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North Cape Island, Seabird colonies

Norway

Join us as we sail among the remote shorelines of Northern Norway, viewing not only mesmerizing glaciers and sprawling tundra but also some of the prime birdwatching sites in all of Scandinavia. This special sailing expedition will be carried out by the beautiful three-mast sailing vessel Rembrandt van Rijn

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  • Visit some of the prime birdwatching sites in all of Scandinavia
  • See species such as gannets, great cormorants, European shags, herring gulls, black-legged kittiwakes, common guillemots, razorbills, black guillemots, and Atlantic puffins
  • Reach Europe's northernmost cape
  • Sail in the beautiful Northern Norway coastline
  • Excitement of Sailing on a magnificent schooner
  • Admire Deep fjords and high mountains

At A Glance

Trip Quick Facts

Prices from: 2550.00
Duration: 8 days
Location: Norway
Start: Tromsø, Norway
Finish: Alta, Norway
Availability: April

Stewart's Take

A special program designed for experienced ski mountaineers in challenging, snow-covered alpine terrain

Overview

Join us as we sail among the remote shorelines of Northern Norway, viewing not only mesmerizing glaciers and sprawling tundra but also some of the prime birdwatching sites in all of Scandinavia. This special sailing expedition will be carried out by the beautiful three-mast sailing vessel Rembrandt van Rijn.
Day 1: The heart of Finnmarken Your adventure begins in the picturesque town of Alta, located at the head of Alta Fjord. All passengers are kindly asked to board the vessel by 17:00. Day 2: Seiland National Park's glaciers and wildlife We plan to spend the whole day in Seiland National Park, enjoying views of the northernmost glaciers in Scandinavia. Then at Bårdfjord, in the northwest, you'll land in an area of small islands populated by courting common eiders. Here we'll find a picturesque valley of thawing lakes and reindeer that often appear on the slopes. We may even spot sea eagles soaring overhead. Days 3-5: The lively seabird colonies of Finnmarken In Northern Norway, cliff-nesting seabirds begin returning to their breeding places in April (early spring) to meet their mates. It is our aim to observe as many of these species as we can. These may include gannets, great cormorants, European shags, herring gulls, black-legged kittiwakes, common guillemots, razorbills, black guillemots, and Atlantic puffins. To accomplish this, we'll sail by (and sometimes land at) numerous bird-watching locations, such as Lille Håen, Andotten, Lille Karmøya (all at Sørøya), along with Hjelmsøystauran and Gjesvaerstappan, where we may see one of the largest seabird colonies in Norway. We are not allowed to land near some of these colonies, but from our Zodiacs we can get great views of the birds. Also, these colonies tend to be exposed to bad weather, so if we must reroute, our alternative landings will be in secluded nature areas in inner fjords and inland straits. Day 6: Europe's northernmost cape Knivskjeldodden, on Magerøya, is the northernmost point of Europe, about one km (.6 miles) north of North Cape. From our landing place in Knivsjelvika, we can walk to this point and later to a few lakes on the thawing tundra not far to the south. Migratory tundra birds have not arrived here yet, but we might see ptarmigans and snow buntings. Day 7: Arrival at Honningsvåg After a visit to the seabird colonies at Svaertholdklubben, you will arrive at the end of the day in Honningsvåg, the northernmost harbor town in Norway. Day 8: Across the Finnmarken tundra to Alta We disembark in Honningsvåg, where on request you can transfer by chartered bus (T) (a three-hour drive that you must book in advance) through the partly snowy tundra to the Alta airport. Please note: Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises, and willingness to compromise on comfort is a basic requirement on board a historic sailing vessel. Important information about the use of sails: The vessel is equipped with sails to be used in good conditions (based on open sea, water depth, wind, and time allowance), but the use of sails is not guaranteed. The captain decides whether to use the sails or the engine. If sails are used, the crew will operate them. Guests must follow the safety instructions of the team. The average cruising speed for s/v Rembrandt van Rijn is 6.5 knots.

S/V 'Rembrandt Van Rijn'

Rembrandt van Rijn sailing ship

‘Rembrandt Van Rijn’ was built as a herring lugger early last century. The vessel was rebuilt as a three-mast passenger sailing schooner in he Netherlands in 1994 and sailed in Spitsbergen (1994 – 1996) and in Galápagos (1998 - 2001). The vessel underwent a complete rebuilding and refurbishment program until 2011. The communication and navigation equipment has been completely renewed according to the latest SOLAS regulations.

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Included
  • Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
  • All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
  • All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
  • Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
  • Free use of snow shoes.
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
  • AECO fees and governmental taxes.
  • Comprehensive pre-departure material.
Excluded
  • Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
  • Pre- and post- land arrangements.
  • Passport and visa expenses.
  • Government arrival and departure taxes.
  • Meals ashore.
  • Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is mandatory).
  • Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
  • The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
  • *** Transfer supplement (T) for bus shuttle between Honningsvaag and Alta (approx. 3 hours), € 50,- per person.
Rates, Share and Sole Use policy All rates are quoted per person, based on shared occupancy. If you are travelling alone and wish to share, you will be matched with another person of the same gender at the shared rate. Deposits Reservations require a deposit of 20% at the time you receive a booking confirmation from Expeditions Online. A payment link will be sent to you and this may be paid by major credit card. Bookings within 60 days of departure require full payment. Final Payments Balances are due 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. Cancellations received 90 days or more prior to departure, are refunded less a fee of 20 % of the total price. If cancellation is received between 89 days and 60 days prior to departure, are refunded less a fee of 50 % of the total price. If cancellation occurs less than 59 days up to and including the day of departure: 100 % of the total price. If full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and any unpaid balance is due immediately. We strongly recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance. Booking Terms Please read carefully the General Booking Conditions for Expeditions Online. This voyage is operated by Oceanwide Expeditions and you additionally travel under their terms and conditions as the operator as well as of the Shipping Company/transport carrier. Details will be forwarded to you at the time of booking.
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North Cape Island, Seabird colonies

April

8 days

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15th April 2023 - 22nd April 2023: 8 days

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