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Ortelius

  • Ortelius Oceanwide Cruise
  • ANT_Ortelius, Superior – OKF07651.jpg_Olaf Kramer_OCEANWIDE
  • Lounge area at Ortelius Oceanwide Cruise
  • ANT_Ortelius, observation lounge and bar (1) _ Christophe Gouraud – Oceanwide Expeditions.jpeg_Christophe Gouraud.jpeg_OCEANWIDE
  • Lounge at Ortelius Oceanwide Cruise
  • ANT_Ortelius, Quadruple Porthole – OKF07392.jpg_Olaf Kramer_OCEANWIDE
  • ANT_Ortelius, Twin Porthole – OKF07678.jpg_Olaf Kramer_OCEANWIDE
  • ANT_ortelius in antarctica.png__OCEANWIDE
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Ortelius offers niche expeditions to visit Emperor Penguins or explore the Ross Sea.

The m/v Ortelius is a purpose-built polar expedition vessel, originally constructed for research and now refitted to deliver immersive voyages to the most remote regions of the Arctic and Antarctic. With an ice-strengthened hull and a capacity for just over 100 guests, Ortelius is designed to navigate challenging environments while offering a comfortable onboard experience. The ship features open deck space for wildlife viewing, a lecture room for expert-led talks, and a welcoming atmosphere that encourages interaction among guests and guides.
Ortelius stands out for its operational flexibility and adventurous spirit. On select itineraries, the vessel supports helicopter-assisted landings, allowing access to rarely visited ice shelves and remote terrain unreachable by Zodiac. Its small-group format ensures more time ashore and a deeper connection to the landscapes and wildlife encountered. Whether cruising past towering tabular icebergs or tracing the path of historic explorers, Ortelius offers a genuine expedition experience with a strong focus on education, discovery, and environmental awareness.
Oceanwide Expeditions is committed to protecting fragile ecosystems – directing a portion of its profits toward reforestation efforts in the Amazon Rainforest, restoring over 1,600 hectares of damaged land. In addition to offsetting emissions, they support polar-focused environmental initiatives, apply best practices aboard their ships, and are working to make their supply chain more sustainable.
Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • Antarctica “Best holiday we have ever had.”

    MR, West Malling Dec 2012

  • Most memorable experience: "The whales in Wilhelmina Bay. Our expedition leader said that this was the best he had seen in his 19 years of leading these trips."

    RW, Teddington Feb 2014

  • Highlights were South Georgia – amazing king penguin colony, bathing in thermal pool and cooling off in Whalers Bay on deception island, the open air party as we left Paradise…

    HG, Surbition Feb 2010

  • Highlights: “Setting foot on Antarctica and seeing the wildlife in its natural habitat.  The first part had always been an ambition of mine”

    SM, Dennie Jan 2010

  • Every bit was memorable from the rough sea crossings to the wonderful remoteness of the destination and the absolutely fantastic wildlife.

    HD, London Feb 2015

  • This was a trip of a lifetime. The scale of the natural beauty of Antarctica is overwhelming.  The icebergs, penguins ,mountains and sunshine which reflected it all in the clear…

    AW, Stanmore Jan 2013
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Our Expert's Opinion

Alex
Alex Walker - Travel Expert

A globetrotter since her childhood, Alex spent a year studying abroad in Guadalajara and has returned to Latin America countless times since then.

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Papagaio

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Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

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Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

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  • Juliet
    Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

    After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

  • Heloise
    Heloise Buxton - Travel Expert

    Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.

  • Alex
    Alex Walker - Travel Expert

    A globetrotter since her childhood, Alex spent a year studying abroad in Guadalajara and has returned to Latin America countless times since then.

  • Finn Clennett
    Finn Clennett - Travel Expert

  • Paul Winrow Giffin
    Paul Winrow-Giffin - Travel Expert

    After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.

  • Mary
    Mary Anne Nelson - Travel Expert

    Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.

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