Arctic adventure: kayaking & diving with Aurora Expeditions in July and August 2007

Imagine kayaking in the midnight sun among massive icebergs and alongside active glacier fronts, while seeking out polar bears, walrus and seals. Or, diving beneath the icy waters of some of the most dramatic fjords in the world, in a unique marine environment teeming with aquatic life.

If you’re looking for a different type of travel experience in one of the most remote places on Earth, polar expedition company Aurora Expeditions has four cruises to the Arctic aboard the Polar Pioneer tailor made for those with a spirit of adventure.

In July and August 2007, the 11-day “Circumnavigation of Spitsbergen” journeys will venture deep into the domain of the polar bear, while the 14-day “Jewels of the Arctic” voyages in August and September will explore the hidden realms of Spitsbergen, East Greenland and Iceland.

Each voyage has a kayaking option for up to 12 people.
The experience of paddling against the backdrop of polar mountains and glaciers is guaranteed to refresh your soul. Viewing wildlife from a kayak has many advantages, the small group size and quiet presence allows you to get closer to animals while still keeping a comfortable distance from them. Inquisitive seals and walrus often pop up unexpectedly and you may have the opportunity to paddle through brash ice, between ice floes and around towering tabular bergs.

From diving below towering cliffs to exploring spectacular glaciated bays – a scuba diving voyage to the Arctic is a memorable experience. The combination of sunlight, seawater and the often extraordinary formations of ice, create an overwhelming, ever-changing colour spectrum, with a fantastic variety of shades and brilliance. Available for experienced dry suit divers only, Aurora’s expert ice diving guides ensure the highest safety standards.

Limited to a group of just 56, each cruise also has a team of experienced naturalists and historians that will guide passengers through the dramatic landscapes, unique culture and abundant wildlife that capture the essence of the High Arctic.

Prices start from A$5,090 per person triple-share, including all meals on board.

Aurora Expeditions is an Australian adventure company specialising in small group expedition-style travel to polar regions and other wild and remote places. Deeply committed to education and preservation of the environment, Aurora’s owners, Greg Mortimer and Margaret Werner are veterans of almost three decades of Antarctic research, private Antarctic mountaineering expeditions and polar travel.

Polar Pioneer
Polar Pioneer was built in Finland in 1985 as an ice-strengthened research ship, and for many years she plied the treacherous waters of the USSR’s northern coast. In 2000 she was refurbished in St Petersburg to provide comfortable accommodation for 56 passengers.

A combined bar/lounge/library area (stocked with a good collection of polar books) was also created by simple internal restructuring.

This class of vessel has a fine reputation for polar expedition cruising, due to its strength, manoeuvrability and small number of cabins. All cabins have outside portholes plus ample storage space. The Russian captain and crew are among the most experienced ice-navigators in the world and their enthusiasm is legendary.

The spacious bridge is always open to us and the decks are ideal for viewing. The chefs are European, and the dining room is attended by Russian stewardesses.

Polar Pioneer is not a luxury vessel as such, but this is our most popular ship for travel to the Polar regions. The accommodation is simple yet comfortable, and the meals are wholesome and uncomplicated. A small fleet of inflatable Zodiacs with outboard motors enable us to travel from ship to shore.

(Source: Aurora Expeditions)

November 30, 2006   Posted in: Cruise Ships