Hondius Itinerary
Arctic Ocean - Jan Mayen, Ice edge, Spitsbergen, Birding9 days / 8 nights
About Hondius
- Modern, purpose-built vessel with four-star accommodation
- Superb observation spaces, offering panoramic views
- The first Polar Class 6 registered expedition ship in the world
- Spot wildlife from the deck, hike through the snow, and scuba dive
M/V Hondius is a high-performance polar expedition vessel embarking on once-in-a-lifetime voyages in some of the world’s final frontiers. Catering to first-time visitors and seasoned adventure-seekers alike, this vessel welcomes guests of all kinds – including singles, couples, families, and groups – to enjoy epic experiences unlike any other. Combining comfort and capability, Hondius enables guests to gaze over sublime scenery, hike across snow-covered ice, encounter iconic wildlife, and even scuba dive in some of the most isolated and unforgiving environments on the planet.
Itinerary details
Length of trip 9 days / 8 nights
Number of dives 0
Experience No experience required
Insurance Not Required
Highlights
- One-way trip sail from the North Iceland into the Arctic Ocean
- Visit the distinct islands of Jan Mayen
- Enjoy breathtaking nature, ice edges, seals and world-famous knits
- Sailing to North along the edge of the sea ice, look for bowhead whales, harp seals, and polar bears
- Prins Karl Forland – home to many seabirds and harbour seals
Day 1: The start of an adventure
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.
Day 2 - 8: At the Arctic Circle
At the Arctic Circle
We land on the small island of Grimsey, which straddles the Arctic Circle. Grímsey 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 humpback, fin, minke, and 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.
Day 9: Journey's end in Longyearbyen
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!
Sample itineraries are for guidance only. Actual itineraries may differ slightly due to factors such as weather, wildlife, logistics and local regulations.
Transfer details
Departure
04:00pm
Akureyri
Akureyri International Airport: AEY
Return
09:00am
Longyearbyen
Svalbard Airport: LYR
Current availability and prices: https://www.zubludiving.com/itineraries/hondius/itn-2412270306191-arctic-ocean-jan-mayen-ice-edge-spitsbergen-birding