Top Cruises to Jan Mayen Island

A humpback whale breaches the polar waters

Whale Safari: Fair Isle - Jan Mayen - Spitsbergen

Board the Ortelius, an ice-strengthened Polar expedition vessel, for a 12-day cruise through the Northeast Atlantic Ocean. The expedition crosses paths with whales and dolphins on the way to the mysterious Jan Mayen with its massive volcano. Heading further north to Spitsbergen, the pack ice reveals more wildlife sightings.

Whale Safari: Fair Isle - Jan Mayen - Spitsbergen

10 Days from $2,130

Board the ice-strengthened Ortelius for a 10-day wildlife expedition cruise to Jan Mayen Island. On the way, look for whales & visit the ancient stone towers of the Shetland Islands. In Spitsbergen, the pack ice reveals even more wildlife sightings, including even polar bears and walruses. Once you arrive, you can trek the volcanoes & glaciers!

Jan Mayen Travel Guide

All Jan Mayen Articles

Island Discovery on a Jan Mayen Cruise

Few are familiar with this tiny Norwegian island that has only recently opened it doors to travelers. But Jan Mayen offers a stark and beautiful arctic environment that welcomes the adventurous traveler.

Highlights of Jan Mayen Island

Cut off from the rest of the world, this secluded island in Norway's Arctic region is accessible only by boat with special permission from the government. While approaching from a distance, you will feel its volcanic roots as you admire the towering Mt. Beerenberg, the 7,500-ft (2300m) active volcano that erupted as recently as 1985. Once you arrive, you'll have opportunities to enjoy activities like:

Visiting the weather station, where you can see how they monitor weather at the top of the world and do some important Arctic research.
Hiking to the remains of the 17th century whaling station at Kvalrossbukta.
Birdwatching! You will definitely see the trademark Atlantic puffins, among other Arctic land and seabirds, like the Northern fulmars and Kittiwakes.
Watching for whales, especially the Minke whale, which frequents this particular area.