Ortelius

Location: Antarctica

About Ortelius

Embark on an unparalleled adventure to the Antarctic Peninsula aboard the Ortelius, a robust ice-strengthened vessel offering unique polar diving experiences and thrilling expeditions.

The remote and breathtaking wilderness of Antarctica, a realm of towering icebergs, colossal glaciers, and an abundance of unique marine life, beckons intrepid explorers. Diving in these frigid, crystal-clear waters offers an extraordinary opportunity to witness penguins, seals, and potentially even leopard seals in their natural habitat, a privilege few ever experience. The Ortelius, with its highest ice-class notation, is perfectly equipped to navigate these challenging yet mesmerizing polar environments, providing an unforgettable journey to the ends of the Earth. Diving from the Ortelius is an adventure in itself, designed for experienced cold-water and dry-suit divers. Expeditions typically offer one to two dives daily, contingent on the prevailing ice and weather conditions. Divers can anticipate shallow dives beneath the ice, shore dives, or entries from a Zodiac, exploring depths of approximately 20 meters (60 feet). Beyond the spectacular ice formations, the underwater world reveals fascinating kelp walls, sea snails, starfish, and giant isopods. The onboard dive team consists of experts who ensure a safe and exhilarating experience, guiding guests through this pristine underwater landscape. Life on board the Ortelius combines comfort with the spirit of expedition. The vessel accommodates up to 108 guests in 53 well-appointed cabins, ranging from Quadruple Porthole to Superior categories. Each cabin provides hotel-like amenities, including private en-suite toilet and shower facilities, a desk, chair, TV, telephone, hairdryer, and ample storage. Deluxe and Superior cabins offer additional luxuries such as a sofa, refrigerator, and tea/coffee making facilities. Social areas are designed for relaxation and camaraderie, featuring a spacious dining room, a comfortable lounge, a bar, and a dedicated lecture room for enriching presentations. Expansive outdoor decks provide excellent viewing opportunities for wildlife spotting, ensuring guests never miss a moment of the Antarctic spectacle. Culinary delights on the Ortelius are a highlight, with a full-board meal plan featuring buffet-style Western cuisine. The onboard chefs are adept at catering to various dietary needs, including vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring every guest enjoys delicious and satisfying meals throughout their voyage. Beer is available, complementing the dining experience. The attentive crew and expedition staff are dedicated to providing exceptional service, fostering a welcoming and adventurous atmosphere onboard. Constructed in 1989, the Ortelius is a formidable vessel, measuring 90.95 meters in length with a beam of 17.20 meters. Powered by 6 ZL 40/48 SULZER engines, she maintains a cruising speed of 10.5 knots, ensuring efficient navigation through icy waters. With a capacity for 108 guests and 52 cabins, the ship offers a comfortable and intimate expedition experience. Ten Yamaha 60HP tenders are on hand for shore excursions and diving operations, facilitating access to remote locations. Expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula are offered from November to March, with exciting Arctic voyages available from May to September. The 'Basecamp' departures are particularly popular, including complimentary activities like camping, kayaking, snowshoeing/hiking, mountaineering, and photo workshops, alongside standard shore excursions and Zodiac rides. Other itineraries may include helicopter rides in the Weddell Sea for Emperor Penguin sightings. The Ortelius is an ideal choice for adventurous travelers, experienced divers, and wildlife enthusiasts eager to explore the polar regions with expert guidance and comfortable amenities.

Vessel Specifications

Length: 90.95m
Guest capacity: 108
Year built: 1989
WiFi: Available

Cabins

Quadruple Porthole (sleeps 4) — Twin — This inviting cabin is designed to comfortably accommodate guests, featuring two portholes that frame picturesque sea views. Sleeping arrangements include both upper and lower berths. For your conveni
Superior (sleeps 2) — Twin — This refined cabin provides abundant natural light and ocean vistas through its minimum of two windows. It features a comfortable double bed and an additional single sofa bed, making it perfectly suit
Twin Window (sleeps 2) — Twin — This cabin boasts two expansive windows, inviting abundant natural light and offering captivating sea vistas. Guests will find two lower berths, ensuring both ease of access and comfort. For added con
Twin Porthole (sleeps 2) — Twin — This inviting cabin features a pair of portholes, providing captivating sea vistas and abundant natural light. Guests will find two comfortable lower berths, ensuring a peaceful night's sleep. The spa
Twin Deluxe (sleeps 2) — Twin — This expansive cabin boasts three generous windows, offering breathtaking sea vistas. Guests will find two comfortable lower berths and a cozy small sofa for ultimate relaxation. A private shower and

Itineraries

South Spitsbergen Explorer & Bear Island — Polar Diving Supplemented (Longyearbyen – Longyearbyen)

A 9-night high-Arctic expedition aboard m/v Ortelius circumnavigating the south of Spitsbergen and venturing out to remote Bjørnøya (Bear Island), one of the most isolated outposts of the Svalbard archipelago. The voyage focuses on the dramatic glacier fronts of Hornsund and Bellsund, the seabird metropolises of Bjørnøya's southern cliffs (Brünnich's guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars), pack-ice cruising in search of polar bears and walrus, and tundra landings in the polar desert. A small diving gr

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica (Ushuaia - Ushuaia)

Duration: 19 Days / 18 Nights

Embarkation: Ushuaia

This extensive expedition begins in Ushuaia and ventures to the Falkland Islands for remarkable wildlife encounters before heading to South Georgia. In South Georgia, the journey explores massive king penguin colonies and historic whaling sites. The trip culminates in the Antarctic Peninsula, navigating through icebergs and offering chances to dive and set foot on the continent, before returning across the Drake Passage. Max guests on this trip: 108. Note: Diving on this vessel is optional and

Bellingshausen Sea / Peter I Island Ellsworth Land - Incl. Helicopters (Ushuaia - Ushuaia)

Duration: 25 Days / 24 Nights

Embarkation: Ushuaia, Argentina

Set off on an incredible 25-day adventure to a selection of Antarctica's most isolated and rarely explored areas. This voyage takes you into the heart of the Bellingshausen Sea, along the shores of Ellsworth Land, and to the secluded Peter I Island. Exploration relies on both Zodiacs and helicopters, enabling unparalleled access to the land. Commencing and concluding in Ushuaia, this specialized diving excursion navigates the Drake Passage and uncovers the untouched beauty of the far Antarctic,

Antarctica - Polar Circle - Deep South Discovery Voyage - Aurora Australis / Southern Lights (Ushuaia - Ushuaia)

Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights

Embarkation: Ushuaia, Antarctica

This 13-day voyage departs from Ushuaia, heading toward the Antarctic Peninsula with the aim of traversing the Polar Circle. The itinerary encompasses navigating the Drake Passage and discovering Antarctica's frigid scenery and marine environments. Participants must hold Advanced Open Water certification and have a minimum of 30 recorded dives, with options for one to two daily dives. A major draw of this late-season departure is the prospect of observing the Aurora Australis, also known as the

Antarctica - Whale Watching Discovery and Learning Voyage (Ushuaia - Ushuaia)

Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights

Embarkation: Ushuaia, Argentina

Embark on a unique voyage from South America's southernmost point to the Antarctic Peninsula, immersing yourself in a world of ice, snow, and dramatic mountains. This journey focuses on encountering the extraordinary creatures inhabiting the region, such as different types of whales, seals, and penguins. For certified cold-water divers, an optional diving program is available, featuring around sixteen opportunities to dive, subject to conditions. The route encompasses navigating the renowned Dra

Antarctica - Discovery and Learning (Ushuaia - Ushuaia)

Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights

Embarkation: Ushuaia

Join us for an 11-day expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, starting and finishing in Ushuaia. This journey involves traversing the Drake Passage, offering prime opportunities to observe various seabirds. Once in Antarctica, anticipate seeing whales, seals, and penguins, with incredible icy landscapes and majestic mountains surrounding you. Activities include Zodiac boat trips, shore visits, and hiking opportunities, along with roughly 10 dives available for certi