Honningsvåg, Norway

Seabirds of Stappen Island

AN ARCTIC SEABIRD SAFARI Set out on a seafaring expedition to the Gjesvaerstappan Nature Reserve, a winged paradise for bird lovers. You will begin with a 40-minute drive to the village of Gjesvaer. Here, you will embark a small sightseeing boat and sail for 1¾ hours to Gjesvaerstappan Nature Reserve, a trio of steep-sided, grass-covered main islands—Storstappen, Kjerkestappen and Bukkstappen—and some 100 smaller ones. You might spot puffins, kittiwakes, arctic skua, big gannets and, if you are lucky, the stormy petrel, the smallest marine bird in Europe. Recent surveys on these precipitous cliffs might work in your favor: 600 pairs of razorbills and 50,000 pairs of Atlantic puffins have been counted here. Your boatman and guide will be on the lookout for birds and marine life. Note that landing on the islands is not permitted. If temperatures are cold, all-in-one body suits will be provided to keep you warm. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.