Departures:
07/27/2013 08/10/2013
Ship(s):
National Geographic Explorer
Trip Highlights:
Embark on an epic voyage seeking polar bear sightings, local culture and stunning scenery aboard a luxury ship with excellent guides, kayaking and photography expert.
Summary: This epic voyage is an in-depth exploration of the far reaches of the Arctic, a land where polar bears roam, walruses loll, and hardy Inuit communities maintain their traditional way of life. Aboard National Geographic Explorer, trace the fjords of Greenland and navigate the eastern entrance to Canada’s Northwest Passage. Explore in search of polar bears, walrus, belugas and narwhals. Visit two UNESCO sites: the Inuit village of Sermermiut and Ilulissat Icefjord. Discover Uummannaq, site of Greenland’s impressive mummy find. All departures are photo expeditions, see end of page for details.
Arrive in Ottawa and check into the Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel.
Day 2: Ottawa / Fly to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Fly by chartered aircraft to Greenland. Embark National Geographic Explorer at the head of Kangerlussuaq Fjord, a picturesque waterway that stretches 100 miles.
Day 3: Greenland’s West Coast / Sisimiut
Dozens of deep fjords carve into Greenland’s west coast, many with glaciers fed by the ice cap that covers 80% of the country. Trace this ragged coastline, and search for humpback and minke whales. At Sisimiut, a former whaling port, visit the museum and wander amid a jumble of wooden 18th-century buildings.
Day 4: Disko Bay / Ilulissat
Sail into Disko Bay and set out to explore the Ilulissat Glacier, a tongue of the Greenland ice cap. Take an extraordinary cruise among towering icebergs. Explore the historic Inuit fishing village of Sermermiut, and view the Ilulissat Icefjord and its immense, calving glacier.
Day 5: Uummannaq
In 1972, Uummannaq was the site of Greenland’s most remarkable archaeological find when an astounding collection of preserved mummies dating back to 1475 was discovered among the remains of an old Inuit settlement. The mummies were featured on the cover of the February 1985 issue of National Geographic magazine.
Day 6: At Sea in Baffin Bay
There is time during this day at sea to indulge in a massage, a workout in the gym, or catch up on some reading in the library.
Days 7 - 13: Exploring the Canadian High Arctic
Carved by Ice Age glaciers, Lancaster Sound is the eastern gateway to the Arctic Archipelago. European explorers like William Baffin first ventured here in the 15th century to search for the Northwest Passage. The sound has been a favorite Inuit hunting and fishing location for hundreds of years. The days here will be spent searching for ringed seals, arctic foxes, walruses, and polar bears, as well as beluga, killer, and bowhead whales. You may even see the elusive narwhal, an arctic whale known for the long, spiraling tooth that projects up to ten feet from its upper jaw. Delve into the region’s human history on visits to vibrant Inuit villages sustained by fishing and artistic traditions, and to archaeological sites of the Thule people.
Day 14: Hall Peninsula
Spend another day in true expedition style, exploring the unspoiled Hall Peninsula of Baffin Island. Hike the tundra in search of caribou and arctic foxes, or follow your botanist to learn more about the hardy arctic plants. The exposed rocky cliffs of Monumental and Lady Franklin Islands are used as haul-outs by walruses. Cruise the coastline in search of these icons of the Canadian North.
Day 15: South Baffin Island / Frobisher Bay
The southeastern tip of Baffin Island forms the mouth of the Hudson Strait and is surrounded by tiny islands. Lower Savage and Resolution Islands are often a summer home to polar bears stranded by the retreating pack ice. Navigate the ice floes and rocks in a Zodiac, and spot harbor seals frolicking in the icy waters. Continue into Frobisher Bay — named for the English navigator who came across it on his quest for the Northwest Passage— and sail towards Iqaluit.
Day 16: Disembark Iqaluit, Nunavut / Fly to Ottawa, Canada / Overnight
Disembark in Iqaluit and fly to Ottawa, Canada by chartered aircraft. Overnight in Ottawa at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, or similar.
Day 17: Ottawa / Fly Home
Board return flights home or continue on to other adventures.
Reverse Itinerary: 8/10/2013 (This voyage travels from Iqaluit to Kangerlussuaq)
Photo Expeditions: All departures
The photo team, a National Geographic Photographer and a Photo Specialist, will enhance your voyage by working with you on photo composition and exposure; helping you develop your own unique vision; showing you how professionals edit and store images while on the go; and sharing the stories behind some of their greatest images. Whether expert or interested beginner, you'll find added benefits such as walks ashore and Zodiac cruises dedicated to photography, presentations on the creative and technical aspects of photography, and one-on-one mentoring and coaching in the field.
Included:
Two hotel nights in Ottawa; ship accommodations; meals onboard; excursions; services of expedition staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; all port charges and service taxes.
Not Included:
Air transportation; visa/immigration fees; personal items such as alcoholic beverages, emails, laundry, etc.; discretionary tips to ship’s crew.
Why does AntarcticConnection partner with ExpeditionTrips?
True experts with first-hand polar experience, the ExpeditionTrips staff has sailed on the ships they represent; with a combined amount of 100 Antarctic trips between them;and can help you thoroughly compare and contrast the expeditions.
Their approach to travel is highly personal and professional, offering unbiased travel assistance to ensure you choose the very best Antarctica trip to meet your needs!
ExpeditionTrips works only with the highest quality small ships-all under 200 passengers-ranging from a 48-passenger Russian research vessel to a 200-passenger luxury expedition ship.