After embarking at Reykjavik onboard Albatros Expeditions’ modern vessel, the Ocean Albatros, we begin our spectacular voyage towards the high Arctic as we depart from Iceland’s volcanic wonderland. Along our way, we have planned landings at an incredible three Arctic islands: Iceland (Grimsey), Jan Mayen, and Spitsbergen. Our first days will take us by the ragged cliffs of the Icelandic western and northern coasts, including planned visits at the famed “Iceland in miniature”, Snaefellness and the large fjord, Ísafjarðardjúp. From here, we hope to make a call on the enigmatic island of Jan Mayen before we make landfall at the glaciated islands of Svalbard. We travel in the early summer; which means the air is filled with migrating birds – and the sun never sets. When approaching Svalbard, we will scout for sea mammals and even seal-hunting polar bears on the pack ice. The spring and early summer allows us to enjoy the immense beauty of Svalbard on this high Arctic adventure voyage among whales, walruses and millions of sea birds.
There are few wilder, more magnificent and untouched places than the Arctic Islands of the North Atlantic! And few ships better suited than Ocean Albatros for such a voyage.
Our journey begins in Iceland where MV Ocean Albatros is moored in Reykjavik. Boarding is in the afternoon, where the cabins are designated. After the mandatory security review and drill, we set our course north towards Iceland’s west coast.
In the morning, we sail along the 100-kilometre long peninsula Snaefellsnes, which with its dramatic cliff coast, hardened lava floods, sandy beaches and volcanic peaks, is a picture of Iceland in mini-format.
We round the nest on the peninsula and can enjoy the view of the nearly 1,500-metre-high snow-covered volcano, Snæfellsjökull, which was the centre of Jules Verne’s novel, “The Journey To The Center Of The Earth”. The volcano with the almost perfect cone shape and the surrounding area became in 2001 the Snæfellsjökull National Park.
In the morning, we sail around Iceland’s rugged West Fjords, possibly into Isafjardardjúp to enjoy the view of the steep mountains and see the terrific aerobatics of the Arctic terns.
During the day as we leave Isafjardardjúp and sail towards the West Fjords, which always offer one unforgettable experience after another. We finish the day sailing along the coast of Hornstrandir, the northernmost part of the West Fjords. From here, there are only 300 kilometres to the eastern coast of Greenland. In 1975, the area was converted into nature reserves, and currently has some of the strictest rules to protect the peculiar and fragile nature.
In the afternoon, we will have arrived at the island of Grimsey, which is located about 40 kilometres from the mainland and is the only part of Iceland with an Arctic designation. The Polar circle crosses the island at 66 ° 33 ‘N, and gives the island one full day of 24-hour sunlight every year in June.
During our voyage, our lecturers onboard will make inspiring and enriching presentations about Arctic history and nature, wildlife and climatology.
Approximately in the middle of the North Atlantic lies the enigmatic volcanic island of Jan Mayen. And if not exactly in the middle, at least it is located precisely on the Mid Atlantic Ridge, the reason for its volcanic existence. And enigmatic it is, not only because of its isolation but also due to the almost perpetual clouds and fog that hovers above it. Jan Mayen belongs to Norway, and the
Listen to a lecture from our experienced expedition staff, see a film about Arctic nature, or go out on deck to catch glimpses of migrating birds and hopefully some whales.
We are getting closer towards the islands of Svalbard, but we will first spend some time southwest of the islands – around the continental shelf. This area is rich in krill and gives us the best chance of spotting whales feasting.
During the night the ship will sail north along the coast of Spitsbergen.
We enter the beautiful Kongs Fjord, renowned for its former mining settlement and captivating beauty. Our first destination is Ny Ålesund – a scientific research centre situated even further north than Longyearbyen, though it can be argued whether this constitutes an actual town. Our captain will do their best to bring the boat close to the shore, allowing us to explore the area on foot.
We have now entered North West Svalbard, which was declared a national park in 1973. The day could begin with a cruise in Danskergattet, looking for seals in Virgohamna, before crossing from Danskøya to Amsterdamøya to make a landing at Smeerenburg, the legendary whaling town of the 17th century. 200-plus men were living – and quite often dying – here in the heyday of blubber
Located on the west side of Spitsbergen, Isfjorden is the second-longest fjord of the Norwegian archipelago, Svalbard. At the fjord entrance stand Alkhornet and Daudmannsøyra, a coastal plain. Parts of Isfjorden is included in the Nordre Isfjorden Land National Park of Norway. It is surrounded by several large settlements in Svalbard, including Barentsburg, Longyearbyen (on the Adventfjorden) and Pyramiden.
We aim to have a final landing along the coast, before we navigate towards Longyearbyen. We might land at Longyearbyen by evening.
Remnants of former mining stations can be seen along the way.
Early in the morning, the ship is at anchor outside Longyearbyen. After breakfast and farewell greetings to the expedition team and crew, disembarkation will take place.
This expedition includes
This expediton excludes
