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Franz Josef Land Sites, Species, and Experiences

The archipelago of Franz Josef Land is to Russia what Svalbard is to Norway: Both island groups offer excellent Arctic scenery, adventurous outdoor activities, and a good chance of seeing iconic species like polar bears and walruses - alongside a wide range of marine mammals and seabirds.

The Eight Albatrosses of Antarctica and the Sub-Antarctic

Whether you’re bound for Antarctica, the sub-Antarctic, or some combination of both, this entry will give you all the important albatross info as well as where these birds can best be found.

Introducing our new Science Basecamp program

For polar travelers with a particular bent for science, we have designed an all-new Science Basecamp program that explores such fascinating topics as geology, marine biology, glaciology, and macro-photography.

Cleanup for Sarah continues

Cleanup for Sarah began in 2019 and takes place every year on June 16, Sarah’s birthday.

Vote for World’s Best Expedition Cruise Line 2021

We are delighted to announce that we have been nominated for the World’s Best Expedition Cruise Line 2021 award at the inaugural event of the World Cruise Awards

The Return to Franz Josef Land

Franz Josef Land used to be a classic part of our northern program until 2012, when we stopped visiting the area due to various difficulties involving bureaucracy and distance. But now that restrictions are beginning to lighten, we’re looking forward to returning to one of our all-time favorite destinations for Arctic wildlife and history.

Trips for All Birders: Interview with Martin Berg

Martin Berg is a marine biologist and expedition leader, and his love of birds runs deep. This year he will join us on some of our most bird-focused trips.

The Music of Antarctica: Interview with Cellist Jörg Berning

We interviewed German cellist Jörg Berning about performing Ralph Vaughan Williams's Sinfonia Antarctica with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra.

Northeast Greenland National Park

Northeast Greenland National Park is the world’s largest national park and the ninth largest protected area on Earth. It should come as little surprise, then, that it’s also bigger than most countries, covering an impressive 972,000 square km (375,300 square miles). This epically proportioned park not only boasts some of the best geological formations on the planet, it’s also one of the most ecologically attractive areas in all of the Arctic. In fact, you’re more likely to spot a polar bear here than perhaps any other area in Greenland.

True South: A New Flag for a Global Antarctica

When Evan Townsend signed up to spend the winter of 2018 working at an Antarctic research station, he had no reason to expect he would end the season by designing a new flag for the continent. He had even less reason to expect the support it would receive.

Greenland: East vs. West

East and West Greenland are very different in terms of climate, wildlife, habitation, and geology. This means visiting them yields different experiences.

Bolster Investment Partners acquires a minority stake in Oceanwide Expeditions

Amsterdam/ Vlissingen, 17 December 2020, Bolster Investment Partners acquires a minority stake of 25% in Oceanwide Expeditions, specialist and market leader in expedition cruises to Antarctica and the Arctic. Bolster will support Oceanwide Expeditions in realizing its growth ambitions.

Contribute to science with your leopard seal pictures

Leopard seals are often described as looking reptilian, since their eyes are on either side of their large heads.

Tristan da Cunha’s New No-Take Marine Protection Zone

The islands of Tristan da Cunha are located over 2,700 km (1,600 miles) from South Africa and 3,700 km (2,300 miles) from South America. The main island is the most remote inhabited landmass on Earth. Populations of elephant seal and fur seal, still recovering from 19th-century hunting, live and breed offshore, in addition to humpback whales, Shepherd’s beaked whales, southern right whales, long-finned pilot whales, sperm whales, and species of dolphin.

The Arctic Theater: Interview with Hans Beelen

When it comes to Arctic marine history, Hans Beelen has done his research. He has published books on the East India Company of the Netherlands as well as historic Dutch trading, and most recently has also written a study on the whaling industry of Greenland and Spitsbergen.

Matthew Henson: First to the Top of the World?

Though for years American Navy engineer Robert Peary claimed the credit for being first to the North Pole, studies assert that it was actually his associate, Matthew Henson, who got there ahead of him.

Travel Ban Tales: How Polar Addicts Stay Busy During a Pandemic

Our guides, crews, and captains are patient people. They’re used to rolling with the punches, adapting to extraordinary conditions, and shifting gears in response to the limitless lottery of unanticipated events the Arctic and Antarctica produce.

Oceanwide Expeditions Loses a Captain, Colleague, and Friend

Help Us Win with Your Vote

After winning last year's award, we could not be more pleased to be nominated for the thirteenth time

The Mesdag Phenomenon: Interview with a Polar Camp Guide

Polar expedition guides come in many form. Some are temporary seasonal workers who enjoy the freedom of the job in their youth but eventually leave for more stable work, and others are hardcore outdoors addicts who stick with the profession well beyond their 40s and end up amassing skills and experiences easy to envy but harder to equal.

A Plancius Family Visit

It was with great pride, then, that we recently welcomed descendants of Petrus Plancius to visit our headquarters in Vlissingen, Netherlands, where they were able to get a firsthand look at the vessel named after their legendary ancestor.