Hondius
A purpose built expedition vessel for 170 passengers. The addition of stabilizers and state-of-the-art technology make her a comfortable and safe option.
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About Oceanwide Expeditions
- Registered in the Netherlands
- Operated in Antarctica since 1996
- One of the most experienced management teams in the business
- Number of Antarctic ships: 3
- Length of partnership with Swoop: Since 2015
What our customers think about Oceanwide
Review:
What makes Oceanwide Expeditions special?
- In a remote and challenging environment like Antarctica, destination experience counts for everything. Oceanwide has experience in spades and a management team who have been in the business for over 30 years
- Delivering great value for money without compromising the overall experience is central to Oceanwide’s approach. Time and again through customers comments, we see how the company repeatedly meets and exceeds expectations
- With a fleet of three distinct vessels to choose from, there’s a ship to suit everyone. At just 107 guests, the ex-working ships Plancius & Ortelius offer an authentic, intimate experience that's hard to replicate on bigger ships, while the modern, larger Hondius is a more comfortable alternative
- Oceanwide have remained unapologetically true to their roots by continuing to specialise in delivering expeditionary-style voyages, where optimising time off ship and experiencing Antarctica up close remains the focus
- After receiving hundreds of glowing reviews over the years from Swoop customers who have travelled with Oceanwide, we have full confidence that they'll look after you
Alex says
The strength of the Swoop-Oceanwide partnership pivots around our shared values, mutual respect and deep trust after many years of working together and Oceanwide delivering an outstanding experience for our guests.
Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Antarctica
Fun facts about Oceanwide Expeditions
- Oceanwide was founded by Ko de Korte, a pioneering Dutchman who fell in love with the polar regions on his first trip to Spitsbergen in 1966. He’s still involved with the business, bringing his considerable 50+ years of experience to the table
- Alex, our Head of Swoop Antarctica, has worked with Oceanwide since 2005 when the company's small 50-passenger ex-Russian working ships were their modus operandi
- Swoop staff have been regular visitors over the years to Oceanwide’s headquarters in Vlissingen, Holland, to inspect their ships; this has included the unique experience of seeing vessels in dry dock
Oceanwide Expeditions' ships
Plancius
A former Dutch Navy research ship, the Plancius is a practical and highly capable expedition ship with a recent full re-fit to take 108 guests.
Discover MoreOrtelius
An outstanding expedition ship with a hard-won reputation for navigating some of the Polar region's most challenging waters, carrying just 108 guests.
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Swoop says
Swoop’s collective knowledge and experience of working closely with Oceanwide extends back to 2005. There are very few agents who know the company's trips and ships better and in more detail.
Why our customers love Swoop
The Antarctic Experts.
No Compromises
Our team has visited Antarctica over 150 times and has 100 collective years of polar experience, so from which trip is right for you to what shoes to bring - there’s no question we can’t answer.
Expert impartial advice at no extra cost
Choosing the right voyage is complicated, Swoop makes it easy. We offer no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships to find you the right trip, cabin, price - and we don’t charge a fee.
The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist
We want to protect Antarctica for future generations - which is why we became a certified B Corp and set up our own conservation fund. So your adventures can be a force for good.
A full concierge service, unlike booking direct
We leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip and have over 6500 happy travellers to show for it. With a dedicated Antarctic co-ordinator & support throughout - you’re in safe hands.
Meet Oceanwide's Expedition Team
The calibre of Oceanwide's onboard expedition staff remains one of their superpowers. They have an outstanding stable of loyal expedition team members.
- Many of the team are seasoned polar veterans, and that level of experience matters in a challenging and remote environment like Antarctica
- Oceanwide’s expedition staff is typically a mix of nationalities, making for an engaging and interesting team
- Historically, a good number of their staff have had a strong academic background, which makes for engaging lectures
Introducing a few key members you may meet on your voyage:
Sara Jenner
- Expedition Leader
- One of Oceanwide's most popular nature photographers
- A nomad who guides in Botswana when not in Antarctica
- Describes South Georgia as her "happy place"
Pippa Low
- Expedition Leader & Marine Scientist
- Ex-commercial skipper and powerboat instructor
- Teaches zodiac driving and guiding skills, and is a volunteer lifeboat crew member
- Worked as a researcher in an on-location film team for two natural history behaviour shoots in the Arctic
Ali Liddle
- Expedition Leader
- A former Falkands primary school teacher who started guiding in 2009
- Calls South Georgia her favourite destination, especially when the elephant seal pups are on the beaches
- Gains satisfaction from using her skills and knowledge to make guests' trips "as memorable as possible"
What our customers say about Oceanwide's guides
Review:
Swoop offers the following Oceanwide trips
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
4.6 out of 5
Onto the Antarctic Ice
With three medium-sized expedition ships to pick from and regular departure dates throughout the season, this well-priced voyage is a popular option. Across striking landscapes and icy seas, your company includes penguins, seals, whales and skuas. For the adventurous, optional…
- 10-13 Days
- $10,050
4.3 out of 5
Antarctic Basecamp Adventure
The ultimate Antarctic adventure, this trip is specifically for the active traveller. Spend 7 days kayaking, hiking, camping, mountaineering and snowshoeing, all included in the price. A medium-sized expedition ship acts as your floating ‘basecamp’. An excellent deal backed up…
- 13 Days
- $10,550
4.8 out of 5
South of the Antarctic Circle
By including optional kayaking and diving, these late season voyages offer the chance to maximise your polar crossing experience by exploring Antarctica both on and under the water. Travelling at that time provides excellent photographic and whale watching conditions, alongside…
- 12, 13 or 14 Days
- $10,000
Setting sail early in the season, be aboard one of the first ships to head south as the Southern Ocean reopens for business. It's a special time in South Georgia as the beaches are packed with breeding elephant seals, while…
- 21 Days
- $13,350
4.4 out of 5
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Adventure
With a good choice of departure dates through the season across three medium-sized ships, this 19-22 day trip stands out for its value for money and the broad range of cabin categories available, including Quads, which are…
- 19-22 Days
- $13,550
This must be one of the world’s last great sea voyages - sailing from Antarctica up through the South Atlantic Ocean, visiting remote islands en route. Departing mid-March, it’s a 33 or 42 day long voyage depending on whether you…
- 23-37 Days
- $13,250
4.1 out of 5
Quest for the Emperor Penguins of Snow Hill Island
The iconic emperor penguin is the goal of this expedition for wildlife enthusiasts, as your ice-strengthened ship sails into Antarctica’s challenging and little-visited Weddell Sea. Delve deep into historically significant and ice-laden waters, heading for the remote emperor rookery…
- 11 Days
- $12,100
4.7 out of 5
Falklands, South Georgia & The Polar Circle
Visit one of the last untamed areas on Earth. Explore ruggedly beautiful landscapes and amazingly varied wildlife on board an elegant and modern 4* vessel. Optional activities include photo and video workshops with experts, as well as polar…
- 23 Days
- $16,700
