Cruise around Jan Mayen

Explore this bird-filled volcanic island by boat and boot

Region: Arctic

Destinations: Jan Mayen

Sailing, seabirds, and one sizable Arctic volcano

The Norwegian island of Jan Mayen is a popular Arctic landing site due both to its abundance of birdlife as well as its rather immense volcano. Our voyages seek to touch down in southern Jan Mayen, either at the shores of Hvalrosbukta or the settlement-station of Olonkinbyen. On Jan Mayen you might see Brünnich’s guillemots, little auks, glaucous gulls, and various other seabirds. The active volcano of Beerenburg will also make an impression: This ice-capped addition stands 2,277 meters (7,470 feet) tall and is typically the first thing you’ll see, assuming it’s not steeped in clouds.

Sør-Jan and Nord-Jan: the two sides of Jan Mayen

Jan  Mayen is made up of two areas joined by an isthmus. The southwestern part, Sør-Jan, is relatively flat, narrow, and free of glaciers. The meteorological station, radio center, airstrip, and living quarters of Jan Mayen’s research population are located here. Nord-Jan, the northeastern portion of Jan Mayen, is where Beerenburg stands, a naturally more dramatic area in terms of ice and terrain. Beerenburg, which has erupted three times since 1970, is a Dutch word meaning “Bear Mountain.” It was named by 17th century Dutch whalers, who encountered many polar bears in the area.

Related cruises

Arctic Ocean - Fair Isle, Jan Mayen, Ice edge, Spitsbergen, Birding

Sail from the North Sea into the Arctic Ocean, visiting the distinct islands of Fair Isle and Jan Mayen

HDS01b25 Venture into the Arctic Ocean on your way to Fair Isle and Jan Mayen, the first known for its knitwear and the second for its stark volcanic scenery.

m/v Hondius

Cruise date:

31 May - 9 Jun, 2025

Price:

2900 USD

Arctic Ocean - Fair Isle, Jan Mayen, Ice Edge, Spitsbergen, Birding

Sail the East Greenland ice edge north of Spitsbergen in search for whales, and other Arctic wildlife

OTL02-26 Search for whales, and other Arctic wildlife of the land, sea, and air on an adventurous voyage from the Scottish port of Aberdeen to our favorite Arc

m/v Ortelius

Cruise date:

27 May - 5 Jun, 2026

Price:

3050 USD

Arctic Ocean - Fair Isle, Jan Mayen, Ice edge, Spitsbergen, Birding - Summer Solstice

Sail the East Greenland ice edge north of Spitsbergen in search for whales, and other Arctic wildlife

PLA04-26 Search for whales, and other Arctic wildlife of the land, sea, and air on an adventurous voyage from the Scottish port of Aberdeen to our favorite Arc

m/v Plancius

Cruise date:

12 Jun - 21 Jun, 2026

Price:

3050 USD