Jan Mayen

Embark on an epic Arctic experience when you explore this remote volcanic island

Norway’s Arctic volcanic island of Jan Mayen

Topped by the 2,277-meter high (7,470 feet) stratovolcano, Mount Beerenberg, the largely glaciated Norwegian island of Jan Mayen provides visitors staggeringly scenic views as well as the chance to spot marine life in the food-rich waters offshore.

The weather around Jan Mayen, however, can make landings tricky. Heavy rain, high winds, and fog are all likely here, though the temperatures are comparable to our other Arctic areas: When we visit Jan Mayen in June, the average temperature is around 2 to 3°C (36 to 37°F).

But despite the strong chance of inclement weather, occasionally the sun breaks through and provides Jan Mayen visitors some of the most ruggedly beautiful photo opportunities found in the Arctic.

From the slopes of this 2300 meters high volcano impressive glaciers spill into the sea. The food rich waters that surround the island offer very good whale sighting opportunities. 

The weather around Jan Mayen is often not so good: it is said the weather is foul for 362 days of the year. There may be heavy rain, wind and fog but then, soon after, the sun may break through and the air becomes clear. In June, when our ships visit Jan Mayen, the average temperature is around 2º to 3ºC (36º to 37ºF).

Jan Mayen is an island of breath-taking beauty and mystique and is dominated by the active volcano Mt Beerenberg.

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Cruises to Jan Mayen

19 Days Extensive Arctic Ocean - North Spitsbergen Explorer
Up to $3316 OFF

19 Days Extensive Arctic Ocean - North Spitsbergen Explorer

HDS01c25 Sailing between our home port of Vlissingen and our most cherished Arctic archipelago, Svalbard, this expedition adventure visits the Scottish port of Aberdeen, the islands of Fair Isle and Jan Mayen, and the amazing Spitsbergen ice edge, giving you...

m/v Hondius

m/v Hondius

Cruise date:

29 May - 16 Jun, 2025

Berths start from:

6000 USD

17 Days Extensive Arctic Ocean - North Spitsbergen Explorer
Up to $3220 OFF

17 Days Extensive Arctic Ocean - North Spitsbergen Explorer

HDS01d25 Sailing between the Scottish port of Aberdeen and our most cherished Arctic archipelago, Svalbard, this expedition adventure visits the islands of Fair Isle and Jan Mayen, and the amazing Spitsbergen ice edge, giving you the chance to search for whales,...

m/v Hondius

m/v Hondius

Cruise date:

31 May - 16 Jun, 2025

Berths start from:

5760 USD

19 Days Extensive Arctic Ocean - North Spitsbergen Explorer
Up to $2700 OFF

19 Days Extensive Arctic Ocean - North Spitsbergen Explorer

PLA01c25 Sailing between our home port of Vlissingen and our most cherished Arctic archipelago, Svalbard, this expedition adventure visits the Scottish port of Aberdeen, the islands of Fair Isle and Jan Mayen, and the amazing Spitsbergen ice edge, giving you...

m/v Plancius

m/v Plancius

Cruise date:

23 May - 10 Jun, 2025

Berths start from:

6000 USD

17 Days Extensive Arctic Ocean - North Spitsbergen Explorer
Up to $2620 OFF

17 Days Extensive Arctic Ocean - North Spitsbergen Explorer

PLA01d25 Sailing between the Scottish port of Aberdeen and our most cherished Arctic archipelago, Svalbard, this expedition adventure visits the islands of Fair Isle and Jan Mayen, and the amazing Spitsbergen ice edge, giving you the chance to search for whales,...

m/v Plancius

m/v Plancius

Cruise date:

25 May - 10 Jun, 2025

Berths start from:

5760 USD

Arctic Ocean - Aberdeen, 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

PLA01a24 Search for whales, and other Arctic wildlife of the land, sea, and air on an adventurous voyage from our home port of Vlissingen to our favorite Arctic island group.

m/v Plancius

m/v Plancius

Cruise date:

26 May - 6 Jun, 2024

Berths start from:

on request

Latest blog and customer story

Blog

Hondius begins her Arctic season, with other ships to follow

Oceanwide’s Polar Class 6 vessel Hondius set sail from her homeport Vlissingen in the Netherlands on Sunday, delivering passengers to her first Arctic voyage of the season.

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Latest highlight and wildlife

Map of Jan Mayen

Fan(tastic) photo

Reviews

by Renée van den Berge

A service, engagement & knowledge that makes the the team of Ocean Wide the number one!

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by Julia Garner

This expedition exceeded all our expectations. We went to experience the Arctic and that's what we did. The pack ice, views, wildlife ...all wonderful. Fair Isle was uncharacteristically hot in the British heat wave - the puffins and skuas on form. Jan Mayen was experienced as it should be - wet and wild. The pack ice was just stunning - so inspirational for art work and Svalbard - wow - field sketching at 2am in the morning - it just had to be done! The landings were all exciting and to see polar bears, whales, walruses - brilliant. The blue fulmars accompanied us in the north and are now a favourite - little albatrosses of the north. The ship, staff, lectures - all splendid and the food was wonderful! Thank you for the most amazing experience - we'll be back!

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by Edzard Valk
A beautiful ship, kind and knowledgeable expedition team, lead by lovely Sarah, beautiful calm weather, great destinations (Aberdeen, Fair Isle, Jan Mayen, Packice, Svalbard), spotting of two (!) polar bears and numerous seals, Walrusses, spectacular landings, one on floating ice(!), delicious food, great bbq on back of the ship with quiet a view over the packice, very kind staf, and last but not least Bill (William Smith), a one of a kind!
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by Shaun Robson
Our trip from Aberdeen to Svalbard via Fair Isle, Jan Mayen and the Greenland drift ice was spectacular. Everyday contained a memorable event, the wildlife watching was constantly inspiring and it was hard to find time to sleep. On board the ship, staff, food, cabin were all perfect. We will be back. Fantastic. Read full review
by Marie Smith
This expedition exceeded all my expectations. I loved the trip from start to finish. The little surprises along the way made it exciting while the varied programme kept my interest. I have already been sharing the Web links with friends as they are all asking following my Facebook update on our trip. Thank to all the team on the Honduis. You made our holiday!
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by Daan van Bendegom
Amazing trip with an amazing crew! We had wonderful wildlife sightings during our trip. Also, the daily lectures of the guides were very nice and informative (both for. laymens and more experienced passengers). All the other services on the boat were excellent and everyone of the crew was very nice and friendly. The only tip I could think of is grouping the passengers into groups during the hike on svalbard based on preferred hike length. I ended up doing a short hike which was still very nice, but I would rather have hiked with a different group to get some steps in:) Read full review

Jan Mayen FAQ

The weather around Jan Mayen is often not so good: it is said the weather is foul for 362 days of the year. There may be heavy rain, wind and fog but then, soon after, the sun may break through and the air becomes clear. In June, when our ships visit Jan Mayen, the average temperature is around 2º to 3ºC (36º to 37ºF).

Although it is not always cold, warm and waterproof clothing is needed on Jan Mayen. Waterproof trousers and jacket against wind, rain and salt spray coming into the zodiac. Furthermore fleece jackets, gloves and a warm hat. Rubber-boots for the landings are provided on board our vessels Plancius, Ortelius and Hondius.

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