’m Jess! I’m a travel photographer and storyteller, and over the past decade I’ve had the privilege of exploring some of the world’s most remote and awe-inspiring places. But as meaningful as documenting these experiences has been, there’s something even more powerful about living them in real time, alongside others.

What draws me to this journey is the rare chance to truly slow down and be present in a landscape that feels untouched and timeless. Eastern Greenland offers a kind of stillness and raw beauty that invites us to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with a deeper sense of wonder.

This expedition isn’t just about breathtaking views and Arctic adventure (though there will be plenty of that!). It’s about making unforgettable memories in one of the last great wild places on earth. My hope is that this trip gives you the space to leave the familiar behind and step fully into the spirit of exploration.

A personal note from Joe:

Captain Rasmus is a gentle soul with kind eyes; I have no doubt that you will feel welcomed and at ease in his presence, and safe in his sailing skills. He is a breathe of fresh air on the seas: intelligent yet humble, he is committed to exploring in an intentional and eco-friendly manner, which was the very basis for which I decided to form a collaboration between The Great Expedition Company and S/V Linden. We have a mutual respect and understanding for the fragile Arctic we intend to sail in, and as such, we can plan to explore with purpose and wonder. I am beaming with excitement just writing these words, knowing what lies ahead of you and I: awe-inspiring natural beauty, thrilling wildlife encounters, and genuine human connection amongst our intimate group as we set sails under the Arctic sun.

ARCTIC MEMORIES

WE ARRANGE

  • Accommodation on board, incl. bedding & towels

  • All meals, snacks, tea and coffee throughout.

  • Your inbound flight to ICELAND to GREENLAND at the beginning of the expedition. (Expedition A + B +C)

  • Your return flight to GREENLAND to ICELAND via at the beginning of the expedition. (Expedition A + B)

  • Provision of a complimentary “Great Expedition Kit” : a curated collection of Expedition essentials to enhance your expedition.

  • Expedition champagne and port supply.

  • Usage of the ship’s cigar humidor

  • Free use of onboard sauna

  • Extensive Pre-Departure Preparation Material

    • Equipment and Information Pack

    • Destination-specific Expedition Preparation Guide - everything we think you need to know about your location before you get there.

  • All guided hikes ashore

  • All guided zodiac excursions to shore

  • Educational and Informational services from the Expedition Leader and crew

  • Port surcharges, permits and landing fees

  • Photography guidance and tuition in-the-field, as-we shoot

  • Editing session on board in the salon upon request

  • Some other goodies and extras that are not mentioned

YOU ARRANGE

  • Your flights to Iceland

  • Your flight from Iceland at the end of the expedition.

  • Additional Alcoholic beverages beverages on board (outside of champagne and port form the expedition supply)

  • Personal travel & health insurance

  • Crew gratuities (entirely discrentionary)

  • Personal equipment and gear for the expedition

DETAILS

  • Dates: Sept 04-11  2025

  • Berths: 12

  • Cost:

    • €9,845 (with 20% deposit payable to secure a spot)

  • Starts: Reykjavik, Iceland

  • Ends: Reykjavik, Iceland

To join this expedition 🥁 You need to apply!

The Great Expedition Company invites those with an expeditionary spirit to join us on a voyage of breath-taking scenery and unforgettable wildlife encounters high into the quiet sanctuary of the Arctic

Read through all of the information on this page.

Fill out this form 📝 and start your application

to join the expedition

LIFE ON BOARD S/V LINDEN

S/V Linden is undeniably a swoon-worthy vessel.  This elegant 50 meter three-masted tall ship captures everyones attention as she glides on the polar seas. She is very strong, capable, and best suited scouring the ice in the Arctic. Built in 1993, as a modern take on the original Linden from 1923, she has been sailing for more than thirty years around the northerly seas, proving that she is trustworthy and made for arctic adventures.

Linden will host us in her bright and comfortable main saloon, where plenty of windows provide a panoramic view for you to watch the waves roll by. Accommodation is made up of 5 twin bunk-style cabins and 2 single cabins. Home-cooked meals by the on board chef will be enjoyed in her main saloon, amid a well stocked library of polar literature. Day to day life on board is exciting yet easy-going: we will discuss the upcoming route over a hearty breakfast, plan our days activities, share life experiences over warm tea, and keep our binoculars in hand whilst we look out for wildlife.

Having been built in Finland there is, of course, a well-sized sauna on board, which will be the perfect refuge after a polar-plunge!

TECHNICAL DATA:

Length overall: 49.5 meters / 164 ft.
Beam Breath: 8.8 meters
Draft: 3.1 meters
Passengers: 12
Crew: 6-8
Cargo space: 35 Ton
Crane: SWL1,1T4M
Deck space: 80m2
Tenders: 2x ZodiacMk5, 1xZodiac MOB 4,56m
Sail area: 690 square meters
Speed on sails: 8 knots avg.
Speed on Engine: 6 knots
Range: Unlimited

EXPEDITION ITINERARY

Below is our intended sailing route, but please take into consideration that wind and weather conditions may adjust our sails. This is a natural part of the adventure of sailing. Our strength is to abide by the conditions which nature gives us, never against it, still making the best out of our time.

All expedition itineraries are approximate and are designed to give you a rough idea of the sorts of places we will go and the sorts of places we will see. A true expedition must respond to the prevailing conditions such as the weather, ice, and wildlife opportunities. That being said, the backbone of the expedition will head north and then down south again roughly on the following basis.

EXPEDITION ITINERARY

The expedition will start in Iceland. From there, a private charter flight will take us to Constable Point. From Constable Point, we sail down the channel, briefly to the village of Ittoqqortoormiit, and then into the fjord system for the rest of the week. If you’re wondering what the rest of the days have on store for you, you will find a brief description below.

Reykjavik
Pop: 135,688

Reykjavik will very likely feel very small (unless you’ve come from somewhere smaller)

Constable Point (CNP)

Less of an asphalt operation and more of a wet (and sometimes dry) dirt operation. No jets, just turbo props.

Ittoqqortoormiit
Pop: 345

One of the world most remote village at the mouth of the fjord system where it meets the ocean.

Scoresbysund
Pop: 0, just us

Area: 38,000 sq.km. Longest fjords: 340–350 km. (210-216 mi.). Vast, untouched Arctic wilderness.

DAY 1

Meet at Reykjavik Domestic Airport in the morning for our special chartered flight to Constable Point.

Board Opal/Hildur and get an introduction from the Captain and crew before sailing towards the village of Ittoqqortoormiit, one of the world’s most isolated villages. The quaint little houses dot the rocky slopes of South Liverpool Land with magnificent views of Kap Brewster and the Volquart Boons Coast to the south.

DAY 2

Sunrise at Sun Glacier. Sail west between palaces of icebergs that gently drift under the influence of the arctic waters. Anchor at Hekla Havn, on Denmark Ø, the site of an old Inuit settlement.

DAY 3 

Get up close to the Red Island and land on the red sandstone shore. The journey continues north through Rødefjord which is often filled with ice crust. Sail down Harefjord in the late afternoon where anchors are set.

DAY 4  

Spend the day on the south facing slopes of Harefjord scouting for Muskoxen, snow hares, grouse and other Arctic wildlife which normally graze in these areas.

DAY 5

Sailing continues on day 5 heading deeper and eastwards through the awesome Øfjord, possibly the highlight of the trip. Staggering mountain peaks and granite walls  rise 2000 meters up in either direction directly from the sea. We set anchors in Jyttes Havn in the late afternoon on this day.

DAY 6

Known as the Arctic Riviera, here we can hike in and around Jyttes Havn on the Bear Islands. With feet on the ground, you can really appreciate how special it is here. If conditions and time allow, we will tend a cozy bonfire on the beach. 

DAY 7

Sailing the channel between the Bear Islands and Milne Land with huge vistas of the archipelago as it fades away into the distance.  By the end of this day, we are in position at Constable Point for the flight for following morning.

DAY 8

We disembark the sailboat for the last time and board the aircraft at Constable Point for our return flight back to Reykjavik. The adventures of the expedition begin to sink in and your life after Greenland begins. We say goodbye to each other, not forever, just for now!

FAQ’s

Below are some answers to a few commonly asked questions, with some additional suggestions. If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, then you can raise it with us via a Zoom call.

  • What level of photography do I require?

    • This is not expressively a photography workshop, but Joe will be happy to assist and guide you as you wish. You can be as photographically creatively active or as inactive as you like, and we welcome many other forms of creativity. We even had a dressmaker join us on expedition once and it was amazing to watch her conjure up her design based on the inspiration she was getting from nature.

    How fit do I need to be?

    • You can engage in as much or as little physical exertion as you like, but you do need to be able to get into and out of the ship and zodiac, and go up and down the stairs.

    What & where will we eat?

    • All meals will be prepared and served by a chef on board Linden, and dietary requirements can be supported.

    Will we see the Northern Lights?

    • No, not during the Arctic summer as the midnight sun reveals itself for longer periods. Although it is rare, it can also rain in Svalbard too.

    What will the weather be like during June in Svalbard?

    • The weather in June will be near 5 °C / 40 °F throughout the day, dropping to 0 °C / 30 °F at night. With this said, windchill may decrease the temperature - please see the ‘Clothing’ FAQ section. Our "Equipment and Information" One of the aspects of our extensive pre-departure material, will make sure you have all the bases covered.

  • Althopugh we provide an exhaustive list of what to pack in our "Equipment and Information Pack", part of our extensive Pre-Departure material, wee do offer the following as a guide for the initially curious.

    There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes! It’s essential to dress appropriately for arctic conditions. Below are our recommendations:

    • Sturdy hiking boots for getting off the boat and exploring land (if you wish to)

    • Comfy and warm shoes for below deck, such as slippers

    • 1st layer: base layer, like merino wool or bamboo long-sleeve & leggings

    • 2nd layer: mid-layer, like a wool jumper, fleece, or packable puffy jacket

    • Main outer layer: like a down-filled coat. We will be sailing in “summer”, but the Arctic does not follow any usual weather rules, so you must come prepared

    • Waterproof layer: GORE-TEX zip-up coat or similar, and ideally it’s also windproof to tolerate any windchill.

    • If you enjoy reading then definitely bring a book or two. You’ll likely cherish that book in the future, knowing where you read it

    • If you like journaling and writing then bring along a pen & notebook

    • Sunblock! The Arctic sun has no mercy, and reflects strongly off the snow, ice and sea water

    • In the same vein as sunblock, bring lip balm, as the Artic summer is drying

    • A water bottle. It’s much easier to use on board than a regular cup

    • Finally, don’t forget to bring your expeditionary spirit!

    • Bring something from your home country to share with the group!

WHO ARE YOU?

A proper expedition is always comprised of an elaborate mosaic of characters, each with their own story and each with something to offer to the expedition group. Our job is to put together an incredible group of people: similar enough to embrace the spirit of adventure in the Arctic, different enough to introduce healthy diversity and counterpoint in the individual and shared experience of the Arctic.

We need to ensure that everyone who seeks to join us on our expeditions are a positive, forthcoming and interesting individual, hence why The Great Expedition Company follows a curation protocol when selecting guests to join us. This is why our selection process is curated.

Having “what it takes” simply means you’re open to new places, new people and unforgettable sights. We’re all smart in different ways, and it’s up to team leading the expedition to put together a truly excellent group for a truly exceptional experience.

Find the Zoom call scheduling window below, tell us something about yourself and then book a call with us to discuss your participation.