The Northwest Passage In Depth - M/V Sylvia Earle

29 days
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Small Group Tour
On this epic voyage inspired by Roald Amundsen's historic expedition, we attempt to sail the full length of the Northwest Passage, carving our way west through the labyrinthine maze of waterways that hug the fabled islands of Arctic Canada, until we reach the Beaufort Sea. Building on our classic Northwest Passage voyage, we visit historical sites explored by...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Highlights

    • Stand in awe of the Ilulissat Icefjord - a UNESCO-protected World Heritage Site
    • Hike on Devon Island - the world's largest uninhabited island with stunning fjords and glacial valleys to explore
    • Keep watch for Arctic wildlife - spot muskox, polar bear, beluga whale and walrus

What's this trip about?

    On this epic voyage inspired by Roald Amundsen's historic expedition, we attempt to sail the full length of the Northwest Passage, carving our way west through the labyrinthine maze of waterways that hug the fabled islands of Arctic Canada, until we reach the Beaufort Sea. Building on our classic Northwest Passage voyage, we visit historical sites explored by heroic adventurers, meet the incredible folk that call this region home, and search for enigmatic wildlife found in this unique corner of the world. Search for iconic arctic wildlife - including polar bear, beluga whale and walrus Enjoy a genuine expedition adventure - where nature determines where you go and what you see Enjoy the midnight sun - as you sail above the Arctic Circle

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityToronto
End CityAnchorage

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • North America
  • Canada
  • United States
  • Europe
  • Scotland

Attractions

  • Alaska
  • Anchorage
  • Baffin Island
  • Bar
  • Beaufort
  • Bering Strait
  • Coron
  • Devon
  • Edinburgh
  • Toronto

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Day 1 Trip starts in Toronto

Arrive at Toronto Airport (YYZ) and make your way to your airport hotel for an overnight stay. Please visit the AE Expeditions hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags. You will be provided with important information about biosecurity and also about the cha...

Day 2 Embark the M/V Sylvia Earle in Kangerlussuaq

Board your charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, to embark the Sylvia Earle. Enjoy a short tour before embarkation in the afternoon. After boarding, there will be time to settle into your cabin before our important safety briefings. The voyage out of Sondre Stro...

Day 3 Sisimiut

Greenland's second largest town, Sisimiut is located approximately 54 kilometres (33.5 miles) north of the Arctic Circle, meaning that during summer, you can experience the midnight sun here. The town is famous for the old blue church with the gate made of whale bone....

Day 4 Ilulissat

Known as the birthplace of icebergs, this region boasts some of the most splendidly-shaped icebergs found anywhere on earth. Hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Icefjord and stand in awe of its immensity. Sermeq Kujalleq, also known as Jakobshavn Glacier, is the ...

Day 5 Qeqertarsuaq (Disko Island)

This compelling island seems to have more in common with Iceland than Greenland. While most of the interior is mountainous and glaciated, its beautiful shorelines boast black sandy beaches, unusual basalt columns, hotsprings and dramatic lava formations. On a guided h...

Day 6 At Sea and Baffin Island

Our team of experts entertain us with informative talks about wildlife, geology and epic tales of early explorers such as Franklin and Amundsen. Reaching the coast of Baffin Island, we may encounter Greenland's famous icebergs. Keep watch for humpback, sei, sperm and fin whale, as well as various species of seal such as ring and harp seal.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 Baffin Island

The east coast of Baffin Island features hidden bays that are feeding grounds for bowhead whales and where glaciers calve into the sea. Sail along inlets and fjords surrounded by towering mountains that feature impressive geology.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 Baffin Island

Some of the places that we may visit include: Home Bay, Isabella Bay, Sillem Island, John Ford Fjord, Sam Ford Fjord and Scott Inlet.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9 Baffin Island

Conditions permitting, we hope to go ashore at Pond Inlet and be treated to a warm welcome from the local community. The picturesque hamlet of Pond Inlet, overlooking Eclipse Sound, is surrounded by scenic mountain ranges and numerous glaciers and fjords. Travellers c...

Day 10 Baffin Island

Covered with mountains, icefields, steep cliffs, snowfields and glaciers, Bylot provides nesting habitat for large numbers of thick-billed murres and black-legged kittiwakes. A total of 74 unique species of arctic bird thrive on this island. Due to the richness of the...

Day 11 Devon Island, Lancaster Sound

At a latitude almost 75° degrees north, we are now truly in the High Arctic. Here, nutrient-rich waters support an abundance of wildlife, giving the area the moniker \ wildlife super highway\ of the Arctic. Devon Island is the largest uninhabited island on Earth and ...

Day 12 Devon Island, Lancaster Sound

At the western end of Devon Island lies Beechey Island. Named after Frederick William Beechey, the island has many of Canada's most important Arctic relics and is a designated Canadian National Historic Site. Sir John Franklin' first winter, 1845-46, was spent here du...

Day 13 The Northwest Passage

In true expeditionary style, our itinerary for the following days is entirely dependent on unpredictable sea ice but there are many places that we hope to visit. Using their great expertise in navigating these waters, the Captain and the expedition crew will decide on...

Day 14 The Northwest Passage

On the southern side of Lancaster Sound opposite Beechey Island, lie the towering bird cliffs of Prince Leopold Island-the most important bird sanctuary in the Canadian Arctic. Ringed seal are often spotted on the sea ice. Nearby Port Leopold is a historic site where...

Day 15 The Northwest Passage

On the north coast of Somerset Island, when factors such as weather and whale behaviour align, you might see the amazing spectacle of hundreds of beluga whale shedding their skin on shallow sandy banks. The local scenery makes for excellent guided walks, where waterwa...

Day 16 The Northwest Passage

Across from Victoria Strait, Coningham Bay lies on the shores of Prince of Wales Island. This is a polar bear hotspot where the majestic creatures come to feast on beluga whales that are often trapped in the rocky shallows at the entrance to the bay. It is not unusual...

Day 17 The Northwest Passage

Today, we cruise to King William Island. In 1859, a Franklin expedition tent camp was discovered at Cape Felix. Remains attributed to the Franklin expedition have been found at 35 different locations on King William Island and on nearby Adelaide Peninsula. South of Ca...

Day 18 Coronation and Amundsen gulfs

A large town by local standards, Cambridge Bay is the administrative and transportation hub of the region. It is the largest stop for passenger and research vessels traversing the Northwest Passage and unofficially marks the midpoint for voyages of the Northwest Passa...

Day 19 Coronation and Amundsen gulfs

Edinburgh Island is a small and uninhabited island in Canada's Nunavut region. The scenery consists of colourful flowering shrubs, beaches tinged in stunning ochres, while the surrounding cliffs shaded in rich, deep tones. Enjoy the many facilities aboard the Sylvia E...

Day 20 Coronation and Amundsen gulfs

We hope to enjoy a Zodiac excursion within an estuary of at the northeast end of Johansen Bay and up the river towards the lake. A possible walk to a lookout overlooking the lake offers spectacular views over lakes, sea and mountains. Wildlife including caribous, reindeer, arctic foxes, hares and peregrine falcons frequent the area.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 21 Coronation and Amundsen gulfs

Located in the north of Canada's Northwest Territories, Banks Island, the fifth largest island in Canada, is home to approximately 60 per cent of the world's population of Lesser Snow Geese. Arctic foxes, wolves, polar bears, caribous, musk ox and many birds are also ...

Day 22 Coronation and Amundsen gulfs

The smoking Hills in Canada's Northwest Territories have been smouldering, sending plumes of gas across the landscape, for centuries. Technically sea cliffs, you would be forgiven for thinking that the multicoloured fiery natural phenomenon is the set to an apocalypti...

Day 23 Beaufort sea

As we continue our journey west, sailing through waters named after famous explorers such as Amundsen Beaufort, keep a close watch for marine wildlife including Beluga whales that are often seen here.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 24 Beaufort sea

Lying 5 km (3.1 mi) off the north coast of the Yukon in the Beaufort Sea, Herschel Island has a heritage of natural and natural importance. Its dry polar climate is home to a unique number of arctic plants, animals and sea life. More than 100 other species of birds li...

Day 25 Beaufort sea

Point Barrow, or Nuvuk in the local Inuit language, is a headland on the Arctic coast in the U.S. state of Alaska. It is the northernmost in the United States, and where we enter the country. The North Pole is only 1,122 nautical miles (2,078 km /1,291 mi) away. The a...

Day 26 Chukchi Sea and Bering Strait

Continuing west along the northern coast of Alaska to where the U.S and Russia are only 100 km apart, separated by the Bering Sea, there is ample time to reflect on our adventures while scanning the water for marine life.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 27 Chukchi Sea and Bering Strait

Enjoy a massage in the wellness centre, share, edit and submit pictures in our photo competition and attend final lectures from our team of onboard experts.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 28 Chukchi Sea and Bering Strait

Celebrate an unforgettable voyage at the Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 29 Disembark Nome, fly to Anchorage

In Nome, bid farewell to your expedition team and crew. After disembarkation, transfer to the airport for your flight to Anchorage, for an overnight stay.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 30 Trip ends in Anchorage

Transfer to the airport after breakfast for your onward journey.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $30,520
Price per day$1,052
Last Updated: 5/10/2024

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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

M/V Greg Mortimer, Zodiac,

Transportation & flights

M/V Greg Mortimer, Zodiac
Guides
Expedition Crew, Naturalist(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 29
  • Dinner : 27
  • Lunch : 26
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-SENI

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