Ortelius
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M/V Ortelius is an expedition vessel designed for polar adventures, offering comfortable accommodations, expert-guided explorations, and unforgettable wildlife encounters in Antarctica and the Arctic regions.
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Location- Dive Overview
- Accommodation Overview
- Food & Drinks
- Cabin details
- Boat features
- Boat facilities
- Deck plan
12
Number of Cabins
Location
Trips depart from Ushuaia, on the island of Tiera del Fuego in Argentina.
Dive Overview
Antarctica offers a unique and thrilling polar diving experience as one of the last grand and remote areas of wilderness on earth. Divers get to take part in the pioneering exploration of these isolated waters, viewing stunning ice formations, glaciers, and some of the globe's most rarely seen wildlife.
[See: Antarctica Dive Travel Guide]
Accommodation Overview
The M/V Ortelius offers 4 quadruple porthole, 28 twin porthole, 12 twin window, 2 twin deluxe, and 6 superior cabin options, all featuring ensuite showers and toilets. There are 52 cabins available for a maximum of 108 guests.
The Cabins
Dining Room
Lecture Room & Bar/Observation Lounge
Food & Drinks
Two restaurants are available, with the capacity to seat all guests simultaneously. Snacks are available free of charge during the day and in between meals. Bottled water is also provided.
Cabin details
Diving Spaces, various cabins & decks Lower Deck
Boat features
Boat facilities
Deck plan
Photo & Video Gallery
Deals & Special Offers
M/V Ortelius Special: Claim Your Travel Credit!
Get a $1,000 Travel Credit on Select Trips
Travel aboard the M/V Ortelius
June 12 - 19, 2025 (7N) | North Spitsbergen Explorer - Into the pack ice - Polar Bear Special
June 19 - 26, 2025 (7N) | North Spitsbergen Explorer - Into the pack ice - Summer Solstice - Polar Bear Special
June 26 - July 3, 2025 (7N) | North Spitsbergen Basecamp - Free kayaking, Hiking, Photo Workshop, Cleaning the Shores
July 3 - 12, 2025 (9N) | Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice
July 12 - 21, 2025 (9N) | Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice
Book By: March 31, 2025 Valid for new bookings. Subject to availability.
Prices are per person based on double-occupancy unless otherwise specified.
Booking Code: ARCTIC2025
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Ortelius dates
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26 Jun 2025 - 3 Jul 2025
(North Spitsbergen Basecamp - Free kayaking Hiking Photo Workshop Cleaning the Shores) ( Longyearbyen - Longyearbyen)
7 days6 nights
24/24 spots left
from $0
30 Aug 2025 - 8 Sep 2025
(East Greenland Scoresby Sund - Aurora Borealis Including Long Hikes) ( Akureyri - Akureyri)
10 days9 nights
7/24 spots left
from $0
11 Dec 2025 - 29 Dec 2025
(Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica) ( Ushuaia - Ushuaia)
19 days18 nights
20/24 spots left
from $0
26 Jun 2026 - 3 Jul 2026
(East Spitsbergen - Home of the Polar Bear Including Long Hikes & Cleaning the Shores) ( Longyearbyen - Longyearbyen)
8 days7 nights
5/24 spots left
from $0
27 Dec 2026 - 14 Jan 2027
(Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica) ( Ushuaia - Ushuaia)
19 days18 nights
12/24 spots left
from $0
Detailed information about the itinerary
Marine Life
During the Antarctic dive expedition, you may observe penguins from under the surface as well as sea lions. The Falkland Islands are rich with krill (which is consumed by many species) and therefore interesting for finding marine wildlife. The dive sites will vary from shallow ice diving, diving along a wall, from a beach or from the zodiac. The maximum depth is around 20 meters / 60-65 feet. The combination of sunlight and the often extraordinary formations of ice causes an overwhelming, everchanging specter of colors, with a fantastic variety of shades and brilliance. While snorkeling or diving along the ice-floes, you will be amazed and never forget these deep blue colors. Diving in Antarctica does not only offer ice, but also an interesting marine life, such as kelp walls, sea-snails, crabs, sea butterflies, various Antarctic fish, shrubby horse-tails, jelly-fishes, sea hedgehogs, starfishes, krill and giant isopods. You may have the possibility to snorkel or dive with penguins.
Experience & Qualification - These voyages are not for beginners, youll have to be a very experienced diver and must be familiar with cold water diving and dry suit diving (at least 30 dry suit dives in 4C or below). Before departure, you will have to show an internationally accepted diving certificate and divers logbook, (you must include copies when completing your diver personal information form). The first dive of the trip will be a 'check' dive to try out your gear and weights and for our Dive Team Leader to see if all individual divers have enough experience to dive in the Antarctic waters.
SPECTACULAR ROSS SEA (INCL. HELICOPTERS)
- Join Oceanwide Expeditions for a spectacular expedition to the Ross Sea. Our first Discovery Cruise voyages to the Ross Sea were successfully completed in 2013. Join us for an new exploratory voyage to Campbell Island, home to the Southern Royal Albatross, to the huts of Shackleton and Scott on Ross Island, to the Bay of Whales and Kainan Bay, the starting points from where Norwegian Amundsen and the Japanese Shirase gained access to the ice-shelf in 1911 and 1912, and where Byrd wintered in Little America.
Marine Life
During the Antarctic dive expedition, you may observe penguins from under the surface as well as sea lions. The Falkland Islands are rich with krill (which is consumed by many species) and therefore interesting for finding marine wildlife. The dive sites will vary from shallow ice diving, diving along a wall, from a beach or from the zodiac. The maximum depth is around 20 meters / 60-65 feet. The combination of sunlight and the often extraordinary formations of ice causes an overwhelming, everchanging specter of colors, with a fantastic variety of shades and brilliance. While snorkeling or diving along the ice-floes, you will be amazed and never forget these deep blue colors. Diving in Antarctica does not only offer ice, but also an interesting marine life, such as kelp walls, sea-snails, crabs, sea butterflies, various Antarctic fish, shrubby horse-tails, jelly-fishes, sea hedgehogs, starfishes, krill and giant isopods. You may have the possibility to snorkel or dive with penguins.
Experience & Qualification - These voyages are not for beginners, youll have to be a very experienced diver and must be familiar with cold water diving and dry suit diving (at least 30 dry suit dives in 4C or below). Before departure, you will have to show an internationally accepted diving certificate and divers logbook, (you must include copies when completing your diver personal information form). The first dive of the trip will be a 'check' dive to try out your gear and weights and for our Dive Team Leader to see if all individual divers have enough experience to dive in the Antarctic waters.
Polar Circle - Antarctic Peninsula
- This Polar Circle and Antarctic Peninsula cruise passes through waters traveled by Humpback, Minke and Fin whales. Anchoring in various spots around the region, the expedition offers the chance to hike and dive in the iceberg-heavy waters.
Marine Life
During the Antarctic dive expedition, you may observe penguins from under the surface as well as sea lions. The Falkland Islands are rich with krill (which is consumed by many species) and therefore interesting for finding marine wildlife. The dive sites will vary from shallow ice diving, diving along a wall, from a beach or from the zodiac. The maximum depth is around 20 meters / 60-65 feet. The combination of sunlight and the often extraordinary formations of ice causes an overwhelming, everchanging specter of colors, with a fantastic variety of shades and brilliance. While snorkeling or diving along the ice-floes, you will be amazed and never forget these deep blue colors. Diving in Antarctica does not only offer ice, but also an interesting marine life, such as kelp walls, sea-snails, crabs, sea butterflies, various Antarctic fish, shrubby horse-tails, jelly-fishes, sea hedgehogs, starfishes, krill and giant isopods. You may have the possibility to snorkel or dive with penguins.
Experience & Qualification - These voyages are not for beginners, youll have to be a very experienced diver and must be familiar with cold water diving and dry suit diving (at least 30 dry suit dives in 4C or below). Before departure, you will have to show an internationally accepted diving certificate and divers logbook, (you must include copies when completing your diver personal information form). The first dive of the trip will be a 'check' dive to try out your gear and weights and for our Dive Team Leader to see if all individual divers have enough experience to dive in the Antarctic waters.
Antarctic Peninsula - Basecamp Ortelius
- Base camp is by definition a temporary storing and starting place, from which an activity starts. We offer activity modules which go beyond our normal shore program. The vessel will stay for two or three days at specific locations to serve our active passengers as a comfortable hub to allow more time than usual for wide-ranging activities.
Marine Life
During the Antarctic dive expedition, you may observe penguins from under the surface as well as sea lions. The Falkland Islands are rich with krill (which is consumed by many species) and therefore interesting for finding marine wildlife. The dive sites will vary from shallow ice diving, diving along a wall, from a beach or from the zodiac. The maximum depth is around 20 meters / 60-65 feet. The combination of sunlight and the often extraordinary formations of ice causes an overwhelming, everchanging specter of colors, with a fantastic variety of shades and brilliance. While snorkeling or diving along the ice-floes, you will be amazed and never forget these deep blue colors. Diving in Antarctica does not only offer ice, but also an interesting marine life, such as kelp walls, sea-snails, crabs, sea butterflies, various Antarctic fish, shrubby horse-tails, jelly-fishes, sea hedgehogs, starfishes, krill and giant isopods. You may have the possibility to snorkel or dive with penguins.
Experience & Qualification - These voyages are not for beginners, youll have to be a very experienced diver and must be familiar with cold water diving and dry suit diving (at least 30 dry suit dives in 4C or below). Before departure, you will have to show an internationally accepted diving certificate and divers logbook, (you must include copies when completing your diver personal information form). The first dive of the trip will be a 'check' dive to try out your gear and weights and for our Dive Team Leader to see if all individual divers have enough experience to dive in the Antarctic waters.
Weddell Sea - In Search Of The Emperor Penguin Incl. Helicopters
- The Emperor Penguin rookery is situated south of Snow Hill Island. Although we will probably not be able to reach that far through the ice (less than 50 % chance based on our voyages in the last three seasons), the idea is mainly to situate ourselves in or between the Antarctic Sound and James Ross Island, close to the ice-edge and observe the emperor penguins on their way to the open water. We will use our helicopters in our attempts to search for individual Emperor Penguins.
Marine Life
During the Antarctic dive expedition, you may observe penguins from under the surface as well as sea lions. The Falkland Islands are rich with krill (which is consumed by many species) and therefore interesting for finding marine wildlife. The dive sites will vary from shallow ice diving, diving along a wall, from a beach or from the zodiac. The maximum depth is around 20 meters / 60-65 feet. The combination of sunlight and the often extraordinary formations of ice causes an overwhelming, everchanging specter of colors, with a fantastic variety of shades and brilliance. While snorkeling or diving along the ice-floes, you will be amazed and never forget these deep blue colors. Diving in Antarctica does not only offer ice, but also an interesting marine life, such as kelp walls, sea-snails, crabs, sea butterflies, various Antarctic fish, shrubby horse-tails, jelly-fishes, sea hedgehogs, starfishes, krill and giant isopods. You may have the possibility to snorkel or dive with penguins.
Experience & Qualification - These voyages are not for beginners, youll have to be a very experienced diver and must be familiar with cold water diving and dry suit diving (at least 30 dry suit dives in 4C or below). Before departure, you will have to show an internationally accepted diving certificate and divers logbook, (you must include copies when completing your diver personal information form). The first dive of the trip will be a 'check' dive to try out your gear and weights and for our Dive Team Leader to see if all individual divers have enough experience to dive in the Antarctic waters.
Antarctic Peninsula With South Shetland Islands
- Cruise south to the South Shetland Islands and beyond to the frozen southern continent. Watch as the clearing mist reveals some of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth. Experience one of the most pristine regions in the world first-hand and enjoy the possible close encounters with spouting whales and the penguins that may very well be just as curious about you as you are about them. See how a landscape can take on a drastic change within only a few kilometers of distance as you transition from the South Shetlands down to the Antarctic Peninsula.
Marine Life
During the Antarctic dive expedition, you may observe penguins from under the surface as well as sea lions. The Falkland Islands are rich with krill (which is consumed by many species) and therefore interesting for finding marine wildlife. The dive sites will vary from shallow ice diving, diving along a wall, from a beach or from the zodiac. The maximum depth is around 20 meters / 60-65 feet. The combination of sunlight and the often extraordinary formations of ice causes an overwhelming, everchanging specter of colors, with a fantastic variety of shades and brilliance. While snorkeling or diving along the ice-floes, you will be amazed and never forget these deep blue colors. Diving in Antarctica does not only offer ice, but also an interesting marine life, such as kelp walls, sea-snails, crabs, sea butterflies, various Antarctic fish, shrubby horse-tails, jelly-fishes, sea hedgehogs, starfishes, krill and giant isopods. You may have the possibility to snorkel or dive with penguins.
Experience & Qualification - These voyages are not for beginners, youll have to be a very experienced diver and must be familiar with cold water diving and dry suit diving (at least 30 dry suit dives in 4C or below). Before departure, you will have to show an internationally accepted diving certificate and divers logbook, (you must include copies when completing your diver personal information form). The first dive of the trip will be a 'check' dive to try out your gear and weights and for our Dive Team Leader to see if all individual divers have enough experience to dive in the Antarctic waters.
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctic Peninsula
- All (sub-)Antarctic highlights in one voyage, with spectacular landing sites on the Falkland Islands and encounters with black-browed albatrosses and rockhopper penguins. Youll have the chance to meet at least six different penguin species. Youll explore the transition from the sub-Antarctic to the Antarctic Polar Region, experiencing how the drop in temperature can make a huge impact on the colors of the surrounding landscapes; from the warmer tones of the sub-Antarctic side to the icy rugged beauty of the true Antarctic.
- Witness how those few degrees of difference in the transition zone can make the difference between an animal or plant species choosing to live on one side of the Antarctic Convergence (the Polar Front) or the other.
- This cruise includes also four days on South Georgia, probably the most beautiful place on earth. Be prepared for ten thousands of king penguins and their chicks, sea lions on the beaches, wandering albatrosses and Gentoo penguins and great historical sites including the trails of British Polar explorer Ernest Shackleton. We plan a visit to Orcadas station on the South Orkney Islands and If the ice permits we will sail into the Weddell Sea through the ice-clogged Antarctic Sound. Huge tabular icebergs will announce our arrival to the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Marine Life
During the Antarctic dive expedition, you may observe penguins from under the surface as well as sea lions. The Falkland Islands are rich with krill (which is consumed by many species) and therefore interesting for finding marine wildlife. The dive sites will vary from shallow ice diving, diving along a wall, from a beach or from the zodiac. The maximum depth is around 20 meters / 60-65 feet. The combination of sunlight and the often extraordinary formations of ice causes an overwhelming, everchanging specter of colors, with a fantastic variety of shades and brilliance. While snorkeling or diving along the ice-floes, you will be amazed and never forget these deep blue colors. Diving in Antarctica does not only offer ice, but also an interesting marine life, such as kelp walls, sea-snails, crabs, sea butterflies, various Antarctic fish, shrubby horse-tails, jelly-fishes, sea hedgehogs, starfishes, krill and giant isopods. You may have the possibility to snorkel or dive with penguins.
Experience & Qualification - These voyages are not for beginners, youll have to be a very experienced diver and must be familiar with cold water diving and dry suit diving (at least 30 dry suit dives in 4C or below). Before departure, you will have to show an internationally accepted diving certificate and divers logbook, (you must include copies when completing your diver personal information form). The first dive of the trip will be a 'check' dive to try out your gear and weights and for our Dive Team Leader to see if all individual divers have enough experience to dive in the Antarctic waters.
Antarctic Peninsula
- This Antarctic Peninsula is known as the Classic Antarctic route. Meet the great stars of the Antarctic, the penguins, found in the thousands in a variety of curious species. Investigate one of the most pristine regions left on Earth with the chance to have live encounters with spouting whales, and the penguins who may very well decide to investigate you. Anchoring in various spots around the region, the expedition offers the chance to hike, kayak, and camp under the Antarctic sky.
More information about this trip
Included
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes
- Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia
- Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation)
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- Comprehensive pre-departure material
Excluded
- Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
- Pre- and post- land arrangements
- Transfers to the vessel in Ushuaia and Ascension and from the vessel in Ascension and Praia
- Passport and visa expenses
- Government arrival and departure taxes
- Meals ashore
- Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is mandatory)
- Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges
- Customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard
Practical information
- Language Spoken: English
- Electricity: 220v, 60Hz
- Payment Onboard: Credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or cash (Euro or Dollar)
Boat Specifications
- Year Built: 1989
- Passengers: 108
- Cabins: 52
- Staff & crew: 52
- Length: 90.95 meters
- Breadth: 17.20 meters
- Draft: 5.4 meters
- Ice class: UL1 (Equivalent to 1A)
- Displacement: 4090 tonnes
- Propulsion: 6 ZL 40/48 SULZER
- Speed: 10.5 knots average cruising speed
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