Feb & March Antarctica Sailings - Staff Pick

Eclipse Travel is proudly partnering with Oceanwide Expeditions, a thirty-year veteran of polar expedition cruises, to offer an unforgettable journey to Antarctica aboard the ice-strengthened vessels Hondius, Plancius, and Ortelius. With February and March departures available for the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 seasons, these voyages provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife of the White Continent. Guided by passionate experts, you’ll witness towering glaciers, bustling penguin colonies, and more natural wonders. Secure your spot on one of these immersive Antarctic expeditions today and experience the true spirit of polar exploration!

Oceanwide Expeditions has been the go-to choice for travelers seeking an authentic polar experience for over thirty years. Their team of experienced expedition guides, ship and hotel crew, and well-equipped, small-size vessels are the backbone of their service, ensuring personal, intimate and unforgettable Arctic and Antarctic adventures. When you embark on an Oceanwide journey to Antarctica, you’ll be immersed in a world of towering glaciers, snow-swept coastlines, expanses of sea ice and vibrant wildlife, including whales, seals and vast penguin colonies, all part of the unique ecosystems that define these regions.

 

Driven by a pioneering spirit, Oceanwide Expeditions caters to travelers with a shared desire for discovery and adventure. They take you deeper into the polar landscapes and closer to the heart of nature, revealing the wonders beneath the surface and ensuring each expedition is filled with inspiration and awe. The small size of their vessels allow them to go further, and explore the polar world in even greater detail, offering guests a 360° view of these spectacular environments.

 

Oceanwide’s approach is adventurous and hands-on. Their goal is to get guests into the action quickly, aiming for two landings per day via their fleet of inflatable Zodiacs, which transport guests from ship to shore. The flexible itineraries allow for spontaneity, making the most of whatever surprises nature has to offer. For Oceanwide, the expedition cruise is just the tip of the iceberg!

 

Discover our preferred February and March sailings for season 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 aboard their three ships operating in Antarctica: Hondius, Plancius, and Ortelius.

 

Travelling to Antarctica in February and March

A voyage to Antarctica in February and March offers an unforgettable glimpse of the continent’s vibrant wildlife and stunning landscapes. During this time, penguin chicks are at their fluffiest, learning to swim and explore, while seals lounge on ice floes, and the waters around teem with life. Towards the end of the season, whale encounters are more frequent and spectacular as groups and individuals put on thrilling displays as they feed in nutrient-rich waters. The late summer light casts a magical glow on the towering glaciers and pristine icebergs, creating incredible opportunities for photography. This is also the perfect time for adventurers, with fewer ships in the region, a quieter atmosphere, and the chance to witness Antarctica as it transforms from summer to autumn. Expect exhilarating wildlife encounters and breathtaking scenery – this is your chance to experience Antarctica at its most dynamic and awe-inspiring!


Atlantic Odyssey, excl. Antarctic Peninsula
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Atlantic Odyssey, excl. Antarctic Peninsula

The Atlantic Odyssey cruise visits some of the remotest islands in the world, crossing the migratory paths of Arctic Terns,…

Duration: 24 Days
Ship: M/V Hondius
Next Departure Date: 23 Mar 2025
Antarctica - Whale watching discovery and learning voyage
Antarctica - Whale watching discovery and learning voyage

This Antarctic Peninsula cruise delivers you into a landscape of rugged rock, pure white snow, and a fantastic variety of…

Duration: 11 Days
Ship: M/V Hondius
Next Departure Date: 10 Mar 2026
Antarctica - Polar Circle - Whale watching
Antarctica - Polar Circle - Whale watching

This Polar Circle and Antarctic Peninsula cruise passes through waters travelled by Humpback, Minke and Fin whales. Anchoring in various…

Duration: 12 Days
Ship: Plancius
Next Departure Date: 23 Mar 2025
Antarctica - Weddell Sea Explorer Basecamp - free polar activities (kayaking, hiking, photo workshop)
Antarctica - Weddell Sea Explorer Basecamp - free polar activities (kayaking, hiking, photo workshop)

The Weddell Sea Explorer Basecamp voyage offers you a myriad of ways to explore and enjoy the wildlife-rich Weddell Sea.…

Duration: 13 Days
Ship: Ortelius
Next Departure Date: 17 Mar 2026
Antarctica - Beyond the Polar Circle - Wilkins Ice Shelf - Aurora Australis
Antarctica - Beyond the Polar Circle - Wilkins Ice Shelf - Aurora Australis

This voyage is a true expedition, exploring the rarely visited region of the Bellingshausen Sea, Marguerite Bay, and Alexander Island.…

Duration: 16 Days
Ship: Ortelius
Next Departure Date: 21 Mar 2025
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Elephant Island - Antarctica - Polar Circle
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Elephant Island - Antarctica - Polar Circle

This Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctic Peninsula cruise is an animal-lover’s dream come true. The expedition explores one of…

Duration: 23 Days
Ship: M/V Hondius
Next Departure Date: 20 Feb 2025
Remote Weddell Sea Explorer incl. South Georgia - South Sandwich Islands - Neuschwabenland - Larsen Ice Shelf - Paulet and Devil Island - Elephant Island, incl. helicopters
Remote Weddell Sea Explorer incl. South Georgia - South Sandwich Islands - Neuschwabenland - Larsen Ice Shelf - Paulet and Devil Island - Elephant Island, incl. helicopters

This adventurous expedition explores one of the least-visited areas on Earth, Antarctica’s amazing Weddell Sea. After visiting some of the…

Duration: 28 Days
Ship: Ortelius
Next Departure Date: 11 Feb 2025