Northwest Passage: Arctic Bay – Ilulissat

Three weeks of expedition sailing in the Northwest Passage: from Arctic Bay in Canada through Lancaster Sound to Devon Island and Beechey Island, and across Baffin Bay to Ilulissat in Greenland. Polar bears, narwhals and the traces of the Franklin expedition.

THE TRIP AT A GLANCE

Route: Arctic Bay (Nunavut, Canada) – Lancaster Sound – Devon Island – Beechey Island – Baffin Bay – Ilulissat (Greenland)
Departure: Thursday 12 August 2027, 18:00, Arctic Bay, Nunavut (Canada)
Arrival: Thursday 2 September 2027, 10:00, Ilulissat, Greenland
Duration: 21 nights
Ship: Tecla, historic two-masted sailing ship (over 100 years old)

Prices per person

Berth in a twin cabin: € 11,000
Youth aged 15–25: € 9,900

Lowest price from € 11,000 per person for a berth in a twin cabin. Young people aged 15 to 25 pay € 9,900.

IN THE WAKE OF FRANKLIN

For centuries explorers searched for a sea route along the north of America. This voyage takes you to the heart of that history, on a shorter route than a full transit and therefore with less risk of becoming icebound.

On Beechey Island stand the graves of crew members of the lost Franklin expedition and the remains of Northumberland House. The Tecla has sailed this route several times, most recently in 2025.

THE ROUTE

Arctic Bay and Lancaster Sound

Board in Arctic Bay and head west into Lancaster Sound, with the first landings.

Devon Island and Beechey Island

Exploring the Northwest Passage towards Devon Island and, if the ice allows, Bellot Strait. Landing by tender on Beechey Island.

Back through Lancaster Sound

East again with landings where possible, watching for polar bears, musk oxen and narwhals.

Baffin Bay and Ilulissat

Crossing Baffin Bay, past Disko Island into the Ilulissat Icefjord, where the voyage ends.

EXTRA INFORMATION

LIFE ON BOARD

The Tecla is a historic sailing ship more than a hundred years old, with two wooden masts and six sails. A family has sailed and run her since 2006. On board are four permanent crew and at most twelve guests, so you travel in a small, close-knit group. There are six twin cabins amidships, where the ship is at her steadiest, each with bunk beds and its own shower and toilet. Full board with meals from the ship's cook is included. Guests are expedition crew: you help set sails, take the helm and on longer passages join a watch system, always guided by the permanent crew. No experience is needed; the crew teaches you everything along the way.

WHO IS THIS VOYAGE FOR

For adventurers in good health with an interest in polar history and wildlife. No sailing experience is needed.

GOOD TO KNOW

• Excursions and any landing permits are not included.
• The route depends on wind, weather and ice; the captain decides.
• You arrange your own travel to Arctic Bay; we are happy to help with planning.
• Travel insurance covering medical costs and repatriation is required; cancellation insurance is recommended.
• Travel to the port of departure and home from the port of arrival is not included.
• Ideally arrive a day before departure: the ship cannot wait for late arrivals.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will we definitely see polar bears?

That cannot be guaranteed, but the chance in this area is real.

What if ice blocks the route?

The captain adapts the route; this shorter expedition has less risk of becoming stuck.

How do I book this trip?

Send us a request through the booking form on this page. Together we will check availability, your choice of cabin and the next steps.

The trip description and route are indicative. The programme depends on weather, wind and sea conditions; the captain has the final say on the route and ports.

All services that make up your trip are provided by independent suppliers. When you book, you enter into a contract directly with the supplier, the ship, under the booking conditions of that ship. As an agent, our service consists of promoting the trips offered by the supplier and acting as a facilitator in obtaining a booking agreement between the customer and the supplier. In doing so, we are always at your disposal with our experience and service.

Tecla

The Tecla is a beautiful sailingship with a tough rig. Together with her crew she explores the remote places. One more accessible than the other. Tecla stands for adventure, nature, wonder and splendor. With this exceptional ship and its exceptional program you are good for a memorable trip.

Sail Training Program

On board the tecla we work with a Sail training program developed by the Dutch Sail Training Association (STAN). This sail training program is not only about learning to sail but uses sailing as a tool for personal development. Trainees on board are encouraged to step out of the comfort zone to experience new things. This applies to all ages! At the end of the trip, long or short, the trainees get a logbook containing the past process and how far they have come. Different skills are developed depending on the length of the trip. These can come in handy in a professional sailing environment as well as outside the maritime world.

Sail training makes sailing that slightly more than an active vacation.