Live aboard a fishing vessel that navigates the St. Lawrence River around Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec. Experience the first few weeks in the life cycle of harp seal pups and capture precious moments in time.
or harp seals, life is defined by ice. Never straying far from it, the annual harp seal migration is perfectly timed around ice formation. During February and March, over 250,000 harp seals can be found near the Magdalen Islands. Without question, the viewing and photographic opportunities of this photo safari are spectacular and the experience of witnessing such an incredible event leaves a lasting impression on those privileged enough to spend time with these animals in their natural environment.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive no later than 2:00PM at the Îles-de-la-Madeleine Airport, located on Havre aux Maisons Island in the Magdalen Islands, Quebec. Upon arrival, meet your guide at the airport and transfer to the wharf (about 40 minutes from the airport) to board the vessel and settle into your bunk. Dine at local restaurant before returning to the ship to set sail on the late evening tide.
Note: the most convenient international airport to plan your arrival and flight to the Îles-de-la-Madeleine is Montreal. Give yourself ample travel time and arrive a day earlier to give some extra buffer time for delayed luggage or other possibilities.
Day 2-4: On the ice with the seal pups
3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
The location of the seal herd dictates your sailing time, which is typically between 3 to 6 hours (sometimes more if ice conditions require). Spend unhurried time viewing and photographing the babies and mothers and the impressive ice-scape. When a seal herd is found, the vessel anchors to the ice pan. Over the next few days, the boat drifts with the ice pans and seals.
During your stay aboard the fishing vessel, expect to savor gourmet meals, wines, and specialty cheeses along with interesting lectures. You can also take advantage of the resource library to learn more about the geography and wildlife found in the area.
Sunset and sunrise photography opportunities
With the clear days at this time of year, one of the “money shots” is that of the baby harp seals at sunrise and sunset. The only way to capture this moment is from a boat based adventure, as helicopters can only fly during daylight hours. Position yourself well to take advantage of baby harps backlit by the crimson sun!
Snorkel or Scuba Dive with Baby Harp Seals Option
Want to get a different perspective of the harp seals? Try donning a drysuit and get into the water. (All trips are run with the welfare of the animals in mind, so snorkeling and dives are subject to local conditions.) Departures are timed to arrive when the seals start entering the water. If you are an experienced diver, do not miss this opportunity!
Day 5: Disembark
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Arrive back during the fifth day. Exact arrival time depends on the ice conditions. After disembarking transfer to the hotel for dinner and an overnight.
Day 6: Return home
Transfer to the airport for your return journey home. Please book either an Air Canada 7:30AM or 2:30PM flight off the island to your connecting destination home.
This itinerary is intended to be representative only as weather and wildlife conditions play a large role in dictating daily movements and activities. It is important to have a spirit of flexibility when travelling to any icebound location.
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.
Notes
Select a Date
* Please add 13% sales tax from Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine
When to Go Week One – March 3 to 8: Mainly for on-ice photographs as pups are younger. There is a chance for underwater encounters. Week Two – March 8 to 13: Good time for top-side and underwater encounters. Ideal for snorkelers or divers that want to get in the water with the pups.
Note: Both departures are prime viewing dates for seal pup photography.
Initial deposit is $2200, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners
5 Nights Accommodations
Transportation from and to Îles-de-la-Madeleine Airport
Mustang Floater Suit for duration of stay aboard vessel and while out on the ice
Excluded
Flights to Îles-de-la-Madeleine from your point of departure
Any other clothing kit (boots, parka etc.)
Tips, gratuities, personal expenses
Travel, medical and evacuation insurance coverage
Additional costs associated with weather and/or layovers
Gear Rental
Cold water scuba/snorkel gear (US $495).
To reduce overweight or excess baggage charges, rent a polar clothing package (from CDN $99-599 and subject to 13% sales tax). Parka, boots and gloves will be waiting for you upon arrival.
Map
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.
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.
Creating a checklist was very beneficial and meeting objectives on certain dates helped as well (to keep my trip organized). The Adventure Travel personnel helped keep me on track which is why my trip was so successful. Communication from both travel agencies (AT/MT) was vital.
Iziah Carthens
3 days ago
This is an amazing company to work with. I generally do not use tour companies as I am more of an independent traveller so I was slightly reticent. They were fantastic from the start - 10/10 - from lining up a phone call to discuss requirements, then their ongoing communication in the lead up to the tour and during it (thank you, Franny and Phen). They also explored cost-effective options (eg group transfers). The tour was in Patagonia so Adventure Life organised a pickup from the El Calafate airport to the El Chalten accommodation, two day hikes with a private guide and then to the El Calafate accommodation. A tour coordinator came to the hotel to explain, using the maps, what was involved in each day tour and what should be expected, and patiently answered all questions. The tour guide Marcos was excellent - very professional, knowledgable, communicative and at all times felt very safe with his navigational skills (important in the Patagonian wilderness). On the second day I forgot to take hiking poles so Marcos kindly gave me his. I honestly wouldn't have changed a thing and would happily recommend and book through them again.
Petrina Sta
5 days ago
Adventure Life has been great throughout my planning process for our up and coming Galapagos cruise. Kevin Moore, in particular, was very helpful in assisting me in making choices and providing me with options. He was also very patient, as I worked through figuring out what I really wanted in this vacation.
Lucy Greenway
5 days ago
Adventure Life was a pleasure to work with. They helped us find different options for our charter and answered a lot of questions with patience and clarity.
Brooke Hopper
6 days ago
Excellent service, great hotels and well organized excursions with expert guides! Highly recommended!
