Join this 11-day summer sailing, ideally timed for whales, icebergs, and breeding seabirds. The rugged charm and geographic diversity of Newfoundland and Labrador are best appreciated by ship. Starting and ending in historic St. John's, experience Newfoundland's lively culture and dramatic scenery with daily expeditions.
Highlights
Explore the phenomenal landscapes of Gros Morne National Park
Share the warmth of a classic Newfoundland ‘kitchen party’
Hear traditional stories and songs from our talented musicians
View icebergs and whales at an optimal time of the year
Discover the Viking history of North America
Sail Newfoundland’s remote south coast
Travel in the company of internationally acclaimed artist J.C. Roy
Visit Miawpukek (Conne River), Newfoundland’s only Mi’kmaq community
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. Embark the Ocean Endeavour from St. John's harbor.
Newfoundland's history is intricately bound up with the cod fishery. In the heyday of sailing, smaller centers like Trinity could claim to compete with St. John's. Today the preservation of Trinity's cultural heritage has made it perhaps the most notable "heritage community" in the province. Abandoned communities nearby add to the character of this destination, as did the roles it played in the motion picture The Shipping News and the TV series Random Passage.
On the Great Northern Peninsula, the people of Conche welcome you into their charming community. Conche is made up of mostly Irish descent, which you can observe in ties to Irish history and religion. Explore the colorful town on foot, but don't be surprised if you are invited in by local residents for a "mug up"! Conche is home to the legendary French Shore Tapestry, over two hundred feet of linen and wool telling the story of Newfoundland’s French history: its fishery, its conflict, and its people.
Anchor outside of L’anse Aux Meadows and Zodiac transfer directly to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, the only authenticated Norse settlement in North America. The archaeological remains here 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.
It has been said that "Gros Morne is to geology what the Galapagos are to biology." The Park's mountains are both picturesque and highly unusual: the Tablelands, a 600m (1900 ft) plateau, forms one of the world's best examples of exposed ancient rock from the earth's interior. The Park's fjords are equally stunning, and the town of Woody Point has become widely renowned for its annual Writers' Festival.
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 our trips. There are many unique bays and coves to explore via Zodiac or land excursion.
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.
Explore exotic Saint-Pierre, a last bastion of France’s colonial territories in North America. The island’s 6,500 residents are of various descents including French, Basque, Breton, and Normand.
St. Pierre’s architecture reflects its history: an eclectic collection of colors and style aligned on picturesque cobblestone streets and alleys. We will have time for a tour of the city and independent exploration in the surrounding area. Take advantage of this day in France to enjoy some wine and cheese, and unwind in a tiny slice of old Europe nestled into the North American coast.
Day 11: Disembark in St. John's Newfoundland
1 Breakfast
Disembark in St. John's. Stay to independently explore this city cradled in a harbor carved from 500 million year old rock and surrounded by hills. Or transfer to the airport to continue your homeward journey.
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.
Select a Date
Quadruple - Category 1
Deck four: Interior cabin, four lower berths, private bath (separate shower room and powder room) - approx. 240 sq. ft.
Select a Date
Triple - Category 2
Deck four: Interior cabin, three lower berths, two private baths - approx. 200 sq. ft.
Select a Date
Interior Twin - Category 3
Deck five: Interior cabin, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 125 sq. ft. (twin)/110 sq. ft. (single)
Select a Date
Exterior Twin - Category 4
Deck four: Porthole window, unobstructed view, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 100 sq. ft. (twin)/90 sq. ft. (single)
Select a Date
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 $1000, 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 was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
9 hours ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days 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
4 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
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.