Blog

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Antarctica Bound: Plancius and Hondius Sail South

If we were excited telling you that we’re finally going back to Antarctica, we’re thrilled to report that Plancius and Hondius are already on their way south.

We’re Going Back to Antarctica!

We plan to restart operations in Antarctica with two of our four ships, which are currently being supplied and prepared for positioning in Argentina: Plancius and Hondius will begin the 2021 Antarctic season on November 23 and 26, respectively.

Franz Josef Land Sites, Species, and Experiences

The archipelago of Franz Josef Land is to Russia what Svalbard is to Norway: Both island groups offer excellent Arctic scenery, adventurous outdoor activities, and a good chance of seeing iconic species like polar bears and walruses - alongside a wide range of marine mammals and seabirds.

The Eight Albatrosses of Antarctica and the Sub-Antarctic

Whether you’re bound for Antarctica, the sub-Antarctic, or some combination of both, this entry will give you all the important albatross info as well as where these birds can best be found.

The Return to Franz Josef Land

Franz Josef Land used to be a classic part of our northern program until 2012, when we stopped visiting the area due to various difficulties involving bureaucracy and distance. But now that restrictions are beginning to lighten, we’re looking forward to returning to one of our all-time favorite destinations for Arctic wildlife and history.

Trips for All Birders: Interview with Martin Berg

Martin Berg is a marine biologist and expedition leader, and his love of birds runs deep. This year he will join us on some of our most bird-focused trips.

The Music of Antarctica: Interview with Cellist Jörg Berning

We interviewed German cellist Jörg Berning about performing Ralph Vaughan Williams's Sinfonia Antarctica with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra.

Northeast Greenland National Park

Northeast Greenland National Park is the world’s largest national park and the ninth largest protected area on Earth. It should come as little surprise, then, that it’s also bigger than most countries, covering an impressive 972,000 square km (375,300 square miles). This epically proportioned park not only boasts some of the best geological formations on the planet, it’s also one of the most ecologically attractive areas in all of the Arctic. In fact, you’re more likely to spot a polar bear here than perhaps any other area in Greenland.

True South: A New Flag for a Global Antarctica

When Evan Townsend signed up to spend the winter of 2018 working at an Antarctic research station, he had no reason to expect he would end the season by designing a new flag for the continent. He had even less reason to expect the support it would receive.

Greenland: East vs. West

East and West Greenland are very different in terms of climate, wildlife, habitation, and geology. This means visiting them yields different experiences.

Contribute to science with your leopard seal pictures

Leopard seals are often described as looking reptilian, since their eyes are on either side of their large heads.

Tristan da Cunha’s New No-Take Marine Protection Zone

The islands of Tristan da Cunha are located over 2,700 km (1,600 miles) from South Africa and 3,700 km (2,300 miles) from South America. The main island is the most remote inhabited landmass on Earth. Populations of elephant seal and fur seal, still recovering from 19th-century hunting, live and breed offshore, in addition to humpback whales, Shepherd’s beaked whales, southern right whales, long-finned pilot whales, sperm whales, and species of dolphin.

The Arctic Theater: Interview with Hans Beelen

When it comes to Arctic marine history, Hans Beelen has done his research. He has published books on the East India Company of the Netherlands as well as historic Dutch trading, and most recently has also written a study on the whaling industry of Greenland and Spitsbergen.

Matthew Henson: First to the Top of the World?

Though for years American Navy engineer Robert Peary claimed the credit for being first to the North Pole, studies assert that it was actually his associate, Matthew Henson, who got there ahead of him.

Travel Ban Tales: How Polar Addicts Stay Busy During a Pandemic

Our guides, crews, and captains are patient people. They’re used to rolling with the punches, adapting to extraordinary conditions, and shifting gears in response to the limitless lottery of unanticipated events the Arctic and Antarctica produce.

The Mesdag Phenomenon: Interview with a Polar Camp Guide

Polar expedition guides come in many form. Some are temporary seasonal workers who enjoy the freedom of the job in their youth but eventually leave for more stable work, and others are hardcore outdoors addicts who stick with the profession well beyond their 40s and end up amassing skills and experiences easy to envy but harder to equal.