Photograph one of the most unique beluga congregations on earth, where two thousand whales gather every season in the shallow waters of Cunningham Inlet to nurse, moult, socialize and feed.
Staying at Arctic Watch, the most northerly fly-in lodge in the world, situated on the historic Northwest Passage and 800 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, it is home to polar bears and muskox. It is also home to a world-class beluga whale nursery, the main reason for this visit, as you'll experience a congregation of mother and young as they travel in and out of the Cunningham Inlet and along the Northwest Passage. The belugas of Cunningham Inlet exhibit unique behaviour such as "spy hopping and bananas". They are also extremely vocal, making sounds that can be heard a kilometre away!
Limited to just eight guests, the adventure focuses on taking time to teach and show you about the belugas moments, behaviours and optimizing prime times with the tides - evenings and early mornings - to photograph the ever changing Arctic colours. Sit and enjoy the tranquillity of the amazing whales and really immerse yourself into their world on this extraordinary adventure!
Witness wolves, arctic foxes, beavers, pine marten and numerous bird species as you traverse the icy terrain. The Arctic waters are home to a variety of whale species, including belugas, bowheads and the fantastical-looking narwhals, the ‘unicorns of the sea’.
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Day 1 - Fly to Yellowknife
Fly to Yellowknife, the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories and spend the night at the Explorer Hotel.
Day 2 - Yellowknife - Arctic Watch
After breakfast, depart Yellowknife on a private charter for the 3-hour flight to Arctic Watch. Before dinner is served, a short hike up to the local mountain is offered; breathtaking views of the Northwest Passage and ice formations on the Arctic ocean.
Day 3 - Cunningham Estuary
The beluga whales visit to moult in the warm waters of the Cunningham River while nursing and socializing in Cunningham Inlet. Spend the day at the mouth of the Cunningham River watching and photographing mothers and their young as they frolic in the shallow fresh waters.
Days 4 - 8 - Cunningham River
Daily excursions led by our team at Arctic Watch focus on observing, photographing and encountering the belugas. You will have the best opportunities to photograph unique moments as we observe the social behaviours between mothers and their young.
Day 9 - Arctic Watch - Yellowknife
The flight departs in the late afternoon. Upon arriving in Yellowknife you will spend the night at the Explorer Hotel before your return flight home.
Day 10 - Yellowknife
Depart Yellowknife for your return flight home.
In the wild and unpredictable Arctic the weather patterns and wildlife can disrupt even the best-laid plans. Therefore all of our itineraries are marked as ‘suggested’. Daily excursions are planned based on guest desires, abilities and interests as well as daily wildlife and weather conditions.
