Skip to main content

Traversing the Northwest Passage 2025 | Sylvia Earle

29 Days
Save Up To 10%

WAS From AUD 70,695   Now From AUD 63,626

STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise

Trip Code: ACAESTNP

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Toronto, Canada

Finish: Anchorage, United States

SHIP: Sylvia Earle

DestinationDestination

Greenland & Canadian Arctic

DestinationDeparture Date

27/08/2025

MealsMeals

Breakfast at hotel & All meals, snacks, tea & coffee onboard. Beer, house wine & soft drinks with dinner

TransportTransport

Group Transfers throughout & charter flights from Toronto to Kangerlussuaq & Nome to Anchorage

TransportAccommodation

Hotel & Cabin On board a Ship



Enquire Now
map

Included SightseeingIncluded Sightseeing

Daily Excursions in location, Zodiac Cruising, Onboard Expert Lectures & Briefings by the Experienced Expedition Team

 

NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather & ice conditions 

OVERVIEW

Up to 20% off* selected cabins and departures


We attempt to sail the entire length of the North-west Passage on this epic journey, which is inspired by the famous expedition led by Roald Amundsen. We wind our way west through the intricate network of rivers that border the mythical islands of Arctic Canada until we arrive at the Beaufort Sea. Expanding upon our iconic North-west Passage journey, we tour historical locations once visited by valiant explorers, get to know the amazing people who live in this area, and look for mysterious creatures that can only be found in this special part of the world. We could be stopped by pack ice during our trip, so be ready for a true expedition full of excitement around every corner. 

 

* Early Bird Savings up to 20% on selected departures and cabins. Discounts are subject to availability and are available until 31 Oct 24 unless withdrawn prior. Discounts are not combinable with any other promotions except back-to-back voyage or loyalty discounts. Discounts and pricing are subject to change and may be withdrawn or varied at any time. 

PLEASE NOTE: Pricing is subject to change and availability at the time of booking. Contact us for more information.

ITINERARY

Arrive Toronto

Having made your way to Toronto Airport, check-in at our group hotel located near the airport for an overnight stay. Please visit the hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with our ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation procedures and the charter flight to Nuuk tomorrow. You will receive cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags with your name and ship cabin number.

Accommodation: Westin Toronto Airport Hotel (or similar)

Fly to Nuuk & Embarkation

This morning, please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for our charter flight to Nuuk for embarkation. Any valuables or personal items should be kept on you throughout the day. After boarding, there is time to settle into your cabin before our important safety briefings. This evening, meet your expedition team and crew at the Captain’s Welcome Drinks.

Sisimiut

Greenland’s second largest town, Sisimiut is located approximately 54 kilometres (33.5 miles) north of the Arctic Circle, meaning that during summer, you can experience the midnight sun here. The town is famous for the old blue church with the gate made of whale bone. In the cosy museum next door to the church, you will find an excellent reconstruction of an Inuit turf house as well as exhibits of local history and early life in Greenland.

Approximately 4,500 years ago, the Saqqaq culture arrived from Canada and settled in the area. They lived here for approximately 2,000 years, after which they mysteriously disappeared from the area. The Dorset culture arrived around 500 CE and stayed until the 1200s until they were replaced by the Thule culture, and today, most of the population of Sisimiut are descendants of the Thule culture.

Ilulissat

In the afternoon we arrive in Ilulissat. Known as the ‘birthplace of icebergs’, this region produces some of the most dazzling icebergs found anywhere in the Arctic. Hike past the husky sledge dogs to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Icefjord and stand in awe at its immensity. Sermeq Kujalleq, also known as Jakobshavn Glacier, is the most productive glacier – not only in Greenland but the entire Northern Hemisphere. It produces 20 million tonnes of ice each day, all floating into the Ilulissat Icefjord and Disko Bay.

Optional helicopter flight (90 mins): This excursion is the only way you can get close to the gigantic glacier. The 10-seater helicopter departs from Ilulissat Airport sweeping over hills, lakes and ice fjords. Land on the mountain at Kangia, in the middle of the preserved area, where you can revel in the incredible surroundings. On the return flight to Ilulissat, fly above the edge of the glacier with breathtaking views of the massive icebergs drifting in the fjord. The views of some of the largest icebergs that become stranded on a moraine underneath the water, just outside the town, offers a wonderful finale to this excursion.

Please note that this is a paid excursion and requires a minimum of 8 passengers to operate and seats are strictly limited. Bookings must be made before departure and cannot be booked onboard. Cut off is usually 90 days prior. Please call reservations for pricing.

Greenland Expedition Cruising - Day 5 to 7

Explore the northern stretches of West Greenland, home to traditional settlements and enormous icebergs that Greenland is famous for. Possibilities include Zodiac cruises, hikes and a visit to one of the small communities that are dotted along the coast. Kayakers can enjoy paddling among the icebergs and keeping watch for whales that frequent the area.

At Sea

Our team of experts entertain us with informative talks about wildlife, geology and epic tales of early explorers such as Franklin and Amundsen.

Pond Inlet (Mittimatalik), Nunavut, Canada

After clearance into Canada, we hope to visit Pond Inlet (Mittimatalik), a captivating Inuit community nestled on the northern tip of Baffin Island. Surrounded by towering ice-capped mountains, vast glaciers, and pristine fjords, this remote outpost offers an unparalleled wilderness experience. As you step ashore, you'll be greeted by the warm hospitality of the local Inuit, whose deep connection to the land is evident in their culture and lifestyle. Immerse yourself in their traditions through engaging cultural encounters and gain insights into their unique perspective on life in the Arctic.

Devon Island (Tallurutit) - Day 10 to 12

At a latitude of almost 75° degrees north, we are now truly in the High Arctic. Here, nutrient-rich waters support an abundance of wildlife, giving the area the moniker ‘wildlife superhighway’ of the Arctic. Devon Island (Tallurutit) is the largest uninhabited island on Earth and features stunning geology, with flat-topped mountains and glacial valleys giving Devon Island its unique character. We hope to visit Dundas Harbour to enjoy offers walks on undulating tundra, and perhaps some birdwatching. A dilapidated Royal Canadian Mounted Police outpost and remnants of a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post can be found here. In the bay, walruses are often present. Other possible places that we might visit include Croker Bay and Maxwell Bay.

At the western end of Devon Island lies Beechey Island (Iluvilik), where we plan to land. Named after Frederick William Beechey, the island is a designated Canadian National Historic Site. During the Franklin expedition of 1845– 46, Franklin attempted to sail through the Northwest Passage with HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, with perilous results – three of his men are buried here. Roald Amundsen landed at Beechey Island in 1903, during the first successful voyage by ship to fully transit the Northwest Passage from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.

Just a short distance away, Radstock Bay offers a captivating contrast to the open sea. Here, we’ll disembark via Zodiac onto a beach strewn with remnants of the past. Explore the ruins of a Thule village nestled beneath the imposing Caswell Tower, where well preserved stone dwellings coexist with artifacts from later explorers. Witness the stark beauty of this remote bay, characterised by its dramatic cliffs, gravelly beaches, and the scattered remains of whale skeletons that have shaped the landscape and the lives of those who called it home.

Expedition Cruising - Day 13 to 17

In genuine expeditionary style, our itinerary for the following days is heavily dependent on weather conditions and unpredictable sea ice. The following places are some that we hope to visit.
Prince Leopold Island (Appait) - On the southern side of Lancaster Sound from Beechey Island lie the towering bird cliffs of Prince Leopold Island (Appait), a historic site where in 1848, English explorer James Clark Ross overwintered during the search for the missing Franklin expedition. Prince Leopold Island is the most important bird sanctuary in the Canadian Arctic, with approximately 500,000 birds nesting here in summer. Ringed seals are often spotted on the sea ice around the island and polar bears often lurk nearby. Port Leopold Port Leopold, a barren, windswept bay on the northeastern corner of Somerset Island (Inuktitut Kuuganajuk), is steeped in history. Here, the crews of HMS Enterprise and Investigator were forced to endure a harsh winter while searching for the lost Franklin expedition. Their presence is indelibly marked on a rock engraved with "1849" and the ships' initials. The desolate landscape is punctuated by a lone Hudson Bay Company hut, a failed trading post from the 1920s. Hikers will have the opportunity to explore the coastline, discovering the historic Hudson Bay Company house and intriguing Inuit archaeological sites. Be amazed by the otherworldly formations shaped by the region’s freezing and thawing cycles, which our expedition team will detail during recap. Nearby, a cairn marks the spot where Ross's rescue expedition left vital supplies.

Hazard Inlet (Qariaraajuk) - We hope to visit an Inuit site inhabited by bowhead whale hunters during the 15th and 16th centuries. The remains of over 100 bowheads are scattered across the village and beach, a testament to the community's reliance on this marine giant. Excavations have uncovered around 20 sod houses, though evidence suggests there may have been as many as 40. The cliff face behind the site holds community burial grounds, while caches, kayak, and umiak stands line the shore. This remarkable site offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of these Inuit families, who worked cooperatively to hunt bowhead whales for sustenance and building materials. It's an extraordinary privilege to experience this piece of history firsthand.

Point Zenith - Point Zenith, a rocky promontory jutting into the ocean, offers breathtaking panoramic views. As you step ashore, you'll feel a profound sense of isolation and wonder. This is a place where time seems to stand still, and the only sounds are the wind and the crunch beneath your boots.

King William Island (Qikiqtaq) - Remains attributed to the Franklin expedition have been found at 35 different locations on King William Island (Qikiqtaq) and on nearby Adelaide Peninsula. South of Cape Felix, in Victoria Strait, we hope to Zodiac close to where the wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror were eventually found in 2014 and 2016, respectively.

Cambridge Bay (Iqaluktuuttiaq) - The administrative and transportation hub of the region, Cambridge Bay (Iqaluktuuttiaq) is the largest stop for passenger and research vessels traversing the Northwest Passage and unofficially marks the midpoint for voyages of the Northwest Passage. Zodiac ashore for an exploration of this Inuit settlement located in the high arctic. Enjoy a walk through the village, where you can visit the local church, visitor centre and support the local community by purchasing some locally made handicrafts.

Coronation and Amundsen Gulfs - Day 18 to 22

Coronation and Amundsen Gulfs Your experienced expedition team will create your day-by-day itineraries based on sea ice and weather conditions. Apart from Franklin, other heroic explorers including Amundsen explored this territory, and we may visit the same places as early explorers. We hope to meet the resilient locals who make the extreme far north their home. Below are some of the places in the area that we may visit:

Johansen Bay, Edinburgh Island (Egloovikan) - We hope to enjoy a Zodiac excursion within an estuary of at the northeast end of Johansen Bay and up the river towards the lake. Wildlife including caribous, reindeer, arctic foxes, hares and peregrine falcons frequent the area. Nearby, Edinburgh Island (Egloovikan) is a small and uninhabited island in Canada’s Nunavut region. The scenery consists of colourful flowering shrubs, beaches tinged in stunning ochres, while the surrounding cliffs shaded in rich, deep tones. A possible walk to a lookout overlooking the lake offers spectacular views over lakes, sea and mountains.

Port Epworth (Kugluktoalok) - The Tree River area on the mainland — also known a Port Epworth — provides a spectacular backdrop our possible exploration, with its river and shallow lakes, striking sedimentary rock outcrops, and bright autumnal colours of tundra. This area is also known for its stromatolites – the petrified remains of ancient mounds of algae, formed some two billion years ago by the same microorganisms responsible for producing the oxygen we breathe today.

Smoking Hills (Ingniryuat), Franklin Bay - The Smoking Hills (Ingniryuat) in Canada’s Northwest Territories have been smouldering, sending plumes of gas across the landscape, for centuries. Technically sea cliffs, you would be forgiven for thinking that the multicoloured fiery natural phenomenon is the set to an apocalyptic movie depicting the end of the world. The smoke is caused by layers of combustible, sulphur-rich lignite (brown coal) that ignites and emit sulphurous gas into the air, when exposed to erosion and landslides, which also creates a dazzling colouration of the rocks.

Beaufort Sea - Day 23 to 25

Excitement builds as we sail the Beaufort Sea. Whether you are out on deck or in the comfort of one of the observation lounges, watch as the captain navigates our state-of-the-art vessel through these waterways, which are frozen for most of the year. Keep a close watch for wildlife including Beluga whales and polar bears that are often seen here.

Cruising further west, we hope to Zodiac cruise (subject to permitting) to Herschel Island. This historic island, inhabited by the Thule people for over a millennium, was first charted by Sir John Franklin in 1825. It later transformed into a bustling whaling station during the late 19th century, supporting a winter community of hundreds and a fleet of ships. However, the industry's decline in the early 20th century led to the island's gradual abandonment. Today, protected as a territorial park, Herschel Island offers a unique glimpse into the region's rich history and stunning Arctic wilderness. At Prudhoe Bay, we farewell Canada and enter the United States.

Chukchi Sea and Bering Strait - Day 26 & 27

As we sail westwards to Nome, along the northern coast of Alaska to where the U.S and Russia are only 100 km (60 miles) apart, separated by the Bering Sea, there is ample time to reflect on our adventures while scanning the water for marine life. Share, edit and submit pictures in our photo competition and attend final lectures from our team of onboard experts. We hope to get permission to ship cruise close by Little Diomede and King islands in Alaska.

Disembark in Nome & fly to Anchorage

In Nome, farewell your expedition team and crew after sharing a once-in-a-lifetime voyage together. After disembarking, we transfer to the airport for a charter flight to Anchorage for an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Captain Cook Hotel Anchorage (or similar)

Depart Anchorage

After breakfast, check-out your hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

*Please note: Cruise itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions, ice conditions and other factors.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

WHY CHOOSE THIS CRUISE?

  • Be in awe of the UNESCO-designated Ilulissat Icefjord. 

  • Take a hike on Devon Island, the biggest deserted island in the world, which offers breathtaking geology, glacial valleys, and fjords to discover. 

  • See the explorers' tombs and memorials on Beechey Island from John Franklin's trip.

  • Discover amazing Inuit residents whose life in this isolated region of the world is anything but typical.

Sylvia Earle

Sylvia Earle

Featuring industry-leading technology and streamlined cruising design the Sylvia Earle is one of the most modern and technologically advanced vessels sailing the polar regions. Named after the first female Chief Scientist of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Sylvia Earle lives up to her namesake with a deep focus on protecting the natural environment. The ship features one of the lowest polluting marine engines in the world, with low energy consumption and higher fuel efficiency bringing an overall 80% reduction to emissions compared to Tier 1 engines. The ship also utilises virtual anchoring technology along with thrusters and propellers to minimise damage to the ocean floor caused by conventional anchors. 

The Sylvia Earle carries a maximum of 132 passengers and has 71 on board cabins. Between landings, guests will be able to enjoy time in the gym, sauna or wellness centre. For zodiac excursions the vessel has four dedicated, sea-level launching platforms making boarding as efficient and safe as possible, allowing you to get off and experience the magical sights of fjords, glaciers and icebergs as quickly as possible. Cabins and suites are elegantly designed and spacious to give guests the most comfortable experience possible.

Certified 100% Climate Neutral, with a fully equipped Citizen Science Centre, expert lectures and participative Citizen science programs, to enrich your knowledge and connection to the polar regions. 

Ice Class: Length: 104m
Breadth: Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 10-12 knots
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:
126

View Ship Details

Accommodation

We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.

Standard

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Superior

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Deluxe

Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Optional Activities vary for each itinerary. Limited spaces available. Contact your Destination Specialist for pricing & availability.

Kayaking

Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.

Learn More

Pricing per person & date

Traversing the Northwest Passage 2025 | Sylvia Earle from AUD 63,626
Departing Ending Duration
27 Aug 202524 Sep 202529

Important Information

  • Prices are based on per person, may be based on quad/triple/twin share.

    Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time. 

    Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions.

    Note: A $15 USD per person per day gratuity for the crew is automatically added to your onboard account. It is at your discretion if you would like to remove the tip (or adjust the amount) when you settle your bill. It is not necessary to tip the expedition team members. This gratuity amount is included for suites as part of their ‘Suite Benefits’. 

  • INCLUSIONS

    All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
    One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Toronto on Day 1.
    Charter flight from Toronto to Kangerlussuaq on Day 2.
    Charter flight from Nome to Anchorage on Day 29.
    One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Anchorage on Day 29.
    Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service. 
    All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage. 
    Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner. 
    Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages. 
    All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises. 
    Educational lectures and guiding services provided by our expedition team. 
    Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation). 
    One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket. 
    Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage. 
    Comprehensive pre-departure information. 
    Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
    Wi-Fi. Please note we travel to remote regions and therefore the connection can be unreliable. 
     

    EXCLUSIONS

    International or domestic flights not mentioned in the itinerary, unless specified in the itinerary. 
    Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary. 
    Airport arrival or departure taxes. 
    Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges. 
    Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges. 
    Hotel accommodation and meals unless specified in the itinerary. 
    Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges. 
    All items of a personal nature including but not limited to alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, wi-fi, email or phone charges.
    Pre or post cruise travel expenses

  • 2 (light adventure)
  • Subject to availability upon request. Contact us for more details. 

  • Departure date, fuel surcharges, cabin category, currency fluctuations, seasonality and availability.