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Sable Island

Sable Island, Cape Breton, Newfoundland, and the Magdalen Islands: Atlantic Island Odyssey

St. John’s - Saint-Pierre - Example 12 Day Cruise aboard Ocean Endeavour
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Join the crew of the Ocean Endeavour on a unique 12-day journey to Sable Island. Sable Island’s wild horses are world-famous, but there’s so much more to this remote sand island off the coast of Nova Scotia. The world’s largest colony of grey seals breeds here, as do the rare roseate tern and the endemic Ipswich sparrow, among many birds of note. Amid the island’s beaches, dunes, and bogs you find a plethora of plants: from iris, to sundew, to wild berries in abundance. Whales and sharks ply the nearby waters. Protected as Canada’s forty-third national park, Sable Island offers an adventure unlike any other.
Sable Island Sable Island The Gully -Sable Island The Gully -Sable Island Sable Island
Highlights
  • View one of the world’s last wild horse populations on Sable Island
  • See the rare Ipswich sparrow in its sole breeding ground
  • Photograph Sable Island’s many rare and beautiful plant species
  • Visit the world’s largest grey seal colony
  • Seek out marine mammals in The Gully, a Marine Protected Area
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: St. John’s, NL | Embark

Welcome to St. John’s—the vibrant capital of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Board the Ocean Endeavour for an evening departure and sail out of the historic port, looking out for Signal Hill as you exit the world-famous Narrows.
The charming houses of the Battery are always a hit with shutterbugs. Watch for icebergs, whales, and seabirds as you sail!

Day 2: At Sea

Listen to stories of the fascinating history and ecology of Sable Island as you sail towards its sandy shores.
Enjoy workshops and presentations, watch a documentary, and get your binoculars ready to watch for marine mammals and seabirds in the rich waters of the northwest Atlantic.

Day 3-5: Sable Island

Be among the lucky few to set foot on Sable Island, a sandbar as long as Manhattan, but only about a kilometre wide.
See the world-famous Sable Island wild horses, the largest grey seal colony in the world, and its many varieties of birds—including the endemic Ipswich Sparrow.
Hike the island’s sand dunes, take a Zodiac cruise along its shores, and learn first-hand about its fascinating human history.
Due to the unique weather conditions here, we’ll maximize opportunities for you to explore.

Day 6: The Gully Marine Protected Area

Sail through the Gully, a marine protected area where the sea floor plunges two and a half kilometres into a submarine valley; it’s one of the most prominent undersea features in eastern Canada.
Learn about the significant coral communities and diversity of shallow and deep-water fish here, which draw whales and dolphins.
Join the on board researchers out on deck to scan the waves for exciting sightings and to appreciate this abundance of marine life!

Day 7: Cape Breton Island & Bird Islands

Immerse yourself in Cape Breton Island's natural history, from its diverse habitats and wildlife to its rugged landscape formed by geological forces. Explore the island's unique cultural landscape, shaped by Mi'kmaq, Scottish, and Acadian people. Discover the island's boreal forests and wetlands, home to majestic moose, black bears, and bald eagles.
Take a Zodiac cruise around Bird Islands, a critical seabird nesting and breeding area with Canada's largest colony of great cormorants. Watch for black-legged kittiwakes, razorbills, Atlantic puffins, black guillemots, and even Leach's storm petrels.

Day 8: Chéticamp

Call in at the fishing village of Chéticamp on the western shore of Cape Breton Island. Enjoy the busy fishing harbor, rug-hooking museum, shops, and restaurants that all offer a taste of true Acadian heritage.
Hike the spectacular Skyline Trail at nearby Cape Breton Highlands National Park, world-renowned for its wildlife and scenery of rugged highlands and wind-swept coasts.

Day 9: Charlottetown, PEI

Enjoy your free time while exploring Charlottetown. Wander through the historic downtown area, where the Charlottetown Conference took place and Canada's Constitution was born. Treat yourself to the best of local cuisine, including fresh seafood, produce, and craft beer, and experience the friendly charm of the locals.
You could also opt for a guided cultural tour at Lennox Island Mi’kmaq First Nation. Learn the art of crafting beaded jewellery and woven baskets, make traditional bannock bread, and listen to stories passed down through generations.

Day 10: Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, QC

Spend the day exploring the robust Acadian heritage, culture, cuisine, and language of Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine (the Magdalen Islands).
Admire the striking red sandstone cliffs that, although a part of Québec, are in fact geographically closer to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
Meet some of the 12,000 or so friendly residents who call this archipelago home and be sure to browse the shops and restaurants for handicrafts, seafood, local wines, and beers!

Day 11: Francois, NL

Experience the warm hospitality and adventurous spirit of Francois, Newfoundland—a quaint and picturesque fishing village, with colourful homes and buildings that offer visitors a glimpse into Newfoundland's coastal lifestyle.
Explore the town, and hike to stunning lookout points and waterfalls. A day in Francois will stimulate your soul and remind you of the importance of good neighbours, stories, and music.
After a day of adventure, head to the community hall for an oversized kitchen party with treats, drinks, and dancing. Rediscover a bit of your own spirit, through the essence of Newfoundland's culture in this charming and resilient community.

Day 12: Saint-Pierre, France | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Say your farewells to Atlantic Canada in the colorful town of Saint-Pierre, a delightful finale to your trip. Just off the shores of Newfoundland, lie the islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon—an official territory of the French Republic.
Take a glimpse at the charming colorful houses with wooden balconies and narrow cobblestone streets as you disembark and head on your bus tour to the airport for your charter flight to St. John's, NL.

Ship/Hotel

Ocean Endeavour

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Canada Cruises & Tours.
Ocean Endeavour - Cat 1 Quad
Quadruple - Category 1
Deck four: Interior cabin, four lower berths, private bath (separate shower room and powder room) - approx. 240 sq. ft.
Ocean Endeavour - Cat 2 Triple
Triple - Category 2
Deck four: Interior cabin, three lower berths, two private baths - approx. 200 sq. ft.
Interior Twin cabin on the Ocean Endeavour
Interior Twin - Category 3
Deck five: Interior cabin, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 125 sq. ft. (twin)/110 sq. ft. (single)
Exterior Twin Cabin on the Ocean Endeavour
Exterior Twin - Category 4
Deck four: Porthole window, unobstructed view, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 100 sq. ft. (twin)/90 sq. ft. (single)
Exterior Twin Cabin on the Ocean Endeavour
Main Twin - Category 5
Deck five: Picture window, unobstructed view, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 115 sq. ft.
Comfort Twin cabin on board Ocean Endeavour
Comfort Twin - Category 6
Deck four: Two portholes windows, unobstructed view, two lower berths - 175 sq.ft. Deck seven: picture window, partial view, two lower berths- 135 sq.ft. Deck eight: Picture windows, obstructed view, matrimonial bed, pvt. bath, fridge - 160 sq.ft.
Top Deck Twin on the Ocean Endeavour
Select Twin - Category 7
Deck five. Picture windows, unobstructed view, two lower berths, approx. 190 sq. ft. Deck eight: oversize windows, partially obstruction view, matrimonial bed, private bath, refrigerator - approx. 145 sq. ft.
Superior Twin on the Ocean Endeavour
Superior Twin - Category 8
Deck five. Two picture windows, unobstructed view, two lower berths, sitting area- 210 sq.ft. Deck seven: forward-facing windows with unobstructed view, matrimonial, private bath w/full tub- 180 sq.ft. Deck seven midship: picture windows, partially obstructed view, matrimonial, private bath, fridge - 190 sq.ft
Ocean Endeavour Cabin Category 9
Junior Suite - Category 9
Deck five: Picture windows, unobstructed views, matrimonial bed, sitting area- approx. 270 sq. ft. Deck seven: forward-facing picture windows, views, matrimonial bed, private bath w/full tub, sitting area, private bath, refrigerator - approx. 290 sq. ft.
Ocean Endeavour Cabin Category 10
Suite - Category 10
Deck seven. Forward-facing picture windows, unobstructed view, matrimonial bed, private bath with full tub, refrigerator - approx. 310 sq. ft.

Notes

- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. Request the Twin Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.

- Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.5 times the double occupancy rate.
Included
  • 11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 11 Dinners
  • 11 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Contribution to Adventure Canada's Discovery Fund
  • Complimentary Expedition Jacket
  • Pre-departure materials
  • Educational program
  • Applicable taxes and credit card fees
  • Guided activities
  • Sightseeing and community visits
  • Photo Equipment Trial Program
  • Interactive workshops
  • Evening entertainment
  • All shipboard meals
  • All port fees
  • Special access permits, entry, and park fees
  • Expert expedition team
  • All Zodiac excursions
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • It is mandatory to have emergency evacuation and medical insurance to travel with Adventure Canada. It is recommended to obtain a basic minimum coverage of $500,000 on all cruises.
  • Commercial and charter flights
  • Program enhancements/optional excursions (Must be pre-booked)
  • Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
  • Mandatory medical evacuation insurance
  • Possible fuel surcharges and administrative fees
  • Pre- and post-trip hotel accommodation

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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