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Arctic Ocean Expedition, Aberdeen – Fair Isle – Jan Mayen – Ice edge – Spitsbergen – Birding

Arctic Ocean Expedition, Aberdeen – Fair Isle – Jan Mayen – Ice edge – Spitsbergen – Birding

From USD $3,100

Description

Search for whales, and other Arctic wildlife of the land, sea, and air on an adventurous voyage from the Scottish port of Aberdeen to our favorite Arctic island group.
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 on deck and learn more about the birds that we see. In addition to outdoor sessions, our guide will focus on species and related information on the birds of the Arctic in re-caps and lectures onboard.

Trip Name
Arctic Ocean Expedition, Aberdeen - Fair Isle - Jan Mayen - Ice edge - Spitsbergen - Birding
Days
10
Overview
Vessel Type: Polar Class Expedition Ship Length: 107.6 metres Passenger Capacity: 170 Built: 2019 Hondius is a purpose-built Polar Class 6 expedition ship designed to operate safely and efficiently in the Arctic and Antarctica. Its ice-strengthened hull, advanced navigation systems, and powerful twin engines support fast repositioning and reliable performance in challenging polar conditions. Interiors follow a clean, mid-century modern style, with accommodation for 170 guests across a wide range of cabin types, from suites with balconies to porthole cabins for groups. Public spaces include an expansive observation lounge and a dedicated lecture room used for workshops and briefings, reinforcing the vessel’s focus on education and discovery rather than traditional cruise entertainment. The ship is engineered for low environmental impact, using modern power management, LED lighting, and biodegradable materials. Shore access is prioritised through two gangways, an indoor Zodiac boarding area, and a large fleet of rigid-hull inflatables that support quick landings and near-shore exploration. With 70 crew, guides, and staff on board, Hondius offers the comfort of a well-run hotel while maintaining the flexibility required for wildlife encounters, shifting ice, and rapidly changing weather, ensuring maximum time in the field and minimal time at sea.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1: Sights of the Granite City
 You arrive in Aberdeen, the Granite City, frequent winner of the Britain in Bloom competition. This is the true start of your trip. Several cetaceans, including orcas (killer whales), are native to these seas. To the south you see the lighthouse on Girdle Ness that was designed by the grandfather of Robert Louis Stevenson, the famed Scottish writer who gave us such classics as Treasure Island and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. More passengers join you in Aberdeen.
Day 2 - Day 2: Birds, seals, and world-famous knits
 We plan to stay the day on Fair Isle, an island in the Shetlands whose seventy-odd inhabitants are known for their beautiful knitwear. This is a fantastic location with accessible seabird breeding grounds, and you may even spot grey seals.
Day 3 - Day 3 - 4: Jan Mayen marine life
You sail north to the Norwegian island of Jan Mayen, 300 nautical miles northeast of Iceland. Your two days at sea do not pass idly, however. Keep a close lookout for any spouts of water from the surrounding seas, heralding the arrival of a minke, fin, orca, or blue whale.
Day 4 - Day 5: Snow-capped seaside volcano
Jan Mayen is 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 grasp 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.
Day 5 - Day 6 – 8: Under 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.
Day 6 - Day 9: 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. Seabirds nest on these cliffs, Arctic foxes search below for fallen eggs and chicks, and reindeer graze the sparse vegetation.
Day 7 - Day 10: Journey’s end in Longyearbyen
Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. You disembark in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, taking home memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies. But if you’re still craving additional chances to spot the Arctic’s most iconic apex predator, stay on board for our seven-night north Spitsbergen voyage, “in search of polar bears & pack ice.”
Day 8 - Please Note:
All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per AECO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with AECO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. The average cruising speed of our vessel is 10.5 knots.
Day 9 - Day 12: Journey’s end in Longyearbyen
Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. You disembark in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, taking home memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies. But if you’re still craving additional chances to spot the Arctic’s most iconic apex predator, stay on board for our seven-night north Spitsbergen voyage, “in search of polar bears & pack ice.”
Day 10 - Please Note:
All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per AECO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with AECO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. The average cruising speed of our vessel is 10.5 knots.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
27-05-202605-06-2026USD $3,100Quadruple Porthole
27-05-202605-06-2026USD $3,700Triple Porthole
27-05-202605-06-2026USD $4,400Twin Porthole
27-05-202605-06-2026USD $4,700Twin Window
27-05-202605-06-2026USD $4,950Twin Deluxe
27-05-202605-06-2026USD $5,650Superior
12-06-202621-06-2026USD $4,950Twin Deluxe
12-06-202621-06-2026USD $5,650Superior
12-06-202621-06-2026USD $3,100Quadruple Porthole
12-06-202621-06-2026USD $3,700Triple Porthole
12-06-202621-06-2026USD $4,400Twin Porthole
12-06-202621-06-2026USD $4,700Twin Window
23-05-202701-06-2027USD $3,300Quadruple Porthole
23-05-202701-06-2027USD $3,900Triple Porthole
23-05-202701-06-2027USD $4,700Twin Porthole
23-05-202701-06-2027USD $4,950Twin Window
23-05-202701-06-2027USD $5,350Twin Deluxe
23-05-202701-06-2027USD $5,950Superior
23-05-202701-06-2027USD $7,700Junior Suite
23-05-202701-06-2027USD $8,700Grand Suite With Private Balcony
31-05-202709-06-2027USD $3,300Quadruple Porthole
31-05-202709-06-2027USD $3,900Triple Porthole
31-05-202709-06-2027USD $4,700Twin Porthole
31-05-202709-06-2027USD $4,950Twin Window
31-05-202709-06-2027USD $5,350Twin Deluxe
31-05-202709-06-2027USD $5,950Superior

Inclusions

    • Acoustics Workshop
    • Birding
    • Walk on Fair Isle
    • Shore-Based Walking
    • Whale safari
    • Birds of Fair Isle
    • Weather station on Jan Mayen
    • The Birds of Jan Mayen
    • Sailing under the midnight sun & along the ice edge
    • Harp Seal
    • Puffin
    • Walrus
    • Gray Seal

Map