Top Features on the Sylvia Earle

A floating ambassador for the planet

And away she goes! Our new, purpose-built ship, the Sylvia Earle, has departed on her first voyage on our Spirit of Antarctica expedition.

The Sylvia Earle is a floating ambassador for the conservation of the planet. Paying tribute to Dr. Sylvia Earle and six pioneering conservationists with public decks honouring their contributions and shining a light on their important conservation causes. Certified 100% Climate Neutral, with a fully equipped Citizen Science Centre, expert lectures and participative Citizen science programs, to enrich your knowledge and connection to the places we travel to.

The Ship continues on to a special festive season voyage to South Georgia, followed by a string of our classic Antarctic Explorer expeditions culminating in the immersive Antarctica Complete – a whopping 23 days exploring the white continent and (if the weather permits) crossing the Antarctic Circle for the second time in the season.

After nine voyages in Antarctica she seeks warmer waters, heading to tropical Costa Rica & Panama in April 2023. The Sylvia Earle then starts her first Arctic season, exploring the north in depth. Highlights of this inaugural season include circumnavigating picturesque Iceland, immersive voyages to wildlife-rich Svalbard and three expeditions down the historic Northwest Passage.

The Sylvia Earle is a comfortable base camp for adventure. With a maximum of 130 expeditioners, our aim is to get you off ship experiencing the natural environment as much as possible and our smaller groups also mean we can tread lightly, making a positive impact to the environment.

Take a look at the ship’s coolest features:

Ulstein X-Bow ®

Experience the effect of cruising with this unique design that splits wave energy. The result? Faster, more comfortable travel, lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions.

Science Centre & Lounge

Learn about the world we explore with our onboard naturalists and Expedition Team in our science centre, or enjoy superb views to the front of the ship.

Women in Conservation Decks

Each of the vessel’s public decks bear the names of six pioneering female conservationists – along with a deck dedicated to Dr. Earle herself. Find out more about these talented women in conservation.

Library

This peaceful sanctuary is where you can rest and read up on a range of informative non-fiction titles, wildlife guidebooks, travel journals, sustainability guides, novels and more.

Gym, Sauna & Jacuzzis

Enjoy complimentary access to the gym in between landings, relax in the sauna after a long day of exploring or watch the world go by in one of two Jacuzzis.

Observation Lounge

Look out for wildlife and wilderness through the extra-large windows of our X-BOW®.

Relaxed Staterooms & Suites

Relax between adventures in one of our comfortable staterooms or suites. Ranging from porthole to balcony categories, all have bathrooms and plenty of storage space.

Zodiac Docks

Four dedicated doors make loading and unloading our fleet of Zodiacs a breeze and are easily accessed from the mudroom and activity preparation areas on Deck 3.

Mudroom

Store your outdoor clothing and rain boots in your personal locker. Prepare for each landing with easy access to o cleaning stations and Zodiac-boarding platforms.

Activity Preparation Area

Whether you are diving, climbing, snowshoeing, or paddling, our Deck 3, expedition team-designed prep area and sea kayak launch platform makes adventure activities even easier.

NEW! Sustainable Sea Day

In honour of the Sylvia Earle’s namesake and her abiding commitment to the conservation of our oceans, we are excited to announce that we have committed to a ‘Sustainable Sea Day’ on Day 6 of each voyage on the Sylvia Earle, when seafood will not be available on the menu. Dr. Sylvia Earle is a long-time and passionate advocate for the protection and regeneration of our oceans, noting the sharp decline in many marine populations and the importance of ocean and marine health for our planet.

Want to experience the Sylvia Earle for yourself?

25-26 Antarctic Season Brochure

Dive into the world’s wildest places in our brand new brochure. Choose from 32 voyages, including 8 new itineraries aboard one of our three purpose-built small ships, including the newly-launched Douglas Mawson.