Scotland to Spitsbergen: Puffins, Sea Ice & Wildlife

Arrive any time on Day 1 and make your way to the included hotel. The gateway for your Arctic adventure, the Scottish city of Aberdeen has many monikers, but its most famous is Granite City, as it was once the granite capital of the world. Wandering the streets, you’ll soon see why, as the Victorian buildings sparkle in the sun. A bustling cultural hub, Aberdeen also offers a range of museums, galleries, theaters, shops, cafés and restaurants to explore.

Today you will have free time before being transferred to the port to board your ship. Upon boarding the ship, you will be welcomed by the expedition team and crew who will provide ship orientation and an introductory briefing of the voyage to come.

Situated just north of mainland Scotland, Orkney is an archipelago of islands steeped in history. Some of Europe’s most intact Neolithic ruins are found here, dating back 5,000 to 8,000 years. Chief among them is Skara Brae, a small community of ten stone homes, situated within earthen dams, that dates to 3180 BCE. Skara Brae is part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site, and is considered one of the most important Neolithic sites in all of Europe. Walking among these ancient homes and looking out toward the sea in the Bay of Skaill provides a sense of connection to humans who lived before the Egyptian pyramids were constructed. Papa Westray, a more remote island just north of Skara Brae—and more difficult to access—is also home to an ancient farmstead dating back to 3700 BCE. The surrounding farmlands are peaceful and quiet. The sounds of summer and migratory birds, combined with waves from the North Atlantic Ocean crashing against the shoreline below, seem to transcend time—offering a fleeting glimpse into what life may have looked and sounded like thousands of years ago. Home to more than 70 islands, 20 of Situated just north of mainland Scotland, Orkney is an archipelago of islands steeped in history. Some of Europe’s most intact Neolithic ruins are found which are inhabited, Orkney is a unique region with strong connections to the polar regions. Dr. John Rae, the famous Arctic explorer who helped map the Northwest Passage in the 1830s and 1840s, was Orcadian, and a monument to his achievements stands in the village of Stromness. Several Orcadian place names can be found in the Antarctic, including the South Orkney Islands and the Stromness whaling station in South Georgia. The region is a network of pastoral green islands framed by rugged coastlines and occasional white sandy beaches. These islands—with cliffs ideal for nesting seabirds—are perfectly situated for both seasonal bird colonies and migratory species en route to the Arctic. Birders will find Orkney an excellent place to spot species like Atlantic puffins, northern gannets, razorbills, kittiwakes, Arctic terns, Arctic skuas, and many others. Guests can explore off-ship—as conditions allow—by joining Zodiac, kayak, and paddling excursions, as well as guided and self-guided walks.

Further north, Shetland is another archipelago with a truly unique culture and feel. A fusion of Norse and Scottish history and culture—and a visceral connection to the wind, weather, and sea—Shetland feels like no other place in the UK. Here,you can intend to explore the bird colonies of Sumburgh Head, 100-meter (328 feet) cliffs that descend into the rich marine environment below, framed by jagged rocky outcroppings that pierce through the sea. Common species spotted here include Atlantic puffins, guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes. Additional marine wildlife in the vicinity includes white-beaked dolphins, minke whales, and occasionally orca and humpback whales. The cliffs themselves are impressive in their rugged beauty, marked by a picturesque lighthouse that serves as an important beacon for mariners transiting the area. Not far from Sumburgh Head, and deeper into the West Voe of Sumburgh, is the world-famous Jarlshof—an archaeological site considered to be among Europe’s most important. Situated among soft green pastoral farmland, and just above a beautiful sandy Scottish beach, the area showcases thousands of years of human history, with Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Viking sites all immediately visible and within close proximity to one another. Roundhouses from the Iron Age, circa 400–800 BCE, are well-excavated, as are longhouses and stone walls from the Viking Age. Additionally, the Old House of Sumburgh—dating to the 15th century, when Shetland passed from Norse to Scottish control—stands among ruins that are thousands of years older. Jarlshof is a true tapestry of history, with many layers and eras woven together. There are plenty of opportunities to be active on this journey. You’ll take to the Zodiacs to explore the coastal shorelines for cruising as well as shore landings. If weather permits, you’ll deploy your sea kayak and paddle programs. And whenever you’re back on the ship, head to the outer decks—especially as you approach the excursion sites—for birds and marine mammals.

Spend a day exploring the outer islands of the archipelago, separated by narrow sounds and fjords, and delight in their surreal landscapes, dramatic cliffs and rock formations. See green valleys engulfed by steep mountains, protecting picturesque villages with colorful turf-topped homes.

The second day in the Faroes will be dedicated to the capital city of Tórshavn, where the Vikings established their government in 825 AD. One of the world’s smallest capitals, the picturesque Tórshavn has a relaxed vibe and a number of historical and cultural sites. Meander the maze of narrow laneways of the Old Town, admiring the quaint wooden houses with traditional sod roofs and white paned windows. For more action, hike to historic Kirkjubøur to unlock some of the country’s best medieval history plus enjoy sweeping views over the southern islands of Koltur, Hestur & Sandur. Or perhaps wander the charming harbor, filled with cafés, pubs and old warehouses, and simply gaze out at the sea while sipping a latte.

While at sea, be sure to spend time on the outer decks to watch for resident seabirds and migrating birds, or enjoy the views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. You will ride the relatively warm current north—the same current that helps keep the Norwegian coast and west coast of Svalbard relatively temperate. While onboard, your Expedition Team will share their knowledge and expertise through scheduled presentations on ornithology, biology, history, and geology, as well as through informal interactions throughout the voyage. Your at-sea days provide ample opportunity to enjoy the amenities onboard Ultramarine: the Tundra Spa & Sauna, the fitness centre, the library, or one of several lounges where you can enjoy a drink with fellow travelers.

Situated more than 400 kilometers north of mainland Norway, where the Greenland, Norwegian, and Barents sea converge, Bear Island is the gateway to Svalbard—and home to prolific bird populations. Visiting is a special privilege, as the island is rarely accessed due to its isolation. But it’s well worth the effort. More than 1.5 million birds flock to Bear Island each year. Hundreds of thousands nest on its near-vertical cliffs, where they can forage in the rich marine environment. If wind and waves allow, it’s possible you may have an option to take a Zodiac cruise here along cliffs teeming with birds, with a constant procession coming and going from their nest sites. Little auks, Brünnich’s guillemots, common guillemots, kittiwakes, and northern fulmars are found in prolific numbers, alongside smaller colonies of Atlantic puffins. Many more migratory birds use the island as a critical stopover on their annual journey to the Arctic. On a map, Bear Island appears small. But by Zodiac, its cliff walls—some rising more than 400 meters (1,310 feet) from the sea—feel colossal. Shorelines are fully exposed to the open ocean, with waves crashing in an astounding display of nature’s power. A few sheltered coves— used by whalers, sealers, explorers, and researchers from the 16th to 21st centuries—may offer you a chance to explore this wild outpost at the gates of Svalbard. In early May, you may see hints of green emerging from an otherwise snowy landscape. Arctic foxes may be spotted on shore, eagerly awaiting the return of birds and their eggs. If conditions allow, you’ll make landfall, walking where few humans ever do. Remnants of whaling history from the early 17th century, along with more recent traces of meteorological and military activity, can be found here. Still, despite any human presence, the island retains a powerful sense of wilderness.

Your introduction to Svalbard begins in Storfjorden, a wide fjord in southern Svalbard that is often dense with sea ice in May. How far you travel will depend on current ice conditions. Sea ice is dynamic, capable of shifting dozens of kilometers in a day, and so prepare to adapt accordingly to find the best opportunities to explore this keystone feature of the Arctic. You may spend considerable time here, navigating by ship and Zodiac along the ice edge in search of iconic wildlife such as polar bears and walrus, both drawn to the life-giving sea ice. Wildlife movements are unpredictable, so keep your binoculars close—you never know when something may appear. Your Expedition Team will share insights into the region’s features and history as you explore. If conditions allow, you may even step onto the sea ice itself.

Rugged, wild and situated entirely within the Arctic Circle, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago is unforgettable. From immense glaciers to lush tundra to polar deserts, the landscape here is as varied as the wildlife.

While exploring the fjords of the southwestern corner of this magical island, it won’t take long for you to see firsthand why Spitsbergen is the “wildlife capital of the Arctic.” Hope to visit Hornsund and Bellsund fjords, and Hornbreen Glacier. The possible landing sites at Hornsund, the island’s most southerly fjord, have rich histories. You may visit Isbjornhamna, a bay at the entrance of the fjord, where colonies of delightful little auks may exist. You may also spot Svalbard reindeer and hike to a viewpoint for views of calving glaciers.

A 12-mile (20 km) long sound, Bellsund lured miners a century ago to its natural resources. Today, visitors come to Bourbonhamna and Calypsobyen to see historic mining and trapper sites and marvel at the magnificent vistas. It may also be possible to hike along the colorful tundra, dotted with flowers bursting for a taste of sunshine, and discover old whale bones.

Moving north up the coast, enter another large fjord with many smaller branches, each worth exploring. Bellsund, much like Hornsund, features several tidewater glaciers, aim to visit as conditions allow. It’s also home to a remarkable little auk colony, which you’ll approach by Zodiac to observe the early summer activity. Birder or not, it’s hard not to admire these small, resilient birds, perfectly adapted to this seemingly harsh environment. By late spring, skies over the colony are thick with birds, and you can hope to witness the start of this seasonal spectacle. Reindeer are often spotted here too, and so look out for them. The landscape is iconic—snowcapped peaks layered in all directions, jagged rocky outcrops, and soft, snow-covered plains. If conditions allow, you may go ashore, though even in May, snow is likely.

Overnight, you’ll cruise far up the coast to Krossfjorden, just 660 nautical miles from the North Pole. Aim to explore as much of the west coast as possible, as this dramatic fjord lies along a stretch of coastline shaped by a relatively warm current flowing from south to north—creating a surprisingly temperate environment compared to the harsher conditions farther north and east. Depending on ice and weather conditions, you can hope to venture deep into the fjord to iconic sites such as Lilliehookbreen—a stunning tidewater glacier where seals often haul out on floating ice. The landscapes here blend the gentle and the dramatic—a picture-perfect scene of northern wilderness. To add variety to your photographs, consider experimenting with black and white photography, as the textures of mountains, valleys, snow, ice, and clouds can create striking images. You may also spot Arctic foxes, whether out on the ice or along the hillsides above, and seabird colonies occupy several of the cliffs deeper in the fjord. Avid birders should keep an eye out for king eiders. While Longyearbyen holds the title of northernmost city in the world, the northernmost settlement—Ny-Ålesund— lies in Kongsfjorden, a southern offshoot of Krossfjorden. Originally a coal mining outpost over a century ago, it now serves as an important year-round research station. Take a moment to soak in the surroundings and imagine what life must be like when the sun doesn’t set for months. Conversely, consider the challenges of staffing a research station through the long polar night, when the sun doesn’t rise for months.

Today marks the northernmost point of your journey—just over 1300 kilometers (800 miles) from the North Pole. That’s comparable to a day-long road trip from St. Louis, Missouri, to Washington, (or Berlin to Milan or Brisbane to Canberra, Australia) yet here, it leads straight into the heart of the Arctic. As you look north from Smeerenburgfjorden, a striking fjord in northwest Svalbard, you can envision a wilderness covered in sea ice, stretching across the cap of the northern hemisphere all the way to Alaska. It’s theoretically possible to travel in a straight line to Greenland, Canada, Siberia or Alaska without encountering any land in between. Sea ice may lie just north of the coastline—or dozens of nautical miles offshore—depending on the currents and how the ice is moving at the time. Deeper into the fjord, you may land at a known walrus haulout: a sandy beach often covered in snow but used by walruses throughout the year. Arctic terns, among the world’s most impressive migratory species, nest in the fjord, and you may see them flying overhead as you travel by foot or Zodiac. From the walrus haulout, mountain ranges stretch across the fjord, evoking a sense of standing at—or beyond—the frontier. Evidence of human activity remains: relics of whaling and sealing industries dating back to the 1600s are still visible onshore. Not full-scale factories, but trypots—used to render whale blubber into oil—remain scattered about the area.

Your final expedition day will likely be spent in or around Isfjorden, the fjord system where Longyearbyen is located. The mountainous, glaciated scenery continues here, and you’ll spend much of the day exploring the coastlines—likely among seabirds. Isfjorden can also be an excellent place to spot whales, some of which may have arrived at their summer feeding grounds by now. Spend time on the outer decks taking in the scenery— you may spot various species of marine life. The main goal today is to visit Alkhornet, the iconic seabird colony and also a good place to look for reindeer and Arctic fox. If conditions allow, you may make landfall, giving you one last chance to set foot in this far northern wilderness. As you prepare to leave, you can appreciate the little auks, perfectly at home beneath the horn-shaped mountain overlooking the fjord, and the reindeer patiently awaiting summer’s abundant vegetation. They’ll remain here for a while, going about their daily lives in a vast wilderness that stretches in all directions for hundreds—if not thousands—of nautical miles.

The moment has come to say farewell. Time permitting, you may be able to explore the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen before the group transfer to the airport for the charter flight to Helsinki. Upon arrival in Helsinki, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for the night. Both are included in the Charter Flight & Hotel Package.

After breakfast, make your way  to the airport for your onward flight home, or stay to explore Finland’s culturally-rich capital on your own if you’ve made prior arrangements.