Embark on one of the most diverse Arctic expedition aboard the Sea Explorer, an ice strengthened small ship expedition vessel. In addition to wildlife excursions by Zodiac and tundra hikes, you’ll spend time visiting Arctic fishing villages and Inuit settlements, taking time to learn about their heritage and culture. A wonderful polar expedition to a part of the world where polar bears, whales, seals and humans have all learned to co-exist for thousands of years.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Your Arctic adventure begins with an overnight stay in Copenhagen at the Hilton Copenhagen Airport Hotel.
Day 2: Embarkation Day in Kangerlussuaq
Today’s charter flight will take you from Denmark to Greenland. When you land in Kangerlussuaq you’ll be landing at Greenland’s largest commercial airport, which was once a U.S. military base. You’ll be transferred to the port and then take your first Zodiac ride out to your ship, the Sea Explorer. Embark and set sail for your upcoming Arctic small ship cruise.
Day 3-4: West Greenland
Icy fjords, colorful communities and a historical UNESCO World Heritage Site await you on your Greenland trip. The first planned stop is Sisimiut, the second largest settlement in Greenland. Even so, this town has a small fishing village-feel with a great harbor for walking around and taking photos of the old, colorful buildings. You’ll get to watch a demonstration of traditional kayaking before venturing further north to Ilulissat.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ilulissat is home to the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier one of the fastest and most active glaciers in the world. As well as some spectacular zodiac cruising, there is also a refreshing longer hike in Ilulissat.
Day 5: At Sea
Turning west, most of your day will be spent at sea. This will give you plenty of time to hang out on deck, searching for cetaceans or watching the seabirds glide along above the Arctic Ocean. This Arctic waterway, which separates Greenland and Baffin Island in Canada, is called the Davis Strait, named after the English explorer John Davis.
Day 6: Monumental Island
Before reaching Baffin Island, you’ll head to the small island with a big name – Monumental Island. This is a well-known island for potential close encounters with some of the Arctic’s most iconic creatures – walrus and polar bear. Settle in for a Zodiac ride around the island, in search of the world’s only tusked pinnipeds and largest land carnivores!
Day 7: Akpatok Island
Your Arctic cruise continues along the eastern edge of Baffin Island in an area called Ungava Bay. Your next landing is all about birds and bears. The word Akpat is the Inuit name for the thick-billed murre, or Brünnich's guillemot. These birds nest on the tall limestone cliffs found around the island. This is one of the largest colonies in the world and a favored spot for polar bears.
Day 8: Kimmirut
Stepping foot on Baffin Island at the tiny community of Kimmirut, you’ll have a chance to see how people here still live a traditional Inuit lifestyle. This southern part of Baffin Island has an interesting mix of historical sites to visit or explore while hiking. This area was also once an important trading post, with the Hudson’s Bay Company setting up here in 1911.
Many of the fewer than 500 Inuit who live here sustain themselves by selling impressive indigenous artwork and sculptures. Enjoy time wandering around the settlement, or purchase some Inuit art if something catches your eye.
Day 9: Cape Dorset
This little hamlet is dubbed the “Capital of Inuit Art.” Since the 1950’s art has been the primary source of income for this small, local economy. You’ll find plentiful Inuit carvings, lithographs, sculptures and drawings here. The settlement itself has an interesting history, dating back more than 3,000 years.
Day 10-14: Islands of Hudson Bay
As your polar expedition heads into the second largest bay in the world, the focus turns back to wildlife watching. There are numerous landing site options in Hudson Bay, including Zodiac excursions around Walrus Island and shore excursions and hiking at Digges, Coats and Marble Islands.
The relatively shallow waters of Hudson Bay create a rich marine environment where you may spot a wide variety of animals. First the big cliffs at Digges Islands attract black guillemots and Iceland gulls. On the ground you may spot caribou and polar bears. Belvla whales are often seen around the ship. If time allows, lunch the zodiacs for a closer look. If you’re anxious for more walrus encounters then Coats Island, and the aptly named Walrus Island, should provide the best opportunities for good viewing in this part of Hudson Bay.
Over at Coral Harbour, a small settlement of Inuit people live on the shores of Southampton Island. This area was home to one of the last Thule Inuit settlements in the Arctic, with Sallirmuit people living here until the 20th Century.
Get ready to get active by hiking on Marble Island. You’ll gain a whole new perspective on life in the Arctic as this part of Hudson Bay has a lengthy list of expedition mysteries and tragic stories. Your Expedition Team will fill you in on why the island is nicknamed Deadman’s Island.
Day 15: Disembark in Churchill, Canada
Your final day in the Arctic will include a Zodiac excursion in search of beluga whales, which are often seen around the coastal areas here at Churchill, Manitoba. Say goodbye to the ship and crew before your flight and a final overnight in Toronto.
Day 16: Return Home
Dates & Prices
Per person starting at
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 20% of cruise fare (minimum $1450), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.