FAQs

We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our initimate voyages are no more than 200 passengers on board – many with fewer than 30 travellers. Travelling thoughtfully, you’ll explore in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers, many of whom will undoubtedly become lifelong friends.

We think small is good. For our Polar voyages, the number of passengers varies according to the voyage you choose, so you can expect anything from 48 to 198 on board. With our smaller vessels catering to passengers as little as 8 to 30 people.

We strongly believe that small group travel allows you to forge lifelong friendships with your fellow travellers and even your guides and support crew while enjoying an authentic and well catered experience.

We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of our small ship experiences means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.

Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we offer single supplements that will guarantee a single room and/or cabin for you. Your trip notes will outline the options in relation to single cabins.

Activity is an important aspect of our voyages, with itineraries offering various options for ease of selecting the adventure that best suits you.

You may find voyages optional activities that a generally shorter (such as light kayaking or guided hikes), some with longer activities (such as snorkelling, extended kayaking and hiking), and some with multi-day excursions that require higher fitness levels (such as long paddles and trekking).   

Detailed information, including suggested pre-trip training, can be found in the trip notes and pre-departure information. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the physical requirements of your trip and speak to our staff if you have any questions.

However, you can also find cruising styles that give you the oppotunity to be as relaxed or as active as you want on the trip. There is always an option not to participate.

Your well-being and safety is our top priority on all trips. While our operations team frequently review every aspect of your adventure and the regions visited, we also receive constant updates provided by our local partners and Government Travel warnings and plan our operations accordingly. Each vessel must meet a strict safety criteria with applicable safety requirements and top-quality equipment. On Water Expeditions are 100% committed to your safety and follow specific protocols, safety analysis and risk assessment.

We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we visit and explore. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.

If the specified departure dates are not suitable, or if you would like to vary the itinerary, we would be happy to develop a program to suit your travel interests. We regularly organise tailor-made holidays for families, groups of friends, schools, charities and special interest groups. Learn more about planning your own private charter.

Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.

Detailed information on each of our trips is available for download from this website. Additionally, we run webinar information sessions where our experts provide first-hand advice and travel tips for our major destinations. If you aren’t sure where to start, you can contact your nearest On Water Expeditions office and speak to a travel consultant who will be more than happy to point you in the right direction.

There are three ways to make a booking – online, over the phone or in person. Online bookings are made via the ‘Book Now’ button available on each trip page. Alternatively, you contact your nearest On Water Expeditions office for a booking form by email or post. You can also visit one of our offices to book in person. In all cases, once we confirm your booking, we’ll send you comprehensive information regarding visas, vaccinations, gear, clothing and arrival details to ensure you are fully prepared for your adventure.

On Water Expeditions is a division of the World Expeditions Travel Group, an Australian owned company with more than five decades of experience in the field. Booking with us means you have direct access to your reservations consultant, allowing you to call, email or even drop into your local office to ask any questions that arise during your trip planning. Choosing to book with your local office means you are booking through a company you can trust.