On Water Expeditions provides small-ship vacations
World Expeditions is now reaching out to marine sorts in addition to landlubbers.
The tour operator has launched On Water Expeditions, a brand dedicated entirely to small-vessel adventure cruising and adds those cruises are “designed for active travellers seeking immersive, off-the-grid experiences. On Water Expeditions combines small-ship intimacy with access to some of the world’s most remote and breathtaking destinations.”
Newly launched website www.onwaterexpeditions.com serves as a hub, featuring over 140 small-ship expeditions that span diverse regions ranging from the icy extremes of Antarctica and Greenland to the tropical paradises of the Maldives, the Galapagos and Raja Ampat.
Rachel Imber — brand manager of On Water Expeditions and who has been with World Expeditions for 26 years, the past decade as polar product manager — was” thrilled to create something that reflected the breadth of what she observed, learned, and loved about expedition travel.”
“On Water Expeditions brings together everything I value: a strong sense of place, carefully curated itineraries, smaller vessels, and the magic that happens when people step out onto the water,” she said. “I’ve spent years behind the scenes training staff and preparing travellers — now feels like the right time to shape a brand that brings that vision to life.”
On Water Expeditions says it is committed to genuinely small-group experiences. Every vessel used carries no more than 200 passengers, and some accommodate fewer than 50, allowing access to off-the-beaten-path destinations larger ships can’t reach.
The company says each expedition is designed for travellers who “want to be in the action – not just watching from the deck.” Guests can kayak, snorkel, dive, hike, climb, or even camp in breathtaking environments.
“Whether it is paddling through Greenland’s icebergs, snorkelling with marine life in Palau or camping on the ice in Antarctica, every journey is an adventure,” the company continues.
Expeditions explore the likes of Antarctica, the Kimberley, Taiwan, Palau, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam’s Mekong River. Itineraries are crafted to reveal the hidden sides of regions, fostering deep cultural and environmental connections.
“What excites me most about this role is the opportunity to redefine small boat travel — not just as a mode of transportation, but as a truly immersive adventure,” Imber said. “Our expeditions take travellers to places that larger ships simply can’t access, creating an unparalleled connection with nature and local cultures. We believe On Water Expeditions will deeply connect with our travellers. After five decades in the adventure travel industry, World Expeditions has received extensive feedback from a global community about their expectations on an expedition: what inspires them, concerns them, and what they hope to experience. Those conversations have shaped how we’re designing On Water Expeditions. Our travellers seek innovative itineraries, immersive experiences in lesser-visited regions, and a more personal, thoughtful style of travel — and that’s exactly what we aim to deliver.
“On Water Expeditions brings together everything I value: a strong sense of place, carefully curated itineraries, smaller vessels, and the magic that happens when people step out onto the water. I’ve spent years behind the scenes training staff and preparing travellers — now feels like the right time to shape a brand that brings that vision to life.
“On Water Expeditions isn’t about mass tourism. It’s about intentional, small-scale journeys that honour both the destinations and the people who travel there.”
On Water Expeditions adds it prioritizes environmental sustainability and community-focused tourism. Smaller groups mean a lower ecological footprint, helping to protect fragile marine and coastal ecosystems. On reaching land, visits to local communities provide direct economic benefits without overburdening resources, ensuring tourism remains a force for good. Travellers benefit, too, as smaller ships create a more intimate and rewarding experience, fostering meaningful cultural exchanges and a tight-knit group dynamic.
With rising travel costs, environmental concerns and increasing overtourism, On Water Expeditions says it offers a smarter, more sustainable way to explore, citing what it calls “exceptional value inclusions and cost-conscious planning ensure premium experiences without inflated prices”; sustainable practices that reduce emissions and support carbon-conscious travel; and remote expeditions that help combat over-tourism, steering clear of overcrowded hotspots.
Website www.onwaterexpeditions.com, is now live, offering detailed itineraries, vessel information, destination guides, and activity options.
