Zodiac Cruising
Zodiac cruising offers thrilling exploration of icy landscapes, allowing travellers to navigate through ice floes and wildlife-rich waters, experiencing the breathtaking beauty of the polar regions up close.
Embark: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Disembark: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Destinations: Disko Bay, Paul-Emile Victor Base Camo, Eqi Glacier, Icy Arm Fjord and the Thule Region
Ships: L’Austral, Le Boréal
Duration: 17 days
Additional Information: Return Flights from Paris to Kangerlussuaq included.
Take the group flight from Paris high into the Arctic to Kangerlussuaq. Transfer to your ship for embarkation in the late afternoon.
From 1941 to 1992, Kangerlussuaq in Greenland housed an American military base. Now, with its international airport, it serves as a transit point for adventurous travellers heading to the Far North. Located north of the Arctic Circle, it offers access to the Greenland ice sheet, the largest body of ice in the Northern Hemisphere. Visitors can also enjoy stunning autumnal tundra landscapes, home to Arctic hares, musk oxen, Arctic foxes, reindeer, falcons, and eagles.
During the cruise, travellers can explore Sisimiut, Greenland’s second-largest town, founded in 1756. This charming settlement features colourful stilt houses and a small fishing port leading to an icy wonderland. The town center is rich in history, with several historic buildings, a church, and a museum about Inuit history, plus craft shops. When the ship anchors, travellers can engage with locals in a distinctly Arctic atmosphere.
East of Baffin Bay, Disko Bay is filled with icebergs from the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord. Guests can admire these majestic ice giants drifting across dark waters. This area is renowned for whale watching, especially humpback whales, providing stunning wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes in this delicate environment.
Greenland, described by Paul-Émile Victor as “the most beautiful place in the Arctic,” boasts magnificent icebergs and towering glaciers, with the Eqi Glacier one of the most impressive. Amidst the cracking ice, one feels a thrilling chill. Don’t miss Victor’s shelter, the launchpad for the French Polar Expeditions’ explorations in the 1950s, capturing the essence of this stunning landscape.
In Uummannaq Bay, across a narrow passage between two islands, lies the striking desert island of Akulleq. Its ochre and orange hues glow in the polar summer sun. From the island’s summit, admire breathtaking views of the bay’s enchanting landscape and uniquely shaped icebergs.
Well north of the Arctic Circle, Kullorsuaq in Northwest Greenland is a haven for traditional hunters. Here, vast landscapes, majestic mountains, and impressive glaciers reveal Greenland’s true essence. Engage with the local community, known for their hospitality and respect for nature, and discover skilled craftsmen expertly working with marine mammal furs. This promises a unique, authentic experience.
Savissivik, a tiny Inuit village in Greenland, is a magical spot renowned for its breathtaking iceberg graveyard. Adventurous travellers can explore by zodiac, sailing among these icy giants, and hike to viewpoints for stunning views of uniquely shaped icebergs. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot bears and photographers will revel in the spectacular scenery.
Thule, located northwest of Greenland, is the mythical Far North. Sailing here is challenging yet breathtaking, with drifting icebergs and ice floes. We will aim to sail as far north as possible, with a chance to spot polar bears. Visits to traditional villages like Dundas and Siorapaluk offer a warm welcome from cheerful local children.
On the sea journey, make the most of the onboard services and activities. Relax in the spa, stay fit in the gym, or enjoy time at the swimming pool. educational sessions or shows, shop at the boutique, and meet onboard photographers. For sea lovers, visit the upper deck to admire the waves and spot marine life—an enchanting blend of comfort and entertainment
Baffin Island, in northern Canada at the mouth of the NorthWest Passage, features a small Inuit settlement at the very bounds of infinity. Crossing the Arctic Circle reveals a stunning landscape of snow-capped mountains, fjords, and glaciers. As the ship navigates deeper into the fjord, admire the striking geological formations plunging into Baffin Bay’s emerald waters. In warmer months, Nunavut offers incredible wildlife viewing—look for polar bears, narwhals, orcas, and soaring arctic fulmars in the sky.
The east coast of Baffin Island boasts a stunning lacework of fjords, including the spectacular Icy Arm. Sail through towering cliffs over 1,000 metres high, hike through glacial valleys at the foot of these mountains, and keep an eye out for marine mammals like whales and orcas as you return to your boat.
The Sam Ford Fjord offers breathtaking landscapes, with vertiginous cliffs plunging into icy waters, their reflections creating a magical blur between land and sea.
During your return sea journey, take full advantage of the onboard services and activities. Unwind at the spa, maintain your fitness routine in the gym, or spend leisurely moments by the swimming pool. Attend educational sessions or shows, and connect with the onboard photographers. For those who love the ocean, head to the upper deck to admire the waves and observe marine life – an enchanting combination of comfort and entertainment awaits you
The ship glides towards Greenland’s west coast, entering Evighedsfjorden, meaning “the fjord of Eternity.” This stunning 100-kilometre stretch surprises with its endless beauty, featuring glaciers, tundra, and jagged cliffs. Observe white-tailed eagles, seagulls, and black-legged kittiwakes soaring overhead, immersing in the extraordinary scenery.
On arrival in Kangerlussuaq, disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight to Paris.
Flight from Paris to Greenland return.
An official expedition parka to keep.
Leadership throughout the voyage by an experienced Expedition Team, including shore landings, presentations and other activities.
Shipboard accommodation in your chosen room with private facilities.
All meals, snacks and unlimited complimentary drinks throughout the cruise including minibar (excludes premium alcoholic drinks served a la carte).
Waterproof expedition boots to borrow for landings and Zodiac cruising. Snowshoes and walking poles are also provided.
Complimentary Wi-Fi.
Group transfers mentioned through the itinerary.
International airfare to join in Paris.
Passport and applicable visa expenses.
Meals unless otherwise specified.
Waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned.
Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified.
Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew.
Additional overnight accommodation.
Optional activities not listed in included activities.
We love a good chat, so please feel free to give us a call! You can also email us on hello@polarfrontiers.com.
+61 3 9640 0622Alternatively, fill out the form below.