Join Ocean Atlantic in Reykjavik to begin a spectacular voyage toward the high Arctic from Iceland’s volcanic wonderland. Along the way, stop at four Arctic islands: Iceland, Grimsey, Jan Mayen and Spitsbergen. Marvel at the rugged cliffs of the Icelandic western and northern coasts, and visit the famed Snaefellness peninsula. From here cruise to the enigmatic island of Jan Mayen and the glaciated islands of the Svalbard archipelago. In early summer, the air is filled with migrating birds and the sun never sets. When approaching Svalbard, look for whale, seal-hunting polar bears on the pack ice, walruses, and millions of sea birds. There are few wilder, more magnificent and untouched places than the Arctic Islands of the North Atlantic: discover the immense beauty of this unique region.
Highlights
Marvel at the rugged cliffs of Iceland's west coast
Discover striking volcanic landscapes on Jan Mayen
Cross the Arctic Circle at Grimsey Island
Look for polar bears, walruses, whales, and seabirds
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Board Ocean Atlantic in the afternoon. After a mandatory security review and drill, enjoy dinner as the captain sets a course toward Iceland's west coast.
In the morning, sail along the 100-kilometer long Snaefellsnes peninsula, which with its dramatic cliff coast, hardened lava floods, sandy beaches and volcanic peaks, is a picture of Iceland in mini-format. Round the tip of the peninsula and enjoy the view of the nearly 1,500-meter-high snow-covered volcano Snæfellsjökull, which was the center of Jules Vernes novel "The Journey to the Center of the Earth." The volcano with the almost perfect cone shape and the surrounding area became in 2001 the Snæfellsjökull National Park. Make a landing here, then spend the afternoon passing Iceland’s westernmost point and the huge bird cliffs of Latraberg.
In the morning, sail into Isafjardardjúp, and take a walk on the island of Vigur at the mouth of Hestfjördur to enjoy the view of the steep mountains and see the terrific aerobatics of the Arctic Terns. A local guide will take you on a walk around the island, and coffee and light refreshments will be served in the local café.
Around lunch, leave Isafjardardjúp and sail toward the West Fjords, which always offer one unforgettable experience after another. Finish the day sailing along the coast of Hornstrandir, the northernmost part of the West Fjords. From here, there are only 300 kilometers to the eastern coast of Greenland. In 1975 the area was converted into nature reserves, and currently has some of the strictest rules to protect the peculiar and fragile nature. Along the coast, there are good opportunities to see whales and seals, and the mountainside is alive with the rich bird life. Cruise past Hornvik Bay, which is considered one of the most beautiful places in Iceland, where you can see two of the largest bird cliffs in Europe where millions of seabirds breed.
In the morning, the ship will have arrived at the island of Grimsey, which is located about 40 kilometers from the mainland and is the only part of Iceland with an Arctic designation. The Polar circle crosses the island at 66 ° 33 'N, and gives the island one full day of 24-hour sunlight every year in June.
Over 100 inhabitants reside on the little rocky island, all living close to the harbor in the only city in the island. The fishing banks in the surrounding seas make the economy flourish, the port is expanded, and there is a small airport with daily flights to the mainland and the school for the children. The island has been inhabited since the settlement of Iceland and is mentioned in the sagas as an important land, rich in fish and birds.
The seabirds far exceed the number of inhabitants on Grímsey, and bird cries can be heard 24 hours a day over the bright Arctic summer. Up to 36 different species breed on the island and have their nests on the rocks. One of Iceland's largest tern colonies is here, and it is said that the runway must be cleared for terns before the aircraft can land.
Make landing by Zodiacs during the morning to experience the local life and explore the island's bird life.
Spend today aboard Ocean Atlantic as the captain sets course to the next destination. Enjoy inspiring and enriching presentations about both Iceland’s history and about nature, wildlife and climatology from onboard lecturers.
Approximately in the middle of the North Atlantic lies the enigmatic volcanic island of Jan Mayen. And if not exactly in the middle, at least it is located precisely on the Mid Atlantic Ridge, the reason for its volcanic existence. And enigmatic it is, not only because of its isolation but also due to the almost perpetual clouds and fog that hovers above it. Jan Mayen belongs to Norway, and the mountain Beerenberg is one of the higher of Norway’s 300 summits above 2,000 meters.
The island is inhabited by only 18 persons, running the meteorological station and the Norwegian Defense. Attempt a landing at the narrowest part of the island, from either south or north, depending on the prevailing wind and surf. The volcanic origin is visible all over with cinder cones, lava flows and the Mount Fuji-like appearance of Beerenberg looming above. After a pleasant stroll on the narrow isthmus, board the Zodiacs and Ocean Atlantic to continue the voyage north.
Listen to a lecture from experienced expedition staff, see a film about Arctic nature – or go out on deck to catch glimpses of migrating birds and hopefully some whales.
As the ship approaches the Svalbard archipelago, it should be possible to spot the largest island, Spitsbergen, during the afternoon. The route for this day and next depends much on weather conditions, pack ice coming from the Arctic Sea and calving glaciers, and solid winter sea ice. The vessel has an ice class of 1B and the Captain should be able to safely approach the edge of the ice to give you the opportunity to look for polar bears, hunting for seals.
The west coast enjoys warmer currents coming up through the Atlantic, permitting entry to the southern fjord of Bellsund on this first taste of Svalbard exploration. Bellsund has some of the richest coal layers in Svalbard, and Svea Mine, far into the fjord, was formerly one of the biggest communities on the island. But prices went down, and the coal mine is currently being dismantled.
Stay in the fjord entrance and make landings at the Vårsol Bay. The biggest attraction here is the little auk cliff, where the tundra is richly fertilized by hundreds of thousands of little auks, and which the Svalbard reindeer love to graze. Enjoy a walk along the beach – and spot remains from early industrial eras.
During the night the ship will sail north along the coast of Spitsbergen.
During the night, the ship will have passed Prins Karls Forland and arrived in the magnificent Kongsfjord. This early summer visit provides both the challenge and gift of the voyage: winter ice might block the inner waters of many fjords, but this will provide the best opportunities to observe the omnipresent – but still elusive – polar bear, hunting for seals in its prime habitat. At this time of year the migrating birds have just arrived, and they are all eager to settle and feed to get the best start for the coming hectic summer months.
Make the first landing at Ny Ålesund. This settlement is in fact further north than Longyearbyen, but not considered a "town," as it consists of a group of scientific stations, a post office and a single shop open for a few hours. Make a short landing here to meet the scientists and wander through the tiny town center.
Continuing the exploration of Kongsfjorden, Ocean Atlantic will anchor behind Blomstrand Peninsula. As you will immediately see, the name is a bit misleading: Blomstrand is now an island - the Blomstrand Glacier has receded, revealing a shallow water strait. Cruise through this strait on Zodiacs and make a landing on the island.
During the night the ship will have entered Forlandssundet, which separates Prince Karls Forland from Spitsbergen. The destination is Poolepynten (Poole Point), a small headland named after the British whaler Jonas Poole. Today the area is inhabited by herds of walruses who can be seen (and smelled!) from a distance. The large mammals flaunt their tusks and whiskers, as well as their considerable bulk.
After the visit, turn southbound toward the entrance to the Isfjorden.
On the way toward Longyearbyen, get your last glimpses of wildlife as well as the truly unique landscapes of Svalbard.
Day 11: Longyearbyen | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Early in the morning the ship has returned to the starting point in Longyearbyen. After breakfast and farewell greetings to the expedition team and crew, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport to head home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Category G - Single
Size 9-10 m². Cabins feature a single bed, private bathroom, and a porthole. Located on Columbus Deck (Deck 4).
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Category F
Size 18-21 m². Large Inside Triple Cabin, featuring a double or two single beds, and a fold-out single bed, a relaxing sitting area, and a bathroom with a bathtub, and a porthole. Located on Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
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Category E
Size 18-21 m². Large Inside Cabin, featuring a double or two single beds, a relaxing sitting area, and a bathroom with a bathtub. Located on Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
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Category D
Size 11-12 m². Featuring two single beds, private bathroom, and a porthole. Located on the Columbus Deck (Deck 4).
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Category C
Size 12-13 m². This Standard Cabin has two single beds, private bathroom, and a window. Located on the Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
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Category B
Size 20-23 m² Featuring a double bed or two single beds, a sofa bed that enables triple accommodation, a relaxing sitting area, private bathroom and windows. Partly obstructed view. Located on the Magellan and Hudson Deck (Deck 7 & 8).
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Category A
Size 19-24 m². Featuring a double bed or two single beds, a relaxing sitting area, a private bathroom, and windows. Located on the Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
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Premium Suite
Size 35 m². These 2-room suites are designed with a large double bed or two twin beds, an elegant living room, a large private bathroom, and windows. Located on the Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
Notes
Kayaking activities available on both Arctic and Antarctic voyages.
Although kayaking opportunities are possible in most locations during each excursion in the Antarctic region, weather, sea and ice conditions will dictate the when and where to ensure your safety and improve your experience.
In order to sign up for this activity, you need to have previous kayaking experience and attend a mandatory safety briefing by the Kayak Master. The cost is $250/person per outing and it can only be booked onboard.
Initial deposit is 25% of cruise fare, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. Only Visa and Mastercard are accepted for deposit. The operator does NOT accept AMEX or Discover
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
8 hours ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
