Aurora Expeditions has announced the new Sylvia Earle will be making her debut voyage on the Subantarctic Safari Nov. 4-20 2022.

The ship will be christened by its namesake, the renowned marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer Dr. Sylvia Earle, prior to making its way to the wildlife havens of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.

The vessel is on long-term charter to Aurora from SunStone ships and currently being finished at a Chinese shipyard.

The 17-day maiden voyage to the Subantarctic Islands will appeal to wildlife lovers and history buffs alike. Beginning in Santiago, Chile and ending in Ushuaia, Argentina, passengers will explore the history-steeped Falkands~Malvinas, a bird lovers’ paradise home to an incredible diversity of charismatic penguin species and the largest colony of black-browed albatross in the world, followed by South Georgia – known for its enormous King penguin colonies and beaches lined with Elephant and Antarctic fur seals. 

“We are thrilled to confirm the inaugural season of the Sylvia Earle, and to be debuting her on such a magnificent voyage whose destinations are so representative of Aurora’s spirit of exploration, discovery and education,” commented Hayley Peacock-Gower, CMO at Aurora Expeditions.

“This highly anticipated vessel is intended to be a floating ambassador for the conservation of the planet, with a large focus on marine education and conservation in line with Dr. Earle’s own longstanding efforts. We are so looking forward to having our adventurous expeditioners join us in exploring some of the world’s wildest, most awe-inspiring and important regions whilst paying tribute to such an incredible hero of our planet.”

According to a prss release, the ship is certified 100% Carbon Neutral, amd outfitted with a dedicated, fully equipped Citizen Science Centre, while also paying tribute to six pioneering female conservationists from around the world alongside Dr. Earle, who are honored on each of the ship’s public decks: Jo Ruxton, Dr. Asha de Vos, Hanli Prinsloo, Dr. Carden Wallace AM, Bernadette Demientieff and Sharon Kwok.

“Travelling with Aurora Expeditions on the Sylvia Earle will be an incredible opportunity for people to learn about the planet’s extraordinary marine habitats and the importance of protecting them,” Dr. Earle commented.

“I see great synergy in working closely with a company that shares my vision for the future and which is, from the top down, passionate about the marine environment. I am very much looking forward to christening the ship, connecting with Aurora Expeditions’ passengers, and following its journey in providing countless life changing and eye-opening experiences to many of the planet’s most biodiverse regions.”

Dr. Earle will herself be joining a special Antarctic Climate Expedition during the ship’s maiden season, taking place in February 2023. This voyage will see a collection of thought leaders in the fields of conservation, science, art, education and economics come together to bring about public and government awareness of the importance and the splendor of the Antarctic, and to address the warming climate and loss of sea ice in the southern polar region as a direct threat to the future of human life on the planet.