Arctic Ocean Expedition, Aberdeen - Fair Isle - Jan Mayen - Ice edge - Spitsbergen - Birding

This 12-day Arctic birding and whale watching expedition starts in Vlissingen, Netherlands, and sails to the remote islands of Jan Mayen and Spitsbergen. Along the way, passengers will have the opportunity to see a variety of Arctic birds, whales, and other wildlife.

12 Day Artic Itinerary

Day 1: Vlissingen

Transfers are available from Vlissingen train station to the ship. Oceanwide Expeditions buses will be parked at Prins Hendrikweg.

Day 2: North Sea

We hope that we will be able to see species such as minke whales and orcas while crossing the North Sea.

Day 3: Aberdeen, Fowlsheugh & Ythan

The excursion will take passengers who boarded at Vlissingen to Fowlsheugh - a seabirds cliff located south of Aberdeen. Here, you can see over 100,000 seabirds of various species. You can also join an excursion in the Ythan Estuary where you will see harbor seals and grey seals on the beach, as well as birds who stay close to shore. Bookings include both excursions.

Day 4: Fair Isle

Fair Isle is a Shetland island whose 70-plus inhabitants are famous for their knitwear. You may also see grey seals. This location is ideal for seabird breeding and has easy access to the area.

Day 5 & 6: Jan Mayen

The Norwegian island Jan Mayen is 300 nautical miles north of Iceland. You will not be wasting your two days on the sea. Watch out for any water spouts from surrounding waters, which could be a sign of an orca, minke or blue whale.

Day 7: Jan Mayen

Jan Mayen, a volcanic island with a snow-capped peak of Mount. Beerenberg. Broken glaciers reach out to the icy sea from the steep slopes of the 2,300 meter high (7,545 foot) volcano. You can visit the Norwegian weather station with permission. In the mossy beds that cover this stark volcanic terrain, you can walk up to the remnants of an old Dutch whaling base from the 17th century.

Day 8, 9 & 10: Spitsbergen: Sea Ice

You sail along the edge the sea ice, basking in the sun at midnight, in search of bowheads whales and other sea birds. After 79deg. north you change directions and head east towards the rocks of the west Spitsbergen continental shelf. You can see fin whales here, and near the mouths of the Spitsbergen glacial fjords you may even spot surfacing minke Whales.

Day 11: Forlandsundet

Forlandsundet is located between Spitsbergen's main island and the Prins Karls Forland. It has a beautiful landscape and is home to a fascinating variety of wildlife. Here, you can see walruses hauling out. You can also sail to St. Johns Fjord, or go south, landing in Alkhornet, and then head into Isfjorden. These cliffs are home to seabirds that nest there, Arctic Foxes who search for eggs and chicks below, and Reindeer which graze in the sparse foliage.

Day 12: Longyearbyen

No matter how great the adventure may be, it must end. After disembarking in Longyearbyen (the administrative centre of Spitsbergen), you will take with you memories to accompany your journey wherever it may lead. If you still want to see the Arctic's iconic predator, join us on our 7-night North Spitsbergen cruise, "in quest of polar bears and pack ice."

12 Day Artic Itinerary Includes

Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary.

All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.

All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.

Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.

Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes

Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.

Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).

All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.

AECO fees and governmental taxes.

Comprehensive pre-departure material.

12 Day Artic Itinerary Does not Include

Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post- land arrangements.

Transfers to the vessel in Ushuaia and Ascension and from the vessel in Ascension and Praia; passport and visa expenses.

Government arrival and departure taxes.

Meals ashore.

Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).

Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.

The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

12 Day Artic cruise activities

Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.

Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.

Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.

Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.

Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.

It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.