Cruising in Greenland's Baffin Bay is a luxury Ponant ship, dwarfed in size compared to a large iceberg floating next to it.
Luxury ponant cruise guests in red parkas explore the shore in Greenland among red wood building and a sea filled with icebergs.
A bright blue sky day in Greenland, down one of its many fjords of blue ocean, white floating icebergs and lush colorful coastline
Three Inuit women, arctic indigenous people of Greenland, dressed in traditional clothing and hold a musical instrument.
Dorsal fins, tails, and air from blowholes are seen from a small pod of whales swimming off the coast of Greenland
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Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

Baffin Bay Cruise

Embark 264-guest L’Austral or Le Boreal in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland for an unforgettable 14-day journey in the heart of the most magnificent Arctic landscapes. The first destination is the west coast of Greenland with its majestic icebergs, colorful villages encircled by mountains and its basalt formations. Meet the locals and learn about Greenland Inuit culture.

Farther north, Baffin Bay reveals remote villages of peat houses where the last bear hunters and narwhal fishers live in accordance with their ancestral traditions in the middle of the Arctic tundra. See the remains of ancient Inuit civilizations and discover Savissivik, the largest iceberg graveyard in Greenland. Complete this Baffin Island cruise by sailing along the eastern coast of Baffin Island, in the Canadian territory of Nunavut. With its immense cliffs, bird colonies and fjords, this destination will undoubtedly delight.

Travel in style aboard identical sister ships L’Austral or Le Boreal. Their refined and attentive service, plethora of onboard activities and unrivaled elegance provide the ultimate comfort while exploring the remote Thule region. Aboard either ship, appreciate understated sophistication, an international feel and top-notch guides.

Read on for details about this Baffin Bay cruise, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Arctic cruises and Arctic expedition trips.



Itinerary

Baffin Bay Secrets Itinerary

The Baffin Bay Secrets voyage operates round-trip from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, bookended by charter flights connecting to Paris, France.

Route map of Baffin Bay Secrets cruise, operating round-trip from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, with bookend flights connecting Paris, France.
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Day 1
Fly From Paris, France to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland & Embark

From 1941 to 1992, the town of Kangerlussuaq in Greenland was home to an American military base. Nowadays, thanks to its international airport, it has become a transit point for travelers seeking adventure in the Far North. Located to the north of the Arctic Circle, this town is the starting point of magnificent discoveries surrounded by unspoiled nature. Indeed, just a few dozen kilometers from there it is possible to get close to the Greenland ice sheet, the largest body of ice in the Northern Hemisphere. From Kangerlussuaq, admire the superb landscapes of tundra in autumnal colors, where arctic hares, musk oxen, arctic foxes, reindeer, falcons and eagles live.

Accommodations

Le Boreal

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
Sisimiut

Discover Sisimiut, founded in 1756 and the second largest town in Greenland. This small town is typical of Greenland, boasting bewitching panoramas: here and there, colorful stilt houses dot the undulating landscape and the small fishing port stands as the gateway to an icy realm. As for the town center, it is home to a number of historic buildings, a small church and a museum which retraces the history of the Inuit people, as well as many craft shops. Drop anchor here and set out to meet the locals in a typically arctic atmosphere.

Accommodations

Le Boreal

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
Disko Bay

To the east of Baffin Bay, discover Disko Bay, scattered with countless icebergs produced by the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the ship, admire the majestic ballet of these ice giants as they slowly drift across the dark waters. This site is a natural marvel of Greenland, and is also renowned as an observation point for the region’s many humpback whales. The encounters with wild fauna and stunning landscapes in the heart of this spectacular and fragile nature will be pure moments of wonder.

Accommodations

Le Boreal

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Qeqertarsuaq

On the southern coast of Disko Island, Qeqertarsuaq is one of just two small villages on this island the size of Corsica. Its isolation makes it an observation post popular among naturalists since the beginning of polar exploration and the set-up, in 1906, of the Arctic Center research facility. During a Zodiac cruise you will have the chance to explore the natural wonders of Greenland, meet its wildlife such as the humpback whale and contemplate the basaltic organ landscapes that offer pure moments of wonder for you. In the heart of this spectacular and fragile nature, enjoy the breathtaking views of the grandiose and varied landscapes of Disko Island and Disko Bay.

Accommodations

Le Boreal

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Paul-Emile Victor Base Camp, Eqi Glacier

“The most beautiful place in the Arctic” is how Paul-Émile Victor described Greenland, a land of great icebergs and of towering ice formations calved by the giant glaciers of the polar ice cap. The Eqi Glacier is one of the region’s most impressive sights. Here, the silence is broken only by the roaring and cracking of the ice. It is impossible to know if one is shivering from cold or from the sheer thrill of being here… Imagine the vast outline of a glacier, its translucent crystals glowing with an ice-blue fire in the sunlight. Paul-Émile Victor’s shelter cannot be overlooked; it was from here that the French Polar Expeditions’ anthropological and geographic explorations set off in the 1950s.

Accommodations

Le Boreal

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
Akulleq

In the curve of Uummannaq Bay, opposite a narrow passage between two islands, discover the moonscape of the small desert island of Akulleq. The ochre yellow and orange of this mineral site look ablaze under the sunshine of the polar summer. From the island’s summit, contemplate a panoramic view of the bay’s magical landscape and its huge icebergs with surprising shapes.

Accommodations

Le Boreal

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 7
Orpit

To the north-west of Greenland, on the shores of Baffin Bay, Orpit will reveal itself in an exceptional environment. A jumble of fjords and islets, the rolling topography of this territory offers hiking possibilities for discovering the tundra, this unique ecosystem in the high latitudes. If conditions allow it, an outing in a Zodiac dinghy will also let you explore this faraway land via the sea, getting as close as possible to the wildlife.

Accommodations

Le Boreal

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 8
Kullorsuaq

Well beyond the Arctic Circle, in the majestic landscapes of Greenland’s Northwest, find the village of Kullorsuaq, the last bastion of Greenland’s traditional hunters. Here find Greenland’s true character… Vast mineral expanses, sumptuous mountains, impressive glaciers and, above all, the local population which still lives off fishing and seal or bear hunting. Hospitality and respect for nature are essential elements in the daily lives of these men and women who live an austere life. Drop anchor in this remote part of the world and set off to discover these friendly people who are also talented craftsmen, deftly sewing the furs and skins of marine mammals. This will be a unique and authentic experience.

Accommodations

Le Boreal

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 9
Savissivik

Some places in this world are so magical that their beauty cannot be described in words… Savissivik, a small Inuit village with less than a hundred inhabitants, is one such place. Rightly considered to be the biggest iceberg graveyard in Greenland, it is a stunning sight to behold. During a Zodiac outing, sail between these icy giants. Once on land, hike to a viewpoint from which to enjoy breathtaking views over these icebergs, which come in an incredibly diverse range of shapes and colors. Photographers will love it. Savissivik Bay attracts many bears and is also known for having been the home of one of the world’s biggest meteorites, but the latter has now been moved to a museum in New York.

Accommodations

Le Boreal

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 10
Cape York

A few kilometres to the west of Savissivik, in Greenland, your ship will pass Cape York, a place that is brimming with history and marked by the conquest of the North Pole. Indeed, it is here, at the end of the 19th century, that the American explorer Robert Peary discovered fragments of one of the biggest meteorites ever found to this day. He had them sent back to the United States and later sold them to a New York museum, where they are still on display. Despite Robert Peary’s disputed achievements and his sometimes controversial attitude towards the Inuit populations, a memorial was erected in his honor at Cape York. Constructed in the 1930s, the memorial still stands today.

Accommodations

Le Boreal

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 11 - 12
Baffin Bay Exploration

In the icy waters of Baffin Bay, you will sail into the heart of the scattered sea floe. You will be captivated by icebergs in dreamlike shapes as your ship takes you into the ice of the Far North. Everything comes in shades of white here and, if you watch closely, you may get a glimpse of the polar bear. This fascinating animal finds its food in the heart of the ice, so this is where you have more chances of spotting it. The polar light gives a shine to the ice floe that you sail along as you explore Baffin Bay, leaving you with memories of unforgettable moments.

Accommodations

Le Boreal

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 13
Evighedsfjorden

The ship glides slowly along the water towards the west coast of Greenland, to enter Evighedsfjorden, just a few kilometers south of Kangerlussuaq. Evighedsfjorden means the fjord of Eternity, and for good reason: just when you think you’ve reached the end of this stretch of sea measuring over 62 miles in length, it seems to go on forever, as though to bring even more pleasure to those sailing in it. The spectacular scenery ranges from glaciers to tundra with an abundant flora, and jagged cliffs where numerous bird species have taken up residence. Take the time to observe the white-tailed eagles and the colonies of seagulls and black-legged kittiwakes flying overhead in the area.

Accommodations

Le Boreal

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 14
Disembark Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, Fly to Paris, France & Depart

From 1941 to 1992, the town of Kangerlussuaq in Greenland was home to an American military base. Nowadays, thanks to its international airport, it has become a transit point for travelers seeking adventure in the Far North. Located to the north of the Arctic Circle, this town is the starting point of magnificent discoveries surrounded by unspoiled nature. Indeed, just a few dozen kilometers from there it is possible to get close to the Greenland ice sheet, the largest body of ice in the Northern Hemisphere. From Kangerlussuaq, admire the superb landscapes of tundra in autumnal colors, where arctic hares, musk oxen, arctic foxes, reindeer, falcons and eagles live.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

All meals while on board the ship; captain’s welcome cocktail and gala dinner; “open bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands); evening entertainment and events; room service; highly qualified bilingual French/English expedition team; lectures presented by the expedition team; Zodiac and shore excursions; park entry fees into protected areas; complimentary unlimited Wifi on board; port fees and taxes (except for child passengers–see Families & Children); gratuities.

Exclusions

Optional add-on excursions or packages; ground services before or after the cruise; visa expenses; possible immigration reciprocity taxes; gratuities; luggage handling; beverages beyond those in Inclusions; laundry, hair salon, spa treatments, onboard medical consultations and other personal charges; cancellation, luggage, assistance, repatriation, medical and insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations beyond 14 days after booking confirmation are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
181 days or more – $250
180 to 91 days – 25% of total trip cost
90 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Baffin Bay Secrets cruise begins and ends in Paris, France (CDG). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Recommended flight arrival and departure times are specific to each voyage; consult your Adventure Specialist for guidelines relating to your departure. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Optional activities on your Baffin Bay Secrets cruise include practicing photography, Zodiac cruising, walking, hiking and museum visits. Optional added-cost excursions are available on certain days and may be pre-booked from two months to one week prior to departure, or booked on board; these excursions may require a minimum group size. In addition to these off-ship excursions, a multitude of onboard activities keep guests engaged, including live music, dance and theater; spa treatments; exercise and stretching classes; specialty food, wine and cocktail tastings; organized games; and lectures by guides and possible special guests.

Room Configuration

Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. This supplement may vary depending on cabin category and remaining capacity per departure. A willing-to-share program is not available. Triple and quadruple rates may be available in select cabin categories; contact AdventureSmith for details.

Families & Children

Children 6 years and older at time of travel are welcomed on this expedition. Children under 18 years old at time of travel may receive special discounts when sharing a cabin with one or two full-fare adults. Contact AdventureSmith for details.

Travel Insurance

A medical form for all travelers is required for every departure. Travelers are also highly encouraged to have full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change. Please contact AdventureSmith for the most up-to-date pricing.

Jul 07 - Jul 20, 2024
Le Boreal • 14 days
From $24340USD
Per Person
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Accommodation

Learn About The Luxury Small Ship On Your Itinerary

The Baffin Bay Cruise is operated by a ship in a fleet of refined, luxury expedition ships. Each vessel in this sister ship fleet of refined, luxury expedition ships ensures an elegant, upscale cruise that offers regular off-ship excursions complemented by a multitude of daily onboard activities. These expedition ships are identical, with public spaces including a fitness room, spa, two restaurants, a library, state-of-the-art theater and open bridge.

Expedition Ship
Le Boreal

The 200-to-264-guest Le Boreal combines high comfort with adventure. Cruising Antarctica and the Arctic, experience luxury, gastronomy, wellness, entertainment and active programming in remote destinations.

Deal

Current Deals on This Trip

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Offer expires October 31st, 2023
Save Up To 35% On Select 2024 Luxury Arctic Cruises

Book your select 2024 luxury Arctic expedition cruise and save up to 35% per person.

Expert Review

Reviews From Our Experts So You Know What To Expect

Andrew Browning • September 9th, 2020
Expert Aboard: L’Austral, Le Soleal, Le Lyrial & Le Boreal Review

Learn from an AdventureSmith luxury cruise expert what it’s like to travel aboard L’Austral and her identical fleet of sister ships Le Boreal, Le Lyrial and Le Soleal.

Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

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