In search of narwhals between Greenland and Baffin Island

20 July - 03 August 2027

1 BERTH AVAILABLE

A unique and romantic exploratory expedition aboard a historic 1915 two-masted sailing ship with a steel hull perfect for navigate the pack ice. The vessel, despite being over a century old, is in perfect condition and equipped with modern navigation systems.

This adventure is an expedition in the truest sense of the word, with the itinerary dictated by ice and wind conditions. We will weigh anchor from the village of Upernavik, located along the west coast of Greenland, and once we reach the pack ice off the coast of Baffin Island, we will follow it northward until we reach Arctic Bay in the Canadian Arctic, where we will disembark. This particularly remote and wild area of the Arctic has only been visited by a very limited number of vessels in history, making it a true voyage of exploration. The objective of this expedition is to explore the rugged and spectacular eastern and northern coasts of Baffin Island. As we slowly navigate the pack ice, amidst the fairytale colors of the ice, we'll search for the magnificent wildlife that inhabits this extreme region, including polar bears, whales, seals, walruses, caribou, and above all the elusive narwhal, a true ghost of the seas. These seas are home to one of the largest populations of narwhals in the world, which gather here in the shallow bays during the summer. In recent years, due to climate change, they have changed their habits, frequenting different areas than in the past, and it is precisely there that we will head to explore them in depth, guided by our expert captain. We'll experience the rich Inuit culture while admiring towering cliffs, spectacular glacial formations, and endless panoramas. The trip is limited to a maximum of 10 people. Your guide on this journey will be Piero Bosco, an expert on the region who boasts over 100 Arctic expeditions.

Narwhals, Greenland, Polar Bear, Sailing Boat, Baffin

Program

20  July
Upon arrival, we’ll be transferred aboard our magnificent 38-meter historic sailing boat, equipped with six double cabins, all with private bathrooms, and with zodiacs for landings. She is a true veteran of Arctic and Antarctic exploration. Before being transferred to the ship, there may be the opportunity to visit this small and remote Inuit outpost on foot, one of the northernmost settlements on Greenland’s west coast.
Once settled aboard, we’ll set sail for Baffin Island.
Overnight on board.

21 July – 02 August
Sail these remote waters, through inlets, straits, and icy bays like legendary explorers, will certainly be thrilling. Designed to offer an unprecedented exploration of one of the most challenging areas on the planet, reaching the northernmost coasts of Baffin Island, Devon Island, Bylot Island, and Beechey Island, this adventure is unique and unlikely to be repeated. This trip has no fixed itinerary; our goal will be to explore the area as thoroughly as possible, given the current weather and ice conditions. Each day will include zodic excursions, shore excursions, visits to Inuit communities, and the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Although these waters are known to European cultures as the Northwest Passage, this area has hosted and sustained the Inuit for nearly 5,000 years.
We will follow in the footsteps of the few lucky polar adventurers who have passed through the famous Lancaster Soundto reach the top of the world and reach the distant Pacific Ocean. Transiting the sound is a legend for any explorer of the High Arctic, as crossing it introduces us to one of the most spectacular and least visited parts of our planet. A natural convergence, it channels currents, drifting ice, and marine life between its shores.
Wildlife sightings are almost guaranteed, as many of the areas we will visit are home to a surprising number of birds and mammals that thrive in this harsh environment. Among them are Polar bears, Musk oxen, and various bird species, such as Gyrfalcons and Little auks. The true purpose of our journey, however, will be an encounter with the elusive Narwhal. In recent years, due to climate change, these cetaceans have changed their habits, frequenting different areas than in the past, and it is precisely there that we will head to explore them in depth, guided by our expert captain. It is precisely during this season that Narwhals and Belugas gather deep in bays where the water is shallower to facilitate molting.

The deep bays and fjords that characterize Baffin Island’s eastern coast are strikingly beautiful, a succession of glaciers and spectacular peaks. Some of the most beautiful mountains in the world are found along this coastline. Sam Ford Bay in particular, with its granite cliff rising 1,500 meters, offers a unique view.
Animals on the pack ice along the coast will be a constant presence, especially Polar bears, Walruses, Seals, and even the Baffin Island Arctic Wolf, as well as Lemmings, Arctic foxes, and Arctic hares. Birds will also be present, including Atlantic Puffins, Common Guillemots, Brunnich’s Guillemots, and Black Guillemots. The area is also an important habitat for the Snowy Owl.
Devon Island is another potential site for wildlife encounters, as Walruses, Polar bears, and Musk oxen inhabit the area. It’s also home to the remains of a Royal Canadian Mounted Police outpost, established in Dundas Harbour in 1924 to curb foreign whaling and other activities.
History buffs will also be intrigued by the opportunity to pay homage to the ill-fated Franklin expedition of 1845-46 at the gravesite of three crew members on Beechey Island, one of Canada’s most important historic Arctic exploration sites.
The sheltered shores and steep cliffs of Arctic Bay, a picturesque village located off Admiralty Inlet, provide an ideal nesting habitat for various high Arctic birds, such as Snow geese, Brünnich’s guillemots, and Kittiwakes, as well as the rare Ivory Gull and Ross’s Gull. Seals, Narwhals, and Bowhead whales also live in these waters. The region has been inhabited by Inuit and Thule cultures for nearly 5,000 years, making it the ideal place to sample local cuisine and mingle with artists, perhaps picking up sculptures or other handicrafts as a memento of our polar adventure.
The Canadian High Arctic offers no shortage of natural beauty, wildlife, and history. Every day, we’ll discover something new and inspiring, whether it’s admiring tundra flora, a rare bird species, a polar bear, or the remains of an ancient Thule dwelling.
Overnight on board.

03  August
After breakfast, we’ll disembark and reach the airport in time for our return flight.

* Embracing adventure and the unknown is part of the legacy and exhilaration of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, sea, ice, and weather dictate the route and timing of the itinerary. This schedule represents a tentative outline; no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

Program

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Included in the price:

  • Double room/cabin accommodation with breakfast included.
  • All meals on board the boat.
  • All excursions included in the program.
  • English speaking guide.

Not Included:

  • Not mentioned meals.
  • Flights.
  • Canadian GST tax.
  • Any unexpected additional costs due to delays and/or forced stops due to flight connections, including flight changes, hotels and additional meals.

Price:

Euro 15000,00