Join this 11-day summer sailing, ideally timed for whales, icebergs, and breeding seabirds. Starting and ending in historic St. John’s, experience Newfoundland’s lively culture and dramatic scenery in daily expedition stops. At Gros Morne, the planet’s mantle frames fjords that would be at home in Norway; on the Avalon Peninsula, a chunk of what was once Africa meets remnants of the Appalachian Mountains. Visit Red Bay UNESCO World Heritage Site, learn about the Viking history in North America at L’Anse aux Meadows, and enjoy a taste of the Mi’kmaq culture in Conne River. A visit to the French island of Saint-Pierre completes the adventure. Experience the province’s legendary music, food, and hospitality the way it was meant to be experienced—by sea.
Highlights
Explore the remote reaches of Newfoundland & Labrador in summer bloom
Visit the reconstructed Viking settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows
Experience the phenomenal landscapes of Gros Morne National Park
Be a guest of the only Mi’kmaq community in Newfoundland
Share the warmth of a classic Newfoundland kitchen party
Arrive in St. John's, the historic and vibrant capital of Newfoundland. Picturesque and welcoming, St. John's is proud of its 500 year history. It has been continually fished since 1498, allowing it to boast the designation of North America’s oldest European settlement.
An optional afternoon city tour is offered to those interested. Afterwards, rendezvous at the docks and board the Ocean Endeavour to begin the adventure proper. Passengers meet the staff and crew, and prepare to leave the harbor. Sailing out of St. John’s has to be experienced to be believed; Signal Hill keeps watch over the world-famous Narrows as you head for open water.
The northeast coast of Newfoundland is known for the dozens of quaint villages that dot its rocky shores, and it is to one of these small settlements that you pay a visit today. You may look forward to a characteristically warm Newfoundland welcome upon your arrival. The area itself is home to a plethora of islands and, seasonally, ice bergs that drift in from the Atlantic; the Ocean Endeavour charts a scenic course past these beautiful obstacles as you head north.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, L'Anse Aux Meadows is the only authenticated Norse settlement in North America. The archeological remains found here in 1960 date to approximately 1000 A.D. Amazingly, the location of the ruins was first established by a close reading of the Viking sagas. Today a superb interpretive center and reconstructions of the several Norse-style sod buildings make L'Anse Aux Meadows a must-see for any visitor to Newfoundland.
Labrador is home to the Red Bay Basque Whaling Station, Canada’s newest UNESCO World Heritage site. Beginning in the 1500s, Basque whalers operated out of the Red Bay harbor, making it at one time the largest whaling station in the world. The site includes six hundred acres of terrestrial and aquatic protected area. Among the important artifacts found at Red Bay is the whaling ship San Juan, lost in a storm in 1565 and found centuries later submerged in the harbor in only ten meters of water. A large number of tools, personal items, and navigational instruments have been recovered from the wreck.
Gros Morne is internationally famed for its geographic diversity and majesty. The park’s mountains are both picturesque and highly unusual: the Tablelands, a 600-meter plateau, forms one of the world’s best examples of ancient rock exposed from the earth’s mantle. The park’s fjords are equally stunning, and the town of Woody Point has become widely renowned for its annual Writers’ Festival.
There are a choice of walks—catering to all levels of skill and interest—as you explore the surrounding area. The beauty of Bonne Bay is surely a highlight, as are the subtle charms of Woody Point.
The wild and windswept coast of Southern Newfoundland is home to a few remaining outpost communities, still largely cut off from mainstream travel. Visits here are often a highlight of this itinerary. There are many unique bays and coves to explore via Zodiac or land excursions.
The First Nations community of Miawpukek (Conne River) has an economically self-sufficient mandate, guided by traditional values. It became a permanent settlement sometime around 1822. Before then, it was one of many semi-permanent camping sites used by the Mi'kmaw people, who were, at the time, nomads travelling throughout the east coast. Since its establishment as a reserve in 1987, Miawpukek’s employment rate has increased from 10% to nearly 100% and Indian and Northern Affairs often reference the community as a model for other First Nations. Receive a formal welcome into the community and meet the locals, with the help of community leaders.
Explore Saint-Pierre, a last bastion of France’s colonial territories in North America. The colourful and charming shops and residences of the town of Saint-Pierre reveal its unique historical character.
Day 11: Disembark in St. John's Newfoundland
1 Breakfast
On the final day of your expedition, sail though the historic Narrows and into St. John's harbor. Say your farewells and begin the process of departure. Staff are on hand to assist you with luggage and transportation arrangements.
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.
$3,995
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Quadruple - Category 1
Deck four: Interior cabin, four lower berths, private bath (separate shower room and powder room) - approx. 240 sq. ft.
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Triple - Category 2
Deck four: Interior cabin, three lower berths, two private baths - approx. 200 sq. ft.
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Interior Twin - Category 3
Deck five: Interior cabin, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 125 sq. ft. (twin)/110 sq. ft. (single)
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Exterior Twin - Category 4
Deck four: Porthole window, unobstructed view, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 100 sq. ft. (twin)/90 sq. ft. (single)
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Main Twin - Category 5
Deck five: Picture window, unobstructed view, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 115 sq. ft.
Initial deposit is $2000, 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
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
