Oceanwide Expeditions concludes its Remote Weddell Sea Explorer voyage, making history with record-breaking achievements and establishing its status as the only operator offering a true deep-field Antarctic expedition.
March 19, 2025 - Weddell Sea, Antarctica – Oceanwide Expeditions is proud to announce the successful conclusion of its groundbreaking Remote Weddell Sea Explorer voyage aboard the M/V Ortelius. This pioneering expedition has delivered an extraordinary experience for guests, showcasing not only the remarkable natural beauty of Antarctica but also setting new benchmarks in polar exploration.
The voyage’s first major milestone came with Oceanwide Expeditions reaching the Princess Martha Coast of Queen Maud Land, a region so remote that no other cruise operator ventures there. This initial achievement set the tone for what became a series of remarkable accomplishments. From there, the expedition pressed on deeper into the Weddell Sea, culminating in a historic record-breaking moment at 78°03.471’S, the furthest south any non-icebreaker passenger vessel has ever navigated. Captain Remmert Koster and the expert Ortelius crew pushed the boundaries of polar exploration, providing guests a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to discover remote regions of the Weddell Sea.
The Weddell Sea stands as one of Antarctica's most remote areas, famous for its thick pack ice and harsh conditions that have tested explorers for over 100 years. In fact, 110 years ago this February, Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew were trapped in the ice during the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, only a few miles away from where M/V Ortelius achieved its groundbreaking record. Shackleton’s historic voyage embodies the adventurous spirit that still drives exploration today, inspiring modern-day explorers, including those aboard Oceanwide Expeditions.
Pushing the Boundaries: Exploring the Skies and Depths of the Weddell Sea
In addition to exploring on water, the team took to the skies with multiple helicopter operations, offering breathtaking aerial views of towering icebergs, unbroken sea ice, and the vast, frozen wilderness of Antarctica. A notable landing took place near Vahsel Bay, providing guests with an unparalleled perspective of the region’s untouched beauty.
Below the surface, the expedition featured a series of eight dives throughout the voyage, including an unforgettable experience snorkeling and diving alongside Emperor penguins - an encounter few have ever witnessed. The journey culminated in a truly historic achievement - one of the southernmost dives ever attempted in the Weddell Sea. Conducted just off the sea ice edge in near-freezing waters of -1.8º Celsius. This extraordinary moment is now under review to confirm its status as the most southerly dive ever recorded in the region.
A One-of-a-Kind
Experience Oceanwide Expeditions is currently the only cruise operator offering guests the chance to venture deeper into the Weddell Sea. The voyage’s log, along with stunning photos captured during the journey, is available online, allowing adventurers to relive the awe-inspiring moments of this historic trip. As the expedition industry continues to evolve, Oceanwide Expeditions remains at the forefront of offering unique, immersive experiences in one of the world’s most remote regions.