Tour Leader: Expedition Leader
Tour price (Per person):
USD20,390 * GBP16,272 * EUR19,604 * AUD32,705USD14,411 * GBP11,500 * EUR13,855 * AUD23,115
Winding your way through the icy channels of the legendary Northwest Passage is history brought to life. On this compelling 17-day journey aboard our game-changing new vessel Ultramarine, passengers retrace the steps of the intrepid Franklin Expedition, which left the shores of England in 1845 in search of the last unexplored section of the Northwest Passage—only to become permanently icebound. Its discovery more than a century and a half later was a much-celebrated moment in polar history.
On Ultramarine, guests benefit from two twin-engine helicopters that will provide spectacular aerial views of the Arctic landscape, the most extensive portfolio of adventure options in the industry, more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than any other expedition ship its size, and 20 quick-launching Zodiacs to get you closer to ancient glaciers, dramatic fjords and towering icebergs. Explore colorful Greenlandic villages, and shop for traditional Inuit handicrafts. Hike the endless Arctic backdrop and marvel at the vast, colorful tundra. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive and majestic creatures that make their home in this wilderness, such as whales, walrus, muskoxen and polar bears. Come aboard Ultramarine, follow in the footsteps of Franklin’s legendary Arctic voyage, and return home with memories to last a lifetime.
A Rockjumper leader will not accompany the expedition unless a minimum of 12 participants are signed up through Rockjumper. In the case that a Rockjumper leader is not on board, the professional expedition staff will take care of all participants signed up through Rockjumper.
Prices are subject to foreign exchange fluctuations.
Due to changes in available flight services, the transfer package on this itinerary will now start in Reykjavik, Iceland, instead of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Gyrfalcon; Snow Goose; Snowy Owl; Brunnich's & Black Guillemots; Ivory, Ross's, Glaucous & Thayer's Gulls; King Eider; Willow Ptarmigan
Polar Bear; Walrus; Ringed, Harp & Bearded Seals; Killer, Bowhead, Beluga & Humpback Whales; Musk Ox; Caribou; Arctic Fox; Narwhal (very rare); Arctic Hare
open sea, pack ice, sea shore, islands, rocky cliffs
cool to cold
dependent on ship capacity
UNDEMANDING: This tour is ideal for birders and wildlife enthusiasts of all experience levels. It’s suitable for most mobility levels and offers a relaxed pace, ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone.
very relaxed
comfortable ship cabins
easy
glaciers, icebergs, Inuit people & villages
excellent
Birds aren’t exactly easy to find in Manitoba in the dead of winter, but Lev and Amanda had a great supply of “secret spots” and showed us birds I never would have seen on my own. Their knowledge of the ecology and wildlife of the region is encyclopedic, and their enthusiasm is infectious. This was a challenging trip, with temperatures between 0ºF and -25ºF (-15ºC and -30ºC) the entire week, but the two of them made the trip fun! Seeing my first Snowy Owl is something I will never forget.
Lev and Amanda were exceptional guides. Very knowledgeable.
Our guides, Lev and Amanda, are great and I hope to go on another trip with them in the future.
The fall colors were spectacular. Lev allowed photo stops to take in the scenery. We had perfect weather for touring, but migration wasn't at a peak on the windless days. I appreciated Lev's eBird talents. We e-birders received all the lists promptly. Despite Lev's characterization of himself as being hindered by his age (!), we found he had boundless energy and was hyper-alert to all bird activity. His enthusiasm for every sighting, new and ""old"", was passed on to all of us. He geared the descriptions of each species to the level of expertise of our amicable group and when I had a taxonomic question, he had detailed answers. He had the birding knowledge of an older leader, but the energy of an almost-30-year-old. I hope to join another Rockjumper trip with him and watch the grey hairs come in.
The accommodations, locations and especially both guides were excellent. Both Amanda and Lev are great birders and have totally complementary skills and managed the group outings in such a competent and enthusiastic manner.
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