Antarctic & Arctic Blogs | Discover more with us

The tragic tale of Franklin's lost expedition

Perhaps one of the most well-known and tragic polar expeditions to have pursued the Northwest Passage was led by Sir John Franklin, a British sailor, Royal Navy officer, and explorer.

Martin Frobisher's polar quest for golden glory

One of the earliest Europeans to explore the Canadian Arctic was Martin Frobisher, a swashbuckling English privateer serving the English crown.

Set sail to see the southern lights in 2025: A voyage into discovery and a profound galactic experience

A more profound Antarctica experience and connection with the universe

A guide to some of our best Antarctica tours

Some focus more on wildlife, others on the remote, dramatic landscapes of the South and exciting not-to-be-missed Antarctic activities.

Espionage beneath the ice: Operation Sunshine - the Arctic exploits of USS Nautilus

In August 1958, below the solid sea ice of the North Pole and beyond the reach of watchful Soviet stations, the world's first nuclear-powered submarine passed silently through the icy pitch-darkness. The polar region of the North had been conquered from below and had become another stage of the Cold War.

How to see the northern lights in 2025: A viewing guide for travelers and adventurers!

Where should you go, and what time of year is best to witness the beauty of the northern lights?

Oceanwide Expeditions nominated for three awards at the Expedition Cruise Network Awards

Your vote will help us achieve further recognition for our fantastic expedition cruise itineraries and polar adventures!

An Antarctic voyage unlike any other: the unbelievable exploits of the James Caird

In April 1916, aided by south-westerly winds, a small, 22.5-foot wooden boat, the James Caird, set out from the desolate shores of Elephant Island manned by six men.

Short hikes, medium hikes, and long hikes - what's the difference?

Our range of hiking activities is not just carefully planned, but also inclusive of different levels of physical fitness and hiking experience.

The Flight of the Örnen: Andrée's 1897 Arctic Balloon Expedition

Andrée's balloon, the Örnen, would carry equipment for scientific observation and photographic studies.

Oceanwide Expeditions donates €955 to nature charities

This year we will donate €995 to the following conservation charities based on guest reviews: World Wildlife Fund, BirdLife International, 4Ocean, and the Falklands Conservation.

The Acoustics of the Arctic: Interview with Ashleigh Kitchiner

We spent some time talking to Ashleigh about her work as an expedition guide, what got her into biology, and why bowhead whale sounds are so interesting.

12 Things to Do in Antarctica

There are numerous things to do in Antarctica that might help sharpen your focus, ensuring you get an experience tailored to your personal tastes.

The Seasons of Antarctica: When to Visit and Why

What are Antarctica's travel seasons, and when is the best time to visit? The answer is simpler than you might think.

Oceanwide celebrates 30 years of expedition cruising

Today marks the 30th anniversary of Oceanwide Expeditions. We eagerly anticipate the future with utmost confidence.

First Snow Hill Island landing of the season

We’re excited to announce we’ve made the first Snow Hill Island landing of the 2023-24 Antarctic season, visiting one of Earth’s largest emperor penguin colonies.

Circumnavigating Spitsbergen & Nordaustlandet

Discover Spitsbergen at its most spectacular and explore lesser-visited locations on a full circumnavigation voyage

The Science of Sustainability: Interview with Nathalie Steins

Can polar travel be made more sustainable? This question was part of a research project by scientist Nathalie Steins, and we were eager to hear her findings.

What’s so Special about East Spitsbergen?

Though eastern Svalbard does not differ dramatically from the rest of the island group, the itineraries we follow there give you a different experience than our other Svalbard options.

Expedition at its Greatest: Interview with Sara Jenner

We talked to Sara Jenner about how she got into this work, what she loves about polar travel, and why having a home base isn’t on her agenda right now.

Oceanwide’s First Female Captain: Interview with Miia Holma

Miia Holma captained her first Oceanwide voyage to Svalbard in July. Nothing too exceptional about that until you consider she’s our first female captain to make the voyage.