with Ocean Missions & Hypmo project

Embarking: Húsavík harbour (Iceland). Disembarking: Longyearbyen pier (Svalbard)

Welcome onboard our Tilvera” our existence”. On this journey we will venture to the wild Arctic waters in a remarkable mission to bring Tilvera to Svalbard, one of the world’s northernmost inhabited areas.

On this journey we stand for our marine biodiversity!

In April 2024 and again in 2025, during our voyage from Svalbard to Húsavík, we confirmed that Tilvera is an excellent platform for opportunistic whale research. Few choose this remote and challenging route, but our base in Iceland gives us a strategic starting point to sail and explore rarely studied areas like Jan Mayen and the waters between these Arctic realms. These journeys offer unique opportunities to monitor elusive deep-diving species like bottlenose whales and foster meaningful scientific collaboration.

Now, Tilvera is equipped with a powerful towed acoustic recorder, allowing us to tune into the hidden soundscape beneath the waves — wherever the wind may carry us.

This journey is a truly an adventure for those who like to be involved in the art of whale research, conservation and sailing

THE MISSION

In spring, big whales start one of the most extraordinary journeys on the planet. Relying on their ability to detect magnetic fields and using sea and environmental clues, giants such as the blue whales, fin whales, humpback whales, and minke whales navigate towards the Arctic, rich feeding grounds where they will spend the summer months intensely feeding on krill and fish. This journey aims to follow the whales in their migration and report meaningful visual and acoustic data on these fascinating animals to better understand them

Welcome to Húsavík, Iceland, our home and home of the whales!

As we depart from Húsavík, take a moment to soak in the charm of this special place that is our home. Before setting sail, you can explore the wonders of this special and beautiful town, visit the Whale Museum, the Ocean Missions room, go whale watching, try the beers at the local brewery, take a peaceful walk by the river side or enjoy the incredible sunsets while you take a bath in the thermal pools by the lighthouse.

The isolated gem of Jan Mayen

We ll set sails to Jan Mayen, a tiny volcanic island 350 miles North of Iceland. Jan Mayen is one of the most isolated places in the world and home to the northernmost active volcano. This Norwegian territory has no native population but currently 18 people live there and work at the weather station, which we could have the chance to visit (if weather allows) and learn about climate change. Few people have ventured into these fragile and remote island and in order to get there we need special permission. This island is covered by glaciers and impressive volcanic formations and the weather can be harsh and unpredictable.  Seabirds such as puffins and fulmars choose these slopes as nesting grounds. At this time of the year we may start seeing the first birds in the open sea heading towards the nesting cliffs

Help us find the Northern bottlenose whales!

Our journey will take us to Jan Mayen, a stunning and raw volcanic island in which very few dare to venture. Here, we will deploy acoustic research equipment to detect and listen to some of the most unknown and mysterious whale species worldwide, the Northern bottlenose whales. These majestic creatures can dive up to 2000m depth and have been reported in the rich and deep waters around Svalbard. However, we know very little about their migration patterns and behaviors.  For this mission, we collaborate with HYPMO project, which has been studying these whales for about 10 years in Iceland. With every sighting or call recorded, we deepen our commitment to protecting these magnificent creatures and their habitats.

Only by using this special equipment and if weather allows, we increase the chances of detecting them and gathering valuable information about their biology. The team will teach you all about whales so that you can be part of the research team and learn about whale science!

 Hold fast and embrace your sailors´ spirit !

For nearly a week out in the open ocean, you will join the sailing team and sail Tilvera to the North. By being on a sailing watch, you can increase your sailing skills, and learn everything about sail handling and navigation (both modern and old school) from our experienced crew. Each moment spent at sea fosters a deep connection with the ocean and the thrill of adventure, making you an integral part of the crew’s journey.

Svalbard – the last stop before the North Pole

Approaching Svalbard at this time of year brings a high chance of encountering sea ice — the perfect setting for breathtaking scenery and incredible wildlife encounters, just at the gateway to its majestic fjords in the High Arctic. We’ll be on the lookout for some of the Arctic’s most iconic arctic animals that rely on the sea ice, including polar bears, seals, and walruses, possibly belugas , minke whales, who knows?

Longyearbyen – the northernmost settlement on Earth

Our exciting journey will end in Longyearbyen. A place where the sun disappears for months in winter and never sets during the summer’s midnight sun. This scenic Arctic town is known for its dramatic landscapes, lively research community, rich coal-mining history, and a unique blend of modern life and raw wilderness. It’s the perfect place to enjoy our last dinner together, mingling and celebrating with old friends and locals!

Dont miss our blogs about our other adventures in the past: sailing to Svalbard in April 2023 and from Svalbard to Iceland in June 2025!

With your fee you are directly supporting the ongoing work of Ocean Missions to increase marine protected areas in Iceland.