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Baffin & Greenland Explorer
with Total Solar Eclipse
Experience a total solar eclipse on this 13-day active adventure whilst sailing through the spectacular icy wilderness from Iqaluit to Resolute.
From Iqaluit on the east coast of Baffin Island, along the west coast of Greenland and through the Canadian Arctic to Resolute, this 13-day adventure sails through a spectacular wilderness of glaciers, mountains, fjords and breathtaking icebergs. Along the way, the Inuit settlements of both Canada and Greenland will open your eyes to the rich and unique cultures that have survived in this harsh landscape for many hundreds of years. One of the goals of this voyage is to be in position at the best possible location for the Total Solar Eclipse. The ship will sail as close as possible to the umbra (the path of totality) during the morning of 1st August to witness this rare and spectacular natural event. Ice and weather will determine the ships exact position. Iqaluit on the south-east coast of Baffin Island marks the start of your journey. On rarely visited Monumental Island you should see Walrus on the ice during one of their seasonal haul-outs and birders may catch sight of the Kumliens Gulls known to nest on the clifftops. Your exploration of Pangnirtung will include a visit to the Artists Co-op to learn the importance of print-making and weaving; Inuit art is coveted by art collectors around the world. En-route to Greenland sightings of Polar Bears, whales and seals are likely as you cross the Arctic Circle and enter into a world of virtually continuous daylight. Perhaps the most noticeable difference between the Canadian Arctic and Greenland is the production of icebergs; more are produced in Greenland than any other area in the Arctic. Ilulissat (Greenlandic for iceberg) has one of the islands most productive ice fjords and you will cruise amongst icebergs calved by the Jakobshavn Glacier. Crossing Baffin Bay to Dundas Harbour you will need a watchful eye to spot Narwhal, Walrus and Arctic Seal amongst the Bays magnificent ice floes and colossal icebergs. Meanwhile, the Captain and Expedition Leader will be reading charts and weather reports to identify the best location to view the solar eclipse. According to NASA, the event should occur on 1st August 2008 at 04:20.
Prince Leopold Islands towering limestone cliffs are renowned as a breeding ground for Arctic seabirds and, with the right conditions, you will see literally thousands of birds in flight. In 1845, three members of Sir John Franklins expedition in search of the Northwest Passage died on Beechey Island. Their grave markers are silent reminders of the sacrifice explorers made to find the northern sea route to the Orient. The ship sails on towards the most western point of your voyage at Resolute where it ends.
Itinerary
Day 1. Day 2. Day 3. Day 4. Days 5 to 7. Days 8 & 9. Day 10. Day 11. Day 12. Day 13. Embark in Iqaluit Monumental Island Pangnirtung, Baffin Island Davis Strait Sisimiut to Uummannaq Baffin Bay Devon Island and Somerset Island Prince Leopold and Devon Islands Beechey Island Resolute and disembark
Things you need to know
Embark Disembark Voyage nights Departure dates Price Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada Resolute, Nunavut, Canada 12 nights 22 Jul to 3 Aug From £3,495 in a triple share cabin From £4,295 in a twin share cabin Single supplement On request. If you are travelling alone ask about our request share programme which enables solo travellers to share a cabin with another solo traveller.
Whats included Vessel
Akademik Ioffe (see Vessel pages for more details). Voyage including guided shore & zodiac excursions, all meals onboard & transfers.
Guide price for flights & accommodation package
Around £1,025 including return flights from the UK & 1-night in Iqaluit. Additionally, the charter flights from Ottawa to Iqaluit and from Resolute to Ottawa need to be added to your trip cost. These are around £845.
Adventure options
" Kayaking supplement £395
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