CRUISE ID # OCEANWIDEOTL28-27
Ushuaia TO Ushuaia
All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per IAATO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with IAATO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. The average cruising speed for our vessel is 10.5 knots.
$27,550
WITH SPECIAL SAVINGS APPLIED
FARES SHOWN ARE PER GUEST
Suites & Fares
CHOOSE START DATE
: February 07, 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.
Enroute to South Georgia, you now cross the Antarctic Convergence. The temperature cools considerably within the space of a few hours, and nutritious water rises to the surface of the sea due to colliding water columns. This phenomenon attracts a multitude of seabirds near the ship, including several species of albatross, shearwaters, petrels, prions, and skuas.
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.
Enroute to South Georgia, you now cross the Antarctic Convergence. The temperature cools considerably within the space of a few hours, and nutritious water rises to the surface of the sea due to colliding water columns. This phenomenon attracts a multitude of seabirds near the ship, including several species of albatross, shearwaters, petrels, prions, and skuas.
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.
Enroute to South Georgia, you now cross the Antarctic Convergence. The temperature cools considerably within the space of a few hours, and nutritious water rises to the surface of the sea due to colliding water columns. This phenomenon attracts a multitude of seabirds near the ship, including several species of albatross, shearwaters, petrels, prions, and skuas.
Entering the South Georgia Maritime Zone, one of the largest protected waters in the world, we sail past the Shag Rocks. These impressive rocks lay 240km (150 miles) west of South Georgia and are home to several thousand South Georgia shags. The area around the rocks is known for its abundance of larger marine mammals, which feed on this comparatively shallow area of the South Georgia Ridge.
After reaching South Georgia, you will have the chance to visit some of the following sites:
Fortuna Bay – A beautiful outwash plain from Fortuna Glacier is home to a large number of king penguins and seals. Here you may also have the chance to follow the final leg of Shackleton’s route to the abandoned whaling village of Stromness. This path cuts across the mountain pass beyond Shackleton’s Waterfall, and as the terrain is partly swampy, be prepared to cross a few small streams.
Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay, Gold Harbour – These sites not only house the three largest king penguin colonies in South Georgia, they’re also three of the world’s largest breeding beaches for Antarctic fur seals. Literarily millions breed on South Georgia during December and January. By February the young fur seals are curious and playful and fill the surf with life and fun and large elephant seals come to the beaches to moult.
Grytviken – In this abandoned whaling station, king penguins walk the streets and elephant seals lie around like they own the place – because they basically do. Here you might be able to see the South Georgia Museum as well as Shackleton’s grave.
In the afternoon of day 6 and depending on the conditions, we will start sailing southwards in the direction of the South Sandwich Islands.
Entering the South Georgia Maritime Zone, one of the largest protected waters in the world, we sail past the Shag Rocks. These impressive rocks lay 240km (150 miles) west of South Georgia and are home to several thousand South Georgia shags. The area around the rocks is known for its abundance of larger marine mammals, which feed on this comparatively shallow area of the South Georgia Ridge.
After reaching South Georgia, you will have the chance to visit some of the following sites:
Fortuna Bay – A beautiful outwash plain from Fortuna Glacier is home to a large number of king penguins and seals. Here you may also have the chance to follow the final leg of Shackleton’s route to the abandoned whaling village of Stromness. This path cuts across the mountain pass beyond Shackleton’s Waterfall, and as the terrain is partly swampy, be prepared to cross a few small streams.
Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay, Gold Harbour – These sites not only house the three largest king penguin colonies in South Georgia, they’re also three of the world’s largest breeding beaches for Antarctic fur seals. Literarily millions breed on South Georgia during December and January. By February the young fur seals are curious and playful and fill the surf with life and fun and large elephant seals come to the beaches to moult.
Grytviken – In this abandoned whaling station, king penguins walk the streets and elephant seals lie around like they own the place – because they basically do. Here you might be able to see the South Georgia Museum as well as Shackleton’s grave.
In the afternoon of day 6 and depending on the conditions, we will start sailing southwards in the direction of the South Sandwich Islands.
Entering the South Georgia Maritime Zone, one of the largest protected waters in the world, we sail past the Shag Rocks. These impressive rocks lay 240km (150 miles) west of South Georgia and are home to several thousand South Georgia shags. The area around the rocks is known for its abundance of larger marine mammals, which feed on this comparatively shallow area of the South Georgia Ridge.
After reaching South Georgia, you will have the chance to visit some of the following sites:
Fortuna Bay – A beautiful outwash plain from Fortuna Glacier is home to a large number of king penguins and seals. Here you may also have the chance to follow the final leg of Shackleton’s route to the abandoned whaling village of Stromness. This path cuts across the mountain pass beyond Shackleton’s Waterfall, and as the terrain is partly swampy, be prepared to cross a few small streams.
Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay, Gold Harbour – These sites not only house the three largest king penguin colonies in South Georgia, they’re also three of the world’s largest breeding beaches for Antarctic fur seals. Literarily millions breed on South Georgia during December and January. By February the young fur seals are curious and playful and fill the surf with life and fun and large elephant seals come to the beaches to moult.
Grytviken – In this abandoned whaling station, king penguins walk the streets and elephant seals lie around like they own the place – because they basically do. Here you might be able to see the South Georgia Museum as well as Shackleton’s grave.
In the afternoon of day 6 and depending on the conditions, we will start sailing southwards in the direction of the South Sandwich Islands.
Like Shackleton in December 1914 on the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, also known as the Endurance Expedition, we leave South Georgia and aim for the South Sandwich Islands and the Weddell Sea.
There may be sea ice on this route, and at the edge of the ice some south polar skuas and snow petrels could join the other seabirds trailing the vessel south.
Like Shackleton in December 1914 on the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, also known as the Endurance Expedition, we leave South Georgia and aim for the South Sandwich Islands and the Weddell Sea.
There may be sea ice on this route, and at the edge of the ice some south polar skuas and snow petrels could join the other seabirds trailing the vessel south.
While we are unable to land here, we may be able to make a Zodiac cruise among the amazing scenery of this active volcanic area. Passing between Thule and Cook Islands will be one of the trip’s many highlights and will make an everlasting impression.
There is a good chance we’ll encounter humpback and minke whales in this area. On and around the islands, we also have the chance to spot brown skuas, chinstrap or Adélie penguins, and several species of albatross: grey-headed, black-browed, and wandering.
We next sail toward the Antarctic continent in the direction of Queen Maud Land and Neuschwabenland (New Swabia) on the northeast side of the Weddell Sea. As we venture further south, closer to the edge of the pack ice and into the Weddell Sea proper, the chances of encountering emperor penguins on the ice increase. In Shackleton's accounts of the Endurance expedition, emperor penguins make frequent appearances in this region, and in our two successful voyages, we have enjoyed superb encounters with these iconic birds. So it pays to keep eyes peeled and cameras at the ready.
We next sail toward the Antarctic continent in the direction of Queen Maud Land and Neuschwabenland (New Swabia) on the northeast side of the Weddell Sea. As we venture further south, closer to the edge of the pack ice and into the Weddell Sea proper, the chances of encountering emperor penguins on the ice increase. In Shackleton's accounts of the Endurance expedition, emperor penguins make frequent appearances in this region, and in our two successful voyages, we have enjoyed superb encounters with these iconic birds. So it pays to keep eyes peeled and cameras at the ready.
We next sail toward the Antarctic continent in the direction of Queen Maud Land and Neuschwabenland (New Swabia) on the northeast side of the Weddell Sea. As we venture further south, closer to the edge of the pack ice and into the Weddell Sea proper, the chances of encountering emperor penguins on the ice increase. In Shackleton's accounts of the Endurance expedition, emperor penguins make frequent appearances in this region, and in our two successful voyages, we have enjoyed superb encounters with these iconic birds. So it pays to keep eyes peeled and cameras at the ready.
Our first destination in Antarctica is the region historically known as New Swabia in Queen Maud Land. This area was explored by the third German Antarctic Expedition of 1938 – 1939, led by Alfred Ritscher. The purpose was to find an area in Antarctica for a German whaling station and scout a possible location for a naval base. In an attempt to claim the region, Nazi flags were placed on the sea ice along the coast. Survey flights also airdropped aluminum arrows with swastikas, none of which remain today.
Our first destination in Antarctica is the region historically known as New Swabia in Queen Maud Land. This area was explored by the third German Antarctic Expedition of 1938 – 1939, led by Alfred Ritscher. The purpose was to find an area in Antarctica for a German whaling station and scout a possible location for a naval base. In an attempt to claim the region, Nazi flags were placed on the sea ice along the coast. Survey flights also airdropped aluminum arrows with swastikas, none of which remain today.
Sailing deep into the Weddell Sea, the chances of us spotting crabeater, leopard, or Weddell seals increase. Emperor penguins, which have been encountered on past voyages on the ice in this region, will also be more frequent the further south we venture. You will also likely spot humpback, orca, and minke whales, along with varying birdlife.
Ice conditions in the Weddell Sea vary seasonally. We will encounter a vast nautical wilderness, and as we head to extreme latitudes (far south), we will enjoy the raw beauty and power that make Antarctica so special. It will become apparent why it took so long to discover the White Continent and how tough it must have been for Shackleton's expedition.
We'll make a circular route toward the Brunt Ice Shelf and along the Luitpold Coast, discovered and named during the second German Antarctic expedition (1911 – 1912) of Wilhelm Filchner. If conditions allow, we will have opportunities for a Zodiac cruise and possibly an ice floe landing. It is in this area that, for two seasons running, we set a farthest south world record in the Weddell Sea, reaching Vahsel Bay in the extreme south in 2025 and 2026.
We now head west toward the Filchner–Ronne Ice Shelf before changing course north, following the coast and the ice edge along the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula and Larsen Ice Shelf. This brings us close to the spot where Shackleton's vessel Endurance was trapped in pack ice during his Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1914-17), drifting toward the Antarctic Peninsula before ultimately sinking. The wreck was discovered on March 5, 2022, the 100th anniversary of Shackleton's burial, and 107 years after the ship sank beneath the ice. While we can't get close to the discovery site, we will be in the area where the ship was trapped and abandoned. With colonies of emperor penguins nearby, our chances of further encounters on the ice are good.
Sailing deep into the Weddell Sea, the chances of us spotting crabeater, leopard, or Weddell seals increase. Emperor penguins, which have been encountered on past voyages on the ice in this region, will also be more frequent the further south we venture. You will also likely spot humpback, orca, and minke whales, along with varying birdlife.
Ice conditions in the Weddell Sea vary seasonally. We will encounter a vast nautical wilderness, and as we head to extreme latitudes (far south), we will enjoy the raw beauty and power that make Antarctica so special. It will become apparent why it took so long to discover the White Continent and how tough it must have been for Shackleton's expedition.
We'll make a circular route toward the Brunt Ice Shelf and along the Luitpold Coast, discovered and named during the second German Antarctic expedition (1911 – 1912) of Wilhelm Filchner. If conditions allow, we will have opportunities for a Zodiac cruise and possibly an ice floe landing. It is in this area that, for two seasons running, we set a farthest south world record in the Weddell Sea, reaching Vahsel Bay in the extreme south in 2025 and 2026.
We now head west toward the Filchner–Ronne Ice Shelf before changing course north, following the coast and the ice edge along the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula and Larsen Ice Shelf. This brings us close to the spot where Shackleton's vessel Endurance was trapped in pack ice during his Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1914-17), drifting toward the Antarctic Peninsula before ultimately sinking. The wreck was discovered on March 5, 2022, the 100th anniversary of Shackleton's burial, and 107 years after the ship sank beneath the ice. While we can't get close to the discovery site, we will be in the area where the ship was trapped and abandoned. With colonies of emperor penguins nearby, our chances of further encounters on the ice are good.
Sailing deep into the Weddell Sea, the chances of us spotting crabeater, leopard, or Weddell seals increase. Emperor penguins, which have been encountered on past voyages on the ice in this region, will also be more frequent the further south we venture. You will also likely spot humpback, orca, and minke whales, along with varying birdlife.
Ice conditions in the Weddell Sea vary seasonally. We will encounter a vast nautical wilderness, and as we head to extreme latitudes (far south), we will enjoy the raw beauty and power that make Antarctica so special. It will become apparent why it took so long to discover the White Continent and how tough it must have been for Shackleton's expedition.
We'll make a circular route toward the Brunt Ice Shelf and along the Luitpold Coast, discovered and named during the second German Antarctic expedition (1911 – 1912) of Wilhelm Filchner. If conditions allow, we will have opportunities for a Zodiac cruise and possibly an ice floe landing. It is in this area that, for two seasons running, we set a farthest south world record in the Weddell Sea, reaching Vahsel Bay in the extreme south in 2025 and 2026.
We now head west toward the Filchner–Ronne Ice Shelf before changing course north, following the coast and the ice edge along the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula and Larsen Ice Shelf. This brings us close to the spot where Shackleton's vessel Endurance was trapped in pack ice during his Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1914-17), drifting toward the Antarctic Peninsula before ultimately sinking. The wreck was discovered on March 5, 2022, the 100th anniversary of Shackleton's burial, and 107 years after the ship sank beneath the ice. While we can't get close to the discovery site, we will be in the area where the ship was trapped and abandoned. With colonies of emperor penguins nearby, our chances of further encounters on the ice are good.
Sailing deep into the Weddell Sea, the chances of us spotting crabeater, leopard, or Weddell seals increase. Emperor penguins, which have been encountered on past voyages on the ice in this region, will also be more frequent the further south we venture. You will also likely spot humpback, orca, and minke whales, along with varying birdlife.
Ice conditions in the Weddell Sea vary seasonally. We will encounter a vast nautical wilderness, and as we head to extreme latitudes (far south), we will enjoy the raw beauty and power that make Antarctica so special. It will become apparent why it took so long to discover the White Continent and how tough it must have been for Shackleton's expedition.
We'll make a circular route toward the Brunt Ice Shelf and along the Luitpold Coast, discovered and named during the second German Antarctic expedition (1911 – 1912) of Wilhelm Filchner. If conditions allow, we will have opportunities for a Zodiac cruise and possibly an ice floe landing. It is in this area that, for two seasons running, we set a farthest south world record in the Weddell Sea, reaching Vahsel Bay in the extreme south in 2025 and 2026.
We now head west toward the Filchner–Ronne Ice Shelf before changing course north, following the coast and the ice edge along the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula and Larsen Ice Shelf. This brings us close to the spot where Shackleton's vessel Endurance was trapped in pack ice during his Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1914-17), drifting toward the Antarctic Peninsula before ultimately sinking. The wreck was discovered on March 5, 2022, the 100th anniversary of Shackleton's burial, and 107 years after the ship sank beneath the ice. While we can't get close to the discovery site, we will be in the area where the ship was trapped and abandoned. With colonies of emperor penguins nearby, our chances of further encounters on the ice are good.
Sailing deep into the Weddell Sea, the chances of us spotting crabeater, leopard, or Weddell seals increase. Emperor penguins, which have been encountered on past voyages on the ice in this region, will also be more frequent the further south we venture. You will also likely spot humpback, orca, and minke whales, along with varying birdlife.
Ice conditions in the Weddell Sea vary seasonally. We will encounter a vast nautical wilderness, and as we head to extreme latitudes (far south), we will enjoy the raw beauty and power that make Antarctica so special. It will become apparent why it took so long to discover the White Continent and how tough it must have been for Shackleton's expedition.
We'll make a circular route toward the Brunt Ice Shelf and along the Luitpold Coast, discovered and named during the second German Antarctic expedition (1911 – 1912) of Wilhelm Filchner. If conditions allow, we will have opportunities for a Zodiac cruise and possibly an ice floe landing. It is in this area that, for two seasons running, we set a farthest south world record in the Weddell Sea, reaching Vahsel Bay in the extreme south in 2025 and 2026.
We now head west toward the Filchner–Ronne Ice Shelf before changing course north, following the coast and the ice edge along the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula and Larsen Ice Shelf. This brings us close to the spot where Shackleton's vessel Endurance was trapped in pack ice during his Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1914-17), drifting toward the Antarctic Peninsula before ultimately sinking. The wreck was discovered on March 5, 2022, the 100th anniversary of Shackleton's burial, and 107 years after the ship sank beneath the ice. While we can't get close to the discovery site, we will be in the area where the ship was trapped and abandoned. With colonies of emperor penguins nearby, our chances of further encounters on the ice are good.
Sailing deep into the Weddell Sea, the chances of us spotting crabeater, leopard, or Weddell seals increase. Emperor penguins, which have been encountered on past voyages on the ice in this region, will also be more frequent the further south we venture. You will also likely spot humpback, orca, and minke whales, along with varying birdlife.
Ice conditions in the Weddell Sea vary seasonally. We will encounter a vast nautical wilderness, and as we head to extreme latitudes (far south), we will enjoy the raw beauty and power that make Antarctica so special. It will become apparent why it took so long to discover the White Continent and how tough it must have been for Shackleton's expedition.
We'll make a circular route toward the Brunt Ice Shelf and along the Luitpold Coast, discovered and named during the second German Antarctic expedition (1911 – 1912) of Wilhelm Filchner. If conditions allow, we will have opportunities for a Zodiac cruise and possibly an ice floe landing. It is in this area that, for two seasons running, we set a farthest south world record in the Weddell Sea, reaching Vahsel Bay in the extreme south in 2025 and 2026.
We now head west toward the Filchner–Ronne Ice Shelf before changing course north, following the coast and the ice edge along the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula and Larsen Ice Shelf. This brings us close to the spot where Shackleton's vessel Endurance was trapped in pack ice during his Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1914-17), drifting toward the Antarctic Peninsula before ultimately sinking. The wreck was discovered on March 5, 2022, the 100th anniversary of Shackleton's burial, and 107 years after the ship sank beneath the ice. While we can't get close to the discovery site, we will be in the area where the ship was trapped and abandoned. With colonies of emperor penguins nearby, our chances of further encounters on the ice are good.
Sailing deep into the Weddell Sea, the chances of us spotting crabeater, leopard, or Weddell seals increase. Emperor penguins, which have been encountered on past voyages on the ice in this region, will also be more frequent the further south we venture. You will also likely spot humpback, orca, and minke whales, along with varying birdlife.
Ice conditions in the Weddell Sea vary seasonally. We will encounter a vast nautical wilderness, and as we head to extreme latitudes (far south), we will enjoy the raw beauty and power that make Antarctica so special. It will become apparent why it took so long to discover the White Continent and how tough it must have been for Shackleton's expedition.
We'll make a circular route toward the Brunt Ice Shelf and along the Luitpold Coast, discovered and named during the second German Antarctic expedition (1911 – 1912) of Wilhelm Filchner. If conditions allow, we will have opportunities for a Zodiac cruise and possibly an ice floe landing. It is in this area that, for two seasons running, we set a farthest south world record in the Weddell Sea, reaching Vahsel Bay in the extreme south in 2025 and 2026.
We now head west toward the Filchner–Ronne Ice Shelf before changing course north, following the coast and the ice edge along the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula and Larsen Ice Shelf. This brings us close to the spot where Shackleton's vessel Endurance was trapped in pack ice during his Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1914-17), drifting toward the Antarctic Peninsula before ultimately sinking. The wreck was discovered on March 5, 2022, the 100th anniversary of Shackleton's burial, and 107 years after the ship sank beneath the ice. While we can't get close to the discovery site, we will be in the area where the ship was trapped and abandoned. With colonies of emperor penguins nearby, our chances of further encounters on the ice are good.
Sailing deep into the Weddell Sea, the chances of us spotting crabeater, leopard, or Weddell seals increase. Emperor penguins, which have been encountered on past voyages on the ice in this region, will also be more frequent the further south we venture. You will also likely spot humpback, orca, and minke whales, along with varying birdlife.
Ice conditions in the Weddell Sea vary seasonally. We will encounter a vast nautical wilderness, and as we head to extreme latitudes (far south), we will enjoy the raw beauty and power that make Antarctica so special. It will become apparent why it took so long to discover the White Continent and how tough it must have been for Shackleton's expedition.
We'll make a circular route toward the Brunt Ice Shelf and along the Luitpold Coast, discovered and named during the second German Antarctic expedition (1911 – 1912) of Wilhelm Filchner. If conditions allow, we will have opportunities for a Zodiac cruise and possibly an ice floe landing. It is in this area that, for two seasons running, we set a farthest south world record in the Weddell Sea, reaching Vahsel Bay in the extreme south in 2025 and 2026.
We now head west toward the Filchner–Ronne Ice Shelf before changing course north, following the coast and the ice edge along the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula and Larsen Ice Shelf. This brings us close to the spot where Shackleton's vessel Endurance was trapped in pack ice during his Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1914-17), drifting toward the Antarctic Peninsula before ultimately sinking. The wreck was discovered on March 5, 2022, the 100th anniversary of Shackleton's burial, and 107 years after the ship sank beneath the ice. While we can't get close to the discovery site, we will be in the area where the ship was trapped and abandoned. With colonies of emperor penguins nearby, our chances of further encounters on the ice are good.
Our course, landing sites, and direction depend entirely on ice conditions. If conditions allow, we may head first to the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula, but it is more likely that we aim directly for Elephant Island. This desolate spot was the starting point from which Shackleton began one of the most epic journeys in history. Using only a small lifeboat, the James Caird, he and five of his men sailed to South Georgia, then walked 36 hours to Stromness - a herculean feat.
Twenty-two members of his expedition were stranded on Elephant Island. It took four and a half months to complete the legendary rescue. Conditions on Elephant Island are severe. The coastline is mostly made up of vertical rock and ice cliffs, highly exposed to the elements. If possible, you will take Zodiacs to Point Wild, where the marooned members of Shackleton's expedition survived against all odds.
Ice-dependent, we may then enter the area of Erebus and Terror Gulf. This may be via the spectacular Antarctic Sound, where a large Adélie penguin rookery, gentoo penguins, and nesting snow petrels can be found. Possible locations include Brown Bluff, Kinnes Cove, and the famous Madder Cliffs. You will also likely spot gentoo penguins, seals, and whales in this area. If we are lucky with the ice, we may reach as far as Snow Hill Island, where the northernmost colony of emperor penguins can be found. If conditions allow, we may also attempt a landing on James Ross Island.
Our course, landing sites, and direction depend entirely on ice conditions. If conditions allow, we may head first to the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula, but it is more likely that we aim directly for Elephant Island. This desolate spot was the starting point from which Shackleton began one of the most epic journeys in history. Using only a small lifeboat, the James Caird, he and five of his men sailed to South Georgia, then walked 36 hours to Stromness - a herculean feat.
Twenty-two members of his expedition were stranded on Elephant Island. It took four and a half months to complete the legendary rescue. Conditions on Elephant Island are severe. The coastline is mostly made up of vertical rock and ice cliffs, highly exposed to the elements. If possible, you will take Zodiacs to Point Wild, where the marooned members of Shackleton's expedition survived against all odds.
Ice-dependent, we may then enter the area of Erebus and Terror Gulf. This may be via the spectacular Antarctic Sound, where a large Adélie penguin rookery, gentoo penguins, and nesting snow petrels can be found. Possible locations include Brown Bluff, Kinnes Cove, and the famous Madder Cliffs. You will also likely spot gentoo penguins, seals, and whales in this area. If we are lucky with the ice, we may reach as far as Snow Hill Island, where the northernmost colony of emperor penguins can be found. If conditions allow, we may also attempt a landing on James Ross Island.
Our course, landing sites, and direction depend entirely on ice conditions. If conditions allow, we may head first to the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula, but it is more likely that we aim directly for Elephant Island. This desolate spot was the starting point from which Shackleton began one of the most epic journeys in history. Using only a small lifeboat, the James Caird, he and five of his men sailed to South Georgia, then walked 36 hours to Stromness - a herculean feat.
Twenty-two members of his expedition were stranded on Elephant Island. It took four and a half months to complete the legendary rescue. Conditions on Elephant Island are severe. The coastline is mostly made up of vertical rock and ice cliffs, highly exposed to the elements. If possible, you will take Zodiacs to Point Wild, where the marooned members of Shackleton's expedition survived against all odds.
Ice-dependent, we may then enter the area of Erebus and Terror Gulf. This may be via the spectacular Antarctic Sound, where a large Adélie penguin rookery, gentoo penguins, and nesting snow petrels can be found. Possible locations include Brown Bluff, Kinnes Cove, and the famous Madder Cliffs. You will also likely spot gentoo penguins, seals, and whales in this area. If we are lucky with the ice, we may reach as far as Snow Hill Island, where the northernmost colony of emperor penguins can be found. If conditions allow, we may also attempt a landing on James Ross Island.
Your return voyage is far from lonely. While crossing the Drake, you might see some of the same wildlife encountered at the start of your voyage: albatrosses, petrels, maybe even a minke whale spouting up sea spray.
Your return voyage is far from lonely. While crossing the Drake, you might see some of the same wildlife encountered at the start of your voyage: albatrosses, petrels, maybe even a minke whale spouting up sea spray.
Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. It’s now time to disembark in Ushuaia, but 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 ....
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Ou....
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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....