Svalbard & Jan Mayen Arctic Expedition – 12 Days

Svalbard & Jan Mayen Arctic Expedition – 12 Days

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Longyearbyen — Embarkation at 78°N

Arrive in Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost town. Board your ice-strengthened expedition vessel in the afternoon. Meet your expedition team during the mandatory safety briefing. As the ship departs Isfjord, watch the midnight sun illuminate Spitsbergen’s rugged coastline. Welcome dinner and first wildlife scanning session.

Day 2-4: Svalbard — Polar Bear Territory

Three full days exploring Svalbard’s northwestern wilderness. Kongsfjord and the dramatic Monaco Glacier (5km-wide ice face). Alkefjellet bird cliffs with over 60,000 pairs of Brünnich’s guillemots. Ny-Ålesund research station visit. Zodiac cruises among ice floes in search of polar bears, walrus, and seals. The 24-hour daylight allows flexible, wildlife-responsive itineraries. Lectures on Arctic ecology, polar history, and glaciology from your expedition naturalists.

Day 5-6: At Sea — Greenland Sea Crossing

Two days at sea crossing the Greenland Sea towards Jan Mayen. This is a true expedition — the route is rarely traveled and the sense of isolation is profound. On-deck wildlife watching for whales (fin, blue, humpback, and orca), seabirds (fulmars, kittiwakes, skuas), and the possibility of pack ice. Lecture program: “Jan Mayen — The Lonely Volcano,” “Arctic Whales of the Greenland Sea,” and photography workshops. The ship’s sauna and observation lounge offer warm comfort against the Arctic sea.

Day 7-8: Jan Mayen — The Lonely Volcano

Two days dedicated to Jan Mayen, one of the world’s most isolated islands — a Norwegian territory dominated by the 2,277m Beerenberg volcano, the world’s northernmost active subaerial volcano. Weather and landing permission (from the Norwegian military) permitting, Zodiac ashore at the Norwegian weather and radio station at Olonkinbyen. Walk the black volcanic sand beaches, observe the massive bird colonies on the cliffs, and photograph Beerenberg’s glaciated cone rising dramatically from the sea. The island has no permanent civilian population — just 18 rotating military and meteorological personnel.

Day 9-10: Greenland Sea — Whale Route

Two days at sea returning towards Svalbard via a different route, maximizing wildlife viewing opportunities. The nutrient-rich waters of the Greenland Sea are a summer feeding ground for baleen whales. Extended deck watches for blue whales — the largest animals ever to have lived. Lecture program continues: “History of Arctic Whaling,” “Climate Change in the Arctic,” and a photo contest of the expedition’s best images.

Day 11: Hornsund — Grand Finale

Re-enter Svalbard’s waters at Hornsund, the archipelago’s most dramatic fjord system. Jagged peaks, multiple glacier fronts, and excellent wildlife viewing — a spectacular finale to the expedition. Final Zodiac cruises past Hansbreen and Paierlbreen glaciers. Farewell captain’s dinner celebrating an extraordinary Arctic voyage — Svalbard’s polar bears and Jan Mayen’s lonely volcano.

Day 12: Longyearbyen — Disembarkation

Morning arrival in Longyearbyen. Breakfast on board, then disembark. Transfer to the airport for your flight south, having visited two of the Arctic’s most iconic and rarely-visited islands in one epic expedition.

What’s Included

• 11 nights aboard expedition vessel (comfortable twin-share cabin)
• All meals on board
• Expert expedition team (naturalists, photographer, historian)
• Daily Zodiac landings & cruises (weather/ice/permits permitting)
• Ny-Ålesund visit
• Jan Mayen landing attempt (subject to military permission)
• Comprehensive lecture & workshop program
• All port taxes & landing fees
• Expedition parka

What’s Excluded

• Flights to/from Longyearbyen
• Pre/post cruise accommodation
• Travel insurance (mandatory — must cover emergency evacuation from remote Arctic locations)
• Jan Mayen landing fee ($100, payable if landing achieved)
• Alcoholic beverages
• Tips for crew & expedition staff
• Waterproof boots (rental available)