About us - Oceanwide Expeditions

Introduction

Introduction to Oceanwide Expeditions – a passion for polar regions!

The Dutch ”Plancius Foundation“ (1981-1996) was the predecessor of Oceanwide Expeditions, the first cruise operator ever to organize since 1983 on a yearly basis expedition cruise voyages to and around Spitsbergen with the vessel Plancius. A passion was born and Oceanwide Expeditions continued with the activities of the Plancius Foundation in 1996. The organization has earned itself an outstanding reputation as a world leader in small expedition vessels off the beaten track offering adventure and wildlife experiences in the Arctic and Antarctic Polar regions. Oceanwide is passionate about polar expedition cruising and distinguishes itself from other operators not only by setting its emphasis on educational lectures by experienced guides throughout the voyage but also by delivering an active shore program. Expedition cruises are designed for those travelers who wish to discover destinations from the inside - taking the ‘paths less traveled’ to interact with and learn about nature, local cultures, rather than simply checking off touristic spots- and experiencing true wilderness settings in the world’s most remote and pristine locations.

Oceanwide Expeditions is a Dutch vessel operator, organizing voyages that make it possible for passengers to enjoy the scenery and nature above and underwater in the world’s most unique areas. The regions we visit during these wildlife expeditions contain hardly any infrastructure and are almost only reachable by boat. Oceanwide Expeditions operates, so to speak, on the borderline of land and water, where daily guided excursions in small groups are organized. Our expertise in designing and managing the wildlife voyages allows us to offer quality tours in areas that will fascinate and amaze you time after time. We would very much like to share our enthusiasm and our experiences with you.

• Oceanwide Expeditions operates with private and chartered expedition vessels and is responsible for the management and operations on board. All voyages have been carefully prepared and developed (routing, regulations, provisioning, crewing, excursions etc.) and are empathic to the natural conditions of the areas concerned and therefore unique in their design.
• Oceanwide Expeditions looks back at 26 years of experience in expedition cruising, having built up a thorough knowledge of the areas visited. Our tours are constantly modified to guarantee the intended quality of our voyages.
• During Oceanwide Expedition cruises, daily excursions in small groups are offered. Experienced tour leaders show you the most interesting aspects of the areas, often illustrated by lectures on board the vessel. Most lecturers come from a scientific background.
• Sailing schedules are always adapted to local sea ice conditions.
• Oceanwide is known for good and basic standards for the service and comfort offered to all passengers on board the ships.

Traveling with Oceanwide Expeditions
Oceanwide Expeditions offers unique, small-group expedition cruises that allow passengers to enjoy the natural wildlife and scenery of some of the world’s most spectacular and pristine shorelines, above and below the oceans. The size, capacity and capability of our ice-strengthened vessels have proven to be a successful formula for many years.

As the number of participants is limited from 20 to 114 passengers, our small-expedition vessels offer a friendly, intimate atmosphere. Accommodation and on-board-life is cozy and comfortable. Our voyages are primarily defined by an exploratory travel program, spending as much time ashore as possible, combined with educational lectures on board. Moreover, we can be flexible, easily changing the course of the vessel and have our inflatable Zodiacs ready in no time for cruises among ice-floes or even the local wildlife. A friendly and experienced international crew, expedition and hotel staff, most of whom have been with the company for many years, will be anxious to share their enthusiasm and knowledge with their guests. Reliable vessels, completely rebuilt and operated under the supervision of Oceanwide Expeditions, allow Oceanwide to navigate safely through pack-ice and occasional remote narrow waterways.

The North Atlantic & Arctic season between May and September enables exploration of the spectacular scenery with its fascinating flora and fauna including Polar Bears, Walruses and myriads of seabirds. The itineraries include rarely visited Scottish islands - Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland’s, the Faroes, Iceland, Jan Mayen, Bear Island, Spitsbergen, Greenland and Lofoten.

During the Southern summer months November to March Oceanwide’s vessels explore the islands of the South Atlantic, and Antarctica where towering snow-capped mountains and enormous numbers of penguins, whales, seals and seabirds offer unparalleled photographic opportunities. The voyages include the Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands, Falklands (Malvinas), South Georgia & the South Orkney Islands. The Atlantic Odyssey leaving Ushuaia in mid March includes seldom visited jewels such as Tristan da Cunha, St. Helena, Ascension Island and Cape Verde Islands.