Circumnavigation of Newfoundland Small Ship Cruise
Canada’s maritime province of Newfoundland is a region rich in stunning land and seascapes, marine wildlife, ancient history and more latterly European colonisation. Our summer expedition aboard the 84-passenger Ocean Nova traces these rugged shores and is full of unique experiences from opportunities for whale watching to learning of the fascinating colonial and maritime history of the region, whilst for some the sheer majesty of the scenery will be reason enough to join our voyage.
Throughout our expedition we will be welcomed into communities where tradition is lived as daily reality. In Miawpukek, members of the Mi’kmaw First Nation will share insights into a culture rooted in respect for land and sea. In isolated outports such as Francois, accessible only by water, we will experience the music and storytelling traditions which remain as vital as they have for generations. Nature, too, plays a commanding role during our voyage. Cruising the island’s southern coast, we will encounter ancient cliffs carved by glacial ice, sea caves and hidden coves where seabirds wheel overhead, whilst the extraordinary geology of Gros Morne National Park will reveal chapters of the Earth’s formation rarely visible elsewhere.
At Red Bay, once a major 16th-century Basque whaling station and now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and at L’Anse aux Meadows, the only authenticated Norse site in North America, archaeological finds will reveal early transatlantic enterprise and exploration, from the Basque whalers of the 16th century to Norse voyagers who reached these shores a millennium ago. Then, sailing along the northeast coast, we will encounter a succession of small fishing communities before our circumnavigation of Newfoundland concludes as we retrace our route to St John’s through The Narrows.
Our experience will be enhanced by the comfort of our small expedition vessel, the Ocean Nova which allows us to navigate narrow inlets, land by Zodiac and approach remote shores and harbours which are inaccessible to larger ships. We will explore in the company of a small group of like-minded travellers along with the onboard team of naturalists and local hosts.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the Ocean Nova and embark.
As we sail from St John’s, the horizon opens toward Saint Pierre, France’s last foothold in North America. Saint Pierre is the capital of the French territory of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, an archipelago of eight islands off the coast of Newfoundland. Though geographically close to Canada, the atmosphere here is unmistakably French amid a rugged North Atlantic landscape. Enjoy time to wander the cobbled streets lined with patisseries, shops, and seaside cafés.
The First Nations community of Miawpukek became a permanent settlement sometime around 1822. Before then, it was one of many semi-permanent camps used by the Mi’kmaw people who had traditionally travelled nomadically throughout the east coast of Canada. Since its establishment as a reserve in 1987, Miawpukek has successfully bridged traditional knowledge and contemporary practice. We will receive a formal welcome from local leaders and have a chance to explore this special community. We will learn about this vibrant nation’s ongoing efforts to preserve language, ceremony, and knowledge of the land and sea. Through stories, song, and shared experiences, discover a worldview grounded in connection and respect.
The wild and windswept coast of southern Newfoundland is home to a few remaining outport communities. Hidden deep within a steep fjord, the outport of Francois can only be reached by boat and is a quaint and picturesque fishing village, with colourful homes and buildings that offer visitors a glimpse into Newfoundland’s coastal lifestyle. We will spend the day exploring the town with opportunities to hike to stunning lookout points and waterfalls, or simply chat with locals who embody Newfoundland’s legendary hospitality. As evening falls, we will join locals who gather for a joyful ‘kitchen party’ with music, dance, laughter and good company which will offer a glimpse into Newfoundland’s enduring musical traditions.
We will spend today cruising along one of Newfoundland’s most rugged stretches of coastline, where ancient cliffs rise over quiet coves and hidden bays. We will explore by Zodiac and on foot, tracing the contours of this remote landscape. The geology and plant life are outstanding and we will keep watch for seabirds, whales, moose and caribou.
Gros Morne National Park is a landscape of extraordinary geological significance and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ochre slopes of the Tablelands where the planet’s mantle meets the crust create a landscape unlike any other. Join the Parks Canada naturalists for guided walks among these surreal formations and learn how Gros Morne earned its UNESCO World Heritage status. After exploring, enjoy the warm spirit of Woody Point, where artists, writers, and musicians find inspiration in the surrounding mountains and sea.
Step back to the 1500s at Red Bay, once a bustling Basque whaling station and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will visit the excellent interpretation centre to see recovered artefacts including tools and personal items from the ship San Juan which was lost in a storm in 1565 and found centuries later submerged in the harbour. We will continue to Saddle Island to explore the remnants of a whaling community that helped shape the earliest chapters of transatlantic industry.
At the northern tip of Newfoundland lies L’Anse aux Meadows, the only authenticated Norse site in North America. The archaeological remains found here in 1960 date to approximately 1000 AD. Amazingly, the location was first established by a close reading of the Viking sagas. We will step inside reconstructed sod dwellings and imagine the Norse explorers who crossed the Atlantic more than a millennium ago. Here, archaeology meets legend linking Norse sagas to the rugged beauty of Newfoundland’s northern coast.
The northeast coast of Newfoundland is known for the dozens of picturesque villages that dot its rocky shores. As we sail along the coast, each harbour reveals a new perspective on island life. We will visit small fishing communities where weathered boats rest in calm coves and friendly faces greet us at the wharf. Photographers will have their work cut out for them, capturing all the special charm of classic island communities and stunning coastlines, the living heartbeat of Newfoundland.
We return to St John’s through the Narrows, back into the embrace of St John’s harbour. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for the scheduled indirect flight to London. Alternatively join the three night extension to Halifax, the capital of Newfoundland’s neighbouring province of Nova Scotia.
Arrive today.
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Twin cabin
Single cabin
Vessel Type: Expedition
Length: 73 metres
Passenger Capacity: 86
Built / Refurbished: 1992 / 2006
The Ocean Nova, built in Denmark in 1992 and fully refurbished in 2006, is a small yet comfortable expedition vessel accommodating up to 84 passengers. Cabins are spread across two decks and include single, double, and triple accommodations, all with sea views and private facilities. Designed with Scandinavian light woods, the cabins feature ample storage, desks, and flexible bedding arrangements, ensuring a practical and cosy retreat after a day of exploration. Passengers can relax in the Panorama Lounge, which offers panoramic views, daily briefings from the expedition team, and lectures on subjects ranging from ornithology to geology, while the library, small gym, and medical facilities enhance onboard comfort.
Dining aboard the Ocean Nova is informal yet enjoyable, with a single-sitting dining room offering a combination of table service and buffet, allowing all guests to dine together while taking in views through the portholes. Life on board is relaxed and immersive, often spent on deck watching for wildlife or simply admiring the surrounding landscapes. With one of the highest ice classes (1B) and a powerful 2000 hp diesel engine, the Ocean Nova is equipped to navigate icy waters or tranquil lochs with ease. A crew of 34, including North European officers, ensures both passenger safety and an enriching expedition experience, complemented by fully enclosed lifeboats and an onboard medical clinic.
Inclusions
• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board
• Expedition team
• Shore excursions as per the itinerary (Note: Some itineraries have optional excursions as per the specific exclusions)
• Gratuities
• Port Charges/ Taxes
• Transfers as per the itinerary (Note: Transfers are offered in conjunction with group flights only when booked together, both can be taken off if included in the itinerary and credited - if the trip shows no flights then none are included)
Exclusions
• Passport and Visa costs where applicable
• Travel insurance
• Beverages other than those listed in inclusions
• Meals when not on board the ship unless otherwise stated
• Pre and post voyage accommodation unless otherwise stated
• Optional excursions as per specific itinerary
• Any items of a personal nature
Expedition
Highlights
• Explore Newfoundland’s rugged coast by small ship – Discover dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and remote fishing communities, with Zodiac excursions, nature walks and opportunities to look for whales, seabirds, moose and caribou.• Experience Newfoundland’s living cultures and heritage – Meet the Mi’kmaw community of Miawpukek, experience a traditional kitchen party in remote Francois, and discover the region’s maritime and fishing traditions.
• Step into Newfoundland’s ancient history and geology – Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites at Gros Morne National Park and Red Bay, and explore L’Anse aux Meadows, the only authenticated Norse site in North America.
Our Associates Include
