Set sail from St. John's around the magnificent island of Newfoundland, the jewel of maritime Canada. Newfoundland and its surroundings have everything to offer the seasoned explorer, from its ancient past through to the modern day, woodlands to whales and Vikings to villages. Visit the vibrant French territory of St. Pierre, the last remaining French territory in North America, before discovering the island's nature in tranquil Garia Bay. Uncover the deep geological past of the island in Gros Morne National Park from Woody Point and experience whaling heritage and sub-polar nature on the rarely visited Labrador mainland. Marvel at gigantic icebergs drifting past cozy Twillingate, before making a course back to the bustling capital of St. John's.
Breakfast: 7
Lunch: 6
Dinner: 7
Expedition Crew
Naturalist(s)
M/V Ocean Albatros
Zodiac
7 nights premium boat
Relaxed
Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.
Arrive in St. John's (YYT) and make your own way to the ship in time for embarkation. The Ocean Albatros awaits guests in the bustling harbor of St. John's, Newfoundland's colorful capital. Lined with quaint multicolored houses, cozy cafés, and restaurants serving outstanding local seafood, this vibrant city is a perfect introduction to this unique Canadian island. After mandatory safety drills and briefings on-board, settle into your cabin and toast your departure with an expertly crafted cocktail out on deck, as the Ocean Albatros sets a course for the calm waters of Notre Dame Bay.
Grade: Premium Boat
Sitting in the tranquil waters of Notre Dame Bay, Twillingate is the quintessential Newfoundland town. Brightly painted houses perch on rocky hillocks, boats rock gently in the bay or on the shoreline, and local restaurants offer expertly prepared seafood fresh off the boat. Twillingate is the ideal place to lace up your hiking boots and explore the nature of Newfoundland, expertly guided by local residents. The town is also well known for its art scene, with boutique galleries, artisan markets, and other treasures galore. Twillingate is also known as the iceberg capital of Canada as icebergs born from the Greenland Ice Sheet drift southward and many end up here, caught in the rocky shoals of Notre Dame Bay.
The Norse sagas tell of Leif, son of Erik, who left his home in Greenland and found new lands to the west - a story thought fanciful until 1961, when archaeologist Anne Ingstad began excavations on the northern tip of Newfoundland. What she found proved beyond doubt that the Norse had reached the Americas centuries before Columbus. The site of L'Anse aux Meadows is today protected as a National Historic Site of Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Come ashore by Zodiac at this most groundbreaking of historical sites and walk in the footsteps of legendary Norse explorers whose legacy echoes throughout history.
The province of Newfoundland and Labrador comprises of the island of Newfoundland and Labrador - a vast span of coastline and fjords extending toward the Canadian Arctic. Though three times larger than Newfoundland, Labrador contains only a tenth of its population, a testament to its tough terrain and harsh climate. Here, life has long revolved around the ocean, as it once did for the Basque whalers who were among the first Europeans to settle in this remote and beautiful land. Walk ashore at the charming hamlet of Red Bay, explore the Labrador wilderness on foot, and learn from knowledgeable local guides about this fascinating period of Canada's history.
The small village of Woody Point sits in an enviable location, occupying the calm waters of Bonne Bay, a deep fjord shrouded in lush forest. The town thrives on tourism and offers a warm Canadian welcome to all visitors. Woody Point is the gateway to the famous Gros Morne National Park, one of Newfoundland's largest wilderness areas and a geological marvel. Here, a slab of Earth's oceanic crust was thrust upward during continental collisions some 450 million years ago, creating a dramatic landscape home to stunted trees and unusual plant life. Join local guides on an excursion to learn about this remarkable wilderness.
Covering an area slightly smaller than Cuba, Newfoundland is a large island that remains home to fewer than half a million people, meaning much of the island is wild and untouched. Join your expedition team to explore a corner of this remote and beautiful wilderness and watch for seabirds, moose, or even the elusive Newfoundland black bear - keep your binoculars at the ready!
Bienvenue to St. Pierre! This small French overseas collectivity comprises of the island of St. Pierre, home to the majority of the population and the much larger island of Miquelon, home to only a few families. St. Pierre is the only French territory remaining in North America. While the landscape of stunted pines and rolling hills feels distinctly Canadian, metropolitan French is spoken in the streets, purchases are made in euros, and bottles of Bordeaux can be found in every restaurant. Join local guides to learn about life on this most unexpected of territories - a small slice of France just off the Newfoundland coast.
On the final day of our voyage, the Ocean Albatros returns to the bustling harbor of St. John's. After a hearty breakfast and a fond farewell to the crew, officers, and expedition team, step back onto dry land, hopefully filled with memories of one of Canada's most beautiful provinces.
May-Sep is the best time to visit, when the weather is usually warm, dry and pleasant. Temperatures can be a little cooler on the coast and in the mountains; rain can be expected at any time. Early in the season, there can be snow in some areas which may limit walking possibilities.
-7
2 Pin Flat
Roman Catholic, Protestant
English and French
Whilst landings are included in the cost of your trip as per the outline itinerary, some departures have additional optional excursions which can be pre-booked with the ship operator directly. These will be charged at an additional fee, depending on the excursion and we recommend booking these in advance to ensure availability. Please speak to a member of our Polar team who will advise you on the booking process.
All expeditioners will have complimentary use of muck boots for the duration of the voyage. You will also have complimentary use of an expedition parka. You will be required to bring you own waterproof trousers - a must for zodiac cruising! Parka Gloves Keeping your hands warm and dry can be a challenge. Thin polypropylene gloves can be worn underneath warm outergloves. This allows you some protection from the cold when removing your gloves to operate your camera etc. We strongly recommend that you bring more than one pair of gloves, in case one gets wet (or lost). Hat/Cap Warm, woollen hat/cap to protect your ears, as well as a scarf, neck gaiter or other face protection, such as a balaclava. Trousers Water-resistant trousers of coated nylon or, even better, Gore-Tex® are essential for your comfort. They can be worn over your regular clothes to keep you warm and dry. We suggest that you purchase trousers a few sizes larger than you normally wear as you will be wearing them over other clothing. Gore-Tex® or similar fabrics are excellent for keeping out wind and water without trapping excess heat. Rain gear and Gore-Tex® products can be found in any outdoor sport clothing store. In addition to your waterproof trousers, warm ski pants are suggested if you have them. Warm trousers such as jeans, corduroys etc are also good. Socks Warm wool socks worn over a thin pair of silk, polypropylene socks should provide enough warmth and insulation for your feet. Bring several pairs of socks, since you will inevitably get your feet wet. Outer Clothing Woollen, knit or cotton sweaters/tops, polar fleece tops (medium weight), several cotton turtlenecks and T-shirts for layering on and off the ship. Underclothing Thermal underwear is highly recommended as it will keep you warm without adding bulk. Most polar travellers prefer a lightweight version.
Complimentary waterproof boots will be supplied on-board. However, if you have extra small or large feet, you are advised to bring your own. Also ensure you take comfortable shoes and trainers for relaxing on board and out on deck.
15Kg
One main piece of baggage and daypack. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself. Please note that a 15kgs luggage weight limit is sporadically enforced on the internal flight to Ushuaia, occasionally charges may be levied against passengers taking luggage in excess of 15kgs.
Sunglasses and sun cream Insect repellant Personal toiletries A refilllable water bottle Books/reading material Camera and memory cards Seasickness remedy Walking poles if used
M/V Ocean Albatros, Zodiac
With a total of 94 comfortable staterooms and suites, all with unobstructed sea view and most with their own balcony, the Ocean Albatros allows you to explore the polar regions in supreme comfort. Capped at 185 passengers, the ship offers two restaurants, a wellness area, an Albatros Nordic Bar and an open deck dining facility. Offering a lower carbon footprint than many traditional expedition vessels, it fits well into our portfolio of ships, implementing the Green Initiative Program, ensuring both absolute comfort and sustainability for all of our guests. The ship also offers a unique panorama sauna and dedicated single cabins for solo travellers.
The lead-in prices on our website are based on triple outward facing, Stateroom cabins. All staterooms have private bathrooms, ample storage, with twin beds. Many of the stateroom categories, have floor to ceiling windows that offer prime observation opportunities around the clock. Additionally, there are private balconies in most of the staterooms, allowing you to watch the world float past and take in the salty air of the open ocean. A full layout of the deck plan can be found under the Polar Ships section on our website. Your confirmed cabin type will appear on your Booking Confirmation, which will be sent on receipt of your deposit payment.
Meals are served in the large, spacious dining room with an open seating arrangement, perfect for swapping stories with your extended expedition family. A range of courses is offered at each meal time and you can enjoy a variety of house wines, beers and soft drinks which are included with your evening meal. Complimentary coffee, tea and snacks are available throughout the day and any additional drinks can be purchased at the fully-stocked bar.
Can you drink the water? It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day.
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page. If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page. The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.
Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. Our price guarantee does not apply to Polar Voyages. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure. USA (If flights transit): you will need to apply for an ESTA if you are transiting the USA as you will have to disembark and clear immigration before re-boarding for the onward flight. Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can enter the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) - where you apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation), which applies if you enter the country by sea or by air. This must be done on line - https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding. When completing an application for transit you should enter the words 'In Transit' with your final destination location in the address line You must have an electronic passport with a digital chip containing biometric information about the passport owner. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover. If you have visited Iraq, Syria, Iran or Sudan in the past five years or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel under the Visa Waiver Programme. Instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. For further information please check out the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html
For customers visiting the EU, or transiting via EU countries, please be aware that the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is being rolled out, with full operation from 10 April 2026. This means that when you travel into, or depart from, the Schengen area for short stays, you will need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration. On your first entry or exit into a Schengen country, you will be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. At some ports and international stations allow for extra time as there may be increased wait times while EES registration is completed before passengers leave the UK and transit through a EU country. Once initial registration has been completed future entering or exiting of an EU Schengen country should be simplified as only a single fingerprint scan or facial recognition scan will be required. If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.
Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.
Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.
If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking. For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here
It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom. Read more information about what travel insurance is required.
Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.
You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.
We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.
On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus, typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.