Embark on an extended open-water Zodiac cruise around the full perimeter of Monumental Island, absorbing the sheer, humbling scale of the Canadian Arctic and its ice-strewn, horizon-wide seascape. A meditative, perspective-shifting experience like no other.
What to expect
Departing by Zodiac, your small group of up to 10 guests circles the entire island over approximately 2 hours, with the naturalist guide narrating the geological features, colonial seabird activity on the cliff ledges, and the stark beauty of a landscape shaped by millennia of ice and wind. The open Arctic water stretches to the horizon on the seaward side — an almost existential sense of remoteness that is the defining emotional texture of High Arctic travel. Passing through kelp-fringed shallows and alongside tilted sedimentary rock strata, the cruise closes with a final slow pass of the main walrus haul-out before returning to the ship. It is a deeply contemplative, visually overwhelming experience.
Good to know
Sea conditions in Foxe Basin can change rapidly; the operator will make a go/no-go call on the morning of the port call. Full expedition waterproofs and lifejackets are provided. This excursion combines beautifully with the walrus Zodiac safari if time permits — confirm total duration against all-aboard time.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Monumental Island — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.