Expedition & Specialty

Oceanwide is one of the longest-running expedition cruise companies in the world, and one of the reasons for our success is our guides.

Chosen from a variety of backgrounds, our guides will be the people leading you over land, ice, and water during your voyage. But they are also skilled lecturers with expertise in a variety of disciplines, such as biology, history, ornithology, geology, and glaciology, among others.

Many of our guides also come from field-based professions, such as mountaineers, boat handlers and field guides in the polar regions as well as working at Antarctic research stations. We have many loyal guides who work for us in varying capacities, and we always consider the environmental impact when scheduling staff.

As Oceanwide has grown over the years, we have invested in several training resources for our guides. We are a recognized training center by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and Qualsafe Awards, and we are also active corporate members of the Polar Tourism Guides Association (PTGA).

Our training team consists of Oceanwide staff who are actively working as guides and have a wealth of experience in their disciplines. Many also have search and rescue/emergency experience and have worked in extreme environments. All of our training is certified by external bodies.

Oceanwide Development Program

This concept was originally started in 2018 and has now become an established part of our development process. It is aimed at potential staff who have a strong education and background in the field as well as basic boat handling and firearm qualifications.

The program is held in Vlissingen and introduces candidates to the company. Over 10 days, participants are taught first aid, Zodiac piloting, kayak rescue techniques, VHF radio (and licensing), basic navigation on land and water, group management, and presentation/hosting skills.

This gives candidates an introduction to what we do and how we do it. It also allows us and the candidates to ensure we are a good fit.

Wales training

As the majority of our guides are busy during the northern and southern summers, there is a limited amount of time to train. We therefore run an annual training course in Wales for staff who commit to working a minimum number of voyages with us.

This course involves firearms training, navigational and hill skills, and first aid. Beginning in 2024, it will also include boat and kayak training on the Menai Straits, which will allow us to practice in a variety of conditions using our dedicated training boat (ex-RNLI D-class lifeboat).

Staff pre-season and continued training

Prior to the Arctic season, expedition leaders gather at our home office in Vlissingen for an update on the past Antarctic and upcoming Arctic seasons. Their training is run in partnership with the local maritime training center and live-fire indoor range using video technology.

The initial voyages begin in Vlissingen, and all staff scheduled for them are provided with training identical to the expedition leaders. We support our staff financially through PTGA recognition and offer them the chance to become part of our training team once senior guide status is achieved.

We prioritize onboard training as operations allow and have PTGA assessors on our vessels. To recognize staff that commit to Oceanwide, we began offering full-time contracts in 2023. For these guides, additional training and support opportunities are available.

Training Team

• Adam Turner (CXO, Head of Expedition Operations): Ex-police officer formerly with the British Antarctic Survey, volunteer lifeboat crewman, teaches Zodiac driving and first aid.
• Adam Burke (expedition leader): Former outdoor education instructor and member of British Antarctic Survey, teaches Zodiac driving, navigation, and guide safety skills.
• Pippa Low (expedition leader): Ex-commercial skipper and powerboat instructor, teaches Zodiac driving and guiding skills, volunteer lifeboat crew member.
• George Kennedy (assistant expedition leader): Licensed paramedic and medical student, teaches first aid.
• Adam Harmer (technical advisor for kayaking): Full-time kayak and mountaineering instructor, member of mountain rescue team.

PTGA Assessors

• Claudio Ghiglione
• Chloé Maréchal
• Paolo Bellezze

Why embark on an Oceanwide adventure? Because we're more than just a voyage; we're a gateway to the untamed heart of nature. With three decades of polar expedition under our belt, Oceanwide stands tall as a beacon of expertise and dedication to polar exploration. Our guiding principles lead the way as we navigate the Earth's most remote and breathtaking landscapes, inviting you on a journey where rugged beauty meets unparalleled expedition.

We bring guests closer to the heart of nature, to the polar wildlife, embracing the spirit of adventure for which the Arctic and Antarctica are known.

Our expeditions are designed to immerse you in the unparalleled beauty of the polar landscape. Get ready to witness breathtaking vistas, encounter majestic wildlife, and experience the raw power of nature like never before.

At Oceanwide Expeditions, our goal is maximizing your time on shore.

That is why our fleet consists of smaller vessels that give us an opportunity to land and explore. With minimal time spent onboard and maximum time exploring the polar terrain, every moment of your adventure is filled with awe-inspiring discoveries.

Kayaking, mountaineering, scuba diving, and so much more!

From thrilling Zodiac cruises to exhilarating hikes, our carefully curated activities ensure that you experience the polar environment in all its glory. Whether you're kayaking through icy waters or trekking across snow-covered landscapes, prepare to be fully immersed in the wonders of the poles.

At Oceanwide Expeditions, we are committed to offering the highest quality trips at the best value for money. With us, you'll enjoy a truly priceless polar experience without breaking the bank.

Our vessels are specifically designed to offer the 360 eye-level experience allowing you to walk around the ship and enjoy panoramic views of the polar landscapes from every angle.  Our custom built vessels with highest ice class are designed for navigation deep into the pack  ice.

Discover the Arctic and Antarctica from every perspective. Whether you're gazing across icy horizons from the deck, discovering by foot, soaring high in a helicopter, or diving beneath the surface, our programs ensure you don't miss a single moment.

Get ready to capture stunning moments and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Leave your worries behind as you step onboard our vessels. With a casual and welcoming atmosphere, you'll feel right at home among fellow adventurers who share your passion for exploration.

We aim to not only give you a warm welcome, but make sure your life on board will be as pleasant as possible by cooking fresh homemade delicious food and providing an exceptional service.

We value flexibility both on board and in the office.

We own the ships we operate: a thoroughly outfitted fleet of ice-strengthened vessels. Our small-scale vessels are able to go many places larger ships cannot, allowing our crew and staff on board to respond to each weather and wildlife opportunity as it occurs.

All departments at home are always eager to find a solution to any requests, making it possible for everyone to enjoy their trip, no matter the circumstances.

For over three decades, we've been cultivating our expertise, expanding our fleet, and handpicking top-tier experts to ensure unparalleled service and unforgettable experiences.

Oceanwide Expeditions pioneered the way to Spitsbergen, being the first company to organize commercial trips to the archipelago. By inventing Basecamp in Antarctica, we introduced activity-filled cruises to the White continent. We were the first offering the Atlantic Odyssey cruise to the remotest islands, crossing the migratory paths of a variety of birds and whales, as they make their annual expeditions north for the breeding season. Travel with Oceanwide Expeditions, let’s be the first together.

We are the pioneers of ship based, dynamic, innovative expeditions that optimize your polar experience. Our belief is that real explorers should always be innovative. We design our trips with innovation in mind and push the boundaries of existing itineraries to create unexplored new expeditions.

Our second-to-none expedition staff are the ones who deliver the highest quality experiences, backed by their unparalleled expertise and commitment to innovation. They continuously strive to enhance your polar adventure, ensuring each journey is filled with unforgettable moments of discovery and wonder.