Expedition 2020

THE HOPE EXPEDITION AN EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE

Hope Expedition

June 24th – July 1st 2025

Mission: Become an Ocean Ambassador to help the creation of Marine Protected Areas within the Hope Spot area.

(4 days at sea + 3 days onshore, plus up to two more nights onboard Ópal before and after the expedition)

Price: 1900 Euros. (1800 Euros if you are under 25 years old!). Included: 4 days sailing + 3 day immersive on-land program, food, warm sailing suit and professional crew.

Flights and transportation to Húsavík are not included, but we can help you to arrange the best transport deals on the island.

Feel the ACTION!

After overwhelming success, this will be the second year that we celebrate our newly declared Hope Spot in style with an unforgettable and unique expedition. Did you miss out on coming last year? This is your new opportunity. Don’t hesitate! Come with us and discover this place so wonderful it has been pointed out by Sylvia Earle and her organization Mission Blue as one of the places in the world that MUST be protected at all costs, becoming the First Hope Spot in Iceland: the Northeast Iceland Hope Spot.

Our mission with this expedition is to gather valuable information about the status of the marine ecosystems and its wildlife in order to provide scientific proof of the importance of these fragile marine ecosystems and the need of implementing marine protected areas.

What are Hope Spots?

According to Mission Blue, Hope Spots are ecologically unique areas of the ocean designated for protection because of their critical biological importance / biodiversity values! The ultimate goal of Mission Blue is to help local communities to emphasize important marine areas from a biodiversity point of view in order to achieve the protection of at least 30% of the oceans by 2030. The movement refers to efforts by the global community to conserve 30% of terrestrial and marine habitat by 2030.

Take a deep breath and immerse yourself into a full mind-blowing experience in wild Iceland. Hold fast and sail Schooner Opal into some of the most unexplored and remote landscapes in the North of Iceland, like hidden wild spots or the edge of the Arctic on Grímsey Island. This route is of special interest due to its high biodiversity and wildlife at this time of the year, including some of the biggest seabird colonies in the world, different species of seals, dolphins and whales.

The Hope Expedition Program. June 8th – 14th 2024 (7 days)

STAY WILD!

Join us on this unique experience to celebrate together the declaration of the Northeast Iceland Hope Spot!

HIGHLIGHTS

Four days sailing aboard Schooner Opal
Best time of the year for wildlife encounters
Best hidden spots for birdlife (only accessible by boat)
Eternal daylight to explore and infinite sunsets
Dedicated extensive citizen science program to study the Hope Spot area
Explore a deeper connection within yourself and with nature thanks to our collaboration with Piratas do Amor
Take part in microplastic data collection, beach clean ups, whale research and more…
Discover the home and heart of Ocean Missions in Húsavík
All the way! Participate in everything from data collection to results
Join us in the effort to create a marine protected area
Be part of a short documentary film to promote Hope Spot.

About RAÍSSA

Raíssa dedicates her life to exploring fear, love, and freedom through the wisdom of Nature. Born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, she chose the ocean as her home and mentor. Since youth, her path has been dedicated to aiding the planetary awakening. At 23, she began her journey as a facilitator, free educator, and pirate therapist. For over a decade, she has guided countless individuals in their journeys of self-creation, love and reconnection to nature.

Together with her partner Christof, she founded Piratas do Amor in 2018 and they offer voyages at sea to reconnect us to our own nature and together, leave a better trace on Earth.

“In essence, to be the change we wish to see in the world, we must rediscover our human nature, navigating the inner ocean with mastery and reclaiming the helm of our own lives.” – Raíssa Teles

SAIL THE UNIQUE HOPE SPOT AREA!

SAILING PROGRAM

Join our scientists, photographers and experts on the mission to explore the valuable marine and coastal habitats of the Hope Spot Area to gather critical scientific data to justify the importance of protecting these waters.

Possible destinations: Siglufjörður, Eyjafjörður- Grímsey- Skjálfandi Bay, Mánáreyjar Islands, Lundey… and other abandoned fjords and hidden places.

Aim: We will focus on the Hope Spot area. We will explore the natural wonders and gather valuable scientific information to argue the value of this natural habitat.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

Wildlife
Wild islands with thriving bird life, remote beaches, breathtaking mountains, dramatic landscapes and crossing the Arctic Circle…Incredible bird colonies (Atlantic puffins, Northern gannets, guillemots, arctic terns…), big whales (humpback whales, minke whales, perhaps blue whales? ) and hands on experience of traditional sailing!

Science
We will study birds, whales, plastic pollution, plankton and eDNA samplings.

Sail with a purpose
Be part of a short documentary film and raise your voice for ocean protection. Navigate the waters inside with Raissa of Piratas do Amor and become more aware of yourself and what surrounds you with her amazing self-discovering program. Be part of this exciting wave of change that we have created! All voices matter.

ON SHORE PROGRAM (BASED IN HÚSAVIK)

For three full days you will be immersed in the heart and home of the Ocean Missions team. We‘ll introduce you to our lovely whale community, and our lovely harbour and facilities. Opal will still be your home and we are preparing a meaningful program for you to learn everything you need to become an Ocean ambassador.

Location: Húsavík, our home town!

Húsavík, the so-called “Whale Town” of Iceland is a small, charming fishing town with 2500 inhabitants in the Northeast of Iceland. It is one of the best destinations worldwide to see whales in the immensely biodiverse Skjálfandi Bay.

Margaret Mead said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

Price: 1900 Euros. (1800 Euros if you are under 25 years old!). Included: 4 days sailing + 3 day immersive on-land program, up to 9 nights live aboard (one night before and after the expedition onboard Ópal, optional) food, warm sailing suit, professional crew and assistance on travelling in Iceland.

Flights and transportation to Húsavík are not included, but we can help you to arrange the best transport deals on the island.

Notice that this is not to make us rich! Your contribution will be used to cover basic costs of this operation: the boat rental, insurances, food, equipment, fuel, crew etc. The rest will be designated to maintain the NGO and develop educational programs with the schools and small communities in Iceland.

Sail training and Traditions

Traditional sailing is one of our main passions and we want to share that with you! Opal Schooner is a strong and elegant wooden schooner with an authentic spirit and strong personality, definitely made for adventures! With her 10 sails and her hybrid propulsion system (diesel- electric-) she offers the perfect platform for our mission. Plus, she is cozy and warm inside. Everyone falls in love with her. Once you are onboard this will be your home and the people become your family. You become ONE with the ship and the elements. Sometimes, you will be leading the navigation, being part of the watches systems, climbing the rig, and of course sail handling, all done at old style. By transmitting this knowledge our aim is to keep the sailing traditions and the inspiration´s for the sea, ALIVE!