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HIGH ARCTIC WILDLIFE, JAN MAYEN AND VOLCANIC ICELAND

Svalbard and Iceland

A one-way expedition from Svalbard to Iceland, linking Spitsbergen wildlife, the isolated volcanic island of Jan Mayen and the dramatic northern coast of Iceland.

About 13 days Typical durationJune–September Travel seasonLongyearbyen, Svalbard to Reykjavík, Iceland Start and finish

Trip Overview

Duration
About 13 days
Season
June–September
Voyage style
High Arctic expedition cruise

This southbound route begins in the High Arctic environment of Svalbard before crossing open ocean to Jan Mayen, a remote volcanic outpost dominated by the often cloud-wrapped peak of Beerenberg.

The final approach to Iceland exchanges pack-ice horizons for seabird cliffs, geothermal landscapes and coastal communities. Every island call remains subject to wind, swell, visibility and local permissions.

Why This Route

01

Svalbard Wildlife and Ice

Explore glacier-lined fjords and watch responsibly for walruses, reindeer, seabirds and polar bears when naturally present.

02

Remote Jan Mayen

Attempt to approach an isolated volcanic island where landing conditions are governed by swell, weather and operating permissions.

03

A Strong Geographic Contrast

Follow the transition from Svalbard's polar desert to the greener volcanic coast and communities of northern Iceland.

Route Map

Longyearbyen → Spitsbergen → Jan Mayen → Denmark Strait → North Iceland → Reykjavík

The map shows the main sailing direction. Actual landing sites are selected by the captain and expedition team according to weather, sea ice and safety conditions.

LongyearbyenSpitsbergenJan MayenDenmark StraitReykjavíkLongyearbyenSpitsbergenJan MayenDenmark StraitReykjavík

DAY BY DAY

Day by Day

A representative itinerary. The order of landings and cruising is adapted to local conditions.

Day 1

Embark in Longyearbyen

Meet the expedition team, complete the required briefings and sail from Longyearbyen into the waterways of western Spitsbergen.

Embark in Longyearbyen
Days 2–5

Explore Spitsbergen

Use Zodiacs and shore landings to explore fjords, tundra and glacier fronts, with every site selected for current ice, wildlife and weather.

Explore Spitsbergen
Days 6–8

Greenland Sea and Jan Mayen

Cross the Greenland Sea and attempt to explore Jan Mayen when visibility, wind and surf allow the ship to operate safely near shore.

Greenland Sea and Jan Mayen
Days 9–11

Denmark Strait and North Iceland

Continue towards Iceland for coastal cruising, seabird watching and possible visits among the mountains and communities of the north.

Denmark Strait and North Iceland
Days 12–13

Sail to Reykjavík

Follow Iceland's coast towards Reykjavík, using the final day for expedition recaps before disembarkation under the confirmed schedule.

Sail to Reykjavík

EXPEDITION SHIPS

Ships Commonly Found on This Route

Ship assignments vary by departure. These examples show the range of expedition styles available.

PLANNING NOTES

Plan This Journey

Departure
Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Arrival
Reykjavík, Iceland

Who This Journey Suits

  • Travellers wanting Svalbard and Iceland in one voyage
  • Guests comfortable with open-ocean sailing and a highly conditional Jan Mayen call

What You May See

  • Walruses and Svalbard reindeer
  • Seabirds and whales when naturally present
  • Polar bears when naturally encountered
  • Spitsbergen fjords
  • Jan Mayen and Beerenberg
  • North Iceland's volcanic coast

Physical Activity & Sea Conditions

  • Moderate, with Zodiac transfers, uneven shore walks and several consecutive days at sea.
  • The Greenland Sea and waters around Jan Mayen are exposed, and swell or fog can prevent an approach or landing.

Before You Book

  • A landing on Jan Mayen is never guaranteed
  • The exact Icelandic ports and direction may vary by departure

WHAT TO EXPECT

Inclusions and Exclusions

What Is Usually Included

  • Shipboard accommodation and meals
  • Scheduled landings and Zodiac cruising
  • Expedition team lectures and guiding
  • Loan of expedition boots on many ships

What Is Usually Not Included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Travel insurance and medical costs
  • Optional adventure activities
  • Gratuities and personal expenses

Important

  • Final inclusions vary by operator and departure
  • Activities depend on weather and ice
  • Ask us to compare the exact terms before booking

PLAN THIS JOURNEY

Ready to plan Svalbard and Iceland?

Tell us your preferred travel window, cabin style and priorities. We will help you compare suitable departures and expedition ships.

Plan This Journeyinfo@polartraveltribe.com