SABLE ISLAND HORSES, DUNES AND SEALS

Expedition overview

As a licensed Parks Canada tour company, we are proud to offer an experience of a lifetime. An opportunity to visit Sable Island National Park in a single day.  With it's stunning, ever changing sand dunes, hundreds of wild horses and the largest grey seal colony in the world, this will be a trip that you'll remember for the rest of your life.

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On this full day expedition we will be travelling by twin-engine, Sikorsky S-76 A++ offshore helicopter. The aircraft itself is an adventure and with it's agility and ability to fly great distances in a variety of conditions, it is the perfect vehicle to ensure your trip to Sable Island is a successful one. The helicopter will land on the helipad and does not require specific beach landing conditions. 

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Our expedition starts at Vision Air Services located at the Halifax International airport. Upon arrival you'll be greeted by your guide and pilots. After completing the island's pre-boarding biosecurity process and receiving a safety orientation, we'll board the  aircraft, a 1.25 hour flight has us landing on the helipad at Sable Island NPR.  After an introduction to the island by Parks Canada staff, your Kattuk Expeditions guide will lead a hike along the beaches and dunes to the areas most frequented by the island's horses and seals. A delicious picnic lunch is included and prepared by your guide.  After lunch we we continue our hike to other areas of the island. When the hike concludes we'll gather at main station and prepare for our departure back to the mainland.  

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Whenever possible, we'll visit with researcher Zoe Lucas, head of the Sable Island Institute. In order to lend our support to the research taking place on the island, a portion of your tour cost goes to the Institute.

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Trip highlights

• Return 300km helicopter flight to Sable Island National Park Reserve from Halifax

• Meeting with Zoe Lucas from the Sable Island Institute (whenever possible)

• Orientation by Parks Canada

• 6-8 hours of guided walking and exploration by fully equipped Kattuk Expeditions guide

• Visits to the many grazing areas of the island's wild horses

• Delicious picnic lunch

• Guided walk will include the main station and some outbuildings (exterior), the areas most frequented by horses and seals.

• Insight into daily life on the island

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Activities

• Walking / hiking on sand beaches and over sand dunes on horse paths

• Wildlife viewing / observation

• Ecological interpretation

• Bird watching

• Photography 

• Flying

• Solitude

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Itinerary

• 7:15 a.m. - Arrive at Vision Air helicopter terminal for flight orientation

• 8:00 - Depart Vision Air Services Airport en-route to Sable Island

• 9:30 - Land on Sable Island National Park Reserve

• 9:45 - Transfer by jeep to main station 

• 10:00 - Orientation by Parks Canada staff

• 10:15 - 12:30 p.m. - Exploring the dunes and beaches in search of wild horses

• 12:30 - Picnic lunch

• 1:15 - 4:15 - Continued hiking / exploring including the north beach seal colony

• 5:00 - Our final farewell on the beach, time to take it all in or get those extra photos in, then we muster and transfer to helicopter and depart 

• 6:30 p.m. - Arrive back at Vision Air Services (island departure times vary depending on time of year)

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What's included

Your flight to and from Sable Island National Park Reserve aboard a Sikorsky S-76 aircraft, properly equipped Kattuk Expeditions guide from beginning to end, a delicious, organic, locally sourced picnic lunch, farewell on the beach, all park and landing fees, a donation to the Sable Island Institute, an experience like no other in the world.

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Things that aren't included

Transportation to Vision Air terminal Halifax, travel insurance, gratuities to guide, items of a personal nature and any incurred cost related to weather (it is very rare, but possible to be stuck on the island due to weather and, cost for accommodation may be applied by Parks Canada).

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Although only 300 km from mainland Nova Scotia, Sable Island is one of the most remote places in Canada. You must dress appropriately for this and for the weather, keeping in mind that there are no trees or shelter other than the Parks Canada buildings. In case of emergency, with the exception of your guide and park staff, help is far away. If you are on any medications, it is advised that you bring 1 week's supply with you; and if the medication is life-crucial, bring all that you have.  There is no cell service on the island, however your guide will carry VHF radio in communication with the park's main station staff.  If guests choose to take time on their own at the end of the day, each guest will be required to carry a two-way UHF radio (provided) in communication with their guide.

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Activity level / mobility

Spending a day hiking along the sand horse paths and beaches of Sable Island requires a certain level of athletic ability. Guests should be able and prepared to walk up to 10 km or more unassisted.  While this is not a fast paced day of hiking, all guests are required to maintain pace with the group and can not be left behind.  Please keep your ability in mind when considering this adventure so that you and others on the day of your visit have the best experience possible. 

 

Transportation is not provided for sightseeing and is only available in cases of emergency or to bring guests from the helipad #2 to the station upon arrival.

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Suggested items to bring:

• Comfortable, active clothing for the time of year and weather. Dress in layers, expect cooler temperatures on the island

• Comfortable walking shoes /hiking boots.  Walking in sand all day is tough, make sure you'll be comfortable

• Hat, sunglasses & sunscreen

• Water bottle. There is potable water on the island. Your guide will have extra for the hike.

• Camera

• Walking stick, small backpack

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Payment, cancellation policy

As of March 21st 2024, payment in full is required at time of booking. If you have booked prior to March 21st with a deposit, your remaining payment is due 90 days prior to the departure date. A full refund less a 5% admin fee will be returned prior to 60 days before your trip. Trips are non-refundable after 60 days prior to departure. Any trip cancelled by Kattuk Expeditions due to weather will be 100% refunded. We recommend that all travelers purchase travel insurance that covers tour cancellations.

If we have to cancel a trip due to weather on both the travel and backup day, a full refund of your Sable Island tour will be provided. Additional backup dates during the calendar year are not available.

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Changing your booking date - You may move your booking to another date with availability up until 60 days prior to departure. Please contact us via email with the details of your current booking and the new scheduled trip date you would like to visit.

 

If you have any questions, please contact us between 9:00AM and 6:00PM Atlantic Time  

at 1-844-6-KATTUK (528885) or email at info@kattukexpeditions.com

 

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