Set off on Arctic Ocean – Fair Isle, Jan Mayen, Ice Edge, Spitsbergen, Birding, a 9-night voyage that begins in Aberdeen and ends in the high Arctic town of Longyearbyen. Over late May and early June, this adventure delivers seabird rookeries, volcano-capped islands, and the shimmering frontier of ice—all under the never-ending daylight of the Arctic spring.
Begin in Fair Isle, where rugged cliffs are alive with puffins, auklets, and some of Britain’s rarest seabirds, set against a sky often painted in soft pastels. Then sail north to Jan Mayen, whose lonely volcano Mt. Beerenberg pierces the clouds and whose historic whaling ruins whisper of old Arctic tales. From there the journey presses on toward the ice edge, where bowhead whales, harp seals, and polar bears may drift into the scene, and where seabirds trace the limits of land, sea, and sky.
As you approach Spitsbergen, fjords and glacial mouths come into view. Here, Arctic foxes patrol rocky outcrops, seabirds nest in thunderous cliffs, and whales may surface amid ice floes shimmering in the sun. The experience is quiet, powerful, elemental.
Not sure if this bird-heavy, ice-edge journey is right for you? Explore our Destination Arctic overview to see how this route fits with timing, wildlife seasons, ship types, pricing, and how North South Voyages can help you shape your perfect expedition.
Why leave the adventure here? Extend your journey with curated pre- or post-voyage escapes through Mexico, Panama, or the legendary Cuba. Check out North South Journeys to transform this epic voyage into something truly unforgettable.
