Embark on a journey to capture one of the world's most unique beluga gatherings: two thousand whales gather in the shallow waters of Cunningham Inlet near Arctic Watch every season to nurse, molt, socialize, and dine. The trip focuses on spending time at the Cunningham River's mouth, where moms and children gather in the shallow waters. Spend time learning about the belugas' moments and behaviors so that you can truly immerse yourself in their world. Photograph the whales as they go in and out of the inlet and along the Northwest Passage, capturing all parts of their voyage as they frolic in Cunningham and transit the ice of the Northwest Passage.
Highlights
Encounter one of the last beluga whale nurseries on earth
Learn the belugas' moments and behaviors
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Northwest Passage and ice formations on the Arctic ocean
Encounter rarely seen arctic wildlife: beluga, polar bears, muskoxen, and more
Experience ATV ride to the Cunningham Estuary to watch beluga whales.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
After breakfast, depart Yellowknife on a private charter for the 3-hour flight to Arctic Watch. Guests will land in the Arctic later that afternoon. After an introduction to the lodge and the surrounding landscape by the Arctic Watch team, guests will have time to settle into their cabins. 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. Spend time with your guide that evening, as you prepare your camera gear for the adventure.
ATVs are the most practical mode of mobility on the tundra for covering lengthy distances. Attend an all-terrain vehicle demonstration followed by a short drive to the Cunningham Estuary to see beluga whales. During the months of July and August, two to three thousand whales visit the gin-clear waters of Cunningham Inlet. The beluga whales come to Cunningham Inlet to moult in the warm waters of the Cunningham River while nursing and socializing. This is an important rest point for these beluga whales throughout their annual voyage. Spend the day at the Cunningham River's mouth, watching and photographing mothers and their young playing in the shallow freshwater.
Day 4-8: Cunningham Inlet | Beluga Whale Photography
Daily excursions led by our team at Arctic Watch focus on observing, photographing and encountering the belugas in Cunningham Inlet. Guests are provided the best opportunities to photograph unique moments as we observe the social behaviors between mothers and their young, adults, juveniles and family social structures within the herd. Guests are welcome to bring handheld and drone based photographic equipment (under the guidance of our team to ensure we don't disturb any whales).
Day 9: Depart for Yellowknife
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
By now, guests are familiar with the area, and can opt to do an activity that they missed during the week or would like to repeat. There’s lots of time before 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 | Return Home
1 Breakfast
Depart Yellowknife for the 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.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
I could not be happier with my Adventure Life experience, from beginning to end. I travel a lot, and I think your company and personnel do an outstanding job. I truly appreciate your professionalism, attentiveness, and flexibility. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your company and would be happy to serve as a reference.
Constance Block
TrustScore 4.8 | 189 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 189 reviews on
1 day ago
Claire made sure she knew what my expectations and priorities were and offered options based on that. She also suggested a visit to a city i did not know about. She was pleasant friendly informative and helpful
Al Kirkley
6 days ago
Cheska is a great asset for your company she is very knowledgeable and pleasant to work with
Susan Johnson
1 week ago
Adventure Life set us up with great guides and locations, seamless transportation, and good advice. Will work with them again. Thanks
Scott Sepsy
1 week ago
Amazing trip and the best customer service
Liz
1 week ago
Hannah and Nur got the gist of what we wanted our trip to be. They got us in hotels that were located centrally to historic tours. Tours and excursions that were significant, enriching and enjoyable. We had drivers that were on time/reliable. We got from location to location with ease. I would never have been able to plan this myself. I would not have known enough to ask for what we needed. This was above and beyond what I expected. Well done!