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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

  • 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

  • Most memorable experience: "A hard question to answer, but probably being able to walk on the continent, and not just strolling along the shore line, but fairly serious walking on…

    HW, New Romney Feb 2014

  • 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

  • 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

  • The whole experience of sailing across Antarctica was amazing, but being able to visit Scott's at Cape Evans was probably the pinnacle of the trip.

    JW, Bedford Jan 2020

  • Most Memorable Experience: “The Awesome Beauty of a Sunny Antarctica!”

    AW, Nottingham Dec 2012
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Our Expert's Opinion

Ben
Ben Line - Travel Expert

Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

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Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

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  • Kathryn
    Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

    Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.

  • 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.

  • Rosie profile
    Rosie Kay - Travel Expert

    During a career break, Rosie embarked on an unforgettable year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. Now back in the UK, she is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others, helping them discover her favourite place in the world.

  • Ben
    Ben Line - Travel Expert

    Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

  • Hannah
    Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Expert

    Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.

  • 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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