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
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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.
Deck seven. Forward-facing picture windows, unobstructed view, matrimonial bed, private bath with full tub, refrigerator - approx. 310 sq. ft.
Notes
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. Request the Twin Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
- Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.5 times the double occupancy rate.
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
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day 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
3 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
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.