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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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Antarctica “Best holiday we have ever had.”

    MR, West Malling Dec 2012
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Our Expert's Opinion

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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Papagaio

Your edit for Latin American inspiration

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Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

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  • Sophie
    Sophie Barber - Travel Expert

    Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.

  • Carrie
    Carrie Gallagher - Travel Expert

    A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours department.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • Chris
    Chris Rendell-Dunn - Travel Expert

    Anglo-Peruvian Chris grew up in Lima and spent much of his adult life in between London and Cusco as a tour leader, before settling permanently in our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours sales team.

  • Lina
    Lina Fuller - Travel Expert

    Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.

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