Blogs
Fierce and Feathered: the Skuas of Antarctica
At first glance, the skuas of Antarctica appear to be merely darker-feathered seagulls. But looks can be deceiving.
The Evolving Shipboard Eco-traveler
Bored with the common place, usual hum-drum of daily life? Shopping for another reality? Well, look no further! Most of us live and play on
After-Dinner Walruses
It seems luck was with us when Ortelius arrived at Ardneset on the southwest tip of Wahlbergøya. An announcement by expedition leader Rinie
Captain Ernesto Barria Vargas rewarded
On Friday June the 26th, Captain Ernesto Barria Vargas, long time captain with Oceanwide Expeditions has been rewarded with a honorary rewar
Danger Beneath the Water: 10 Facts About Leopard Seals
If your sense of adventure takes you on an Antarctic cruise, you may be lucky enough to cross paths with a leopard seal. They’re amazing cre
The Giant Petrels of King George Island
With piercing grey eyes and a sharp tube-nosed beak, the giant petrel of King George Island is an impressive sight to behold.
Eight Engaging Reindeer Facts
When we think about reindeer, we might also think of Saami herders or the holidays or teams of these Arctic animals pulling a bell-covered s
Not Eskimos: 10 Enlightening Facts About the Inuit
If you are going to participate in a cruise through the Antarctic or Arctic regions, you probably have an interest in the Inuit culture. To
Polar bear feast
The bear had already started to strip off the seal skin, and began to eat the blubber: very rich in calories. A bearded seal can weigh up un
A day in the life: Plancius surrounded by Bowhead Whales
This was just the beginning; it soon became clear that we had stumbled onto something very special as blows, backs and tails flukes were sca
Exceptional sighting of 80+ Bowhead Whales
On the North Atlantic Odyssey passengers on s/v Plancius counted 80 – 100 Bowhead Whales
Navigating by touch through the sea ice
“Speed?” questions the Officer of the Watch, not taking his eyes off the random pattern of floes and leads ahead. “3.6 knots” replies the he
Greenland: Where the Kayak Was Invented
The Inuit began using kayaks thousands of years ago for hunting, but the exact timeframe that these miniature boats come from is unknown. Wh
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 thr
Ortelius, why are we going in circles?
It seemed as if the ship was not completely certain in which direction to travel, her nose testing the wind. To a certain extent that was t
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
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 an
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
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, a
Living the Antarctic Dream
From October to March, during the Austral summer, thousands of breeding Gentoo, Adèlie, and Chinstrap penguins travel to the Western Antarct