Antarctica Adventure with Oceanwide Expeditions

Since 1993, Oceanwide Expeditions has been taking travelers on unforgettable journeys to the polar regions. Their fleet includes five ships that explore seven different parts of the world, staffed by a team of experts who ensure each trip is safe and immersive. We had the opportunity to visit Antarctica aboard the Hondius, a state-of-the-art Polar Class 6 ship, during their 12-day Basecamp cruise over the 2022 winter holiday season. Our home for the journey was a cozy twin porthole cabin, room 321. Below is a full recap of our itinerary, experiences, and an honest review of Oceanwide Expeditions.

Our adventure started in Ushuaia, Argentina, on December 23rd. After dropping off our luggage in the morning, we explored the town before boarding the Hondius around 4 PM. That evening, we had a buffet dinner, attended a welcome speech, and set sail toward Cape Horn and the infamous Drake Passage.

The two-day journey across the Drake Passage wasn’t as rough as expected. On the first day, the captain didn’t even need to use the stabilizers and only briefly turned them on during the second day. While sailing, we filled out activity forms, got fitted for our muck boots, and learned the rules of the cruise. Excitement was building as we were getting closer to Antarctica.

If you want to know more about what to expect while passing through the Drake Passage, read this blog here.

Every day in Antarctica was unique. Weather permitting, we had morning and afternoon excursions, including zodiac cruises and landings. We were fortunate with the weather, allowing us to experience almost every activity.

Our first stop was Brown Bluff, where we did a moderate mountaineering activity. We hiked across a glacier for about two hours, using snowshoes with metal spikes to grip the ice. The hike wasn’t too tricky, but a layer of fog rolled in before we reached the top, blocking the view. However, we witnessed a massive iceberg split in two, which was a breathtaking sight.

Later that day, we visited Paulet Island, home to a massive penguin colony. Thousands of penguins waddled around, utterly unfazed by our presence. It felt like we had stepped into a nature documentary.

The next day, we cruised through Cierva Cove, surrounded by towering icebergs, snow-covered mountains, and seals basking on the ice. The scenery was absolutely stunning.

That night, we camped on the Antarctic continent at Portal Point. After dinner, we took a zodiac to shore, dug holes in the snow for our sleeping bags, and settled in for the night. Sleep was hard to come by since it never truly gets dark in Antarctica during the summer, and some of our fellow campers were loud snorers. By 4 AM, we packed up and returned to the ship. Despite the cold and lack of sleep, it was an unforgettable experience. Very few people can say they’ve spent a night in Antarctica!

Danco Point & Neko Harbor (December 28)

This was one of the most beautiful days of the trip. Danco Point and Neko Harbor were both breathtaking. We didn’t participate in additional activities, but simply exploring the land and taking zodiac cruises around the icebergs was more than enough to make the day memorable.

My favorite day of the trip! At Port Charcot, we kayaked in crystal-clear waters, paddling between massive icebergs. We saw over 20 seals, including two enormous leopard seals sunbathing on the ice. At one point, we even heard a Weddell seal singing, which was a mesmerizing sound.

On the way back to the ship, the crew surprised us with hot chocolate. As if the day couldn’t get any better, we spotted humpback whales breaching in the distance. It would be this day if I could relive one moment from the trip.

The last full day in Antarctica brought strong winds and choppy waters. Cuverville and Orne Island, known for their large Chinstrap penguin colonies, had fewer penguins than expected. To top it off, we got drenched by waves during the zodiac cruise, and I learned the hard way that not all “waterproof” clothing is waterproof.

Despite the rough conditions, we celebrated New Year’s Eve in style. The crew prepared a special dinner at midnight, followed by a party and a champagne toast. Just as we rang in 2023, a pod of humpback whales surfaced near the ship—a magical way to welcome the new year.

On the first morning of 2023, we had the option to visit Orne Harbor, but after a late night, we chose to sleep in. The weather forecast showed worsening conditions in the Drake Passage, so we left early to avoid rough seas that could delay our return to Ushuaia.

Sailing back across the Drake Passage was relatively smooth. The crew kept us entertained with photography contests, lectures, and movie screenings. We stayed in our cabin most of the time, watching movies and trying to keep our balance as the ship rocked on the waves. On our final night, a pod of orcas appeared as if to wish us farewell.

Absolutely! Oceanwide Expeditions delivered an incredible experience. We saw all the wildlife we had hoped for—penguins, seals, and whales—up close. The scenery was breathtaking, and the crew ensured we made the most of our time in Antarctica.

The Basecamp itinerary was perfect for travelers who want a mix of adventure and exploration. It included various activities like hiking, kayaking, and zodiac cruises without requiring expert-level skills. This made for a more active cruise, and we noticed that the average age of passengers was younger than other Antarctica cruises.

Accommodations & Crew

Our cabin, while the most basic option, was spacious enough for two people, plenty of winter gear, and multiple suitcases. The food was excellent, with a variety of options at every meal. The crew was friendly and knowledgeable and kept things running smoothly. The only real challenge was the rocking of the ship during sea travel days. You may read our blog here to know what to pack in your travel to the southern polar island. 

If you’re considering an expedition cruise to Antarctica, we highly recommend Oceanwide Expeditions. It was indeed the trip of a lifetime!

 As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Angie xoxo