Oceanwide Expeditions Blog | Antarctic & Arctic Cruise Blogs.

From Stonington to the South Orkney Islands: The legacy of Nathaniel Palmer

Nathanial Brown Palmer, also known as 'Captain Nat,' was an American sealer, whaler, ship designer, and explorer whose polar legacy continues today. Palmer played a crucial role in discovering and naming several iconic locations in Antarctica, many of which you can visit during an expedition cruise.

Our guide to Antarctic whale watching on an expedition cruise

The nutrient-rich waters of Antarctica are one of the best places on Earth for whale watching.

All aboard the penguin express! The penguin highways of Antarctica

All penguin species are restricted to a slow waddle and short bursts of speed along their penguin highways.

PLA26-25, trip log, Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage

A perfect sunny day to remember, especially when a noisy rookery of Chinstrap penguins welcomed us at the top.

OTL26-25, trip log, Antarctica - Basecamp - free camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, photo workshop, mountaineering

The scenery alone was enough to leave us in awe, but our enjoyment was further enhanced by the many humpback whales, particularly a close swim-by of a mother and calf.

HDS25-25, trip log, Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica

The king penguins are famous for being glamorous, photogenic, and prone to attracting attention wherever they go.

To the ends of the Earth: an interview with Gabi Kolodko

We spoke with Gabi Kolodko, an Expedition Guide with Oceanwide Expeditions, during a recent trip to Scoresby Sund, Greenland.

PLA25-25, trip log, Antarctica - Basecamp - free camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, photo workshop, mountaineering

The first day of the year began with a day in Antarctica – what a great way to start!

OTL25-25, trip log, Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica

Shortly after delicious buffet lunch, our ship approached Shag Rocks, a group of six islets located about 150 miles west of the mainland of South Georgia.

The Conquering of the Frozen Continent: Hillary, Fuchs, and the Crossing of Antarctica

Sir Edmund Hillary made his mark on Antarctic history when, on 3 January 1958, he reached the South Pole, leading a team as part of the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1955-58, becoming the third team in history to do so.

PLA24-24, trip log, Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica

We (carefully) raced outside to see 20+ orcas cruising through the swell, with at least three large males and a few mum and calf pairs.

HDS24-24, trip log, Antarctica - Basecamp - free camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, photo workshop, mountaineering

When were all lying in our pit, the perfect silence was broken a few times by the thundering sound of breaking ice in the glacier behind us.

OTL24-24, trip log, Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage + navigational workshop

We saw several Weddell and crabeater seals sunbathing on ice floes as hundreds of gentoo penguins darted near our boats, feeding on the abundant krill.

Operation Tabarin: The top secret mission that helped to preserve Antarctica

Operation Tabarin had the primary goal of establishing a British presence in Antarctica, denying safe harbors to enemy vessels, and countering interest in the region by other nations.

HDS23-24, trip log, Antarctica - Basecamp

The inner Errera Channel offered a fantastic kayaking playground past steep ice cliffs and among floating icebergs.

OTL23-24, trip log, Weddell Sea - In search of the Emperor Penguin, incl. helicopters

We could hear the penguin chicks from a distance, while approaching the colony. These fluffy bundles of grey down were as endearing as ever, toddling around their parents or wandering off with their little friends.

The Antarctic Treaty: a testament to the cooperation of humankind

The Antarctic Treaty was designed to ensure that Antarctica remains a region dedicated to peace, scientific research, and international cooperation.

OTL22-24, trip log, Weddell Sea - In search of the Emperor Penguin, incl. helicopters

Excitement levels reached new heights when our ears picked up the unmistakable melodious calls of adult Emperor penguins

HDS21a24, trip log, Antarctica - Basecamp

We had the opportunity to sign up for mountaineering, kayaking, and camping, all of which are thrilling and we eagerly anticipate.

Hubert Wilkins: A Life of Adventure, Daring, and Polar Exploits

The amazing life of Sir George "Hubert" Wilkins, polar explorer and aviator.

Oceanwide Expeditions announces successful landing at Snow Hill Island - the first cruise operator to enter the Weddell Sea this season

this trip saw guests visit the iconic emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill Island, offering fantastic conditions for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts on board.