2028 Arctic

Join climate scientists Bob and Allison Jacobel for an extraordinary 14-day Arctic expedition aboard Aurora Expeditions’ Sylvia Earle. As a counterpart to the Journey to Antarctica they led in 2024, the father-daughter team will lead an exploration of Greenland’s dramatic west coast, visiting Kalaallit Inuit communities and remote ice-filled fjords further to the north. After crossing Baffin Bay, the voyage continues through Lancaster Sound and along the shores of Devon and Somerset Islands, cutting through the narrow Bellot Strait. Continuing west past King William Island and into Victoria Strait, the route goes into historic Cambridge Bay, and ends in the remote Nunavut community of Kugluktuk.

Rather than complete an end-to-end traverse from the Atlantic to the Pacific, requiring more than a month at sea with corresponding costs, this trip focuses on the historic eastern gateway into Lancaster Sound and the central portion of the Northwest Passage, optimizing ship time for exploring the far north. Experience spectacular landscapes and opportunities to encounter polar bears, muskox, Arctic fox, walrus, and the elusive narwhal—all while learning from two accomplished polar scientists.

Allison Jacobel is a Middlebury College Earth and Climate Sciences professor who studies Arctic climate change through ocean sediments and expeditions and Bob Jacobel, a St. Olaf professor emeritus and glaciologist, has extensive Antarctic and Greenland field experience. 

Bob says, “We considered many Arctic trips to find a counterpart to the Journey to Antarctica that will provide a comparable experience for our guests, one that is distinct from the usually-visited locations and itineraries and that will explore spectacular areas of the far north.” 

With Aurora’s renowned active and science-focused expedition program and the Jacobels’ expertise, this is an unforgettable opportunity to experience the rapidly changing Arctic from a truly distinctive perspective.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike on Devon Island, the world’s largest uninhabited island, with stunning geology and glacial valleys
• On Beechey Island, visit the graves of explorers from John Franklin’s expedition
• Be greeted by the warm hospitality of the local Inuit, whose deep connection to the land is evident in their culture, traditions and lifestyle
• Spot iconic Arctic wildlife, including musk oxen, polar bears, beluga whales, seals and perhaps the elusive narwhal
• In Ilulissat, hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Icefjord and stand in awe of its immensity

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Bob Jacobel is a glaciologist and Professor of Physics Emeritus at St. Olaf and has been doing research on ice since 1987 when he first went to Greenland to work on site selection experiments for the US ice core drilled there. His principal interests are in the evolution and response of ice masses to climate change, and he uses the tools of ice penetrating radar and satellite remote sensing in this research on glaciers and ice sheets around the world. Bob studied physics at the University of California Berkeley and did his dissertation research in high energy particle physics, switching to geophysics and earth science when he came to St. Olaf because of his strong interest in the outdoors and desire to do field research.

In addition to projects in Greenland and Scandinavia, he has been a Principal Investigator of Antarctic field expeditions for more than 25 years and has published numerous papers on ice sheet and glacier dynamics. He has taught in both the physics and environmental science departments at St. Olaf, including courses on global climate change and the history/ literature of the poles. The Jacobel Glacier on the Sulzberger Coast of West Antarctica is named in honor of his accomplishments. Bob has been a speaker on a number of National Geographic trips to both polar regions starting in 2013 when he first led a St. Olaf program to Antarctica. He and Allison returned as leaders of the recent St. Olaf Antarctic program in 2024. 

Allison Jacobel is a paleoclimatologist and an Assistant Professor of Earth and Climate Sciences at Middlebury College. Allison’s research utilizes records of climate change preserved in marine sediments to reveal past ocean and climate system variability. In particular, she studies the active role of the deep ocean in carbon storage and its influence on climate. She is also interested in records of more abrupt climate changes driven by the polar regions, including dramatic records from the Arctic.

Allison earned her Ph.D. at Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and has sailed on several oceanographic research expeditions, including a 2017 cruise to Greenland on the Royal Research Ship Discovery and a second in 2021 on the RV Celtic Explorer. Both cruises focused on understanding accelerating modern ice loss and the influence of meltwater release on the ocean-climate system. Allison is excited to return to the Arctic and share her perspective on the role of the oceans in climate change with another fantastic St. Olaf group.

This itinerary starts in Reykjavik, Iceland, and ends in Calgary, Canada. Two charter flights are included in the itinerary and pricing. You can view — and download or print — the most up to date itinerary here.

If you’ve never traveled with a group — or spent this much on a vacation before — it’s completely normal to feel a little hesitant. But you absolutely can make this happen! Here is how we build the perfect safety net for your first big adventure: Your Tour, Your Way.

Included activities to enhance your exploration are Zodiac rides, guided walks, wildlife watching, presentations, and photography guidance. The shipboard experience includes a gym, spa, and sauna, as well as top-notch dining. For intrepid expeditioners, the Polar Plunge is a chance to take a leap into the icy waters, creating an unforgettable, invigorating experience that connects you deeply with the polar environment. (See a detailed list of inclusions and exclusions below.)

There is an option for Sea Kayaking which is 2-4 hours per outing at $890 per person. This includes the kayaks, guide, kayak booties, and dry suit. You can absolutely have a very full experience without sea kayaking. 

Note that a deposit in the amount of 25% of the per person price, based on your chosen cabin level, will be due when your cabin is confirmed, and is non-refundable. These terms are set by the travel provider.

Registration Steps:

1. Use the REGISTER NOW button above to submit your reservation. 
2. You will then receive an email saying that your registration form was submitted. 
3. St. Olaf will forward your registration to the travel provider, Aurora. 
4. Aurora will confirm to St. Olaf that your cabin choice is available.
5. St. Olaf will email you with instructions to make the deposit. Your space is held, but not fully guaranteed until the deposit is paid.

Please visit Aurora Expeditions web page on the Sylvia Earle to see photos, onboard facilities, stateroom details, and a deck plan.

The program fee varies by cabin category. Rates listed here are per-person, based on double occupancy. Add 50% of the St. Olaf price for single occupancy of staterooms. 

SPECIAL ALUMNI & FAMILY TRAVEL SAVINGS: Save on the public brochure price (as noted above) when traveling with St. Olaf. Valid on this departure date for new bookings only, subject to availability, may not be combined with other offers, and is not applicable on airfare or extensions.

INCLUSIONS:

• All transfers as mentioned in the itinerary.
• One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast in Reykjavík on Day 1.
• Charter flight from Reykjavík to Kangerlussuaq on Day 2.
• Charter flight from Kugluktuk to Calgary on Day 15.
• On-board accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service.
• All meals, snacks, tea, coffee, soft drinks and juices during voyage.
• Premium spirits, cocktails, beer, wine and liqueurs during voyage.
• Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, and non-alcoholic beverages.
• All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
• Educational lectures and guiding services provided by the Expedition Team.
• Complimentary access to the onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic for an initial consultation.
• One 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket.
• Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage.
• Comprehensive pre-departure information.
• Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
• Gratuities during excursions and the enrichment program for local guides, drivers, venues and local sites.
• Wi-Fi (Please note that we travel to remote regions where connectivity can be unreliable.)

EXCLUSIONS:

• International or domestic flights – unless specified in itinerary.
• Transfers – unless specified in itinerary.
• Airport arrival or departure taxes.
• Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.
• Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
• Hotels and meals – unless specified in the itinerary.
• Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges.
• All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to, alcoholic beverages (outside of dinner service), on board gratuities*, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, email or phone charges.

*A gratuity of USD $20 per person, per day for the crew and Expedition Team will be automatically added to your onboard account. You may remove or adjust this amount when settling your account.

A deposit of 25% of the per-person cabin rate is required to fully confirm your registration.

Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure date.

CANCELLATION SCHEDULE:

Read each tab in the Participant Documents.

Review the latest information on recommended immunizations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Look at the International Travel section of the U.S. State Department, including Before You Go, Country Information, While Abroad, and Emergencies.

Check your passport: ensure that it has at least 6 months’ validity past the tour return date and at least one blank visa page.

Take time to Prepare for your adventure by checking out a variety of resources, including frequently asked questions, general health information, included travel insurance, a safety overview, and more.

Hold the dates of August 29–September 13, 2028, but do not book non-refundable flights until we can confirm that the St. Olaf group is a go. See our Booking Your Flights page for tips and suggestions.

Terms and Conditions
Release and Waiver

For Aurora Expedition complete Term and Conditions, visit:
aurora-expeditions.com/terms-and-conditions