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Spitsbergen: Alkefjellet magic

Alkefjellet may not be Spitsbergen’s biggest bird cliff, but it is certainly among the most spectacular ones.

Bouvet Island: The Most Remote Island in the World

On January 1, 1739, an amazing discovery was made by French Commander Jean-Baptiste Charles Bouvet de Lozier: a volcanic island that is so remote that it is necessary to travel 2,600 km (1,600 miles) to find land that is inhabited on a full-time basis.

Going Green in Antarctica

Antarctica truly is the world’s last wild, untouched land. Aside from the international research stations that dot the continent, Antarctica is a barren landscape, devoid of human presence and interference. With an increase in melting sea ice, rising ocean levels, and rising ocean temperatures, now more than ever is an important time to think about environmental impact in this fragile ecosystem.

“The polar bear will still be there”

The bear will still be there… it sounds like a poem. But it was not? Later that day a guest asked me if the Polar Bear would still be there because they had stood there for several hours and taking pictures from the deck and now it was time for lunch.

Large and in Charge: Antarctica’s Southern Elephant Seals

Southern elephant seals are the largest species of seal on the planet and a highlight among Antarctica cruise wildlife.

Going Green: Ascension Island Sea Turtles

Wildlife lovers are united by a common Ascension Island aspiration: see its world-famous green sea turtles.

Fierce and Feathered: the Skuas of Antarctica

At first glance, the skuas of Antarctica appear to be merely darker-feathered seagulls. But looks can be deceiving.

The Evolving Shipboard Eco-traveler

Bored with the common place, usual hum-drum of daily life? Shopping for another reality? Well, look no further! Most of us live and play on terra firma. We rarely go swimming, though we embrace an aqueous 71.5% liquid composition.

Danger Beneath the Water: 10 Facts About Leopard Seals

If your sense of adventure takes you on an Antarctic cruise, you may be lucky enough to cross paths with a leopard seal. They’re amazing creatures to observe in and out of the water, and a quintessential aspect of an Antarctic experience.

The Giant Petrels of King George Island

With piercing grey eyes and a sharp tube-nosed beak, the giant petrel of King George Island is an impressive sight to behold.

Eight Engaging Reindeer Facts

When we think about reindeer, we might also think of Saami herders or the holidays or teams of these Arctic animals pulling a bell-covered sleigh across the nighttime sky. Only the first of these options, however, is something you're likely to encounter on an Arctic expedition cruise.

Not Eskimos: 10 Enlightening Facts About the Inuit

If you are going to participate in a cruise through the Antarctic or Arctic regions, you probably have an interest in the Inuit culture. To help you learn more about these people who you are likely to encounter if you visit Greenland, we present 10 interesting facts that everyone should know.

Polar bear feast

The bear had already started to strip off the seal skin, and began to eat the blubber: very rich in calories. A bearded seal can weigh up until 300 kg, and this one was indeed quite big, so after a while, the polar bear dozed off for a while. A power nap to digest the blubber...

A day in the life: Plancius surrounded by Bowhead Whales

This was just the beginning; it soon became clear that we had stumbled onto something very special as blows, backs and tails flukes were scattered all over the horizon. Over the next several hours we were surrounded by Bowheads.

Navigating by touch through the sea ice

“Speed?” questions the Officer of the Watch, not taking his eyes off the random pattern of floes and leads ahead. “3.6 knots” replies the helmsman. Ice navigation is not to be rushed. “Ok, Rudder Port 10 degrees” he orders.

Greenland: Where the Kayak Was Invented

The Inuit began using kayaks thousands of years ago for hunting, but the exact timeframe that these miniature boats come from is unknown. What we do know is that the earliest kayaks were made to fit only one person, and there were also two types that were utilized by the Aleut and Inuit tribes that lived in the Arctic region.

Birding Opportunities Abound in Spitsbergen

Seabirds are by the most common type of bird in Spitsbergen. Experts have estimated that there are 164 bird species that have been found throughout Spitsbergen at various points during recent history...

Meet Will Gilbertson, one of Oceanwide Expeditions’ field experts

Meet some of our ‘experts’, qualified expedition leaders and guides. Our friendly expedition staff, most of whom have been with the company for many years, will be anxious to share their enthusiasm and knowledge with their guests. They will share their knowledge in lectures on board during sea days and during field excursions; our guides come from all over the world and speak several languages.

Will Woolly Mammoths Once Again Roam the Arctic?

Imagine for a moment that you are on an arctic expedition and spot a woolly mammoth on land. This is something that has not been possible anywhere on earth for approximately 4,000 years, and the largest concentration of woolly mammoths died off 10,000 years ago.