Is a slow travel adventure on your 2025 bucket list? Designed for those who are curious for exploration, SKIRR Adventures is an on the water and over land expedition to the high latitudes. If minute-by-minute itineraries are a travel turn off, the pleasure of a SKIRR Adventure will be a route that’s led entirely by the elements.
Setting sail from the UK, and bound for the Arctic Circle, crew onboard a SKIRR Adventures’ expedition yacht can expect to explore pristine waters and imposing landscapes as they navigate past icebergs, marvel at majestic wildlife and maybe catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis.
Under the power of sail, expeditioners will visit some of the most remote and untouched natural environments rarely visited on trips to this part of the world. Previous editions have explored off the beaten track regions in the Scottish Isles, Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
The full route – which takes around 12 weeks to complete in its entirety – is broken down into five legs, with each taking two to three weeks to complete. Explorers can sign up to individual or multiple legs or for the ultimate getaway with a difference there is the option to ‘experience everything’.
Recreational sailor Stephen Pomfret took part on the 2024 edition, sailing on Leg 4 from Ísafjörður – Scoresby Sund/Tasiilaq – Reykjavik. On return he said: “Greenland’s majestic coastline is absolutely stunning, and when you throw in lots of icebergs, wildlife (we must have seen up to 80 whales – twice seeing up to 30 at one time), the Northern Lights, clear starry nights, a full moon and to crown it all, an erupting volcano, the whole experience was amazing. It was an unfolding story right up to our arrival back into Reykjavik. It was a privilege to be in such a pristine and pure part of the world.
“The team leading the way are unfailingly warm, caring and thoughtful. Their knowledge and skill meant that we were able to get close to and in amongst the ice while always prioritising our safety. Additionally, I appreciated the skipper’s willingness to provide excellent coaching and guidance, always in a supportive way.”
Crew will traverse the route onboard a Clipper 68 yacht, that has been fully adapted for both gruelling weather and low wind conditions and has the manoeuvrability to go where larger boats or cruises cannot. This is a hands-on experience, with crew conducting all sail evolutions and providing some of the purest sailing opportunities.
Says SKIRR Adventures Manager, Tom Myatt: “Our trip is the antithesis to a whistle-stop and regimented package tour. A SKIRR expedition is perfect for solo travellers or small groups who have the desire to experience group adventure but away from the masses. Expeditions sail to remote and rugged coastlines – with plenty of time to explore on land. And with the ‘getting there’ all part of the adventure – this is true slow travel at its best.”
Visit skirradventures.com to find out more and secure your space. The SKIRR team can talk you through the experience required and help you sign up for any additional training you may require.
