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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.

Oceanwide at the Long Beach Scuba Show

Enjoy the seminars given by our Dive Master, Henrik Enckell. We will also discuss the special wildlife we encounters.

Life in a Penguin Colony

At a research station in Antarctica’s South Shetland Islands, scientists study how life is changing in local penguin colonies. Read this to learn more.

Arctic and Antarctic Basecamp Cruises – Choose Your Own Adventure

Each voyage uses one of our main ships as a main hub and from there passengers are able to launch into any one of a variety of activities, all of which are included (except polar diving).

Living the Antarctic Dream

From October to March, during the Austral summer, thousands of breeding Gentoo, Adèlie, and Chinstrap penguins travel to the Western Antarctic Peninsula to rear their chicks and fatten up on krill before the brutal winter sets in.

Gough Island: Seabird Capital of the South Atlantic

Gough Island is a remote volcanic island in the South Atlantic, uninhabited except for a small party of meteorologists and (sometimes) biologists. Set in the midst of the Roaring Forties, it is often buffeted by west winds and sea swells.

The Eight Great Penguin Species of Antarctica

There are 17 penguin species on the planet, but the eight most iconic reside in Antarctica, its nearby islands, and the sub-Antarctic archipelagos of South Georgia and the Falklands.

Greenland's History: When Vikings Ruled the Ice Age

Greenland’s history is filled with many fascinating tidbits that polar expedition participants enjoy learning about, but perhaps the most popular historical aspect is the fact that Vikings once ruled this land.

Arctic Flowers, Trees, and Other Plant Life

When many people think of the Arctic, they probably imagine a stark white wasteland devoid of anything except snow, glaciers, and the occasional far-wandering polar bear. But this romantic juxtaposition of barren beauty is far from the whole story.

The A to Z Guide to Cruising the Antarctic

Like many of life’s most rewarding experiences, an exploration of the South Pole takes some preparation and knowledge. You’ll be sailing into one of the most hostile environments on the planet, and it’s not an undertaking that should be lightly taken.

How and When Did Greenland Become Covered in Ice?

Although it may be difficult to believe, there was a time when Greenland was primarily covered in the green within its name as opposed to ice.

Let’s celebrate World Penguin Day!

World Penguin Day! April 25th - a day in celebration of the world’s most formal of our feathered friends. They hop, they skip, they jump, they march for incredible distances and endure fantastically bleak environments.

All About Ice: Glaciers and Icebergs of the Arctic and Antarctica

Glaciers and icebergs represent two of the most important facets of Earth's ecosystem, accounting for 68.7% of the world's freshwater supply, which means that most of the potable water living organisms need to survive comes from the major ice formations of the polar regions.

Humpback whales at Wilhelmina Bay - Antarctic Peninsula

As we moved away from the ship, the Zodiacs scattered in several directions. I took my Zodiac into Brooklyn Channel, between the two islands. Very soon we spotted blows ahead. The humpbacks were here!

Humpback Whales Sing for Food, Not Entertainment

The normal call of a humpback whale can be heard from miles away, and they often make noises that sound similar to crying, howling and moaning. This sticks out even more because their songs will often last for hours. In other words, people who join an Arctic or Antarctic expedition have a solid chance of hearing one of these songs, and it is an extremely memorable experience.

No Patches, Pills, or Tablets: Seven Natural Seasickness Remedies

Just because you're embarking on polar sea travel doesn't mean you need to spend the whole voyage leaning over the rail. If you're anticipating rough waters, here are some steps you can take to alleviate or even eliminate your symptoms.

How Polar Bears and Musk Oxen Survive in the Arctic

There are numerous animals throughout the Arctic Ocean that survive in a climate that many people find almost unbearable. Interestingly, many of the physical characteristics that enable animals such as polar bears to live in the Arctic are the result of evolution.