Embark on an adventure built for adrenaline junkies, travel to Jan Mayen and climb the worlds northern-most volcano.
14 Nights: 08 - 22 June 2021
68,800 NOK / £5,715 per person*
This is the expedition for the most adventurous. Not only are we going on an extraordinary sail trip to Jan Mayen, but we will also try to climb the summit of Beerenberg.
The expedition is carried out with our 70-foot expedition boat and the voyage takes 4-5 days. When arriving Jan Mayen we set up camp on the beach as a base for hiking and trekking around this beautiful and inaccessible island, and we prepare to climb the 2277 meter high peak.
During the voyage from Longyearbyen to Jan Mayen, we will really get a feeling of the open sea. What kind of weather to expect is never easy to know, but we are sailing at a favourable time of year for this part of the Arctic, so we are hoping for good winds and calm sea, and as much time as possible on Jan Mayen. These will be adventurous days at sea where we will get to know each other well. Everyone on board is a participant and we all take shifts on watchkeeping, so expect to see whales as you keep a steady course looking out for Jan Mayen in the distance. In these waters at this time of year, we have full midnight sun and large parts of the day will be bright, which is always a good starting point for an adventure trip like this.
This expedition is, like our other longer trips, primarily a great voyage of discovery, but also an excellent opportunity to learn a lot about sailing and navigation, and not least using a boat as a starting point for discoveries and experiences on land. Are you ready for the late summer’s expedition to Jan Mayen?
Day 1: Trip start in Longyearbyen
We meet at 12:00 on the harbour in Longyearbyen. We start with getting to know each other before we go through the plan for the week. We get to know the boat and the equipment and finish packing provisions and types of equipment. The life onboard requires cooperation, and before departure, we go through routines and procedures onboard, for sailing and emergency situations. We depart and start sailing out the Isfjord this first evening.
Day 2-6: From Longyearbyen to Jan Mayen
This will be some ocean crossing from Svalbard to Jan Mayen(!). After getting out into the open seas we head straight for Jan Mayen. If we get good conditions we will arrive in less than four days, but if the weather is against us it can take up to a day extra. The actual crossing is around 570 nautical miles, but time will depend on the wind direction and sea conditions.
Day 7-11: “Campsite Beerenberg” and exploration of Norway’s only active volcano
We bring all the equipment needed to set up camp on a volcanic island in the Arctic. We set up the camp together and get to know the area and plan the next days in detail. The weather plays an important role in all planning and we are prepared for all conditions. The goal is for the whole group to climb the summit of Berensbeerg, but if we don’t manage to do so for different reasons, the trip to Jan Mayen is well worth the try. We have quite a few days available and are optimistic.
Day 11-15: We sail back to Svalbard
At Jan Mayen there are limitations in terms of where it is allowed to establish campsite and we must thus choose between Hvalrossbukta on the west side or Båtvika on the east side. The Hvalrossbukta is a somewhat better harbour to be in, but with a lot of wind from the west, we go to Båtvika. From these natural harbours, there is a hike to the foot of the mountain of 12-15 km., something that must be taken into account when planning. Then we’ll head back to Longyearbyen for a well-deserved rest and to say our goodbyes.
In Longyearbyen
If you haven’t had the opportunity to experience Longyearbyen in advance of the trip, then we recommend staying an extra day or two before travelling home. It’s always smart to add time for some rest and calmness before and after such a trip, to let the impressions sink in and see what’s happening.
The program
The program may change according to weather and conditions, but it gives an indication of how we spend the days.
Level of trip
No sailing experience required
A reasonable level of fitness advised for trekking
Changes in the program
The program should be seen as a starting point that we adapt to weather and conditions. We also reserve the right to constantly improve our itineraries. On board with us, we always have a dinghy for beach landings and small expeditions, we have fishing gear for the cod, and gear to hike or make a bonfires on the beach
Wet weather gear is available to hire for 500NOK (£50) per person for a jacket and trousers.
Fly into Longyearbyen, Svalbard.
Depart from Longyearbyen, Svalbard.
Day 1: Trip start in Longyearbyen
We meet at 12:00 on the harbour in Longyearbyen. We start with getting to know each other before we go through the plan for the week. We get to know the boat and the equipment and finish packing provisions and types of equipment. The life onboard requires cooperation, and before departure, we go through routines and procedures onboard, for sailing and emergency situations. We depart and start sailing out the Isfjord this first evening.
Day 2-6: From Longyearbyen to Jan Mayen
This will be some ocean crossing from Svalbard to Jan Mayen(!). After getting out into the open seas we head straight for Jan Mayen. If we get good conditions we will arrive in less than four days, but if the weather is against us it can take up to a day extra. The actual crossing is around 570 nautical miles, but time will depend on the wind direction and sea conditions.
Day 7-11: “Campsite Beerenberg” and exploration of Norway’s only active volcano
We bring all the equipment needed to set up camp on a volcanic island in the Arctic. We set up the camp together and get to know the area and plan the next days in detail. The weather plays an important role in all planning and we are prepared for all conditions. The goal is for the whole group to climb the summit of Berensbeerg, but if we don’t manage to do so for different reasons, the trip to Jan Mayen is well worth the try. We have quite a few days available and are optimistic.
Day 11-15: We sail back to Svalbard
At Jan Mayen there are limitations in terms of where it is allowed to establish campsite and we must thus choose between Hvalrossbukta on the west side or Båtvika on the east side. The Hvalrossbukta is a somewhat better harbour to be in, but with a lot of wind from the west, we go to Båtvika. From these natural harbours, there is a hike to the foot of the mountain of 12-15 km., something that must be taken into account when planning. Then we’ll head back to Longyearbyen for a well-deserved rest and to say our goodbyes.
In Longyearbyen
If you haven’t had the opportunity to experience Longyearbyen in advance of the trip, then we recommend staying an extra day or two before travelling home. It’s always smart to add time for some rest and calmness before and after such a trip, to let the impressions sink in and see what’s happening.
The program
The program may change according to weather and conditions, but it gives an indication of how we spend the days.
Base layer – 2x warm thermal tops + thermal leggings
Mid layer – 2x fleece type mid layers + mid layer trousers
Light waterproof shell (waterproof hiking type jacket and trousers) – for exploring ashore
Down jacket – a down (or synthetic alternative) jacket, the warmer the better
Gillet – optional but a really versatile mid layer, down or synthetic down are great
Hats – 2x warm wool hats, ear flaps are great
Waterproof hat – a waterproof hat or cap (eg Sealskins)
Neck warmer – 2x ‘Buff’ style neck warmers
Gloves – one waterproof pair (ski or fishing type) + 2x thinner fleece liner / spare pairs
Socks – 2x pairs of warm socks for sailing + hiking socks for exploring ashore
Boots – Wellington type boots. These are needed not just for sailing but also for getting ashore from the rib where you may need to stop into mid-calf depth water. They don’t need to be expensive or sailing specific, but they should be waterproof with good grip
Hiking shoes / boots – suitable for exploring on rough or wet terrain ashore
Rucsac – for on land exploring
Underwear – a couple of sets of comfortable underwear
Swimwear – you might not fancy a dip in the Arctic waters but a local hot tub can be a treat that you don’t want to miss out on
Camera, batteries, memory cards etc – it is possible to charge camera batteries onboard but it is a good idea to bring spare batteries and lots of memory card space
Entertainment – books, music etc for rest time
Toiletries – basic wash kit with travel-sized bottles
Eye mask and earplugs – can make sleeping easier in the midnight sun
Any personal medications that you need – ensure you have enough to last the whole trip
Dry bags – recommended for keeping any electrical kit in and for taking things ashore
Head torch – ideally with a red light function
Sunscreen – 24hr daylight can be relentless
Sunglasses
A set of ‘shore clothes’ for travelling in / rest days in town
Passport / visas
Credit/debit card for shore-based activities or travel emergencies
Kitbag – this must be squashy type (not a suitcase) a large barrel type bag is ideal
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