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

Your journey begins in Aberdeen, Scotland, where you'll board the expedition vessel. Sailing north, you'll stop at the island of Fair Isle, known for its beautiful knitwear and accessible seabird breeding grounds. You'll then continue to Jan Mayen, a stark volcanic island with a variety of marine life.

From Jan Mayen, you'll sail north along the edge of the sea ice in search of bowhead whales, harp seals, polar bears, and a variety of seabirds. You'll then change direction and sail west to the rocky edges of the continental shelf of west Spitsbergen, where you have a good chance of seeing fin whales and minke whales.

Your final stop is Forlandsundet, a strait between the main island of Spitsbergen and the narrow Prins Karls Forland, where you may see walruses, seabirds, Arctic foxes, and reindeer.

10 Day Artic Itinerary

Day 1: Aberdeen

Arriving in Aberdeen (the Granite City), a frequent winner in the Britain in Bloom contest, is the true start of your trip. The real start to your journey is here. Cetaceans such as orcas, also known as killer whales, are indigenous to the area. You can see Girdle Ness, a lighthouse designed by Robert Louis Stevenson's grandfather. He is the famous Scottish author who wrote such works as Treasure Island or Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. You will be joined by more passengers in Aberdeen.

Day 2: 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 3 & 4: 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 5: Jan Mayen

Jan Mayen, a volcanic island with a snow-capped peak of Mount. Beerenberg. Broken glaciers reach out to the frigid ocean from the slopes this 2,300 meter high (7,545 foot) volcano. The Norwegian authorities have granted permission for you to visit the station. In the thick moss of the stark volcanic landscape, you can walk up to the remains of an old Dutch whaling base from the 17th century.

Day 6, 7 & 8: Spitsbergen: Sea Ice

You sail along the edge the sea ice, basking in the sun at midnight, in search of the bowhead whale, the harpseal, the polar bear, and many seabirds. After 79 degrees north you change directions and head west towards the rocks of the west Spitsbergen continental shelf. You can see fin whales here, and near the mouths of the Spitsbergen Fjords' glacial fjords you may even spot surfacing minke Whales.

Day 9: Forlandsundet

Forlandsundet is located between Spitsbergen's main island and the Prins Karls Forland. It has a beautiful landscape and amazing 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 10: Longyearbyen

10 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.

10 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).

10 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.

Arctic Ocean Expedition, Fair Isle - Jan Mayen - Ice Edge - Spitsbergen - Birding - Antarctic Cruise