Oceanwide: An Immersive Antarctic Cruise
Setting sail on a cruise to Antarctica means stepping into another world—a world of ice, with a unique variety of wildlife and thrilling activities to fully experience. With Oceanwide Expeditions, you can enjoy the ultimate in polar exploration with a range of exciting cruises to the region.
One of the most comprehensive and thrilling Antarctic cruises offered by Oceanwide Expeditions is “Antarctica – Basecamp – free camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, photo workshop, mountaineering,” a 12-day journey departing from Ushuaia aboard the Hondius, with departures from November 2024 to March 2025. This cruise offers a multitude of ways to explore the Antarctic region, from hiking to kayaking, mountaineering, camping under polar skies, and much more.
Departing from what is known as “The End of the World,” Ushuaia in Argentina, the voyage begins with a sail through the Beagle Channel, followed by a two-day crossing of the Drake Passage, known for its rolling seas, where you might spot a fin whale. After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, where cold waters from the south meet the warmer sub-Antarctic seas, you’ll find yourself in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, where marine life changes, and a wide variety of birds can be spotted, including several species of wandering albatross, Cape petrels, Antarctic fulmars, Wilson’s storm petrels, various species of prions, and many other beautiful birds.
Antarctica basecamp Oceanwide
Humpback whale, breaching, Antarctica_ copyright Nicolo de Cata
Navigating between Brabant and Anvers Islands, you officially enter the Antarctic Peninsula, where you can visit some of the region’s most fascinating places and participate in the activities organized by Oceanwide Expeditions. Locations visited during this voyage include Neumayer Channel, where the activities such as Zodiac excursions and kayaking begin, or for those who prefer to walk, snowshoeing and mountaineering further inland—of course, weather conditions will determine the available activities. Next, you can visit the former British research station, now a museum and post office, at Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. Here, you can take part in activities around Jougla Point to see gentoo penguins and blue-eyed shags, or at nearby sites like Damoy Point, you can snowshoe up to the old ski slope.
During the trip, depending on ice conditions, you may sail through the Lemaire Channel toward the Pléneau and Petermann Islands in search of Adélie penguins, blue-eyed shags, humpback and minke whales, as well as leopard seals. Here, you can go kayaking, hike glaciers, or join mountaineering trips. At Neko Harbour, characterized by massive glaciers and wind-sculpted snow, the most popular activities are Zodiac cruising and hikes offering close-up views of the surrounding alpine peaks. In Paradise Bay, you’ll feel like a true polar explorer during overnight camping adventures in Antarctica, while at Errera Channel, you can visit sites like Danco Island and Cuverville Island, as well as the lesser-known but equally picturesque Orne Island and Georges Point on Rongé Island. On the last day of coastal activities, as you pass the Melchior Islands toward the open sea, you might spot humpback whales in Dallmann Bay and, with some luck, even reach Half Moon Island in the South Shetlands.
Antarctica, Weddell Seal_ copyright Dietmar Denger
Antarctica, Port Lockroy_ copyright Dietmar Denger
Antarctica, Camping, Stoney Point_copyright Julian Bourse
Antarctic Kayaking
The highlights of this trip will undoubtedly be the activities immersed in nature and wildlife. During the camping experiences in the Antarctic wilderness, all necessary camping equipment will be provided, including polar sleeping bags, and guests will always be assisted and supervised by the expedition’s expert guides. Kayaking activities will allow guests to explore up close the blue-and-white beauty of the polar seas, visiting stunning ice formations and waterways too small for ships to enter. For those who try hiking, easy, moderate, and more challenging walks will be organized near the landing sites. For those interested in mountaineering, they will venture with specialized guides beyond the shores and into the heights of Antarctica, enjoying panoramic views available nowhere else. Finally, for photography enthusiasts, there will be photography workshops where you can use your own camera gear.
A trip to Antarctica is much more than just a cruise; it’s a true adventure and life experience, made so by lectures from renowned naturalists, expert guides accompanying guests in all activities, and the exceptional service of Oceanwide Expeditions.
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