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Of Treacherous Rocks & Audacious Fin Whales

The morning dawned beautiful and calm, the Plancius weaving her way through the seas ever nearing Antarctic Sound. The waters were fantastically gentle, with minimal amounts of swell and waves ever so gently rocking the ship. As we neared the jagged scarred mountains of rocks known as the South Shetland Islands, more and more icebergs loomed on the horizon. Soon the ship was nearly surrounded by large magnificent icebergs, massive tabular’s whose presence dwarfed our tiny vessel.

Coming Back from the Brink: The Fur Seals of Antarctica

Once hunted to the brink of extinction, the Antarctic fur seal is one of the most populous and charismatic species of seal found in Antarctica. Unlike other members of its large family, the fur seal has external ears, or pinnae, a short snout, and a thick coat of dark brown fur. Male seals tend to be larger than females, and range in weight from 91 kg (200 lbs.) to 215 kg (474 lbs.).

Abandoned Antarctica: Five Remarkable Stations Left Behind

For centuries, the most extreme scientists, explorers, fishermen, and travellers have called Antarctica home. The continent is peppered with research stations that represent the valiant efforts of humankind to study the unknown.

The Small but Social Commerson’s Dolphin

Despite the fact that Commerson's dolphins are among the least-known Antarctic cetaceans, these small but social dolphins go by several different names.

Antarctica’s Hourglass Dolphin

Hourglass dolphins are very rare, and yet they are not included in the threatened or endangered species list. Why? First, their habitat is the cold and remote subantarctic and Antarctic waters. Secondly, they are not hunted commercially, and thirdly, they are timid and usually avoid human contact.

The First Buildings in Antarctica: Borchgrevink’s Historic Huts

Borchgrevink’s huts at Cape Adare are notable not only for their important role in the discovery of Antarctica, but also because they were the first buildings erected on that continent.

Everything you need to know about Antarctic icebergs

When one imagines icebergs, the first image that usually comes to mind is that of an immense spiky iceberg, majestically floating in the freezing waters. But in reality, any chunk of ice larger than 16 feet across and at least 98 feet thick can be called an iceberg

The first race to the South Pole in 50 years

James Clark Ross’s British Royal Navy expedition of 1839-1843 launched the most successful expedition to Antarctica by pioneering an entry into the region of sea that now bears his name, opening the door to the inhospitable continent for future expeditions to come.

Protecting the heritage of Discovery Hut, Hut Point Antarctica

One building that became a testament to scientific endeavour is Discovery hut at Hut Point, on Ross Island. Discovery hut was Robert Falcon Scott’s first expedition base in Antarctica – established by the National Antarctic Discovery Expedition 1901-1904.

Weddell seals: The data collectors scientists of Antarctica

Weddell seals inhabit some of the coldest and darkest waters deep within the Ross Sea ice, making them the southernmost naturally occurring mammals on Earth.

The Dirty Details of Antarctica's Dry Valleys

Located on the western coast of McMurdo Sound, the McMurdo Dry Valleys form the largest ice-free (relatively) area in Antarctica.

Orcas (aka Killer Whales) of Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic

Orcas, also known as killer whales, are found in every ocean but are most abundant in the Southern Ocean. Their population is estimated to be between 25,000 - 27,000, making them the third most abundant cetacean in Antarctica.

What the ice reveals about Antarctica

Antarctica is not just an ice-covered continent with penguins, whales and seals. Under the thick ice are hidden freshwater lakes that contain thousands of microbes that hint towards a diverse array of life.

Adélie penguins in the Ross Sea - Antarctica

The Adélie penguin population in the Ross Sea is reported to be the highest in 30 years with up to a million Adélie penguin pairs breeding in the Ross Sea region over summer.

A Look Into the International Research Stations of Antarctica

There are currently 70 permanent research stations scattered across the continent of Antarctica, which represent 29 countries from every continent on Earth. Together, these countries, or ‘signatories’ of the Antarctic Treaty, must ensure the preservation and wellbeing of the natural land, and to cooperate with their fellow explorers.

12 photo tips to make better pictures on your Antarctica cruise

In this article you get 12 photo tips from Oceanwide Expeditions to make better pictures on your trip.

Ski mountaineering: a new activity onboard m/v Ortelius in Antarctica

Ski mountaineers climb high snow-covered and glaciated peaks and viewpoints, mostly roped up in small groups. It’s a thrilling experienced for those skiers experienced enough to ski downhill individually and master sometimes steep, and potentially dangerous alpine environment.

The Small Mammals of the Arctic and Antarctica

There may not be any naturally occurring land mammals living in Antarctica right now, but this does not mean that the icy area was always like this. In fact, a research team from America discovered the continent’s first land mammal fossil back in 1982.

11 Seals You May See in Antarctica or the Arctic

There are 18 species in the family of True Seals (Phocidae) currently alive throughout the world, and a total of 10 of them can be found between the Arctic and Antarctica. Out of this list, four are found in Antarctica, and they are also among the most populated seal species on earth

Six Facts About the Crabeater Seals of Antarctica

As many as 75 million individual crabeater seals live in Antarctica, making them the most abundant seal in the world.

Deep Sea Dwellers: 10 Facts about The Antarctic Giant Isopod

Two thousand feet below the surface of the Southern Ocean, in the benthic zone, dwells an ancient-looking creature with four antennae, two pairs of jaws, plates on its back, and several pairs of spiny legs. It’s an intimidating sight, but Giant Antarctic Isopods are relatively harmless animals that are far more interested in finding their next meal than anything.

The Plants of Antarctica

It seems an almost impossible feat for a plant to survive in Antarctica. Despite the odds, there are still plants that have evolved specifically to live in these conditions, and have thrived where no others have dared to go.