Oceanwide: polar expeditions that go a step further
As polar pioneers of the expedition cruise experience, Oceanwide Expeditions sets the standard for authentic exploration in the remote wilds of Antarctica. Their expedition vessel fleet goes further than most and delivers exhilarating, unforgettable experiences at the farthest edges of the map.
Building on over 30 years of experience in the world of expedition cruises and the operational flexibility and expertise of their vessel crew and expedition teams, Oceanwide Expeditions has created Antarctic itineraries that truly redefine the expedition cruise experience, taking those who dare into a world where nature rules each day, and the emotional power and visual majesty of some of the Earth’s most spectacular locations are on full display.
Drygalski Fjord, South Georgia_Credit Martin van Lokven – Oceanwide Expeditions
Falklands, South Georgia, Ant Peninsula_Credit Fotografie Dietmar Denger-Oceanwide Expeditions96
Step aboard – for those who dare to go beyond the standard
Several of these itineraries, in particular, epitomize the daring approach of the vessel crews and expedition team and the visionary mindset that has been the foundation for Oceanwide Expeditions since its beginnings in scientific expeditions in the Arctic. From in-depth, focused itineraries exploring the wonders of South Georgia to trips that chart a course for regions of the Weddell Sea that few have visited before, some Oceanwide Expeditions trips are truly built for adventurers, explorers, and those with an unquenchable thirst to go further, see more, and experience something truly unbelievable at the edges of the Earth.
South Georgia Explorer
13 Nov- 27 Nov 2025 | 14 nights
Few places compare to wild, remote, and spectacular South Georgia, a true haven for wildlife and polar pioneers alike. With a history tied to the whaling and sealing industry that once devastated the southern seas, South Georgia now plays host to a remarkable array of marine species, with enormous colonies of king penguins thriving on its remote shores and gargantuan elephant seals forming large harems as seabirds circle high above.
South Georgia has also been the setting for dramatic tales of human survival, such as the legendary exploits of Sir Ernest Shackleton and the men of the Endurance, all of who survived being stranded in the ice of the Weddell Sea for several years. This trip takes guests into lesser-visited locations in South Georgia, including the location where Shackleton finally landed the James Caird, King Haakon Bay, and the dramatic northeast and southern coastlines, heavily glaciated and as wild as anywhere else on the planet.
South Georgia Credit Fotografie Dietmar Denger
Elephant Seal, King Haakon Bay, South Georgia_CRedit Martin van Lokven
Weddell Sea – In search of the Emperor Penguin, incl. helicopters
Multiple Departures | 10 nights
Encounter something iconic and experience something extraordinary at the edge of the world. This fan-favorite itinerary makes use of the helicopter capabilities of m/v Ortelius to give guests a chance to visit the iconic emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill Island.
In scenes seemingly plucked straight from an Attenborough documentary, hundreds of emperor penguins gather to breed and rear their chicks, surrounded by untouched expanses of snow and ice that seem to stretch into infinity. Snow Hill Island is inaccessible by boat, making visiting this remarkable location a truly unique experience and something not offered by all polar expedition cruise operators.
Aerial of Snow Hill Island
Snow-Hill-Island_Antarctica-WeddellSea_Credit Alexandra den Dikke
Remote Weddell Sea Explorer
Multiple Departures | 27 nights
This truly unique itinerary allows guests to retrace portions of Shackleton’s Endurance route & chart the farthest reaches of the spectacular Weddell Sea, one of the most remote locations on Earth.
Aboard m/v Ortelius, modern adventurers have the rare chance to sail through the waters where the Endurance was lost – and rediscovered in 2022 – albeit in much safer and more comfortable conditions. This voyage retraces much of Shackleton’s route into the Weddell Sea and towards salvation on Elephant Island and South Georgia, making it a must-do for Shackleton enthusiasts and those who thirst for true polar adventure.
In South Georgia, guests can pay their respects to the graves of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his right-hand man, Frank Wild, and explore the relics of a now-gone whaling past. The itinerary is planned to visit the South Sandwich Islands and Neuschwabenland before aiming to get as far south as possible, visiting the Riiser-Larsen, Brunt, and Filchner-Ronne ice shelves. In February 2025, Oceanwide Expeditions set a record for the farthest south ever reached by a non-icebreaker vessel in the Weddell Sea.
The voyage then charts the Weddell Sea, visiting the Antarctic Peninsula before ending at Elephant Island – where 22 of Shackleton’s men survived against tremendous odds.
Adelie Penguins on an ice-clogged beach of Saunders Island, South Sandwich Islands
Fortuna Bay
Aurora Australis/Southern Lights
Multiple Departures | 10-14 nights
An otherworldly experience awaits in the heart of the White Continent on specialized trips seeking out the seldom-seen aurora australis, also known as the southern lights. These dynamic expedition itineraries don’t just offer the opportunity to witness the wonders of the polar night sky. They also provide superb chances of encountering iconic wildlife, including many species of whale, which are found in large numbers towards the end of the Antarctic season. Plunging below the Polar Circle to rarely-visited locations or into the wild Weddell Sea makes each trip a real adventure, hot on the heels of one of Earth’s most breathtaking natural phenomena.
Prepare for the Oceanwide Experience
Flexibility, passion, and an authentic approach to polar expeditions are at the heart of each Oceanwide Expedition cruise. Their vessels are comfortable but not overly luxurious, designed to maximize the guest experience at sea, on land, and in the air. Carrying Zodiac craft and specializing in providing reliable platforms for water and shore-based activities, each vessel redefines what is possible at the very edges of the map
Oceanwide Expeditions follows in the footsteps of polar pioneers of the past, getting guests closer to the heart of nature through daring, dynamic, and record-breaking cruise itineraries in the heart of Antarctica and the Arctic.
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