BELUGA WHALES and POLAR BEAR EXPEDITION

Churchill, Manitoba


2025 TRIP DATES
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- 7 Day Expedition with 5 days wildlife viewing -
July 26 - August 1, 2025

SOLD OUT

August 1 - 7, 2025

SOLD OUT

2026 TRIP DATE
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- 7 Day Expedition with 5 days wildlife viewing -
July 28 - August 3, 2026
5 SPOTS AVAILABLE

August 4 - 10, 2026
3 of 5 SPOTS LEFT


THE ADVENTURE

Join us on an unforgettable summer adventure to Churchill, Canada, to encounter one of the Arctic's most captivating inhabitants… The Beluga Whale!

Every summer, thousands of belugas gather in the warm, shallow waters of Hudson Bay to socialize, feed, and breed.

This annual migration offers you a rare opportunity to witness these playful and curious whales in their natural habitat, set against the vibrant backdrop of the Arctic in full bloom.

While swimming with belugas is no longer permitted, we offer an exciting alternative for a truly magical encounter: BELUGA BOARDING!

Imagine lying flat on a custom float board, gently towed behind a boat, as belugas swim alongside you.

This experience allows you to interact with these whales up close on their terms.

But the belugas are just the beginning of what makes this destination so extraordinary!

POLAR BEARS also roam the tundra during the summer, their white coats striking against the lush, green landscape. As we explore the waterways, you might spot them lounging along the rocky shorelines, playfully wrestling with each other, or scavenging for seabird nests among the blooming fireweed.

This adventure in the heart of the Arctic Tundra offers EPIC wildlife encounters framed by a landscape bursting with life.

Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time explorer, this journey promises breathtaking moments and unforgettable memories.


Trip Cost is $4,888 per person (Dbl Occ.)

With an $800 deposit required to reserve your space.


PRICE INCLUDES

  • 5 Days of Beluga Boarding

  • 6 Nights of Accommodations
    *ADD $800 FOR SINGLE OCCUPANCY.

  • Round Trip Airport Transfers

  • Tundra Wildlife Adventures: 4 afternoons searching for wildlife on the Tundra

  • Continental Breakfast

  • Aurora Night Photography: Late evening photography sessions, when the skies are clear.

  • Photo Coaching during the trip


PRICE EXCLUDES

  • Airfare / train travel

  • Snorkel gear / wetsuit rentals

  • Lunch and dinner

  • Crew tips

  • Trip insurance



🔥 YOUR NEXT MOVE
- You can book your trip now - Or request more information on the trip.



TRIP REPORTS
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TRIP ITINERARY


Day 1
ARRIVAL DAY
Fly into Churchhill. (Or take the train, if you have more time). We pick you up from airport and transfer you to the lodge.

The rest of the day is yours to visit the town and prep cameras.

At 6PM we will get together for a meeting to prep for the morning’s activities. Dinner at 7.


Day 2 - 5
WILDLIFE DAYS (5 days total)
Our Itinerary will be a repeat - Eat breakfast at the lodge, head to the boat - gear up (in our dive gear ) for our time out on and in the Churchill river and the Hudson Bay. The boats we use are rubber zodiacs. When we find some friendly whales, we will take turns viewing the pod.

The time spent on the water is about three hours (timed with the tides). The rest of our day will be spent exploring the wild places around Churchill, and its amazing wildlife.

In the late evening, when the night skies are clear and if the auroras are forecasted, we will leave the light pollution from town to photograph the Northern lights. 


Day 6
FINAL DAY IN CHURCHILL
One last day to enjoy the natural wonders that Churchill has to offer...We will head out for belugas in the morning, then spend the rest of the day exploring -

After we will head back to the hotel to pack and dry gear for your journey home the following morning.
 


Day 7
DEPARTURE DAY
We say our sad goodbyes and begin the journey home. After we check out of our hotel, we will take you to the airport (or train station), for your journey home. 


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


  • Diving with belugas is no longer allowed, but we offer a unique and immersive experience known as beluga boarding.

    During this in-water activity, participants lay down on a floating mat gently towed behind our zodiac boat.

    The beluga whales, known for their curiosity, often approach the mats to investigate and interact with the faces submerged in the water.

    It's a captivating and respectful way to engage with these fascinating creatures, allowing for a close and memorable connection with the beluga whales.

  • To reach Churchill, Manitoba, which is a remote town, you typically have two main transportation options: plane or train.

    FLY INTO CHURCHILL FROM WINNIPEG:

    • Churchill Airport (YYQ) is the primary airport serving Churchill.

    • There are limited flights per day, so it's essential to check the flight schedules and availability.

    • Once you arrive, the lodge provides transportation from the airport to ensure a smooth transfer.

    TAKE THE TRAIN:

    • Via Rail offers a train service known as "The Hudson Bay" that runs between Winnipeg and Churchill.

    • The train journey provides a scenic experience, but it takes longer compared to flying.

    • If you have more time and prefer a leisurely journey, taking the train is an option.

    Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, it's recommended to check the current schedules, availability, and any potential travel restrictions or requirements. Whether you opt for the convenience of a flight or the scenic route by train, both offer unique experiences to reach Churchill.

  • AIRPORTS:

    WINNIPEG AIRPORT:
    Some airlines that commonly serve Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG) include:

    Air Canada

    WestJet

    Delta Air Lines

    United Airlines

    Sunwing Airlines

    Air Transat

    Flair Airlines

    CHURCHILL AIRPORT:

    There are limited options for flights to Churchill, Manitoba, given its remote location.

    Some airlines that have historically operated flights to Churchill include:

    • Calm Air

    • Perimeter Aviation

    WINNIPEG AIRPORT HOTELS:

    Some hotels near Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG) include:

    • Four Points by Sheraton Winnipeg International Airport: Located on Wellington Avenue, just a short distance from the airport.

    • Courtyard by Marriott Winnipeg Airport: Situated on Ellice Avenue, offering proximity to the airport.

    • Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre Winnipeg: Found on Wellington Avenue, near the airport.

    • Hilton Winnipeg Airport Suites: Located on Berry Street, providing convenient access to the airport.

    • Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Winnipeg, MB: Situated on St Matthews Avenue, a relatively short drive from the airport.

  • Please note that these expeditions involve wild animal encounters, and while there is never any guarantee of sighting wildlife, we strategically plan our visits during the best times of the year for the greatest chances of success.

    We want to highlight that touching wildlife is strictly NOT permitted.

    Every encounter is unique, and the duration is solely at the discretion of the animals.

    Participants caught manhandling wildlife may be asked to leave the water or the area.

    It's essential to maintain a safe distance and show utmost respect towards wildlife.

    We know there's never a certainty, but during our expeditions, we've had a remarkable record.

    We've encountered belugas on all of the trips we've run, as well as polar bears, making this an exceptional opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

    Furthermore, if the animal is not interested in interacting with us or shows signs of stress, we will leave the animal alone and go find other wildlife to encounter. 



    YOUR SAFETY AND THE WELL-BEING OF THE ANIMALS ARE OUR TOP PRIORITIES.

    We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in preserving the beauty of the wildlife and their environment.

  • Solo Travelers signing up for land-based trips individually will be charged the single occupancy rate.

    To help keep costs down, you have the option to inform us if you would like to share a room with another solo guest of the same sex.

    We'll make every effort to find you a roommate. However, if no one else wishes to share, you will be charged for a single room.

  • A non-refundable deposit of $800 USD is required to reserve a space on SDM adventures.

    50% of the expedition cost (balance) is due 180 days prior to departure.

    100% of the expedition cost (balance) is due 90 days prior to departure.

    A 4% surcharge is applied to payments made via credit card.

    A 3% paypal surcharge is applied to payments made using paypal.

    Payments can also be made via wire transfer. Just let us know and we will send you the bank transfer info. Please add $40 to cover bank fees.

    Payments can be made by mailing a U.S. Check, or U.S. Money Order Payable to:

    SDM adventures
    332 East 15th St.
    San Juan, Texas 78589

  • All cancellations made more than 120 days prior to departure will receive refund (less an administrative fee of $800 USD per person). This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. However, if we manage to fill the trip after you cancel, we will apply the deposit towards any of our trips that you sign up for, during the following 12 months. If you cancel again during that period, you will lose the deposit.

    Cancellations made (91 to 120), calendar days prior to departure, are assessed a cancellation fee of 50% of the entire trip price, (including extensions).

    Cancellations made within 90 days of departure date will not be refunded, therefore we strongly recommend all guest purchase travel insurance.

    All cancellations must be made in writing by mail or by email to sdm@sharkdivermag.com, - received and acknowledged by SDM Adventures.

    We are not responsible for cancellations due to medical or other reasons.

    No fees will be refunded if you withdraw after an expedition begins.

    We are not responsible for any fees associated with non-refundable air travel, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance.