Arctic Sailing Expedition: A Chilled Review of Svalbard, Iceland & Greenland
So, you’re possibly dreaming of icebergs the size of small countries, aren’t you? And you’re imagining close up looks at wildlife found quite unlike any other place? Maybe an Arctic sailing expedition across Svalbard, Iceland, and Greenland has been poking around your search history? Well, in that case, let’s talk about whether or not one of these trips is a match made in heaven – or maybe something that turns into a less-than-smooth experience. I mean, these adventures are, to be fair, investments, both with your money *and* time, so it makes total sense to actually look into what you’re signing up for.
What’s the big draw of an Arctic sail, anyway?
What, exactly, is drawing so many folks towards the frigid north these days? I guess at the end of the day it all boils down to a few key ingredients. Basically, the pure, untouched wilderness is something most folks just can’t quite shake off. You’ve very vast areas of space out there where humans really haven’t left much of a footprint, very. This gives you that sensation of being one of the few, seeing nature almost in its most authentic form, to be honest. Very unique indeed!
And then, clearly, you’ve got the wildlife viewing chances. Imagine observing polar bears sort of doing their thing in their own habitat. Very humbling is what that is. And you’re observing whales breaching icy water. That is almost a magical kind of sight, to be perfectly fair. It is like, seeing puffins darting around in Iceland and such, to be fair. All those moments tend to feel less like you’re only on vacation, so much so you are suddenly thrown headfirst into a nature documentary. Also, it might seem worth keeping in mind how some companies pride themselves for being highly eco conscious when it comes to running such experiences!
Don’t overlook, actually, the actual sailing bit itself. Experiencing open ocean underneath sail, particularly within such stark, picturesque settings? That’s sort of an event by itself. It also feels different to being on some gigantic cruise liner, that’s worth noting, I think! You get much more of an intimate experience, to be fair. You very possibly even get a shot at helping out with the sailing here and there!
Breaking down the Destinations: What Makes Each Location Special?
Each destination is going to add its own sort of dash of flair to this particular Arctic cocktail, I guess. I mean, it’s almost as if these journeys want to have it all in regards to contrasts, to be clear!
Svalbard: The Polar Bear Playground
So, Svalbard’s one stop shop is for proper Arctic tundra. The raw kind, that goes without saying. So expect landscapes which consist of mountains standing proudly. Basically, picture yourself observing glaciers grinding onward and wildlife which really wants to get up close to you! If viewing polar bears is fairly high on the bucket-list? Svalbard almost is ground zero to view those incredible creatures! Also, consider the bird cliffs around Alkhornet mountain as well for a brilliant place to see birds!
Iceland: Land of Fire and Ice (and Puffins!)
Then, of course, there’s Iceland. So, if the term “Land of Fire and Ice” ever felt fitting? That, my friend, should be reserved purely for Iceland itself. Think of experiencing erupting volcanoes next to glaciers and gigantic waterfalls. Basically, Iceland offers the chance to see the powers of Mother Nature up close. If those things take your fancy!
It would also almost be silly not to speak on the birdlife itself! Puffins come over in great numbers during particular times and you get brilliant chances to photograph and almost appreciate them to be perfectly fair.
Greenland: Icebergs Galore and Inuit Culture
Moving on from there we can move towards Greenland. Now, expect bigger and larger icebergs everywhere to a completely ridiculous level! Now I am talking about sights that need to be witnessed to be appreciated! A bit spectacular actually!
It may very well be worthwhile, so, in that case, checking on particular trips that visit Greenland’s tiny settlements in order to obtain what can be a once in a lifetime peek inside Greenlandic life and their traditions. These opportunities are almost worthwhile by themselves and may assist in influencing you a good deal! As I was saying, don’t forget you’re seeing sights hardly any person ever has the honor of experiencing!
What to keep an eye out for on picking your Trip
Picking an expedition can seem almost like finding some particular needle inside of a gigantic haystack! A bit stress inducing that, clearly! Anyway, there’s quite a few pointers I think folks might enjoy bearing in mind. So, anyway, here they are!
Ship Size & Style: Bigger Isn’t Always Better
When it comes to vessels themselves, smaller isn’t terrible when on expedition style travels, actually! Ships of an intimate dimension frequently can gain access towards smaller inlets and locations bigger ships won’t ever manage, too it’s almost fair. The other point to consider involves just how luxurious it is and whether you have a preference! Expeditions sometimes may use polar class yachts giving a very immersive trip that gets folks near towards the waves, whereas others can possibly utilize ice breaker strengthened boats that hold a few more mod cons and space.
Itinerary Is Everything: Do your homework
The itinerary is pretty darn vital. Get a grasp of the actual locations you’re visiting. Does it pay a visit to places that mean the most towards you? Are some trips going much deeper into one specific place, where as some simply attempt to have it all in a shortened amount of time? What is the trip duration, anyway?
What is Actually Included?
What is absolutely offered with these adventures tends to swing dramatically. Check if there’s things that include the flights there and back, some beverages, usage of certain kit. I would advise finding out the complete picture to prevent any distressing shocks later!
The Expedition Team
Now, this is crucial and very overlooked. See what guides tend to be with you from that trip. Is there credentials available from them to read over? The depth of the experience almost rides from this here! And if that goes belly up, the vacation potentially may go similarly in style, as a matter of fact. Are you going to have naturalists and marine biologists guiding to explain and assist in identifying everything around you, so to speak?
Sustainable & Ethical Practices
These fragile parts all ought to be given full esteem, is that correct? Search for operators who will definitely keep tight ethical footprints. Respecting local rules. Making every effort not to disturb nature is almost really cool and important at once!
Things nobody will ever mention…
Nobody mentions that on a trip to the Arctic it can get a bit unpleasant. However it definitely occurs. Below, are a handful that don’t seem like that often appear inside brochure information:
- Sea Sickness: Yes it may be possible when taking the Arctic sea, especially if crossing expanses such as the Denmark Strait involving Iceland as well as Greenland. It’s arguably worth considering packing sea sickness tablets!
- Bugs: Certain spots like Iceland in particular could get infested. Pack repellant. Really makes a difference if things head this route, to be clear.
- Costs actually stack: Yes this can turn out somewhat of a costly outing; yet almost from things like that forgotten bit of kit. And that little bit of memorabilia etc… All costs begin getting added up.
So, In the final Analysis, Is this trip Ideal?
If experiencing such a sailing adventure up by Iceland, Greenland and Svalbard is worthy of consideration relies upon, arguably, quite a bit to what kind of stuff you might find amusing the most! So to speak:
- Adventure Fan? An eagerness when it comes to facing any kind of outdoor and more rugged experiences is almost helpful and very advantageous at once! The weather can be unpredictable without any question. So, a will and a readiness must come with that, that goes without question!
- Wildlife Lover? If simply appreciating mother nature plus witnessing critters is just what gets you really stoked? Then look no further. Almost few other vacations manage to get things so close whenever getting into nature, actually!
- Money Prepared? Those sail trips aren’t cheap holidays. Should you decide to dedicate money at that level for any experience and journey, then this is quite awesome as any other travel around the globe, basically!
For anyone hoping when it comes to having comfort around fancy lodging and always going someplace hot? Possibly keep on searching elsewhere, I guess! If you are looking for some extraordinary opportunity, viewing fantastic views, plus desire one of such unique travel tales, then this option will absolutely deliver you with almost memories which persist across generations, clearly!