Arctic Ocean Expedition

Search for whales and other Arctic wildlife on land, at sea, and in the air during an adventurous voyage from the Scottish port of Aberdeen to the northern Arctic islands. This expedition takes you to remote islands, along the edge of the sea ice, and through remarkable landscapes rich in wildlife.
 

Itinerary: Arctic Ocean Expedition

 
Day 1: Sights of the Granite City
You arrive in Aberdeen, the “Granite City,” a frequent winner of the “Britain in Bloom” competition. This marks the true beginning of your journey. Several whale species, including orcas (killer whales), inhabit these waters. To the south, you may see the lighthouse at Girdle Ness, designed by the grandfather of the famous Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson. Additional passengers will join the voyage in Aberdeen.
 
Day 2: Birds, Seals, and World-Famous Knitwear
On Fair Isle, one of the Shetland Islands, the approximately seventy residents — known for their traditional knitwear — welcome you for a walk to the local bird observatory. This location is a paradise for seabirds, and you may also spot grey seals.
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Day 3 - 4: Jan Mayen Marine Life
The ship heads north toward the Norwegian island of Jan Mayen, about 300 nautical miles northeast of Iceland. The two days at sea are far from uneventful. Keep an eye out for water spouts signaling the arrival of minke whales, fin whales, orcas, or even blue whales.
 
Day 5: Snow-Capped Volcano by the Sea
Jan Mayen is a barren volcanic island dominated by the snow-covered summit of Beerenberg, rising 2,300 meters above sea level. Broken glaciers descend from its slopes into the icy sea. With permission from Norwegian authorities, you may visit the weather station. You can also hike to the remains of a 17th-century Dutch whaling station set within the island’s moss-covered volcanic landscape.
 
Day 6 - 8: Under the Midnight Sun & Along the Ice Edge
Under the midnight sun, you sail north along the edge of the sea ice in search of bowhead whales, harp seals, polar bears, and numerous seabirds. At around 79° north, the ship changes course westward toward the rocky edges of the continental shelf off western Spitsbergen. Here, there is a good chance of spotting fin whales, and near the glacier fronts of Spitsbergen’s fjords, minke whales may surface.
 
Day 9: The Arctic Island of Svalbard
The Forlandsundet, between the main island of Spitsbergen and narrow Prins Karls Forland, is an area of great natural beauty and rich wildlife. Walruses are sometimes seen here. Alternatively, the ship may sail into St. Johns Fjord or head south toward the mouth of Isfjorden for a landing at Alkhornet. Seabirds nest on the cliffs, while Arctic foxes search below for fallen eggs and chicks, and reindeer graze the sparse vegetation.
 
Day 10: The End of the Journey in Longyearbyen
Every adventure eventually comes to an end. You disembark in Longyearbyen, taking with you memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure leads. If you wish to continue exploring the Arctic, you may remain on board for our seven-night North Spitsbergen expedition featuring diverse landscapes, sea ice, and abundant wildlife.
 

Included Arctic Ocean Expedition

 
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as outlined in the itinerary
- All meals throughout the voyage including snacks, coffee, and tea
- All shore excursions and activities via Zodiac
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes
- Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels, and ship for select flights to and from Longyearbyen
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- AECO fees and governmental taxes
- Comprehensive pre-departure material
- Complimentary Wi-Fi: each guest receives 1.5 GB of data per day, renewed every 24 hours
- Complimentary Dopper water bottle for use during and after your expedition
 
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