Oceanwide for Environment: from Adventure to Action
Oceanwide Expeditions is a company specializing in polar cruises, also known for its initiatives aimed at promoting Arctic environmental conservation. One of the most significant activities it offers is beach clean-up in Spitsbergen, an essential operation to preserve the fragile ecosystem of the archipelago and reduce the impact of marine pollution in one of the planet’s most remote regions.
Spitsbergen, the main island of the Svalbard archipelago, is characterized by spectacular landscapes and unique wildlife, including polar bears, walruses, Svalbard reindeer, and Arctic foxes. However, even in such a remote area, plastic and other waste carried by ocean currents accumulate along the coasts, endangering local biodiversity.
Microplastics, in particular, represent a silent and often invisible threat, as they are ingested by marine organisms, entering the food chain and causing unpredictable consequences on ecosystems.
Expeditions organized by Oceanwide Expeditions offer travelers not only the opportunity to explore these extraordinary places but also to actively contribute to their protection through concrete and impactful actions.
Clean up Svalbard_picture by Oceanwide Expedition 4
Clean up Svalbard_picture by Oceanwide Expedition
The integration of beach clean-up into cruises allows participants to better understand the issue of marine pollution and take an active role in mitigating it. Armed with bags and gloves, travelers collect various types of debris, from plastic fragments to abandoned fishing nets, preventing these harmful materials from being ingested by animals or compromising natural habitats.
The phenomenon of ghost nets is particularly damaging: lost or abandoned fishing nets continue to trap fish and marine mammals, causing unnecessary suffering and death. The volunteers’ actions help remove these threats and reduce their negative impact on the surrounding environment.
Beyond the practical aspect, these initiatives also have a strong educational value. Many cruise participants are not fully aware of how far marine pollution has reached, even in the planet’s most isolated areas. Seeing with their own eyes the beaches covered in debris in an apparently pristine place like Spitsbergen is an experience that shifts perspectives and raises awareness of the need to adopt more sustainable behaviors in daily life.
Clean up Svalbard_picture by Oceanwide Expedition 2
Clean up Svalbard_picture by Oceanwide Expedition 3
Among the cruises that include this important activity, the North Spitsbergen Basecamp journey stands out—an experience that combines guided excursions, kayaking, photography workshops, and beach clean-up sessions. Travelers can fully immerse themselves in the Arctic wilderness, admiring glaciers and wildlife while contributing to environmental conservation.
The Basecamp concept is particularly interesting as it allows participants to explore the region with some flexibility, choosing from various outdoor activities, including birdwatching, fjord navigation, and discovering historical sites linked to early Arctic explorations.
Another significant expedition is East Spitsbergen: the Home of the Polar Bear, an itinerary that takes guests along the island’s eastern coast, one of the areas with the highest concentration of polar bears. This cruise is particularly suitable for wildlife enthusiasts, offering numerous opportunities to spot these magnificent predators in their natural habitat.
East Spitsbergen by Oceanwide Expedition
North Spitsbergen Basecamp by Oceanwide Expedition
Beyond wildlife observation, the program includes long hiking excursions and beach clean-up sessions, providing an even more immersive and conscious experience. Walking through Arctic valleys, crossing silent tundras, and observing wildlife up close are moments that deliver unique emotions and a deep connection with nature.
Joining a cruise with Oceanwide Expeditions means not only exploring breathtaking landscapes and experiencing an Arctic adventure but also becoming a protagonist in environmental conservation. Responsible tourism is not just a trend but a necessity to ensure that extraordinary places like Spitsbergen are preserved for future generations.
These experiences show that travel can be a means to raise awareness, educate, and inspire people to take care of our planet. Returning home with the awareness of having made a positive impact is an invaluable added value that makes these cruises a unique opportunity for those who want to make a difference in the world.
Don’t miss further updates, news, and reviews on Oceanwide Expeditions on our Cruising Journal website.
