Scandinavian High Arctic
The Spitsbergen High Arctic is a world of dazzling glaciers and a cradle of wildlife – the Svalbard
region is home to around 5000 polar bears.
The Svalbard archipelago, north of Norway, is a remote cluster of islands set completely above the Arctic Circle. We’re on constant lookout for polar bears and walrus and there is prolific birdlife. The islands and the east coast of Greenland are a dizzying display of glaciers, fjords, ice plateaux, snow-capped mountains rising from the sea and gentle alpine meadows scattered with wildflowers. It’s not unusual to find numerous humpback whales on our crossing from Greenland to Iceland.
On our longer voyage, we’ll cross to the eastern coast of Greenland and sail on to the volcanoes of Iceland. Following in the footsteps of the great Arctic explorers including Roald Amundsen, Richard Byrd and Wally Herbert, we’ll see the harshness of a land carved by glaciers and test the edge of the pack ice that is the barrier to the North Pole, coming within 10 degrees latitude of the Pole!
SVALBARD IN DEPTH
This unique voyage will cater for all the needs of the photographer, artist and wildlife-watcher. Excursions to both the shore and in amongst the ice will maximise access to destinations of the greatest beauty, so your amazing experience can be captured and enjoyed forever.
SPITSBERGEN EXPLORER
We’ll sail as far north as 80 degrees, aiming to circumnavigate the major islands of the Svalbard archipelago, with wonderful wildlife watching – especially the vast seabird rookeries, as well as polar bears and walrus.
SPITSBERGEN, EAST GREENLAND & ICELAND
With more time, we’ll explore the Svalbard archipelago, then cross to visit east Greenland’s Inuit people and ancient Thule sites. We’ll watch for polar bears, walrus and whales, and finish our journey in the land of fire – Iceland. |
Canadian High Arctic
This is a savage land of rock and ice, and home to a wide range of bird and animal life. We'll visit the fascinating Inuit people of some of the world’s most remote communities.
At the top of the food chain in the High Arctic is Ursus maritimus – the polar bear. Alone or with their cubs, these massive predators are often spotted hundreds of kilometres from land. There are also walrus and many different whale species, including the rare ‘horned’ narwhal. Kittiwakes, guillemots and puffins are plentiful, and our onboard naturalists will also look out for less common species like ivory and Ross’s gulls.
Amid the ice and grandeur, we visit isolated Inuit communities. A highlight of your adventure will be the hospitality of the local people and gaining insights into the survival of these communities in the harsh environment. Our Canadian High Arctic voyages are our only adventures offering the experience of an Inuit community and wildlife viewing in the one journey.
NORTHWEST PASSAGE
Finding a route through the Northwest Passage challenged explorers through the ages. Over a century after Amundsen’s successful voyage, we are taking our own expedition through this icy corridor.
ICELAND, GREENLAND & BAFFIN ISLAND EXPLORER
Experience the spectacular wildlife and wilderness areas along the east coast of Baffin Island and the southern coastline of Greenland. |