Blog

668 blogposts shown

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.

(Nearly) Stuck in the Antarctic Ice

We are at the bottom of deep sleep, gently lullabyed throughout the night by the rhythmic swaying of the Ortelius on a glass smooth Ross Sea plying its way through oily 'new' ice, the wafer thin pancake crystallization atop a black sea, prelude to the more grown up 'pancake' ice which will be our morning's visual breakfast

The Norse Settlement of Greenland

Erik the red is a very colourful and important figure in the history of the Norse Vikings. The source for his story is found in the Icelandic Sagas Huaksbók (14th Century) and Skalhóltsbók (15th Century). Also Flateyjarbók (13th Century), which contains the Saga of the Greenlanders, is an important source that helps to understand the settlement of Greenland and the discovery of Vinland – North America.

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.

World premiere - ship supported remote trail running in East Greenland

Oceanwide Expeditions launches a brand new activity in polar adventure travel. We will offer an ultimate chance for conditioned trail runners to participate in a remote Arctic trail running scout trip in East Greenland.

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.

10 Tips for Top Northern Lights Photography

Though the northern lights are a heavenly wonder best experienced first-hand, they also represent some of the most amazing photographic opportunities in the Arctic. Here are a few tips to help you get the best images out of the auroras.

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.

Solargraphy & Pinhole photography in the Arctic

The breakfast room fills up with SeesNL participants. Everyone is excited and ready to leave, however we have to wait until the afternoon to get going.

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.

Second to the South Pole: Scott’s British Antarctic Expedition (1910-1913)

When Captain Robert Falcon Scott embarked on his second and final expedition to Antarctica in 1910, he was already a famous Antarctic explorer.

9 Facts about the Greenland Shark

The Greenland shark, or Somniosus microcephalus, is one of many fish that live in the waters around Greenland, though this is not the only area in which the shark dwells. These sharks, which are sometimes referred to as “gray sharks” or “gurry sharks,” can also be found in the north Atlantic Ocean near Iceland, Norway, and Canada.

The bio-richness of the Ross Sea

The Ross Sea is one of the most beautiful and pristine marine regions in the world. The sea – which is frozen solid for much of the year – covers 3.6 million square kilometres (1.4 million square miles) along the Antarctic coast south of New Zealand.

Spitsbergen: a true polar bear trip

On the third day of our Svalbard cruise, we were sailing the sea ice north of Spitsbergen. It was an incredible day, calm and scenic. We marveled at the unbelievable vastness of the icy realm expanding in all directions. Never before had we seen anything like this.

A year in the life of an Oceanwide Expedition Guide

When I was growing up, I’m sure the idea of becoming a guide and travelling around the world didn’t even cross my mind. It’s not the most common of professions, and it is just that for me now, a full time occupation where I spend up to eleven months of the year working.

In polar travel, choice of clothing can mean life or death

With temperatures like this, it is vital to be prepared. In fact, it is life threatening if you aren’t. My first impulse, when planning my journey to the Ross Sea during the heat of mid-summer Brisbane, was to dig out all my warm clothing and just add what was needed.

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.