August Reviews

The highlight of the trip was the fjords of Greenland, especially when we explored by zodiac beyond a glacier that seemed to close off the end of one particular fjord. We were extremely lucky to see a number of polar bears, including one close to a shore we had intended to land on. Instead we were able to watch it at close quarters from the safety of our zodiac. Walruses abounded in Svalbard, we saw arctic hares and foxes, and brief glimpses of whales. The musk oxen were plentiful but distant! The landscapes were a revelation: instead of the barren wasteland we expected, there was a tapestry of late summer colour provided by Arctic willow and miniature birch, as well as bilberry and bear berry. The icebergs were truly magnificent, especially when the ship’s captain threaded the ship through them out of Scoresbysund.

I found the 7 days in East Greenland very , very long with fairly uninteresting shore excursions and a general lack of wildlife/birdlife etc. The highlight was seeing 3 blue whales feeding fairly close to the boat in Spitsbergen.Also a polar bear though it was far away. Landscapes were superb in many places - great coastal scenery.Other travellers on board were mostly pleasant, friendly people.The main Expedition leaders I thought seemed a bit weary, serious-faced and a little lacking in enthusiasm(Gary, Roger and Robyn).The photographer Michael was consistently enthusiastic and helpful.

It is very hard to choose one moment of the many amazing experiences that we had. I think the greatest highlight in terms of wildlife encounters was having two young polar bear siblings (around ages 1 year 8 months or 2 years 8 months) swim to our zodiacs and spend time looking at us with great curiosity (and we hope not hunger!). We were able to enjoy being near them for a long time. They then climbed back up the bank to find their mom and later we saw them play fighting with one another. It was so lovely to see them in their own environment and looking well fed. We had a lovely encounter with walrus swimming toward us on the shore, again with great curiosity. We had many other amazing wildlife encounters with whales, walrus, foxes, ivory gulls , guillemots, dolphins, and lots of ICE BEARS! Mark turned 61 on the trip and we drank champagne with our lovely "zodiac gang" (mainly from Sweden), who sang their traditional birthday song to him at Diabasodden.

Visiting Beechey Island

The trip was good, the light gorgeous, the icebergs fantastical, and the wildlife wonderful with more polar bears than expected. The traditional villages made us think about their future, and we met new friends. The big surprise was our rescue of the passengers on the grounded Ioffe! Please don't ask questions about grandchildren--not everyone has children!!!

Seeing a Polar bear and her 2 cubs feeding from a Narwhal, bitter/sweet. Seeing a glacier calving, twice! Being in the middle of a storm with hurricane gusts and high waves 😱

The ancient geology and the absolute silence- the dramatic weathered, layered rock and experiencing sometimes, when on land, for just a moment the utter isolation.

Visiting the Inuit villages, having seen one wild polar bear shortly and having met some lovely people.

Seeing tons of polar bears and wildlife

Ice burges ,meeting the local people.Landscape was breath taking. People were very nice and kind.Houses were beautiful and colorful town.

The highlight was the rescue of the Ioffe. The wildlife was everything I hoped. I enjoyed meeting the people, particularly our on-boat Ted. He had a good eye for wildlife and an authentic way of 'being'. He shared with us his polar bear clothing and seal, narwhal and char. I would tell my grandchildren about how healthy the polar bears are and what the Inuit foods tasted like. And what the Inuit were like that we visited, since this is likely to change rather rapidly. I also enjoyed Greenland very much.

The natural beauty is amazing. Greenland is friendly, beautifully. Expensive , and well worth visiting. Be in good shape in order to hike this country. You will not be disappointed in your efforts.

Seeing the icebergs and a polar bear

Been there and similar opportunities i.e. Ant artic similar enough that Machi Pichu might be more impactful. Also for me personally, My wife has mobility issues so cant visit these type locations any longer

The Ocean Adventurer was top-notch. Carries just the right amount of passengers. The ship staff service was exceptional. The ship was very clean and the food quality and variety was excellent. I really liked the cultural programs in the Inuit villages. Learned a lot about the culture.

Standing on an ice flow with 1500 metres depth below us at 82 degrees north.

Boat trip Icefiord in the Disko Bay.

So many to choose from. Humpback whales feeding, arctic fox seeking our company and of course close encounters with polar bears.

Several times, while on a zodiac, we encountered great experiences. Being adjacent to an iceberg when it calved in to the fjord and being so close to walruses. Another morning we were ashore and witnessed a massive pod of narwhal whales swim by. Could almost reach out and touch them.

Polar bear sitings