Your expedition will lead to one discovery after another. A complimentary programme of unique, small-group shore experiences, led by team of expert guides and lectures, allows you to fully experience the lands you'll visit.
Join us for a journey from Iceland to Norway, visiting isolated islands and remote regions. Aboard the Silver Cloud, and as weather permits on her Zodiacs, go past spectacular bird cliffs in Iceland and the Norwegian Archipelago of Svalbard, marvelling at the multitude of puffins, guillemots and gulls that congregate to nest. While in Iceland, explore the area around Lake Myvatn to see how geology plays an important factor in Iceland’s daily life, or go whale-watching along Iceland’s northern coast. In Svalbard, encounter fascinating landscapes, mountains, fjords and glaciers while looking for walrus and polar bears. Throughout the voyage, learn about the history, geology, wildlife, botany and history of this spectacular area from lecture presentations offered by your knowledgeable on board Expedition Team.
Voyage Highlights:
Latrabjarg Cliffs, Iceland –Silver Cloud will sail next to one of Europe’s largest bird cliffs and a truly stunning sight to experience. The 14-kilometer cliff is covered with tens of thousands of Atlantic Puffins, Northern Gannets, Razorbills and guillemots that perch there safely from predators.
Dynjandi, Iceland –Iceland is well-known for its dazzling waterfalls, and the Dynjandi is recognized as one of the country’s most impressive and majestic. Hike past 6 other spectacular waterfalls to reach Dynjandi, the Westfjords’biggest at 100 feet wide, with a 330-foot tumble into the fjord below. Dynjandi means the thundering one, named for its enormous sound.
Vigur Island, Iceland –Visit the tiny and private island to see how Icelanders collect eider down. The island is also home to Atlantic Puffins and Arctic Terns, which can be seen while walking across the island. After the walk enjoy home-baked cakes and cookies made by the Vigur Island owners.
Akureyri, Iceland –Akureyri is the gateway to Lake Myvatn (Midges Lake). The lake is part of a protected nature reserve and many birds (including thirteen species of ducks) frequent the surrounding wetlands. Nature’s power is plainly displayed in Namafjall’s geothermal springs, as well as on a walk along the lake’s shore onto some pseudo-craters, and through the massive, often unusual lava formations of Dimmuborgir.
Jan Mayen, Norway –With permission from the Norwegian authorities and the right weather conditions, we will make a landing at this rarely visited outpost to visit the research and weather station. Walks to the station and beyond will give us a bird’s-eye view of the meteorological station and of the long black sandy eastern shore of the island.From the water the shear mass of Jan Mayen is impressive and is a known feeding ground for whales of several species.
Svalbard Northern Region, Norway –Silver Cloud will be cruising past majestic red Devonian sandstone mountains to reach the end of Liefdefjorden, for a Zodiac cruise along the 5-kilometer-long front of Monacobreen and the neighbouring Seligerbreen. This is a great place to look for seals, Black-legged Kittiwakes and Ivory Gulls.With the reinforced hull of Silver Cloud, we have the perfect platform to search for walrus and polar bears as we
devote time to explore the pack ice north of Spitsbergen. Conditions permitting, we might head out in the Zodiacs for an even closer look.
Svalbard Southern Region, Norway –In Svalbard we will enter fjords, searching the ice and the shores for seabirds, walruses, seals, and polar bears. Shore walks and Zodiac landings will bring us up close to these mystical wintry settings. The Expedition Leader and Captain will determine Silver Cloud’s best course, depending on changing weather, ice conditions and the wildlife we encounter.
Bear Island, Norway –Close to 9 kilometers of cliffs are home to some of the largest bird colonies of the Northern Hemisphere. Common Guillemots, Brünnich’s Guillemots, Little Auks, Black-legged Kittiwakes, Northern Fulmars, and Glaucous Gulls are all found along the cliff. Other species have been observed, including Atlantic Puffins and even Northern Gannets. Weather depending, we will take the Zodiacs to explore the rugged coastline. Kayaking –Weather permitting, the Silver Cloud offers the opportunity to kayak in a small group under the guidance of certified kayak instructors. These special excursions are a chance to appreciate the wilds of the Arctic in silence.
Cultural Highlights:
Meet the owners of Vigur Island to learn about Eider Duck farming. Enjoy their company over a cup of tea or coffee and home-baked cookies and cakes.
Wildlife Watch List:
Polar bear, Svalbard reindeer and Arctic fox
Bearded seals, grey seals, harbour seal, ringed seal, and walrus
Humpback whales, Minke whales, beluga whales, and harbour porpoises
Birds of note: Red-breasted Merganser, Barnacle Goose, Common Eider, Common Raven, Black-legged Kittiwake, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, Ivory Gull, Great Skua, Arctic Skua, Redwing, Razorbill, Common Guillemot, Black Guillemot, Brünnich’s Guillemot, Atlantic Puffin, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Redshank, Meadow Pipit, Arctic Tern, Northern Gannet, Northern FulmarExpedition highlights and wildlife listed here are possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
Expedition highlights and wildlife listed here are possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed. Your Expedition Leader and Captain will work together to ensure opportunities for adventure and exploration are the best possible, taking into account the prevailing weather, wildlife activity and ice conditions. Expedition Team members scheduled for this voyage are subject to change or cancellation.
GEAR UP
Not sure what to wear while onboard? Visit our shop and gear up. We've got layers to keep you dry and warm, breezy wear to keep you covered and cool, and accessories to keep everything packed up and ready to go. So, no matter the weather, you'll be better prepared for your expedition.
Our Gear Shop has an expert outfitting staff and features all the essentials:
Clothes for all types of weather, boot rentals, accessories and more »
Packing List »
Make sure you get all your essentials today. We offer packages or individual items, for your convenience, and recommend you place orders at least 30 days before your embarkation date.