Port information & tips for Diana Island
Diana Island is an untouched natural gem in northern Canada, captivating visitors with the rugged beauty of the Nunavik Arctic tundra. Located in Ungava Bay, this remote island enchants travelers with its wild, pristine atmosphere, where majestic muskoxen roam across the vast landscape and rare Arctic plants line the rocks. Highlights include guided hikes to observe these prehistoric animals and the discovery of fascinating archaeological remains of the Thule culture right along the coast. Expedition ships use the protected anchorage off the island, from where passengers can easily land directly on the natural shore by Zodiac. Since the island is uninhabited, this exclusive access provides an intense nature experience far from any civilization, leading travelers directly into the heart of the Arctic.
Diana Island, located in Ungava Bay on the northeast coast of Northern Quebec in Canada, is not a traditional cruise port, but rather a remote expedition destination in the Arctic. Arrival there is exclusively via special expedition cruises, which usually start from other international ports and visit the island using Zodiac inflatable boats. The actual journey to the "port" of Diana Island thus begins at the embarkation port of the expedition ship.
Flight to the embarkation port
For guests from the DACH region, the journey to the expedition ships heading for Diana Island often leads through international airports such as Reykjavik (KEF) in Iceland. Numerous airlines offer direct connections from Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), Zurich (ZRH), and Vienna (VIE) to Reykjavik, with flight times of approximately 3 to 4 hours. Alternatively, embarkation for certain routes can also take place from northern Canadian cities, which are then reached via a major Canadian airport such as Montreal (YUL) or Toronto (YYZ) with connecting flights.
Transfer to the expedition ship & pre-cruise hotel
From the airport of the embarkation port, for example, Keflavík International Airport (KEF) near Reykjavik, the cruise lines usually organize comfortable transfers directly to the ship. Given the often long journey and the specific schedules of expedition ships, an overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel is recommended. This allows for a relaxed start to the trip and enough time to acclimatize before embarkation and to buffer any flight delays. Many hotels in Reykjavik also offer a shuttle service or are well connected to public transport.
Journey to Diana Island (by ship & Zodiac)
After embarking at the starting point of the expedition, you will travel with your expedition ship through the Arctic waters of Canada to Diana Island. The island itself has no pier or mooring for larger ships. Instead, landings are made directly from the ship using robust Zodiac inflatable boats. This allows for a unique nature experience and access to the untouched landscapes of the Canadian Arctic.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
