MTP Bjørnøya Expedition #3
Welcome on board for a completely wild experience! A chance to join a voyage far outside your comfort zone. An experience miles away from everyday life, so different that coming home may never be the same again. An adventure most sailors don’t even dream of making. We are crossing the Barents Sea, and you are invited!
You get the opportunity to join the adventure, visit Bjørnøya and set sail from Svalbard in a way few even think is possible. This is by no means the trip for the average Svalbard tourist, but the trip for you who are looking for genuine and real travel experiences. For those who want to struggle, live, laugh, explore and enjoy. We will have wind in our sails, salty water in our hair and experience an Arctic ocean crossing at its most spectacular!
Across the ocean
The voyage is a total of 600 nautical miles. The crossing of the Barents Sea is a fantastic experience, and we sail through the bright polar night. With the sailboat as a means of transport, we come close to the forces of nature across the sea. The perfect opportunity to really get to feel the weather, wind, cold, heat, sea, sense of achievement and team-work! The question will rather be if all of us manage to build strong sea legs?
From Svalbard to Bjørnøya and Tromsø
Before leaving Svalbard, we will experience the typical arctic nature with its iconic mountains, deep fjords and massive glaciers. We sail past the fjords on South-West Spitsbergen; Hornsund and Bellsund, where glaciers meet and calve in the sea. A spectacular sight!
As we leave Svalbard, we only have the sea in front of us until we reach Bjørnøya, about halfway to mainland Norway. If conditions allow, we hope to land here, but as always when sailing; the weather decides.
Your sailing boat
On this trip we will be using one of our Bavaria 50′ sailboats. She has a fractional rig with good sails and a classic cockpit with ample trimming options. Inside, the boat has full standing height, a well-equipped galley, 5 cabins, 3 bathrooms, and a salon with seating for 10 people at the table. Here you can see pictures and read more.
Be part of the crew on board
Our skipper and co-skipper on board will include everyone in sailing the boat and all tasks on board. From standing behind the helm and hoisting sails, to cooking, cleaning and planning of the legs. We mostly sail around the clock and divide everyone into watch teams, where we rotate with 4 hours on and 8 hours off. In addition, we add a few shorter shifts each afternoon, so that the night shifts also rotate between the watch teams throughout the expedition. Nevertheless, it is often the bright polar night when you only hear the sounds of the wind and lapping waves, that create the best memories! Before we leave Svalbard and when we arrive at Bjørnøya, we adapt the watch rotation for everyone to join the exploration ashore.
Whether you want new sailing experiences, or learn more about ocean crossings, this is an excellent opportunity! The exciting sailing comes in addition to the adventure along the way, which makes this a great nature experience!
Environment & Sustainability
The Arctic is a vulnerable area under pressure from people and the climate. In SeilNorge we are committed to taking care of the environment to the greatest extent possible. We believe that small boats with few people and little pollution and waste are significantly less harmful to the environment, climate and local wildlife than larger vessels and cruise ships. Along the way we try to clean up rubbish. We only take memories and pictures with us back home, and avoid leaving any traces behind.
Keeping the lowest possible carbon footprint is important to us. We sail as long as there is wind, and we work purposely with food, purchasing and waste management. Even if we have to use our engine for propulsion when there is no wind, our trips are among the most sustainable ways to experience the Arctic.
Across the Barents Sea!
Buckle up and join the refreshing adventure across the Barents Sea!
Wow – getting 14 people with totally different backgrounds, cultures, languages, and worldviews to shake together on the open sea? That’s a bold move! But it all came together, thanks to an amazing team in sync – each bringing something special. The result? A unique and unforgettable experience we’ll always cherish. Huge thanks to the crew and fellow travelers for making it all so special. We did it!
Flavia Spreafico, Crossing the Barents Sea, 2025
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome on board in Longyearbyen
We meet on board the boat on the quay in Longyearbyen at 14:00. Here you will meet the other participants and we start off by getting to know our new home for the coming days and filling up the boat with the necessary provisions and equipment for the trip. Life on board requires cooperation, and before departure we carefully review safety, plan for the trip, check the weather forecasts and learn how the boat works. Then we set off, headed out of Isfjorden. Before we get out of the fjord, we practice a man-overboard drill, as well as other sailing maneuvers.
Day 2: Along the coast of Spitsbergen
On the way out of Isfjorden we pass Isfjord Radio on Cape Linnaeus. This is a cozy hotel which used to be a radio station which was the Svalbard community’s only contact with the outside world. The journey continues south along the west coast of the island of Spitsbergen, and we plan to anchor in either Bellsund or Hornsund, to look around and stretch our legs. This area is characterized by the typical layered Svalbard mountains that are split by glaciers that calves in the sea. Most likely we will find enough wood to make a fire on the beach, and maybe we will get to do a short hike to one of the nearby peaks.
Day 3 - 4: From Sørkapp to Bjørnøya
We will sail the stretch from Sørkapp on Spitsbergen to Bjørnøya over a period of about 24 hours. After passing Sørkapp, there’s nothing between us and mainland Norway, except the small isolated island of Bjørnøya.
Day 5: Bjørnøya; the misty land in the middle of the sea
There are around 300 days of fog on Bjørnøya every year, so the island is not always easy to spot. This will make for an exciting approach! If conditions allow, we will go ashore and try to catch Barents cod in our secret fishing spots around the island. We’ll seek to find a fairly sheltered harbor somewhere around the island, so we get to rest at anchor.
Day 6 - 7: Between fishing boats and oil rigs from Bjørnøya
The second leg across the Barents Sea is busier than the first, and we will probably meet some fishing boats on the way. It takes approximately two days from when we leave Bjørnøya until we see the peaks on the mainland on the horizon, of course depending on the wind and the sea. This stretch is about 220 nautical miles of open sea, but with rich wildlife below sea level. We hope to see whales on the way, maybe have some dolphins following the boat, and the birds will stay with us all the time.
Day 8: Bye for now in Vadsø
We set off for the last leg early in the morning and arrive in Tromsø latest after breakfast this last day. We clean, pack and tidy ourselves off the boat and say goodbye by 10:00. Thanks for the ride and wonderful experience!
In Longyearbyen
We recommend everyone to stay a few days in Longyearbyen before the expedition. Longyearbyen is an exciting place, with a pleasant small community in the middle of the raw Arctic wilderness, with good opportunities for fun activities or culinary experiences.
Changes to the program
The program should be seen as a starting point, which we adapt depending on weather and conditions underway. We reserve the right to constantly improve the program for the better. With us along the way, we always have dinghies for beach landings and small expeditions. We have fishing equipment for the cod, and hiking equipment for bonfires and summit climbs – we are ready for adventure, are you?!
What is included?
- A trip experience with sailboat – experienced skipper with local knowledge on board
- Co-skipper and crew/guide on board
- All food we eat on board during the trip
- Our Comfort Package, which consists of accommodation on board in a shared double cabin (bunk or double bed) with a ready-made bed (warm and nice duvets and pillows!)
- An environmentally friendly, local, sustainable, unique, exotic and exclusive Norwegian adventure holiday
- A shared experience and friendship with like-minded adventurers from around the world
- A lot of time outdoors – raw and honest nature experiences
- Use of our shared equipment if available: dinghies, kayaks, fishing equipment, etc.
- All boat-related costs such as diesel, propane and harbor fees
- Personal safety equipment; Helly Hansen inflatable lifejacket
- Survival suit and Search and Rescue (SAR) Insurance for everyone on board
- Instruction, advice, guidance and practical training in boating and sailing
What is not included?
- Travel to and from the start/end location
- Optional meals at a cafes/restaurants during the trip
- Entrance to galleries, museums, or other alternative activities that you/we may come up with
- Rental of equipment and/or activities from external operators, ex. kayak, glacier hiking or surfing where possible
- Drinks such as wine, beer or exclusive apple juice and other luxuries (yes, we drink beer and wine on board, bring your own)
- Travel insurance and/or cancellation insurance – (up to you, but recommended!)
Important info
Travel
Deposit and payment
You only pay a deposit (NOK 6000) upon registration, the remainder of the payment is due 60 days prior to departure.
Safety and risk on board
We are all about people, and so we also take safety very seriously. On our trips we practice sail- and boat handling also for safety, and we spend time going through various situations that can arise at sea, how to handle them and how to avoid them.
On board a boat everyone must know what to do in critical situations and in the event of an emergency. Our philosophy is that partaking and participation builds safety. It is important for the safety of the whole boat that you are a participant on board, not just a passenger.
Therefore all our trips are to be considered sailing courses in addition to being great holidays and adventures: You are trained to make up the crew on board and so we build a capable team on board.
Feel free to contact us for a chat about safety and risk on our adventures.
Level of the trip
No sailing experience? No problem! Our sailing adventures welcome both novices and seasoned sailors for an inclusive and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re new to sailing or a salty sea dog, our trips cater to all levels.
We aim to transform beginners into sailors quickly while offering experienced participants greater responsibilities and challenges. Our mainland sailing journeys involve 44-50 feet boats navigating coastal and protected waters, occasionally crossing open stretches for excitement. Route adjustments based on weather and conditions ensure a safe and adaptable voyage.
Our trips aren’t overly strenuous – we rotate positions and tasks, so everyone gets a mix of hands-on sailing and time to relax. Staying active helps prevent seasickness, and if it strikes, it usually passes quickly. Weather up north is unpredictable, one moment it’s smooth sailing and the next the wind picks up, and you’re in the middle of a proper Arctic adventure. Be ready for anything from calm winds to rough weather – because that’s what makes the journey unforgettable!
What we expect from you
Our trips require a little effort from you who are joining – everyone on board must be ready to contribute and to give of themselves also socially; the more you open up, share and interest yourself in the others on board, the more enjoyable it gets.
When you’re sailing with us you will be taking part in the running of the ship and all that comes with it.
You will be sailing, docking, navigating, looking out for whales and icebergs, but also making food, serving others, doing dishes and helping clean the boat during the trip, and contributing in other ways when needed. On board we are all in the same boat and when all help out, the ship is most happy.
Our experience is that doing things together is what creates the best and most memorable moments and stories:)
Equipment and packing
As with all activities, there is plenty of special equipment and clothing for sailing. If you don’t have any of this, you will get very far with normal hiking/outdoor equipment. You do not need to buy a lot of new equipment to join our trips. Use what you have, borrow what you need from a friend, purchase used equipment, and if you have to invest in new equipment – buy quality items that will last! What you need is something waterproof and windproof on the outside, and layered warm clothing underneath.
Some jackets may not be waterproof “enough”, or might not perform too well in salt water, so you can consider a set of oilskin for the wettest days (available for rent or purchase on board). A pair of higher rubber boots for disembarking from the dinghy is very good to have, as well as indoor shoes below deck. Out at sea and in the Arctic it can be cold even in summer, so bring both swimwear and plenty of warm clothes. Well before departure, we will send you a detailed recommended packing list.
Read more and see our packing tips here:
PS: In a sailboat, you pack in a bag or sack, not in a rigid suitcase. 🙂
Food & cooking on board
On our trips, you will be part of the crew on board and get the chance to participate in all tasks for the operation of the boat. This includes cooking and preparing food – everyone take turns in the galley! Skippers and crew assist as much as they can along the way.
We have great menus with tasty, healthy and “boat-friendly” food, and for each trip we order provisions for all meals on board. If you have allergies or preferences, let us know in the registration form and we will take that into account as best as we can. You are also most welcome to bring any special food or drink with you. Why not bring some specialities from your country or region for the boat to enjoy?
During a weeklong trip we often sail by a good restaurant or two where we can have dinner on land. Some places we need to pre-book and we will then need to choose a menu before we arrive. More about all of this when you come on board!
Life on board & accommodation
Life on a sailboat is super social and fun, but it might feel a bit intimate at first. No worries though, that vibe usually fades after the first hour. Everyone chips in to run the boat, and we’re all part of the crew, which means quick bonding.
We’re keen to get to know you and hope you’ll connect with the rest of the crew. It takes some patience, generosity, and an open mind to thrive, but soon you’ll be focused on making new friends and enjoying raw nature experiences once sea life feels like home.
Sleeping arrangements in shared cabins with double or bunk beds can be a bit of a puzzle, but we’re pretty good at figuring it out. Let us know if you have preferences. You’re on your own for land accommodations before or after the trip.
The boat provides heating and good food, but fresh water isn’t always abundant. Water conservation means not showering every day, but when near freshwater sources, we make the most of it. But nothing beats a morning sea swim for that fresh feeling.
Safety and risk on our expeditions
As mentioned, we take safety very seriously. Even more so on our expeditions, as we then explore really remote waters and terrain, cross open oceans and sail into areas with additional risk factors such as sea ice or poor charts and uncharted waters. We deal with this by having an extra focus on the situations we may encounter among everyone on board, for each expedition. We sail in these remote areas only in the most optimal seasons; and we use larger and very solid boats for our expeditions. Which are both equipped and sized to cope with this type of expedition trips and waters very well.
We are absolutely certain that sailing is the safest and most accessible way to visit these very inaccessible places we go on our expeditions. However, all sailing in general, and particularly sailing in arctic regions and over open seas, involves a certain risk that you must be aware of when joining.
Level of the expedition
Some have their first sailing experience ever, joining us on an ocean crossing! Please note that our expeditions require a certain physical health and mobility level.
The boats we sail on our expeditions are larger, robust and sit well in the sea. On our sailing expeditions we both sail in more coastal, sheltered waters, and cross open stretches of waters. On some of our expeditions even ocean crossings over several days at sea. An incredibly wonderful and special experience!
Weather dictates our journey, and we adapt each expedition’s program accordingly, often allowing extra days for flexibility in assessing and choosing optimal weather windows. Despite planning and preparations, we can’t control the weather, so be prepared for various conditions. The proximity to nature’s forces on such expeditions is a rare and rewarding experience.
On expeditions, we sail with many participants, forming watch teams for a solid on board team spirit. Rotating watches around the clock ensures active involvement without overwhelming fatigue.
As everyone participates actively during the week or more on board, seasickness is rare. If you anticipate seasickness, consider bringing remedies, such as seasickness plasters, often effective for longer expeditions. Consult your doctor for advice on seasickness and any necessary medications. Feel free to ask us about seasickness as well.