Top UK sites
Four birding hotspots for you to visit – in Suffolk, Yorkshire, Devon and Cornwall and the Highlands
Suffolk
Minsmere RSPB, of course, is one of the UK’s top birding sites, and a must-visit place. But why not make it the centrepiece of a wider exploration of the county? Numerous coastal heaths, such as Dunwich and Westleton, boast Dartford Warblers and Nightjars; estuaries right down to the Stour attract waders and wildlfowl. And there are some other great reserves – Carlton Marshes SWT is one that just keeps getting better.
Yorkshire
The coast is always worth watching at this time of year, with Bempton Cliffs offering unbelievable eye-level views of Gannets (above), Puffins and more, and Spurn peninsula getting migrant waders and passerines. But don’t forget inland sites – Wykeham Forest is a hidden gem, offering the chance to see the likes of Turtle Dove, plus Goshawk and Honey Buzzard from the raptor watchpoint, there.
DAY 1: Tues 17 May: Aberdeen
We embark MV Hondius in the afternoon and set sail northwards!
DAY 2: Wed 18 May:
Fair Isle
Perhaps at its most exciting in spring, just about anything might be here today! Birding for rarities is often rewarding; commoner seabirds are very accessible, and you will have a good list of auks, skuas, gulls and terns before we leave British waters.
DAYS 3 AND 4: Thurs 19 and Fri 20 May: At sea
We sail to the Norwegian island of Jan Mayen, 300 nautical miles north-east of Iceland. During our two days at sea there will be plenty
of time to watch for the blow of a Minke, Fin or Blue Whales. Perhaps we might see a pod of Orcas, which can be quite curious.
DAY 5: Sat 21 May:
Jan Mayen
A volcanic island of breath-taking beauty and mystique, dominated by Mt Beerenberg. From the slopes of the 2,300m volcano, impressive glaciers spill into the sea. We walk across the island to Kvalrossbukta to look at the remains of a 17th Century Dutch whaling station and a substantial colony of Fulmars.
DAYS 6, 7 AND 8: Sun 22, Mon 23 and Tues 24 May: On the edge of Arctic ice
In the midnight sun, we sail north along the edge of the sea-ice, looking out for Bowhead Whale, Harp Seal, Polar Bear and a variety of seabirds, until we sail west to Spitsbergen, with good chances to see Fin Whale and, near the mouths of the big Spitsbergen fjords, Minke Whale.
DAY 9: Wed 25 May: Svalbard
Depending on sea-ice, we cruise the maze of fjords amid magnificent glaciers and spectacular scenery. The area is renowned for its abundant and varied wildlife, and we have good chances of seals and of course the very symbol of the Arctic – Polar Bear. Cliffs are lined with Brünnich’s Guillemots and Puffins (the world’s largest individuals) and on the tundra Barnacle Geese and Snow Bunting. We expect to see Walrus at a convenient haulout, and have chances of King and Steller’s Eiders.
DAY 10: Thurs 26 May: Svalbard
We disembark in Longyearbyen, for flights south to Oslo and onward home.
You may wish to extend your holiday by remaining aboard Hondius, continuing with a second voyage based entirely in Svalbard, to further explore the rugged coastline and fjords of this magical land. We have negotiated very advantageous prices for this voyage as an extension, and of course, your entire trip is covered by our services, including ATOL Protection.
The 80-cabin MV Hondius is ideal. Meeting the latest and highest standards, Hondius represents the most flexible, advanced, innovative touring vessel in the polar regions, thoroughly optimized for exploratory voyages that provide you the utmost first-hand contact with the Arctic. All cabins have either window or porthole, private shower and toilet, desk and chair, flatscreen TV, telephone and internet connection, hair dryer and ample storage space. Our website links to ship information, and after consulting the deck plan, contact us to reserve the specific cabin of your choice!