ARCTIC EXPEDITION 2026 (SHORT TRIP)
Arctic Expedition (Short Trip)
From Iceland to Svalbard, passing through Jan Mayen
Discover the drama and beauty of life across the Arctic Ocean
Voyage from the volcanic shores of Iceland to the icy fjords and snow-capped peaks of Spitsbergen, crossing the Arctic Circle, visiting remote Jan Mayen with its rich seabird life, and following the edge of the ice as you go.
Watch for whales, seals, and polar bears on the journey north.
The perfect combination for a short arctic expedition.
The itinerary
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In the late afternoon, you board m/v Hondius in the port city of Akureyri, a historical fishing port known as the Capital of North Iceland. We sail north through Eyafjordur, one of the longest fjords in Iceland, where we may see our first whales as we reach the open sea.
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We land on the small island of Grimsey, which straddles the Arctic Circle. Grimsey has a friendly fishing village and is home to vibrant colonies of kittiwakes, razorbills, puffins, fulmars, and Arctic terns. In the evening, we pass Kolbeinsey, a tiny uninhabited island, on our way north. From this point onwards, we will experience daylight around the clock.
Sailing northward
Sailing toward the isolated Jan Mayen, we will look for humpbacks, fin, minke, blue whales, and even orcas. During the crossing, the ship will alter course to provide better viewing opportunities when wildlife is spotted.
Volcanic rock and ocean air
We found ourselves before Jan Mayen, a stark volcanic island crowned by the snow-capped summit of Mt. Beerenberg. From the slopes of this imposing 2,300-meter-high (7,545 feet) volcano, broken glaciers tumble out into the frigid sea. With permission from the Norwegian authorities, you can now visit the weather station. You can also walk to the remains of a 17th-century Dutch whaling station amid the thick moss beds of this stark volcanic landscape. This historic place is tied deeply to the Dutch whaling industry of the past and is intensely atmospheric.
Beneath the midnight sun & along the ice edge
Basking in the midnight sun, you sail north along the edge of the sea ice in search of bowhead whales, harp seals, polar bears, and a variety of seabirds. You then change direction after about 79° north, cutting west to the rocky edges of the continental shelf of West Spitsbergen. Here, you have a good chance of seeing fin whales and – near the glacial mouths of the gaping Spitsbergen fjords – surfacing minke whales.
The Arctic island of Spitsbergen
Forlandsundet, between the main island of Spitsbergen and the narrow Prins Karls Forland, is a place of great beauty and fascinating wildlife. Walruses sometimes haul out here. Alternatively, you might sail into St. Johns Fjord or head south to the mouth of Isfjorden, landing at Alkhornet. These cliffsides are crucial for nesting birds. Many species build their nests here, while Arctic foxes search below for fallen eggs and chicks. On the surrounding slopes, reindeer graze sparse vegetation, creating superb photographic opportunities.
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With Arctic memories that will last a lifetime and cameras full of fantastic images, you disembark in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, once more. While your journey is at an end, the pioneering spirit of Arctic adventure will stay with you, whatever comes next!
Activities you can participate in:
— Birding: We will have at least one dedicated expedition guide in our team who will share their expert knowledge about bird species and who will be available to help you identify, photograph and learn more about the birds that we see.
Cost: FREE
Cabins & Prices
Quadruple Porthole
Cabins available- Cabin size between 15.3 m² and 16 m²
- 2 portholes
- 2 upper & lower berths
- Small sofa
- Private shower & toilet
- Flatscreen TV
- Desk & chair
- Telephone & WiFi (supplemented)
- Hair dryer
- Cabinet
- Safe deposit box
- Wardrobe
Twin Porthole
Cabins available- Cabin size between 13.3 m² and 16 m²
- 2 portholes
- 2 single beds
- Small sofa
- Private shower & toilet
- Flatscreen TV
- Desk & chair
- Telephone & WiFi (supplemented)
- Hair dryer
- Cabinet
- Safe deposit box
- Wardrobe
Twin Window
Cabins available- Cabin size between 12.1 m² and 14.3 m²
- 1 window
- 2 single beds
- Small sofa
- Private shower & toilet
- Flatscreen TV
- Desk & chair
- Telephone & WiFi (supplemented)
- Hair dryer
- Cabinet
- Safe deposit box
- Wardrobe
Superior
Cabins available- Cabin size between 20.7 m² and 21.3 m²
- 2 windows
- 1 double bed
- Sofa
- Private shower & toilet
- Flatscreen TV
- Desk & chair
- Telephone & WiFi (supplemented)
- Refrigerator
- Coffee & tea maker
- Bathrobe
- Hair dryer
- Cabinet
- Safe deposit box
- Wardrobe
Junior Suite
Cabins available- Cabin size between 19.2 m² and 20 m²
- 1 double window
- 1 double bed
- Private shower & toilet
- Flatscreen TV
- Desk & chair
- Telephone & WiFi (supplemented)
- Refrigerator
- Coffee & tea maker
- Bathrobe
- Hair dryer
- Cabinet
- Safe deposit box
- Wardrobe
Grand Suite with private balcony
Cabins available- Cabin size 26.7 m²
- 1 double window
- 1 double bed
- Sofa
- Private balcony
- Private shower & toilet
- Flatscreen TV
- Desk & chair
- Telephone & WiFi (supplemented)
- Refrigerator
- Coffee & tea maker
- Bathrobe
- Hair dryer
- Cabinet
- Safe deposit box
- Wardrobe
What’s included
Professional birding and photography guiding
Voyage aboard the Plancius 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.
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
Comprehensive pre-departure material.
What’s not included
International or domestic flights.
Pre- and post- land arrangements.
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.
Interested in this expedition?
We handle the booking and help you choose the best cabin option for you.
You can fill in the form, or simply write to us at warblertours@gmail.com to plan your trip.
