By Paul Bryers, August 27, 2025

• Cruising through Bellot Strait.

The Bellot Strait, separating Somerset Island from the Boothia Peninsula, is notable for its narrow width of approximately 1 km (~ 0.6 miles) at its narrowest point, and potential patches of hazardous ice.

The Strait is also known for strong currents and whirlpools resulting from the narrow passage and tidal level differences on either side. This is considered one of the best Straits in the world.

We entered carefully, with a slight swagger, a little arrogance but assured in our hull.

Yikey! An alert was issued for a polar bear and our hardy guides set out on the zodiacs.

The image of the bear is out of focus; however, I believe it was indeed a bear.

The rest of the transit was uneventful……

…. but finished in a glorious and intense sunset.