QUEST
OCEAN EXPEDITIONS
From the tropical waters of the Caribbean to the icy reaches of the Arctic
1772 Vaugondy–Diderot Map of North America & the Northwest Passage
Sail The Legendary Northwest Passage
Our Route of the Northwest Passage
Nuuk - Nome, 3400 nm, 1 July - 14 August, 45 Days
General Route Overview:
Start – Nuuk, Greenland
Your journey begins in Nuuk, Greenland’s vibrant capital, nestled among dramatic fjords and towering mountains.
West Coast of Greenland – Ilulissat & the Icefjord. Sailing north along Greenland’s rugged west coast, we make our way to Ilulissat, home to the world-famous Icefjord. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most active glacier fronts in the Northern Hemisphere, where vast icebergs calve into the sea and drift majestically into Disko Bay. We will spend time exploring this extraordinary landscape before setting course across Baffin Bay toward Canada.
Baffin Bay & Davis Strait
Crossing these storied waters, we sail past towering cliffs, drifting icebergs, and an abundance of Arctic wildlife. Whales, seals, and seabirds thrive here, just as they did when early European explorers braved these seas in search of a northern route to Asia.
Pond Inlet & the Entrance to the Canadian Arctic
Arriving at Pond Inlet on northern Baffin Island, we enter the Canadian Arctic and the Northwest Passage. This Inuit community is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and glaciers, and serves as a gateway to the labyrinth of channels ahead.
Lancaster Sound & Devon Island
We pass into Lancaster Sound, the gateway to the High Arctic. Along the way lies Devon Island, the largest uninhabited island on Earth. Its stark, Mars-like landscapes and unique wildlife encounters make it one of the most remarkable places in the Arctic Archipelago.
Inuit Communities
Along our route we may visit remote settlements such as Pond Inlet and Cambridge Bay. Here, traditional Inuit culture endures, offering an insight into history, customs, and resilience in one of the harshest environments on Earth.
Historical Landmarks
As we sail westward, we encounter places tied to the legendary history of Arctic exploration. This includes the story of Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated 1845 expedition, and the route where Roald Amundsen successfully completed the first full transit of the Northwest Passage (1903–1906), proving the passage navigable.
Amundsen Gulf & Beaufort Sea
The voyage continues into the remote waters of the Amundsen Gulf and the Beaufort Sea. Here, immense ice formations, vast wilderness, and the haunting beauty of the Arctic Ocean create an unforgettable finale to the journey.
Destination – Nome, Alaska, United States
Our expedition concludes in Nome, a small yet historic town on Alaska’s western coast, once at the heart of the Gold Rush. From here, you take with you memories of a true once-in-a-lifetime passage across the top of the world.
Please Note: Our route through the Northwest Passage is highly dependent on weather, ice conditions, and safety considerations. While we aim to visit the planned communities, historic sites, and natural highlights, the itinerary may be adjusted en route to ensure the safety of all aboard. Flexibility is essential in the Arctic, and every change offers a unique opportunity to explore new landscapes and experiences.
A Brief History Overview of the Northwest Passage
The dream of a sea route through the Arctic is as old as the Age of Discovery. From the 1500s onward, European explorers searched for a navigable channel that would link the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. A successful passage promised wealth and power — a faster route to Asia’s markets, avoiding the long voyages around Africa or South America.
Early adventurers such as Martin Frobisher (1576) and John Davis (1585) braved these icy waters, mapping uncharted coastlines but finding their way blocked by sea ice. For centuries, expedition after expedition pressed deeper into the Arctic archipelago. Some returned with valuable charts, others disappeared entirely.
The most tragic of these voyages was Sir John Franklin’s expedition (1845). Commanding two advanced Royal Navy ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, Franklin and his 129 men set out with confidence — but they never returned. The ships became trapped in ice, and the crew perished. For decades, the mystery gripped the world, turning the Northwest Passage into both a graveyard and a legend.
The first successful navigation came much later, when Roald Amundsen (1903–1906) sailed the modest Gjøa with a crew of just six. Unlike his predecessors, Amundsen understood that survival in the Arctic required humility and adaptation. He spent two winters living with the Netsilik Inuit, learning to use dog sleds, wear fur clothing, and travel the ice with their skill and knowledge. These lessons were vital to his success — and became part of the reason he is remembered as one of history’s greatest polar explorers.
Today, the Northwest Passage remains more than a route between oceans. It is a place where centuries of ambition, hardship, and discovery meet the timeless knowledge of the Inuit, who have navigated these waters and lands for millennia. To sail here is to step into a living history shaped by both explorers and the people of the North.
Life Onboard - You will be part of the Crew
Sailing through the Arctic on Quest is not a conventional holiday — it is an expedition at sea, where every person on board is part of the team. This means that you will be a part of the crew, sharing both the challenges and the rewards of life under sail. Life on board will be built on teamwork, seamanship, and shared responsibilities.
What to Expect
On board Quest, everyone contributes to the smooth running of the vessel:
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Watchkeeping – Standing watch is at the heart of life at sea. You will join the rotation, taking turns on deck to steer the yacht, keep lookout, and monitor instruments. This is where you gain experience to read the sea, the ice, and the sky — skills that connect you to sailors across centuries.
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Sailing and Seamanship – From hoisting sails to trimming lines, you will help to handle the yacht in all conditions. Whether it’s in calm fjords or icy Arctic winds, your hands-on involvement is vital.
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Navigation – Be a part of how we plan our course, chart our position, and adapt to the ever-changing Arctic environment. You will gain an insider’s view into how real expedition sailing is done.
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Cooking and Cleaning – Meals are prepared together, and everyone helps keep the galley and ship tidy. Sharing these everyday tasks builds camaraderie and ensures that life on board runs smoothly.
The Expedition Spirit
This journey demands flexibility, resilience, and a sense of adventure. The Arctic is unpredictable: ice may block a channel, storms may shift our schedule, or wildlife encounters may invite us to linger. You will find authentic seamanship and the satisfaction of being part of a small crew sailing through one of the planet’s last great wildernesses.
When you sail the Northwest and the Northeast passages, you step into the traditions of explorers who have gone before — not as a passenger watching from the sidelines, but as an active participant part of the crew. Conditions will be demanding, with long days, Arctic weather, and the unpredictability of ice and sea. But so are the rewards: teamwork, discovery, and memories forged in one of the most remote and legendary regions on Earth.
Do I have to have sailing experience?
No prior sailing experience is required to join our expedition. We welcome adventurous travelers from all backgrounds. Our professional crew will guide, teach, and oversee every aspect of life at sea — from steering and navigation to cooking, cleaning, and watch-keeping. You’ll learn as you go, supported every step of the way, while becoming an active part of the team. All that’s needed is a spirit of curiosity, flexibility, and a willingness to contribute.
A Note on Preparation
While no prior sailing experience is required, we do recommend that you try sailing at least once before joining Quest. Life at sea is very different from life on land: for 50 days we will be navigating two of the harshest routes in the world, on a vessel that is always in motion. Experiencing even a short sail beforehand will give you a sense of what to expect and help ensure you are ready — both physically and mentally.
Physical & Mental Fitness
Sailing the Northwest and Northeast Passages is not a cruise — it is a true expedition. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be in good overall health and prepared for long days, unpredictable weather, and the challenges of life at sea. Tasks such as climbing ladders, moving around a rocking vessel, standing watch at odd hours, and helping with sails or lines will all be part of daily life.
Equally important is mental resilience. We will be at sea for extended periods, often far from outside contact or comfort. Flexibility, teamwork, and a positive spirit are essential — these qualities are just as valuable on board as physical ability.
Starting Point & Ending Point
Nuuk, Greenland - Nome, United States
Travel Documents & Preparations
We take care of all the necessary permits and paperwork required to sail the Northwest Passage, ensuring your journey complies with Arctic regulations. The only items passengers are responsible for are booking their flights to the departure point and from the arrival destination, as well as securing any required visas or personal travel documents, and their personal insurance. We will guide you on relevant documents if needed.
Crew Insurance Requirements
All crew must have: medical/health insurance (including evacuation), travel insurance (cancellation/interruption), and personal accident/life insurance. More details provided at the interview stage.
Additional details
Detailed information, including practical arrangements and logistics, will be provided once you reach the interview stage of our application process.
All selected participants will be required to complete essential documentation (such as medical and fitness declarations, liability waivers, and expedition agreements). Full details and support will be provided during the interview stage.