Bellingshausen Sea / Peter I Island + Ellsworth Land - incl. helicopters
All departures of this tripCRUISE ID # OCEANWIDEOTL27-27
Ushuaia TO Ushuaia
All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions and in order to take advantage of opportunities to see wildlife. The on-board expedition leader determines the final itinerary. Itineraries may mention places that require permission to land, which must be granted by the relevant national authorities. Such permission is not granted prior to the publishing of these itineraries. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. The average cruising speed of m/v Ortelius is 10.5 knots.
During these voyages, we transfer our passengers to shore using Zodiacs. We also operate our two helicopters in sites where Zodiacs cannot be used. A specific amount of helicopter time cannot be guaranteed in advance. Helicopters provide us a great advantage in reaching certain landing sites that are otherwise almost inaccessible, but this is a true expedition in the world’s most remote area: weather, ice, and other forces of nature dictate the final itinerary. Conditions may change rapidly, impacting helicopter operations. Please understand and accept this. Safety is our greatest concern, and no compromises can be made. The vessel is equipped with two helicopters. If one helicopter is unable to fly for whatever reason, helicopter operations will cease or be cancelled. One helicopter always needs to be supported by a second functioning helicopter. No guarantees can be given, and in no event will claims be accepted.
$24,500
WITH SPECIAL SAVINGS APPLIED
FARES SHOWN ARE PER GUEST
Suites & Fares
CHOOSE START DATE
: January 14, 2027
Itinerary
Your voyage begins where the world drops off. Ushuaia, Argentina, reputed to be the southernmost city on the planet, is located on the far southern tip of South America. Starting in the afternoon, you embark from this small resort town on Tierra del Fuego, nicknamed “The End of the World,” and sail the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel for the remainder of the evening.
Over the next two days on the Drake Passage, you enjoy some of the same experiences encountered by the great polar explorers who first charted these regions: cool salt breezes, rolling seas, maybe even a fin whale spouting up sea spray. After passing the Antarctic Convergence – Antarctica’s natural boundary, formed when north-flowing cold waters collide with warmer sub-Antarctic seas – you are in the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone. Not only does the marine life change, the avian life changes too. Wandering albatrosses, grey-headed albatrosses, black-browed albatrosses, light-mantled sooty albatrosses, cape pigeons, southern fulmars, Wilson’s storm petrels, blue petrels, and Antarctic petrels are a few of the birds you might see.
Over the next two days on the Drake Passage, you enjoy some of the same experiences encountered by the great polar explorers who first charted these regions: cool salt breezes, rolling seas, maybe even a fin whale spouting up sea spray. After passing the Antarctic Convergence – Antarctica’s natural boundary, formed when north-flowing cold waters collide with warmer sub-Antarctic seas – you are in the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone. Not only does the marine life change, the avian life changes too. Wandering albatrosses, grey-headed albatrosses, black-browed albatrosses, light-mantled sooty albatrosses, cape pigeons, southern fulmars, Wilson’s storm petrels, blue petrels, and Antarctic petrels are a few of the birds you might see.
Following in the footsteps of the famous Belgian explorer Adrien de Gerlache, we hope to land at Auguste Island, which was also the first landing site of the expedition team aboard Belgica during their 1898 expedition.
Another possible landing is Hydrurga Rocks, a small group of islets located east of the much larger Two Hummock Island. Hydrurga Rocks offers a chance to spot Adélie and chinstrap penguins, as well as Weddell seals, leopard seals, and southern elephant seals. Occasionally, humpback whales and Antarctic minke whales may also be seen in the surrounding waters.
As we continue exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, heading south, we may visit some of the following locations:
Charlotte Bay – where we hope to make our first continental landing at Portal Point.
Cuverville Island – A small, precipitous island nestled between the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula and Rongé Island, Cuverville is home to a large colony of gentoo penguins and breeding pairs of brown skuas.
Danco Island – Activities here may focus on the gentoo penguins nesting on the island, along with the Weddell and crabeater seals that can be found nearby.
Following in the footsteps of the famous Belgian explorer Adrien de Gerlache, we hope to land at Auguste Island, which was also the first landing site of the expedition team aboard Belgica during their 1898 expedition.
Another possible landing is Hydrurga Rocks, a small group of islets located east of the much larger Two Hummock Island. Hydrurga Rocks offers a chance to spot Adélie and chinstrap penguins, as well as Weddell seals, leopard seals, and southern elephant seals. Occasionally, humpback whales and Antarctic minke whales may also be seen in the surrounding waters.
As we continue exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, heading south, we may visit some of the following locations:
Charlotte Bay – where we hope to make our first continental landing at Portal Point.
Cuverville Island – A small, precipitous island nestled between the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula and Rongé Island, Cuverville is home to a large colony of gentoo penguins and breeding pairs of brown skuas.
Danco Island – Activities here may focus on the gentoo penguins nesting on the island, along with the Weddell and crabeater seals that can be found nearby.
Following in the footsteps of the famous Belgian explorer Adrien de Gerlache, we hope to land at Auguste Island, which was also the first landing site of the expedition team aboard Belgica during their 1898 expedition.
Another possible landing is Hydrurga Rocks, a small group of islets located east of the much larger Two Hummock Island. Hydrurga Rocks offers a chance to spot Adélie and chinstrap penguins, as well as Weddell seals, leopard seals, and southern elephant seals. Occasionally, humpback whales and Antarctic minke whales may also be seen in the surrounding waters.
As we continue exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, heading south, we may visit some of the following locations:
Charlotte Bay – where we hope to make our first continental landing at Portal Point.
Cuverville Island – A small, precipitous island nestled between the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula and Rongé Island, Cuverville is home to a large colony of gentoo penguins and breeding pairs of brown skuas.
Danco Island – Activities here may focus on the gentoo penguins nesting on the island, along with the Weddell and crabeater seals that can be found nearby.
We arrive at Flandres Bay, where we hope to land at Renard Island. Renard Island is a steep and rugged island, named after Alphonse Renard, one of the major scientific backers of Adrien de Gerlache’s expedition. It was noted as the final landing site of the expedition vessel Belgica along the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Crossing the Antarctic Circle, we arrive in the stunning area of Crystal Sound, where we hope to see a range of Antarctic wildlife and witness the sheer scale of the Antarctic landscape, with its vast expanses of ice and towering mountains. If conditions allow, we will land on Detaille Island, a listed historic monument and former research station. The station remains as it was left, offering a rare glimpse into the early days of scientific research in Antarctica, set against breathtaking scenery.
Pourquoi-Pas Island / Horseshoe Island
A visit to one or both of these islands further deepens our appreciation of the pioneering expeditions of the past. Pourquoi-Pas Island, named by the famous explorer and scientist Jean-Baptiste Charcot, is often home to penguins and seals. It offers a hike ashore and the opportunity to see glaciers that shape the island’s topography.
Horseshoe Island is also home to an abandoned research base, where the "Mary Celeste"-like buildings provide an insight into a bygone era of scientific exploration. This was a site of pioneering research and long-distance expeditions using dog teams, and the remains of the kennels can still be seen. This island is a favorite among our staff and guests, offering breathtaking views of the vast landscapes and harsh conditions that once served as home for researchers. The landscape of Horseshoe Island never disappoints.
Stonington Island
A site of significant research activity from the 1930s to the 1970s, Stonington Island was home to both American and British research bases. It features a range of historic buildings and artifacts, telling the story of Antarctic exploration. Once connected to the Antarctic mainland by snow and ice, this sobering site now stands as a powerful reminder of Antarctica’s remoteness and its delicate balance between human history and untamed wilderness. The wildlife, vast natural beauty, and man-made structures combine to make this an unforgettable place, sure to leave a lasting impression.
Red Rock Ridge
A landing site on the Antarctic mainland, Red Rock Ridge is visible from some distance, with its striking red-hued rocks standing out against the icy backdrop. If conditions are favorable, we will attempt a landing here. Adélie penguins have a breeding colony in the area, and we also hope to see seals and Antarctic shags, which nest nearby.
Crossing the Antarctic Circle, we arrive in the stunning area of Crystal Sound, where we hope to see a range of Antarctic wildlife and witness the sheer scale of the Antarctic landscape, with its vast expanses of ice and towering mountains. If conditions allow, we will land on Detaille Island, a listed historic monument and former research station. The station remains as it was left, offering a rare glimpse into the early days of scientific research in Antarctica, set against breathtaking scenery.
Pourquoi-Pas Island / Horseshoe Island
A visit to one or both of these islands further deepens our appreciation of the pioneering expeditions of the past. Pourquoi-Pas Island, named by the famous explorer and scientist Jean-Baptiste Charcot, is often home to penguins and seals. It offers a hike ashore and the opportunity to see glaciers that shape the island’s topography.
Horseshoe Island is also home to an abandoned research base, where the "Mary Celeste"-like buildings provide an insight into a bygone era of scientific exploration. This was a site of pioneering research and long-distance expeditions using dog teams, and the remains of the kennels can still be seen. This island is a favorite among our staff and guests, offering breathtaking views of the vast landscapes and harsh conditions that once served as home for researchers. The landscape of Horseshoe Island never disappoints.
Stonington Island
A site of significant research activity from the 1930s to the 1970s, Stonington Island was home to both American and British research bases. It features a range of historic buildings and artifacts, telling the story of Antarctic exploration. Once connected to the Antarctic mainland by snow and ice, this sobering site now stands as a powerful reminder of Antarctica’s remoteness and its delicate balance between human history and untamed wilderness. The wildlife, vast natural beauty, and man-made structures combine to make this an unforgettable place, sure to leave a lasting impression.
Red Rock Ridge
A landing site on the Antarctic mainland, Red Rock Ridge is visible from some distance, with its striking red-hued rocks standing out against the icy backdrop. If conditions are favorable, we will attempt a landing here. Adélie penguins have a breeding colony in the area, and we also hope to see seals and Antarctic shags, which nest nearby.
Crossing the Antarctic Circle, we arrive in the stunning area of Crystal Sound, where we hope to see a range of Antarctic wildlife and witness the sheer scale of the Antarctic landscape, with its vast expanses of ice and towering mountains. If conditions allow, we will land on Detaille Island, a listed historic monument and former research station. The station remains as it was left, offering a rare glimpse into the early days of scientific research in Antarctica, set against breathtaking scenery.
Pourquoi-Pas Island / Horseshoe Island
A visit to one or both of these islands further deepens our appreciation of the pioneering expeditions of the past. Pourquoi-Pas Island, named by the famous explorer and scientist Jean-Baptiste Charcot, is often home to penguins and seals. It offers a hike ashore and the opportunity to see glaciers that shape the island’s topography.
Horseshoe Island is also home to an abandoned research base, where the "Mary Celeste"-like buildings provide an insight into a bygone era of scientific exploration. This was a site of pioneering research and long-distance expeditions using dog teams, and the remains of the kennels can still be seen. This island is a favorite among our staff and guests, offering breathtaking views of the vast landscapes and harsh conditions that once served as home for researchers. The landscape of Horseshoe Island never disappoints.
Stonington Island
A site of significant research activity from the 1930s to the 1970s, Stonington Island was home to both American and British research bases. It features a range of historic buildings and artifacts, telling the story of Antarctic exploration. Once connected to the Antarctic mainland by snow and ice, this sobering site now stands as a powerful reminder of Antarctica’s remoteness and its delicate balance between human history and untamed wilderness. The wildlife, vast natural beauty, and man-made structures combine to make this an unforgettable place, sure to leave a lasting impression.
Red Rock Ridge
A landing site on the Antarctic mainland, Red Rock Ridge is visible from some distance, with its striking red-hued rocks standing out against the icy backdrop. If conditions are favorable, we will attempt a landing here. Adélie penguins have a breeding colony in the area, and we also hope to see seals and Antarctic shags, which nest nearby.
Crossing the Antarctic Circle, we arrive in the stunning area of Crystal Sound, where we hope to see a range of Antarctic wildlife and witness the sheer scale of the Antarctic landscape, with its vast expanses of ice and towering mountains. If conditions allow, we will land on Detaille Island, a listed historic monument and former research station. The station remains as it was left, offering a rare glimpse into the early days of scientific research in Antarctica, set against breathtaking scenery.
Pourquoi-Pas Island / Horseshoe Island
A visit to one or both of these islands further deepens our appreciation of the pioneering expeditions of the past. Pourquoi-Pas Island, named by the famous explorer and scientist Jean-Baptiste Charcot, is often home to penguins and seals. It offers a hike ashore and the opportunity to see glaciers that shape the island’s topography.
Horseshoe Island is also home to an abandoned research base, where the "Mary Celeste"-like buildings provide an insight into a bygone era of scientific exploration. This was a site of pioneering research and long-distance expeditions using dog teams, and the remains of the kennels can still be seen. This island is a favorite among our staff and guests, offering breathtaking views of the vast landscapes and harsh conditions that once served as home for researchers. The landscape of Horseshoe Island never disappoints.
Stonington Island
A site of significant research activity from the 1930s to the 1970s, Stonington Island was home to both American and British research bases. It features a range of historic buildings and artifacts, telling the story of Antarctic exploration. Once connected to the Antarctic mainland by snow and ice, this sobering site now stands as a powerful reminder of Antarctica’s remoteness and its delicate balance between human history and untamed wilderness. The wildlife, vast natural beauty, and man-made structures combine to make this an unforgettable place, sure to leave a lasting impression.
Red Rock Ridge
A landing site on the Antarctic mainland, Red Rock Ridge is visible from some distance, with its striking red-hued rocks standing out against the icy backdrop. If conditions are favorable, we will attempt a landing here. Adélie penguins have a breeding colony in the area, and we also hope to see seals and Antarctic shags, which nest nearby.
As the ship heads farther south, we will keep a keen watch for the giants of the sea, as well as some lesser-seen wildlife, such as the elusive Ross seal. We are now entering a region of true exploration, where few have ventured before.
As the ship heads farther south, we will keep a keen watch for the giants of the sea, as well as some lesser-seen wildlife, such as the elusive Ross seal. We are now entering a region of true exploration, where few have ventured before.
As the ship heads farther south, we will keep a keen watch for the giants of the sea, as well as some lesser-seen wildlife, such as the elusive Ross seal. We are now entering a region of true exploration, where few have ventured before.
We hope to enter the Ronne Entrance, an area first recorded during the aerial flights of Lincoln Ellsworth and later charted by the British Graham Land Expedition. This remote region is rarely visited, and we will aim to land in one of the world’s most isolated places, using either Zodiacs or helicopters. As ice and weather conditions can vary significantly, our Expedition Leader will determine the best options for activities in this area.
Along Ellsworth Land, we will attempt to find a suitable landing site, either by Zodiac or helicopter. As always, this depends on weather conditions and will be decided by the Expedition Leader.
We hope to enter the Ronne Entrance, an area first recorded during the aerial flights of Lincoln Ellsworth and later charted by the British Graham Land Expedition. This remote region is rarely visited, and we will aim to land in one of the world’s most isolated places, using either Zodiacs or helicopters. As ice and weather conditions can vary significantly, our Expedition Leader will determine the best options for activities in this area.
Along Ellsworth Land, we will attempt to find a suitable landing site, either by Zodiac or helicopter. As always, this depends on weather conditions and will be decided by the Expedition Leader.
We hope to enter the Ronne Entrance, an area first recorded during the aerial flights of Lincoln Ellsworth and later charted by the British Graham Land Expedition. This remote region is rarely visited, and we will aim to land in one of the world’s most isolated places, using either Zodiacs or helicopters. As ice and weather conditions can vary significantly, our Expedition Leader will determine the best options for activities in this area.
Along Ellsworth Land, we will attempt to find a suitable landing site, either by Zodiac or helicopter. As always, this depends on weather conditions and will be decided by the Expedition Leader.
We hope to enter the Ronne Entrance, an area first recorded during the aerial flights of Lincoln Ellsworth and later charted by the British Graham Land Expedition. This remote region is rarely visited, and we will aim to land in one of the world’s most isolated places, using either Zodiacs or helicopters. As ice and weather conditions can vary significantly, our Expedition Leader will determine the best options for activities in this area.
Along Ellsworth Land, we will attempt to find a suitable landing site, either by Zodiac or helicopter. As always, this depends on weather conditions and will be decided by the Expedition Leader.
Known as Peter I Øy in Norwegian, this uninhabited volcanic island lies in the Bellingshausen Sea. It was discovered by Fabian von Bellingshausen in 1821 and named after Peter the Great of Russia. Though the island is claimed by Norway as its own territory, it is rarely visited by passenger vessels due to its remote and exposed nature.
Landing here is challenging, but if weather and ice conditions permit, you may have the extraordinary opportunity to land via helicopter on the glaciated northern part of the island. This is a truly unique chance to set foot on one of the most remote islands in the world.
Known as Peter I Øy in Norwegian, this uninhabited volcanic island lies in the Bellingshausen Sea. It was discovered by Fabian von Bellingshausen in 1821 and named after Peter the Great of Russia. Though the island is claimed by Norway as its own territory, it is rarely visited by passenger vessels due to its remote and exposed nature.
Landing here is challenging, but if weather and ice conditions permit, you may have the extraordinary opportunity to land via helicopter on the glaciated northern part of the island. This is a truly unique chance to set foot on one of the most remote islands in the world.
After our unforgettable time exploring the remote and rarely visited Peter I Island, we set our course northward, leaving Antarctica behind as we sail across the Bellingshausen Sea and into the vast Southern Ocean.
As the ship pushes through the Antarctic waters, our onboard experts will continue to host engaging lectures, covering topics such as the history of Antarctic exploration and marine ecosystems on this delicate environment.
Wildlife remains a constant companion as we sail. Keep an eye out for wandering albatrosses gliding effortlessly above the waves, storm petrels skimming the water’s surface, and occasional sightings of whales—including humpbacks and possibly even blue whales—feasting in these nutrient-rich waters.
The vast Drake Passage stretches before us, marking our final stretch before reaching South America.
Over the following days on the Drake Passage, you enjoy some of the same experiences encountered by the great polar explorers who first charted these regions: cool salt breezes, rolling seas, maybe even a fin whale spouting up sea spray.
After passing the Antarctic Convergence – Antarctica’s natural boundary, formed when north-flowing cold waters collide with warmer sub-Antarctic seas – you are in the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone.
Wandering albatrosses, grey-headed albatrosses, black-browed albatrosses, light-mantled sooty albatrosses, cape pigeons, southern fulmars, Wilson’s storm petrels, blue petrels, and Antarctic petrels are a few of the birds you might see.
After our unforgettable time exploring the remote and rarely visited Peter I Island, we set our course northward, leaving Antarctica behind as we sail across the Bellingshausen Sea and into the vast Southern Ocean.
As the ship pushes through the Antarctic waters, our onboard experts will continue to host engaging lectures, covering topics such as the history of Antarctic exploration and marine ecosystems on this delicate environment.
Wildlife remains a constant companion as we sail. Keep an eye out for wandering albatrosses gliding effortlessly above the waves, storm petrels skimming the water’s surface, and occasional sightings of whales—including humpbacks and possibly even blue whales—feasting in these nutrient-rich waters.
The vast Drake Passage stretches before us, marking our final stretch before reaching South America.
Over the following days on the Drake Passage, you enjoy some of the same experiences encountered by the great polar explorers who first charted these regions: cool salt breezes, rolling seas, maybe even a fin whale spouting up sea spray.
After passing the Antarctic Convergence – Antarctica’s natural boundary, formed when north-flowing cold waters collide with warmer sub-Antarctic seas – you are in the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone.
Wandering albatrosses, grey-headed albatrosses, black-browed albatrosses, light-mantled sooty albatrosses, cape pigeons, southern fulmars, Wilson’s storm petrels, blue petrels, and Antarctic petrels are a few of the birds you might see.
After our unforgettable time exploring the remote and rarely visited Peter I Island, we set our course northward, leaving Antarctica behind as we sail across the Bellingshausen Sea and into the vast Southern Ocean.
As the ship pushes through the Antarctic waters, our onboard experts will continue to host engaging lectures, covering topics such as the history of Antarctic exploration and marine ecosystems on this delicate environment.
Wildlife remains a constant companion as we sail. Keep an eye out for wandering albatrosses gliding effortlessly above the waves, storm petrels skimming the water’s surface, and occasional sightings of whales—including humpbacks and possibly even blue whales—feasting in these nutrient-rich waters.
The vast Drake Passage stretches before us, marking our final stretch before reaching South America.
Over the following days on the Drake Passage, you enjoy some of the same experiences encountered by the great polar explorers who first charted these regions: cool salt breezes, rolling seas, maybe even a fin whale spouting up sea spray.
After passing the Antarctic Convergence – Antarctica’s natural boundary, formed when north-flowing cold waters collide with warmer sub-Antarctic seas – you are in the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone.
Wandering albatrosses, grey-headed albatrosses, black-browed albatrosses, light-mantled sooty albatrosses, cape pigeons, southern fulmars, Wilson’s storm petrels, blue petrels, and Antarctic petrels are a few of the birds you might see.
After our unforgettable time exploring the remote and rarely visited Peter I Island, we set our course northward, leaving Antarctica behind as we sail across the Bellingshausen Sea and into the vast Southern Ocean.
As the ship pushes through the Antarctic waters, our onboard experts will continue to host engaging lectures, covering topics such as the history of Antarctic exploration and marine ecosystems on this delicate environment.
Wildlife remains a constant companion as we sail. Keep an eye out for wandering albatrosses gliding effortlessly above the waves, storm petrels skimming the water’s surface, and occasional sightings of whales—including humpbacks and possibly even blue whales—feasting in these nutrient-rich waters.
The vast Drake Passage stretches before us, marking our final stretch before reaching South America.
Over the following days on the Drake Passage, you enjoy some of the same experiences encountered by the great polar explorers who first charted these regions: cool salt breezes, rolling seas, maybe even a fin whale spouting up sea spray.
After passing the Antarctic Convergence – Antarctica’s natural boundary, formed when north-flowing cold waters collide with warmer sub-Antarctic seas – you are in the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone.
Wandering albatrosses, grey-headed albatrosses, black-browed albatrosses, light-mantled sooty albatrosses, cape pigeons, southern fulmars, Wilson’s storm petrels, blue petrels, and Antarctic petrels are a few of the birds you might see.
Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. It’s now time to disembark in Ushuaia, reputed to be the southernmost town in the world, and return home with memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.
About the Ship
Name
m/v Ortelius
Operator
Oceanwide Expeditions
Fortified for both poles of the planet, the ice-strengthened Ortelius is the ideal polar vessel for your Arctic or Antarctic expedition
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We serve buffet-style breakfasts on board our motor vessels, and lunches are often buffets as well. Our dinners can also be offered in a buffet-style or are served at the tables and include a choice of main courses.
Daily programs: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Furthermore there are informative lectures hosted by expedition staff. There is also a possibility for the passenger to relax in the lounge with a drink and enjoy the spectacular views.
There are no health/fitness facilities on board.
Kayaking, snowshoeing, mountaineering, camping, scuba diving, and much more – our activities are as exciting as they are numerous.We provide much of the equipment you’ll need, and our fleet of Zodiacs will shuttle you to and from all outings with utmost speed and safety. Should you need more of a lift, we even bring our own helicopters on select Ortelius cruises.
It isn’t just the landscape you will experience, it’s also the immense and indelible world of wildlife that calls that landscape home. Allow us to acquaint you with the real polar survivalists that make these far-flung regions truly come alive.
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Zodiac cruising instructions
The ....
All of our polar voyages provide you maximum firsthand contact with local wildlife and terrain, but it is our intimate knowledge of the seas that allows us to also give you an unparalleled adventure below the waves.
Join us on one of our Arctic or Antarctic diving cruises, true expeditions in every sense of the word, during which you will have access to some of the most scenic dive sites in the polar regions.
With this exciting ac....
Interested in something slightly more adventurous than shoreline walks and wildlife watching? Our ski mountaineering trips give you an invigorating up-close experience of the rugged peaks and majestic mountains flanking the high Arctic fjords.
Along the way, you’ll be able to enjoy all the usual perks of polar expedition cruising: expansive scenery, exploratory outings, and the chance to see all manner of exotic Arctic wildlife.
Ou....
There’s no closer way to explore a new area than on your own two feet. With this in mind, we offer a number of hiking expeditions built for all levels of hiker – from the casual walker to the hard-core hiking enthusiast.
Do you need to be an experienced hiker?
For basic walks, you just need to be in reasonably good shape and health. Hikes usually last somewhere between two and six hours. Keep in mind there are no paths and t....
Photography trips
You might find mere words failing to express to your friends what it meant to you to get in touch with the pristine beauty of the Polar Regions. But you might also be worried that you’re no world-class photographer and that your pictures aren’t going to live up to your Arctic or Antarctic experience.
Not to worry. Select voyages have pro photographers on board who are happy to share their experience and exp....
Explore the Arctic and Antarctic coastline in a kayak.
One of the best things about a polar voyage is that you’re never done exploring. Even if you think you have walked every shore, climbed every mountain, and spotted every penguin (or polar bear), there is still a whole other world to explore on the water.Polar kayaking is a great way to tour the blue-and-white beauty of the polar seas up close, visiting stunning ice formations and wat....
Snowshoeing in the Arctic and Antarctica
There really is no better way to take in a new place than by exploring it on foot. With that in mind Oceanwide Expeditions offers you the chance to explore your way inland from the Polar shorelines with a wide variety of snowshoeing expeditions built for everyone. From the casual explorer to the hard-core snowshoe-er.
Do I need to be experienced? How physically fit do I need to be?
Explore the Antarctic highlands
If you’re looking to push yourself a little further on your polar voyage, mountaineering could be just what you’re after. This exhilarating activity lets you venture beyond the shorelines and into Antarctica’s higher ground, gaining vistas and viewpoints unavailable anywhere else.
Do I have to be in great physical shape for mountaineering?
You must be fit and have stamina enough t....
For those craving a truly immersive polar adventure, our open-air camping activity gives you the chance to experience the Antarctic wilderness as few travelers have.
We provide the necessary camping gear, including breathable bivouac bags that are wind and waterproof and a lightweight alternative to tents. And our polar sleeping bags will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable during the enchanting Antarctic night.
All campers will be....
Helicopter Operation & procedures
Before flights (and sometimes before entering the helicopter), you will be briefed on the loc....
There are no dedicated children's facilities on board.
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Unfortunately, we’re only able to provide voyages to passengers who meet a certain level of physical ability. Rough seas, rugged terrain, and physically demanding weather conditions are all commonly encountered during our voyages, which can at times be challenging even for people in peak physical fitness.
The added difficulty of a wheelchair or other physical disability, therefor, could prevent us from making safe and timely shore landin....
The choice of clothing for cold temperatures during your Arctic or Antarctica expedition cruise is a very special matter. It depends on your individual experience whether to take warm clothes with you.
Our advice is to take warm, wind and waterproof clothes with you during the expedition. Multiple layers of medium-warmth clothing provide more insulation than a single heavier article – this is due to warm air getting trapped in between th....
Ortelius has internet and phone facilities (subject to satellite connection and coverage). Wi-Fi access is available throughout the ship. There are also two computer stations available for public use. You can either purchase full access to the internet in various numerations or purchase a ship email account for the duration of the voyage. We even run a cell network on board that allows you to use your mobile phone, subject to VSAT connection.<....
We are required to keep a minimum distance from all wildlife. This distance may vary depending on the species, but the aim is always to reduce the possibility of disturbing the animals while also keeping our passengers safe. Your expedition guides will inform you as to the distance we are required to keep from various animals.
Sometimes curious wildlife (such as penguins and young seals) may approach you, but we ask that you refrain from....
- Avoid unnecessary damage to the ground surface and vegetarian cover, as regeneration rates are extremely slow. Do not take specimens from plants. Do not pick flowers.
- Avoid disturbing or feeding the wildlife. Be aware of your activities and whether they are resulting in a change of the animals' behaviour. Be aware that Rabies does occur on Spitsbergen, particularly in Arctic Foxes. Be careful when moving in areas where bird....
You can travel if you are pregnant, although with certain restrictions. Please first consult your gynecologist and obtain all necessary medical advice before booking or making a voyage with Oceanwide Expeditions.
Also, be aware that we may not be able to provide you a voyage at all if your pregnancy has advanced beyond a certain point (usually 29 to 36 weeks, depending on your circumstances). Our onboard infirmaries are not equipped to a....
We are all guests in the polar regions, which means we must do everything we can to leave these incredible areas as untouched by our passage as possible. Here are some ways we do this.
Promoting polar awareness
In 1983 the Arctic Centre of Groningen University in the Netherlands launched a research program to Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. This research program, which became known a....
There are facilities on board to send emails and call via satellite. Depending on location, you may also be able to use your personal cell phone. Aboard all of our motor vessels, m/v Hondius, m/v Plancius, and m/v Ortelius, complimentary internet connectivity via Wi-Fi is provided. All guests have access to 1.5 GB of data usage per day, which resets every 24 hours.
For guests requiring additional internet connectivity, vouchers can be pu....