Aurora officially launches second ship, the Sylvia Earle

Aurora Expeditions has launched its second purpose-built small ship, Sylvia Earle, which will embark on her inaugural voyage from Ushuaia, Argentina to Antarctica on 10 December 2022.

Named after the renowned marine biologist, oceanographer, explorer and conservationist Dr Sylvia Earle, this state-of-the-art expedition ship will be a floating ambassador for the conservation of the planet.

“We are beyond thrilled to announce our newest ship, Sylvia Earle, is in the water and on her way to Antarctica,” said Aurora’s CEO, Michael Heath.

“We cannot wait to introduce her to our loyal trade and consumer partners worldwide and, of course, a new generation of global expeditioners in search of adventure, discovery and extraordinary life-changing experiences.”

The ship is designed to accommodate an average 132 passengers per voyage in a relaxed, fun and informal onboard setting.

Featuring the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOWâ, an inverted bow designed for smoother and faster ocean crossings which help to reduce fuel consumption, the ship offers stylish and comfortable staterooms and suites, most with private balconies.

Sylvia Earle Room

Public spaces include multiple restaurants and bars, social relaxation and wellness areas, an outdoor heated swimming pool and Jacuzzis, a gym, spa and sauna, a library lounge, lecture theatre, and expansive decks offering panoramic views of wilderness and wildlife, making it the ideal ‘base camp’ for exploring.

Zodiac docks, a changing room and mudroom prepare passengers for off-ship and on-shore activities, while a dedicated Science Centre is the hub for various participative and educational Citizen Science programs.

The ship’s highly experienced expedition team will guide passengers in small groups on excursions by water and land, with exciting activities ranging from Zodiac cruises to walks and hikes, sea kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, paddling, skiing, photography and birdwatching, among others.

“Our goal is to immerse our expeditioners in some of the world’s most remote and fascinating places and, in doing so, create lifelong ambassadors for the planet,” said chief marketing officer, Hayley Peacock-Gower.

“More than 30 years in the making, Aurora Expeditions has a track record for pioneering adventure and discovery – and respectful travel is at the core of our ethos.”

Sylvia Earle Library

A sister ship to the Greg Mortimer, launched in 2019, the Sylvia Earle is named after one of the world’s leading ocean conservationists, the first female chief scientist of the US National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration.

Dr Earle is a National Geographic explorer-in-residence since 1998 and was named by Time magazine as its first ‘Hero of the Planet’. Her own conservation initiative Mission Blue is creating a global network of marine protected areas known as ‘Hope Spots’.

Each of the new ship’s decks is named after six other pioneering female conservationists – Jo Ruxton (MBE), Dr Carden Wallace (AM), Sharon Kwok, Bernadette Demientieff, Dr Asha de Vos and Hanli Prinsloo – with a deck dedicated to Dr Earle herself.

In February 2023, Dr Earle, in partnership with Ocean Geographic will lead a world-first ‘Antarctic Climate Expedition’ on the new ship to raise public and government awareness of the environmental importance of the Antarctic. This special voyage aims to deliver resolutions to inspire transformative changes for global net-zero emission by 2035 from an ocean perspective.

“Female scientists are leading the way in global conservation initiatives, and we want to honour these seven extraordinary women who work tirelessly to make the world a better place,” says Peacock-Gower.

“We invite you to ignite your curiosity, passion and care for the natural world, and join us on board the new Sylvia Earle for a true Aurora experience of a lifetime – and travel for good,” she adds.

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antarctica argentina aurora expeditions Citizen Science Michael Heath Sylvia Earle Ulstein X-BOWâ Ushuaia