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How to see the northern lights in 2025: A viewing guide for travelers and adventurers

Where should you go, and what time of year is best to witness the beauty of the northern lights?

Oceanwide Expeditions nominated for three awards at the Expedition Cruise Network Awa

Your vote will help us achieve further recognition for our fantastic expedition cruise itineraries and polar adventures!

PLA08-24, trip log, Around Spitsbergen - In the realm of polar bear & ice

This morning's destination was a unique and rarely visited place: Rossøya, the northernmost island in the archipelago of Sjuøyane (Seven Isl

An Antarctic voyage unlike any other: the unbelievable exploits of the James Caird

In April 1916, aided by south-westerly winds, a small, 22.5-foot wooden boat, the James Caird, set out from the desolate shores of Elephant

HDS08-24, trip log, Around Spitsbergen - In the realm of polar bear & ice

We spent the afternoon surrounded by amazing icebergs of different shapes, sizes, and colors.

PLA07-24, trip log, Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice

Along our hikes we learned about the past hunting history and about belugas. We observed reindeer along the way, a couple of harbor seals ha

HDS07-24, trip log, Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of polar bear & ice

We drove through to Negribreen to the sound of brash ice popping and crackling as it released gases during its slow melting.

OTL06-24, trip log, Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice

Incredible hues of blue, with ice everywhere in the water due to the frequent calvings, walruses lying on some of them, the weather and sigh

Short hikes, medium hikes, and long hikes - what's the difference?

Our range of hiking activities is not just carefully planned, but also inclusive of different levels of physical fitness and hiking experien

PLA06-24, trip log, Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice

We all rushed out on deck to see a bear climbing a very steep slope. It was clearly visible against the dark rocks, and we all enjoyed watch

HDS06-24, trip log, Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice

We reached a little islet with hundreds of walruses where we had the opportunity to see some calves nursing. We stayed in silence at a safe

OTL05-24, trip log, East Spitsbergen and Bear Island, in the realm of Polar Bear & Ic

We received permission from Bjørnøya’s weather station to make a visit. Visiting the station was fantastic, we found whale bones, old machin

PLA05-24, trip log, North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wild

A mother with a younger cub appeared, highlighting to us how hard it can be to spot a polar bear in what appears to be flat ground.

The Flight of the Örnen: Andrée's 1897 Arctic Balloon Expedition

Andrée's balloon, the Örnen, would carry equipment for scientific observation and photographic studies.

HDS05-24, trip log, Around Spitsbergen - In the realm of polar bear & ice

The walrus colony had many females and calves, which is quite special to see!

OTL04-24, trip log, North Spitsbergen, Basecamp, Free kayaking, Hiking, Photo Worksho

While we were watching the bear sleeping on a snow patch, we suddenly saw another bear walking along the shore!

PLA04-24, trip log, East Spitsbergen, Home of the polar bear - Summer Solstice, Inclu

In the beginning everybody was free to walk around the blubber ovens, afterwards everybody was divided into groups.

OTL03-24, trip log, North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile Landscapes, sea ice & Wild

It was a truly phenomenal encounter with the creature we had all journeyed to the high Arctic hoping to see. The experience moved some peopl

HDS04-24, trip log, East Spitsbergen, Home of the polar bear - Summer Solstice, Inclu

We awoke in Recherchefjorden. Reindeer grazed on the slopes of the cliffs.

PLA03-24, trip log, North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wild

In the open pack ice in the vicinity of the Seven Islands, a female polar bear with cub was spotted.

HDS03-24, trip log, North Spitsbergen Explorer - Polar bears, bowhead whales & more

Walruses are super social creatures, huddling together in large groups.