Experience the extraordinary beauty of Antarctica on an intimate expedition voyage through the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Sail between towering icebergs and glaciers, visit bustling penguin colonies and search for whales and seals in one of the world’s last great wildernesses.

Travelling aboard Ortelius, a specialist ice-strengthened expedition vessel carrying just 108 passengers, you’ll explore by Zodiac and through guided shore excursions, accompanied by expert naturalists. Watch gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins, look for humpback whales feeding among the ice and enjoy the remarkable silence and immense landscapes of the White Continent.

With wildlife encounters, informative onboard presentations and opportunities to learn about polar conservation, this is a wonderful introduction to Antarctica.

Day 1: Embark in Ushuaia

Image: M/V Ortelius – Oceanwide Expeditions

Board Ortelius in Ushuaia, Argentina, and settle into your cabin before sailing through the beautiful Beagle Channel towards the Southern Ocean.

Your expedition vessel offers comfortable en-suite cabins, spacious viewing decks and welcoming communal areas. With a maximum of 108 passengers, the atmosphere is friendly and informal, with an emphasis on exploration rather than conventional cruising.

Days 2–3: Crossing the Drake Passage

Cross the legendary Drake Passage, watching for wandering albatrosses, giant petrels and other seabirds soaring above the waves. Whales and dolphins may also be encountered.

The expedition team introduces Antarctica’s wildlife, ecology and exploration history, while explaining the biosecurity and wildlife-viewing guidelines that help protect this fragile environment.

Days 4–7: Antarctic Peninsula

Spend four unforgettable days exploring the magnificent Antarctic Peninsula, where glaciers descend into sheltered bays and enormous icebergs drift beneath snow-covered mountains.

Weather and ice conditions determine the programme, with opportunities for Zodiac cruises and guided landings to visit colonies of gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins.

Watch for Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, and keep an eye on the surrounding waters for humpback and minke whales.

Expert naturalists bring the extraordinary wildlife and landscapes to life, while optional activities such as kayaking may be available on selected departures.

Day 8: South Shetland Islands

Explore the wildlife-rich South Shetland Islands, where penguins, seals and seabirds gather along dramatic volcanic and glaciated shores.

Conditions permitting, sail into the flooded volcanic crater of Deception Island, where the remains of a former whaling station offer a fascinating glimpse into Antarctica’s past.

Days 9–10: Return Across the Drake Passage

Begin the return voyage across the Drake Passage, with further opportunities to observe whales and seabirds.

Enjoy presentations from the expedition team and time to reflect on the extraordinary wildlife encounters and landscapes of your Antarctic adventure.

Day 11: Disembark in Ushuaia

Arrive in Ushuaia and disembark after breakfast, ready for your onward journey.

The itinerary is indicative. Landings, excursions and wildlife encounters depend on weather, sea and ice conditions.

Responsible travel

Antarctica is one of the planet’s most sensitive environments, and responsible wildlife tourism plays an important role in encouraging awareness of its conservation challenges.

Aboard Ortelius, passengers receive guidance on biosecurity, wildlife observation and minimising disturbance during shore visits. The vessel’s operator has introduced measures to reduce waste and single-use plastics and supports polar research projects.

Guests may also have opportunities to participate in citizen science initiatives, contributing observations to ongoing research.

A conservation fund contribution is included in the voyage arrangements.

Why we like this trip

An outstanding introduction to Antarctica, combining spectacular scenery, remarkable wildlife and genuine expedition experiences.

While there are many vessels to choose from, at different price points, including Magellan Explorer, Sylvia Earle and the Douglas Mawson, we like the relatively small size and value offered by Ortelius, accommodating just 108 passengers.

The specialist naturalist guides and onboard educational programme add a valuable conservation dimension to this voyage.

Price Guide

11 days from £8,055 per person excluding international flights. Our specialist travel partners can arrange international flights from the UK, and any additional travel arrangements for you as required.

• Ten nights aboard the ice-strengthened expedition vessel Ortelius.
• Maximum of 108 passengers.
• Voyage begins and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina.
• A range of en-suite cabin categories is available.
• International flights and pre- or post-voyage arrangements can be organised separately.
• Optional activities may be available on selected departures.

Departure Dates

2027

• 18 March
• 9 December
• 29 December

2028

• 5 February
• 23 March

M/V Plancius from £9,160 pp departs 8 Feb, 10 Dec, 20 Dec 2027 and 20 Mar 28. Other vessels also available. Please enquire.

Includes

• Ten nights’ cabin accommodation aboard Ortelius
• All meals during the voyage
• Transfers as specified in the itinerary
• Guided shore landings and Zodiac excursions with the expedition team
• Onboard lectures and educational activities
• Complimentary use of rubber boots
• Conservation fund contribution

Excludes

• International and domestic flights
• Accommodation and arrangements before or after the voyage
• Travel insurance
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses
• Optional activities where applicable

ENQUIRE

Journey into the wild Southern Ocean on an unforgettable expedition exploring the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula. From towering glaciers and enormous icebergs to beaches crowded with penguins and seals, this remarkable voyage reveals some of the planet’s greatest wildlife spectacles.

A particular highlight is South Georgia, where vast colonies of king penguins gather beneath snow-covered mountains, alongside thousands of fur seals and enormous southern elephant seals. In the Falklands, discover thriving seabird colonies before continuing south to the Antarctic Peninsula, where whales, penguins and seals inhabit a spectacular world of ice.

Travel aboard Plancius or Ortelius, specialist expedition ships operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, each carrying a maximum of just 108 passengers. With Zodiac excursions, guided shore landings and expert naturalists, this is a truly immersive wildlife adventure.

Day 1: Embark in Ushuaia

Image: M/V Plancius, Oceanwide Expeditions

Board your expedition ship in Ushuaia, Argentina, and settle into your comfortable en-suite cabin before sailing through the beautiful Beagle Channel.

Both Plancius and Ortelius offer welcoming communal spaces, excellent observation decks and a fleet of Zodiacs for exploring remote coastlines.

Day 2: Into the South Atlantic

Sail towards the Falkland Islands, keeping watch for albatrosses, petrels and other seabirds gliding above the waves.

The expedition team introduces the region’s wildlife and explains the biosecurity and wildlife-viewing guidelines that help protect these sensitive environments.

Days 3–4: Falkland Islands

Explore the wildlife-rich Falkland Islands, where rugged beaches and coastal grasslands support extraordinary seabird colonies.

Possible landings include Carcass Island, home to gentoo and Magellanic penguins, and Saunders Island, where rockhopper penguins and black-browed albatrosses breed.

There may also be time to visit Stanley, the islands’ small and colourful capital.

Days 5–6: Towards South Georgia

Cross the Southern Ocean towards South Georgia, watching for wandering albatrosses, petrels and whales.

Enjoy presentations from the onboard naturalists about the islands’ remarkable wildlife, history and conservation.

Days 7–10: South Georgia

Spend four extraordinary days exploring South Georgia, one of the world’s most important breeding grounds for penguins and marine mammals.

Here, vast colonies of king penguins gather in their hundreds of thousands, creating an unforgettable spectacle against a backdrop of glaciers and rugged mountains.

The beaches are also home to southern elephant seals and Antarctic fur seals, while albatrosses, petrels and skuas add to the astonishing birdlife.

Weather permitting, possible landing sites include St Andrews Bay, Gold Harbour and Fortuna Bay, where guided shore excursions and Zodiac cruises offer exceptional opportunities for wildlife watching and photography.

South Georgia’s history of commercial sealing and whaling also provides a powerful reminder of the importance of marine conservation.

Days 11–12: South Orkney Islands

Continue south through the Southern Ocean towards the remote South Orkney Islands.

Keep watch for whales, penguins and seabirds as the first sea ice appears.

Conditions permitting, visit the islands’ rugged coastline or learn about polar science at Orcadas Base, an Argentine research station.

Days 13–16: Antarctic Peninsula

Discover the extraordinary landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula, where immense icebergs, glaciers and snow-covered mountains provide a spectacular setting for wildlife encounters.

Explore by Zodiac and guided shore landings, visiting colonies of gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins and searching for Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals.

The surrounding waters offer opportunities to encounter humpback and minke whales, while expert naturalists help bring the region’s fascinating wildlife and ecology to life.

Days 17–18: Drake Passage

Sail north across the Drake Passage, enjoying further opportunities to watch seabirds and marine mammals.

The expedition team continues its programme of lectures and discussions, providing time to reflect on the remarkable wildlife and landscapes encountered throughout the voyage.

Day 19: Disembark in Ushuaia

Return to Ushuaia and disembark after breakfast, bringing your Antarctic expedition to a close.

The itinerary is indicative. Landing sites, excursions and wildlife encounters depend on weather, sea and ice conditions.

Responsible travel

This voyage visits some of the Southern Ocean’s most important wildlife habitats, highlighting the need to protect vulnerable polar ecosystems.

Shore excursions are carefully managed by experienced expedition guides, with strict attention to biosecurity, wildlife disturbance and the protection of sensitive habitats.

Both Plancius and Ortelius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, incorporate environmental management measures including waste reduction and efforts to reduce single-use plastics. Guests may also have opportunities to participate in citizen science projects, contributing observations to ongoing polar research.

South Georgia provides a particularly inspiring conservation story, where sustained efforts to protect habitats and restore native wildlife have helped populations recover from the impacts of historic exploitation.

A conservation fund contribution is included in the voyage arrangements.

Why we like this trip

For wildlife enthusiasts, few journeys rival the extraordinary variety of life encountered on this voyage.

The immense king penguin colonies of South Georgia are undoubtedly a highlight, while the Falklands’ seabird colonies and Antarctica’s whales, seals and penguins make this a truly exceptional wildlife expedition.

We particularly like the relatively small size of Plancius and Ortelius, each carrying only 108 passengers. Combined with expert naturalist guiding and extensive Zodiac excursions, this offers a more personal approach to exploring these remote and fragile environments. Other vessels are available including the Douglas Mawson and Magellan Discoverer.

Price Guide

19 days from £15,400 per person excluding international flights. Our specialist travel partners can arrange international flights from the UK, and any additional travel arrangements for you as required.

• Choice of two specialist expedition vessels: Plancius or Ortelius, each accommodating a maximum of 108 passengers.
• Both vessels are operated by Oceanwide Expeditions.
• Eighteen nights aboard your expedition vessel, with a choice of en-suite cabin categories.
• Voyage begins and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina.
• International flights and additional travel arrangements can be organised separately.
• Optional activities may be available on selected departures.

Departure Dates

2027

• 20 October
• 22 November
• 19 December

2028

• 6 January

From £15,400 per person, with sailing dates and vessel allocation subject to confirmation.

Includes

• Eighteen nights’ cabin accommodation aboard Plancius or Ortelius
• All meals during the voyage
• Transfers as specified in the itinerary
• Guided shore landings and Zodiac excursions with the expedition team
• Onboard lectures and educational activities
• Complimentary use of rubber boots
• Conservation fund contribution

Excludes

• International and domestic flights
• Accommodation and arrangements before or after the voyage
• Travel insurance
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses
• Optional activities where applicable

ENQUIRE

Image: M/V Vikingfjord

Explore the extraordinary wilderness of Svalbard aboard Vikingfjord, an intimate expedition vessel carrying just 12 guests. Beneath the midnight sun, discover a world of towering glaciers, dramatic fjords, drifting ice and extraordinary Arctic wildlife.

Search for polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer and whales, while immense seabird colonies bring the cliffs to life. With such a small group, there’s more freedom to respond to wildlife sightings, explore secluded waterways and enjoy Zodiac excursions without the delays associated with larger vessels.

Vikingfjord combines the adventure of polar exploration with comfortable Scandinavian-style accommodation, spacious viewing areas and expert expedition guiding. This is a wonderful choice for wildlife enthusiasts seeking a more personal Arctic experience.

Day 1: Embark in Longyearbyen

Board Vikingfjord in Longyearbyen, the small Arctic settlement on Spitsbergen, and settle into your cabin before sailing into the spectacular landscapes of Svalbard.

The vessel accommodates just 12 passengers in eight en-suite cabins, with comfortable observation lounges, a restaurant, sauna and outdoor hot tub.

With its ice-strengthened hull and experienced crew, Vikingfjord provides an excellent base for exploring remote Arctic waters.

Days 2–9: Exploring Spitsbergen

Spend eight remarkable days discovering the fjords, glaciers and coastlines of Svalbard, with a flexible itinerary shaped by sea ice, weather and wildlife opportunities.

Your expedition team will search for polar bears along remote shorelines and, where conditions allow, near the sea ice. These magnificent predators are among the Arctic’s most iconic animals, although sightings are never guaranteed.

Other wildlife possibilities include walruses resting on beaches or ice floes, bearded seals, Arctic foxes and Svalbard reindeer. Keep watch for whales in the surrounding waters, including belugas and occasional humpback or blue whales.

Zodiac cruises may take you close to immense glaciers, while guided shore landings offer opportunities to explore the Arctic tundra and observe its remarkable birdlife.

Cliffs support thousands of breeding Brünnich’s guillemots, kittiwakes and little auks, while Arctic terns, eiders and other seabirds add to the spectacle.

The small size of Vikingfjord is a particular advantage. With only 12 guests, the captain and expedition team can adapt plans quickly, making the most of unexpected wildlife encounters and favourable conditions.

Return to the comfort of the ship each evening, surrounded by the extraordinary silence and beauty of the Arctic.

Day 10: Return to Longyearbyen

Arrive back in Longyearbyen and disembark after breakfast, ready for your onward journey.

The itinerary is flexible. Routes, landings and wildlife encounters depend on weather, sea and ice conditions.

Responsible travel

The Arctic is a rapidly changing environment, and responsible wildlife encounters are particularly important in protecting its sensitive habitats.

Vikingfjord has been designed with environmental considerations in mind, including an energy-efficient engine and technology to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. Onboard practices include careful water and waste management and the use of recyclable and biodegradable materials where possible.

Expeditions follow guidance from the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), covering wildlife observation, visitor conduct and environmental protection.

The voyage also includes a conservation fund contribution.

Why we like this trip

For us, the greatest attraction is the exceptionally small group size. With just 12 passengers, Vikingfjord offers the freedom and flexibility that make expedition cruising so rewarding.

We particularly like the opportunities to explore remote fjords, spend time watching wildlife and enjoy the expertise of a dedicated polar expedition team.

The vessel’s comfortable accommodation and environmental features add to the appeal, without losing the sense of adventure.

Price Guide

10 days from £12,500 per person excluding international flights.

• Nine nights aboard Vikingfjord, carrying a maximum of 12 guests.
• Voyage starts and finishes in Longyearbyen, Svalbard.
• Eight comfortable en-suite cabins, with double, twin and single configurations.
• Zodiac excursions and guided shore landings.
• International flights and additional arrangements can be organised by our specialist travel partner.
• Alternative expedition vessels are available, including Plancius and Ortelius, (108 passengers) with voyages starting from £7,345 per person. Itineraries may differ. Please enquire.

Departure Dates

2027

13 and 22 June

1, 10, 19, 28 July

6 August

2028

27 April

15 and 24 May

2, 11, 20, 29 June

8, 17, 26 July

Includes

• Nine nights’ cabin accommodation aboard Vikingfjord
• All meals during the voyage
• Beverages served with meals on board
• Transfers as indicated in the itinerary
• Guided Zodiac excursions and shore landings
• Services of the expedition crew and naturalist guides
• Conservation fund contribution

Excludes

• International and domestic flights
• Accommodation before or after the voyage
• Travel insurance
• Gratuities
• Drinks outside the included arrangements
• Personal expenses

ENQUIRE

Image: M/S Stockholm, PolarQuest, Ulrich Kuhn

Discover the beautiful, ice-covered wilderness of Svalbard on an intimate early-season expedition aboard M/S Stockholm, a characterful vessel accommodating just 12 passengers.

Travelling in May or early June, when snow still blankets the mountains and sea ice remains a prominent feature of the landscape, search for polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer and seals beneath the almost continuous daylight of the Arctic spring.

The expedition is led by Helen Bryon, an experienced tour leader and former safari guide with a particular enthusiasm for marine mammals and wildlife watching. With a small group, two Zodiacs and an experienced polar crew, this is a wonderfully personal way to explore one of the world’s great wildernesses.

Day 1: Fly to Oslo

Depart London Heathrow for Oslo, Norway’s capital.

Overnight at Radisson RED Oslo Airport, conveniently situated for your onward flight to Svalbard.

Day 2: Longyearbyen & Embarkation

Fly north to Longyearbyen, the gateway to the Svalbard archipelago.

Board M/S Stockholm, an ice-strengthened expedition vessel with just 12 passenger berths.

Originally built in 1953, Stockholm retains much of its maritime character, with comfortable en-suite cabins, a welcoming dining room, observation areas and two Zodiacs for exploring the surrounding waters.

Set sail into Isfjorden, watching for seabirds, seals and perhaps your first Arctic wildlife encounters.

Days 3–8: Arctic Wildlife & Sea Ice

Spend six extraordinary days exploring the fjords and icy coastlines of Spitsbergen, with the exact route determined by weather, sea ice and wildlife opportunities.

Early-season conditions offer a particularly beautiful Arctic landscape, with snow-covered mountains, frozen shorelines and immense glaciers.

Your expedition team will search for polar bears, which may be encountered along coastlines or moving across the sea ice. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the possibility of observing these magnificent predators in their natural habitat is a major attraction.

Other wildlife includes walruses, bearded seals, Arctic foxes and Svalbard reindeer, many still wearing their thick winter coats.

The surrounding waters may also reveal whales, while seabird colonies support little auks, Brünnich’s guillemots, kittiwakes and Arctic terns.

Daily activities typically include Zodiac cruises and, where conditions allow, guided shore landings. With only 12 passengers aboard, there is plenty of flexibility to respond to wildlife sightings and spend more time exploring.

Possible destinations include the spectacular glaciers and mountains of Hornsund, together with other sheltered fjords along Spitsbergen’s west coast.

Throughout the voyage, Helen Bryon’s enthusiasm and naturalist knowledge add another dimension to the wildlife encounters, whether watching a distant polar bear, searching for seals or identifying seabirds.

Return each evening to the welcoming atmosphere of Stockholm, sharing stories and photographs with your fellow travellers.

Day 9: Return to the UK

Disembark in Longyearbyen and transfer to the airport for your return flights via Oslo to London Heathrow.

The itinerary is flexible, with routes and activities dependent on weather, sea ice and wildlife opportunities.

Responsible travel

The sensitive Arctic environment demands a careful approach to wildlife watching and shore exploration.

This expedition follows the wildlife and environmental guidance of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), which promotes responsible visitor behaviour, wildlife protection and safe operations in polar regions.

The small group size allows excursions to be carefully managed, with experienced guides making decisions based on wildlife behaviour and local conditions.

The voyage also provides opportunities to learn about Arctic ecosystems, changing sea ice and the conservation challenges facing polar wildlife.

Why we like this trip

The combination of early-season Arctic conditions, just 12 passengers and Helen Bryon’s leadership makes this a particularly special expedition.

We love the opportunity to experience Svalbard while the landscape is still blanketed in snow, with sea ice providing a spectacular setting for wildlife watching.

Stockholm’s traditional character, intimate atmosphere and two Zodiacs create a genuine expedition experience, where time is devoted to exploring, photographing and appreciating the Arctic rather than following a rigid cruise programme.

Price Guide

9 days from £9,695 per person including return flights from the UK.

• Specialist small-group expedition aboard M/S Stockholm, carrying a maximum of 12 passengers.
• Led by Helen Bryon, an experienced naturalist and expedition leader.
• Includes return flights from London Heathrow via Oslo.
• One night in Oslo and seven nights aboard Stockholm.
• Early-season departures offer opportunities to experience snow-covered landscapes and sea ice.
• Travellers should be comfortable boarding Zodiacs and walking short distances on uneven terrain.

Departure Dates

2027

• 9 June 2027 – fully booked; enquiries for a waitlist or alternatives are welcome.

2028

• 17 May 2028 – from £9,695 per person, currently available.

Departure availability and prices are subject to final confirmation.

Includes

• Return flights from London Heathrow via Oslo
• One night’s accommodation at Radisson RED Oslo Airport
• Seven nights’ en-suite accommodation aboard Stockholm
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages as specified
• Airport and ship transfers as indicated
• Guided Zodiac excursions and shore landings
• Use of flotation suits during Zodiac cruises
• Services of tour leader Helen Bryon and the expedition crew

Excludes

• Travel insurance
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses
• Additional arrangements not included in the itinerary

ENQUIRE

Antarctica, the frozen continent, offers a unique wilderness teeming with wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Accessible by a two-day sail from Ushuaia, cruises run from late October to March, offering daily landings and various activities.

The Arctic is a vast and diverse region encompassing parts of Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, and the United States (Alaska). It’s known for its dramatic landscapes, unique wildlife, and extreme conditions.

General Overview

Svalbard Archipelago: Located midway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is renowned for its rugged terrain, glaciers, and abundant wildlife.

Greenland: The world’s largest island, known for its vast ice sheet, deep fjords, and remote Inuit communities.

Canadian Arctic: Includes the Northwest Passage, Baffin Island, and the northern territories, offering stunning fjords, indigenous culture, and rich wildlife.

Iceland: Known for its geothermal activity, waterfalls, and as a gateway to the Arctic.

Detailed Highlights of Spitsbergen, Svalbard

Longyearbyen: The northernmost town in the world, Longyearbyen is the starting point for many Arctic expeditions. It offers a mix of modern amenities and Arctic adventure, with museums, shops, and restaurants. It’s also a base for exploring the surrounding wilderness.

Prins Karls Foreland & Sea Ice: This uninhabited island off the west coast of Spitsbergen features stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, including walruses and reindeer. The area is also ideal for exploring the edge of the sea ice, where polar bears hunt.

North-West Coast: Known for its rugged beauty, this area includes numerous glaciers, fjords, and historical sites. Regular shore landings offer opportunities to hike and observe wildlife in their natural habitat.

Lilliehook Fjord & Kongsfjorden: These fjords are renowned for their majestic glaciers and scenic beauty. Lilliehook Fjord is home to one of Svalbard’s largest calving glacier fronts, while Kongsfjorden offers a mix of stunning landscapes and rich wildlife, including seals and seabirds.

Wildlife of the Arctic

Birds:

• Puffins: Iconic seabirds often seen on coastal cliffs.
• Snowy Owls: Predators of the Arctic tundra.
• Arctic Terns: Known for their extensive migrations.

Marine Mammals:

• Polar Bears: Found on sea ice, they are the apex predators of the Arctic.
• Narwhals: Known for their long, spiral tusks.
• Beluga Whales: Social whales often seen in pods.
• Bowhead Whales: Large whales known for breaking through ice.
• Walruses: Recognizable by their tusks and whiskers, often found on ice floes.

Terrestrial Mammals:

• Arctic Foxes: Adaptable predators of the tundra.
• Caribou (Reindeer): Migratory herds found across the Arctic.
• Musk Oxen: Resilient animals with thick coats, surviving in harsh conditions.

This  guide offers a glimpse into the pristine environments and incredible wildlife encounters available on an Arctic expedition.