Jan Mayen Cruises

The volcanic Island on the mid-Atlantic Ridge

Information about Jan Mayen Island

Humpback and minke whales cavort and feed in the waters around the impressive volcanic island of Jan Mayen with its towering ebony peaks and broad black lava beaches.

The primordial landscape is dominated to the north by the 7,500 feet high (2,300 meters) Mt Beerenberg, an active volcano covered in glacial ice that last erupted in 1985. It is the most North westerly active volcano above sea level and Norway's only active volcano.

With permission from the Norwegian authorities, a landing is possible at this rarely visited outpost. Visitors may walk to the research and weather station, or beyond, for birds-eye views of the meteorological station and the long black sandy eastern shore of the island. Birds to be seen here may include Atlantic Puffins, Northern Fulmars, and Snow Buntings.

Interesting facts about Jan Mayen Island

Beerenberg dominates the skyline: at 2,277 m it is the northernmost active volcano on Earth, with its last eruption in 1985.

Typically included on Svalbard–Iceland crossings, Jan Mayen sits directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge; landings (often at Kvalrossbukta) and visits to the Olonkinbyen weather station are by permit and weather/sea-state only.

Superb for wildlife at sea: breeding seabirds abound and whales such as minke, fin, orca, and even blue are regularly spotted in surrounding waters.

Human footprint is minimal: about 18 people staff the meteorological station and Norwegian defense facilities; frequent cloud and fog add to the island’s mystique.

Pictures of Jan Mayen Island

Highlights in Jan Mayen Island

17th-century Dutch whaling Station Remains

Jan Mayen’s 17th-century Dutch whaling station lies softened by thick moss, a stark reminder of early Arctic industry set against a raw volcanic coastline. On select landings, we walk across cinder and moss beds to explore the low ruins while Beerenberg’s snowy cone towers beyond and seabirds swirl overhead. It’s a haunting, atmospheric stop that pairs human history with wild, elemental scenery.

Kvalrossbukta Landing Site, Jan Mayen

A relatively sheltered bay on the west coast, Kvalrossbukta is one of the standard landing sites. When conditions and permits line up, we aim to visit the Olonkinbyen weather station on the east side and link the two with a memorable 3-hour hike across lava fields and cinder cones, with Beerenberg towering above.