• Experienced local skipper/instructor on board
• Experienced and local climbing guide – generally 1 guide per 4 participants
• Accommodation on board during the whole trip
• Our comfy-package with duvets, pillows and bedsheets
• All food and all meals that we eat onboard underway (from dinner first day until breakfast last day)
• High-quality inflatable life jacket
• A sustainable, environmentally friendly, unique, exotic and exclusive holiday
• Free use of equipment such as ribs, kayaks, fishing gear etc
• All boat-related expenses such as diesel, gas, harbour-fees etc
• Advice, guidance and practical training aimed at passing the boat driving license in Norway (Båtførerprøven).

• Transportation to/from Svalbard
• Possible restaurant visits or other extra activities that cost extra
• Drinks like wine, beer or exclusive apple juice and other luxuries

Level of trip

No sailing experience required

A reasonable level of fitness advised for trekking

Changes in the program

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