Vancouver, August 10th, 2015
One Ocean Expeditions’ first inaugural 10-day expedition cruise to the Maritimes had travellers living their life long dream, to explore Sable Island. The expedition cruise specialist is the first and only tourism operator to visit Sable Island this summer.
One Ocean Expeditions is an expert in operating expedition cruises in remote and inaccessible regions and complex environments such as the Antarctic and High Arctic. In preparation for the inaugural One Ocean Expeditions’ East Coast Maritimes voyage in early July, Parks Canada asked the company to help develop and implement environmental standards to protect Sable Island’s unique and fragile environment and develop sound sustainable tourism practices.
This is just one of four transformative initiatives One Ocean Expeditions is partnering with Parks Canada on this year. Initiatives include a unique Parks Canada/One Ocean Expeditions internship program taking place in the High Arctic, collaborative educational programming and the continued partnership around the Franklin Expedition in the Northwest Passage.
The “Maritime East Coast – Fins & Fiddles” expedition cruise to Canada’s East Coast is a cultural and wildlife viewing odyssey for travellers and families looking for a unique diversity of experiences while exploring a region of Canada that is unknown to many Canadians, as well as international travellers.
The 2016 cruise departure is scheduled for July 16th to the 25th. The 10-day voyage is priced at exceptional value, starting at US $2995 per adult and US $1500 per child which includes all meals, shipboard accommodation, excursions, activities and required gear as well as ground transfers. For cruise itinerary and rates visit:
http://www.oneoceanexpeditions.com/arctic/itineraries.php#FINS16
“We knew the itinerary we created, starting and ending at the Louisbourg Fortress on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia was going to impress our guests, but to witness it first hand brought tears to our eyes. This was an emotional trip for many, but more so for Harvey, a 92 year old native from Cape Breton who’s dream was to visit Sable Island before he dies. He brought his kids and grand kids to see it with him. He also had the chance to dance with them all at the kitchen party the small fishing community of Francois hosted for our guests. What more can we ask for?” says Andrew Prossin, founder of One Ocean Expeditions.
This itinerary caters for travellers with interests raging from photography, history, ornithology to active adventures including kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, hiking, cycling and zodiac touring. “It’s an action packed cruise that guests are free to experience at their own pace, pending on the weather and how they feel. That’s why we call it expedition cruising! We can take our guests outside their comfort zone or simply pamper them. We very often do both!”, added Prossin.
Some of the key voyage highlights start with Sable Island, a sandbar located thousands of kilometers from the coast of Nova Scotia. It is Canada’s newest National Park and only opened to tourism in 2013. The history of this oceanic graveyard for hundreds of ships falling victim to the treacherous currents and sandbars feeds the imagination as you step ashore from the zodiac onto the beach. This remote and inaccessible wilderness destination is a true highlight for history buffs and those dreaming of seeing the mystical wild ponies and rare bird colonies.
The Magdalen Islands located in the mouth of the St-Laurence River in Quebec is a visual feast with its red sandstone cliffs and picturesque Quebecois and Acadian fishing villages. The kayaking and biking excursions come highly recommended. Gaspe and the town of Perce is a fishing town also known for it’s friendly Quebecois hospitality as well as being a popular kayaking destination. Across from the iconic Gaspe Rock is Bonaventure Island, the world’s largest breeding colony of northern gannets and evidently an extraordinary sight for birders and wildlife photographers alike.
Newfoundland’s Gros Morne National Park with the dramatic beauty of its fiord and tuckamore covered cliffs soaring up out of the ocean leaves visitors speechless. The guided hike to Tablelands, a Unesco World Heritage site and a visit to the isolated and colorful fishing community of Francois on the southern coast, where various species of whales are often spotted swimming with the zodiacs and experienced in close proximity by sea kayak, are more reasons to join the cruise. But of all things, it’s the genuine and authentic personalities of the Newfoundlanders and their generous hospitality that will touch visitors’ souls forever.
The Fins & Fiddles expedition cruise is a transformative voyage for families and independent travellers of all ages and fitness levels. It’s also a cruise for “non cruisers” where travellers will immerse themselves in new environments and adventures within destinations that are historically and culturally diverse. Including three distinct Canadian provinces, four National Parks, one UNESCO Heritage site and two countries, as One Ocean Expeditions’ staff says, “ it’s not a cruise, it’s an expedition!” For further information please visit One Ocean Expeditions, www.oneoceanexpeditions.com
Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/vyggbk0b9hgtotk/AABdAlFZebyKPIAb71Q-qX0Qa?dl=0
SOURCE One Ocean Expeditions