fbpx

Baffin Island & Greenland Explorer (RCGS Resolute)

Baffin Island & Greenland Explorer (RCGS Resolute)

From USD $10,895

Description

This outstanding voyage explores the the stunning fjords and soaring peaks of Baffin Island before crossing the Davis Strait to witness the glaciated landscapes and colourful fishing villages of western Greenland.

We commence our expedition in Iqaluit and explore the south east corner of the Baffin island’s Monumental Island and the small hamlet of Pangnirtung. Throughout our journey we are constantly on the lookout for wildlife – including a variety of bird and marine life and of course, the icon of the North – the elusive polar bear who roams the ice floe edge. The Inuit communities of both Canada and Greenland are home to rich and unique cultures that have survived in this harsh landscape for centuries. Visits to these small towns and villages are a highlight for many and provide a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of the people who call this remote wilderness their home.

Every day we venture off the ship to explore in our zodiac boats, enjoy guided hikes to places of outstanding natural beauty, and observe and photograph the wildlife, landscape and the delicate Arctic flora. In Greenland, we experience the ice-choked Jacobshavn Iceford at Illulisat – a natural wonder of the Arctic, visit several pretty Greenlandic towns and cruise along one of the longest fjords in the world – Sondre Stromfjord. One final highlight awaits – a visit to the very edge of the Greenland icecap – the second largest ice sheet on the planet, after Antarctica. We conclude in Kangerlussuaq where our Arctic adventure comes to an end.

Please note: This voyage starts from Ottawa on a special charter flight. The voyage ends with a charter flight to Ottawa.

Trip Name
Baffin Island & Greenland Explorer (RCGS Resolute)
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Polar Expedition Vessel Passenger Capacity: 146 Built: 1993 Named after the HMS Resolute, a British Royal Navy Arctic exploration vessel, as well as the Inuit town of Resolute in Canada’s Nunavut Territory, RCGS Resolute will arrive in Canada in November 2018 for its inaugural polar voyage. RCGS Resolute also carries the name of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS), since we are exclusive education, environmental science, and expedition partners in Canada’s north. This longstanding partnership works to the benefit of our guests, who have the opportunity to learn from and interact with world-renowned educators, researchers, naturalists, marine biologists, artists, historians and photographers. With an unsurpassed ice classification, a proven track record for stability and safety, large indoor and outdoor viewing platforms, and exceptional maneuverability, RCGS Resolute is ideally equipped to guide guests through the world’s most pristine regions, further expanding our expertise in exploration and discovery. RCGS Resolute will carry a maximum of 146 passengers in unparalleled comfort, with an array of luxury amenities, educational opportunities and activities tailored to guests’ particular interests, and individual, personalized service.  Superb Design and Layout. Throughout the ship there are spaces ideally suited to every need. Spacious outer decks provide 360 degree viewing platforms perfect for photography, wildlife watching, birding and appreciating expansive views.  The salt water plunge pool, large relaxation deck, hot water jacuzzi are all located aft of the wellness centre (massage therapy, Finnish Sauna, steam room) and well equipped gymnasium.  Inside there are multiple areas to explore ranging from our well appointed theatre style presentation room, aft observation lounge and bar, forward observation lounge and bar, and both dining rooms. Add in the One Ocean Expeditions multimedia room, and mobile laboratory and the opportunities are endless.  Six Different Cabin Categories. All cabins feature outside viewing ranging from deck three traditional with port holes, up to decks 4 through 6 offering expansive panoramic windows.  Cabins all have lower berths that have the ability to be single beds, or 1 double bed depending on our guests needs.  Extensive renovations have provided new carpets, high quality cabinetry with soft close drawers, contemporary and spacious bathroom design, all paired with soft accent lighting offering options dependant on our guests daily activities and mood. All cabins offer modern sectional lounge quarters, providing a quiet nook to read or catch up on journalling.  Space is exceptional as each cabin offers 22M squared living space, whilst the One Ocean Suites are absolutely palatial offering 44M squared with enough room to entertain or do back - flips (your choice)! Enjoy Great Dining? So do we. At One Ocean Expeditions, the priority is on the expedition.  However with every activity, option, event, or excursion we find we build up incredible appetites to indulge in superb and extensive menu options.  Our bistro dining room provides early birds the option to get their social caffeine or smoothy start to the day, accompanied by light breakfast style snacks.  Full meal service includes buffet breakfast and lunches incorporating an international flare.  For those with special dietary requirements - no problem, we can accommodate that too.  Dinner is a great opportunity to catch up about the day’s events, as well as look to where we expect to explore next.  Five course menu options are offered a la carte, and seating is open in our business casual dining room featuring 180 degree sweeping views.  There’s also an excellent wine list featuring a range of international wines and other beverages of choice.  Join us on the Bridge. There is an open-bridge policy and guests are welcome to meet the navigating crew at virtually any time of day; there’s always something to learn from the officers on watch and the bridge is one of the best places on the ship for spotting whales and sea birds.  The bridge is closed during times of tricky navigation, pilotage, or weather. Operational Safety. There are no compromises here. The expedition staff and crew onboard RCGS Resolute have the deepest respect for changeable weather in the polar regions and the varying sea and ice conditions. That respect is apparent in every decision made throughout the voyage. The ship carries the most extensive inventory of safety equipment on all excursions and require leaders to undergo vigorous and effective safety training programs. Your expedition team are well prepared, so you can relax and enjoy your voyage.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Ottawa
We depart Ottawa this morning on our scheduled flight to Iqaluit, Nunavut, on Baffin Island. Upon arrival into Iqaluit we take a walking tour of the town and board our expedition ship, in the afternoon. After settling into our cabins and exploring the ship, we enjoy a welcome cocktail and cast off, setting sail for the remote Canadian Arctic and West Greenland.
Day 2 - Day 2 Monumental Island
Located in Davis Strait, Monumental Island is a known location for walrus. We explore by zodiac along the shoreline looking for these fascinating creatures, and keep an eye out for polar bears as well.
Day 3 - Day 3 Pangniqtuuq (Pangnirtung)
Nestled in the heart of Cumberland Sound, the village of Pangniqtuuq (Pangnirtung) is beautifully situated between the mountains and the sea. This remote community is a well-known centre for traditional and contemporary arts and crafts, including carvings, prints and colorful textiles. The Angmarlik Visitor Centre features a wonderful interpretive display sharing the lifestyle and history of the Thule and the modern Inuit.
Day 4 - Day 4 Cumberland Sound & Cape Mercy
Marking the northern headland of Cumberland Sound are the dramatic cliffs of Cape Mercy. As the Baffin Bay ice recedes throughout the summer, this stretch of the Baffin coast is a great place to find polar bears coming ashore. We explore this region, planning to hike the shoreline ridges, paddle the bays and zodiac cruise through the ice on the lookout for Arctic wildlife.
Day 5 - Day 5 Sunshine Fjord
Sunshine Fjord straddles the Arctic Circle at 66 degrees, 33 minutes north of latitude. Depending on the weather we may cruise across the Circle on the ship, by zodiac, or maybe cross it on foot. Whichever way, it’s a thrill to be above the Arctic Circle. Sunshine Fjord offers terrific hiking opportunities, from long routes that offer wonderful views of our surroundings to less strenuous options along the shoreline. For the sea kayakers, the sheltered waters of the fjord provide great conditions for paddling.
Day 6 - Day 6 Davis Strait
Ice conditions along the Baffin coastline will dictate our navigation today. This is a fascinating transition zone to explore due to the rich and varied wildlife species we expect to encounter along the ice edge. We keep a lookout for bearded, hooded and ringed seals and walrus. Polar bears are often found in the vicinity – with such a rich abundance of food sources in close proximity, these are rich hunting grounds. It is also not uncommon to see bowhead whales cruising along the edges of the ice. If conditions allow, we launch the zodiacs and explore through the ice floes on the lookout for wildlife. Eventually we push into the broad expanse of the Davis Strait charting an easterly course towards Greenland. From this point onwards, huge icebergs will be present, making for incredible photographic subjects in the soft Arctic twilight.
Day 7 - Day 7 Qeqertarsuaq
Qeqertarsuaq is situated at the head of Disko Bay. The Inuit name for this location translates literally as ‘large island’. After the main landmass of Greenland, this is the territory’s second largest island. It is a place of great historic and geological interest. Eric the Red, the 9th century Norse Viking, is believed to have used this island as a base for hunting, fishing and exploration. Mineral deposits containing native iron and hot springs are another feature of the area. We explore the southern coast and visit the island’s principal settlement of Qeqertarsuaq, home to a small, hardy community.
Day 8 - Day 8 Jacobshavn Icefjord and Ilulissat
If one word could sum up today’s experience it would be 'ice'. Even our expedition team members, with years spent exploring the Arctic and Antarctica, will take a moment to reflect on the awesome ice sculptures that surround the ship in all directions. Truly one of the wonders of the world, the Jacobshavn Icefjord (a UNESCO World Heritage site) spews gigantic tabular icebergs out into Disko Bay. The glacier that creates these stunning monoliths advances at over 40 meters per day, around 50 cubic kilometers of ice annually! Our approach to Ilulissat is always dependent on the amount of ice in and around the mouth of the fjord. Our Captain and officers are skilled ice navigators and our ship has one of the highest ice ratings of any vessel exploring Arctic waters.
Day 9 - Day 9 Sisimiut
We will explore the fjord behind the town of Sisimiut before going ashore to explore. Characterised by colorful local houses, the town's backdrop is a towering granite peak. We hope to meet a few of the traditional Greenlandic kayakers and to see a demonstration of ‘Eskimo rolling’ by one of the former Greenland kayak champions. A small museum is another interesting diversion, as is walking around town with your camera capturing the picture-postcard setting.
Day 10 - Day 10 Greenland Icecap
Today we sail into one of the longest fjords on the planet. Overlooking the fjord sits the town of Kangerlussuaq, a key outpost on the west coast of Greenland. An exciting day lies ahead as expert guides take us to view and experience the vast expanse of the Greenland ice cap. Covering roughly 80% of the surface of Greenland, the ice sheet measures approximately 1.7 million square kilometers. It’s the second largest ice sheet on earth, second only to continental Antarctica. Our trip takes us through fabulous scenery and there’s a good chance of seeing muskox, reindeer and local birdlife. Our expert local guides will take us walking on the actual ice cap - a huge thrill for many of us. Later this afternoon, we return to the ship and tonight our chefs will have prepared a special farewell dinner attended by the ship’s Captain. It’s a wonderful time to celebrate and reflect on a remarkable journey through the heart of the Arctic.
Day 11 - Day 11 Kangerlussuaq and Ottawa
Our journey through the Arctic is all but complete as we disembark the ship and make our way to the airport. A charter flight returns us to Ottawa. A transfer is provided from the airport to a central location downtown.
Day 12 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
09-08-201919-08-2019USD $10,895Triple Private
09-08-201919-08-2019USD $12,795Twin Private
09-08-201919-08-2019USD $13,995Superior
09-08-201919-08-2019USD $14,195Superior Plus
09-08-201919-08-2019USD $15,295Shackleton Suite
09-08-201919-08-2019USD $16,495One Ocean Suite

Inclusions

    • Spectacular glacial landscapes and colourful Greenlandic villages
    • Marvel at Ilulissat icefjord, a UNESCO World
    • Heritage Site and wonder of the world
    • Wildlife observation on shore, on zodiac cruises and from the ship
    • Cultural interaction and understanding through visits to remote Inuit communities

Map