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DestinationsAntarcticaSylvia Earle

Sylvia Earle

Overview of the Sylvia Earle

The newly built M/V Sylvia Earle is a purpose-built, deluxe, ice-strengthened expedition vessel. A sister ship to the M/V Greg Mortimer, she was named in honor of the highly accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer who was named by Time Magazine as its first “Hero for the Planet” in 1998 and the first woman to become chief scientist of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Sylvia Earle.

Trip Features
  • 12-23 Days
  • Starting at $13,395 per person
  • PHYSICAL RATING
    Moderate
  • ACTIVITIES
    Kayaking, Diving/Snorkeling, Hiking/Snowshoeing, Stand-up Paddle Boarding, Zodiac Cruising
  • HIGHLIGHTS
    Penguins, Glaciers, Icebergs

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A large, modern expedition ship with "Aurora Expeditions" and "Sylvia Earle" written on the side navigates through calm, icy waters in a polar region. Snow-covered mountains and a bright sun illuminate the clear blue sky as the vessel embarks on its Sylvia Earle Antarctica expedition.
A small boat with people floats on calm water near a large, blueish glacier under a cloudy sky during a Sylvia Earle Antarctica expedition. The glacier reflects on the water, creating a serene and picturesque scene in an icy landscape.
A person in a black inflatable boat enjoys an icy seascape with large, sculpted icebergs in the background. The individual, wearing water gear and a helmet, appears to be preparing for or finishing a diving activity during a Sylvia Earle Antarctica expedition, as flippers are visible on the edge of the boat.
A group of people in colorful jackets sit on a hillside overlooking a scenic coastal landscape with snowy mountains and blue waters. A woman in a red jacket stands in front, gesturing as if giving a talk or guided tour during the Sylvia Earle Antarctica expedition. The weather is clear and sunny.
Three penguins are seen on a rocky surface with a baby penguin nestled under one of the adult penguins. The background features a blurred, icy landscape, suggesting a cold, natural habitat reminiscent of Sylvia Earle's Antarctica expedition. One penguin is slightly turned away, while the resting adult is looking straight ahead.
Five kayakers paddle through icy waters in an Antarctic setting, surrounded by floating ice and snow-covered landmasses. The scene is cold and serene, with a large, rugged, snow-draped mountain dominating the horizon—a view reminiscent of a Sylvia Earle Antarctica expedition.
A person in a red kayak paddles through calm waters toward a massive glacier with snow-capped mountains in the background. The cloudy sky casts a soft light over the serene, icy landscape, reminiscent of a Sylvia Earle Antarctica expedition. A few other kayakers can be seen in the distance.
A large group of king penguins stands and walks on a rocky shore with snow-capped mountains and a blue sky in the background. The penguins, part of a Sylvia Earle Antarctica expedition, have black backs, white bellies, and orange patches on their heads and necks. Some fog lingers around the mountains.
A group of people wearing colorful jackets are seated in inflatable boats on icy water, with a backdrop of massive snow-covered mountains and glaciers under a cloudy sky. Floating ice chunks are dispersed across the water's surface, creating an awe-inspiring scene that rivals a Sylvia Earle Antarctica expedition.

Sylvia Earle Itineraries

The Sylvia Earle is operated by a highly experienced ship/hotel crew of 71-80, an Expedition Team of 14-29 and is equipped with 15 Zodiacs to maximize time on shore. She offers a variety of additional adventure options such as kayaking, diving, snorkeling, snowshoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, camping, South Georgia Alpine Crossings, alpine trekking/climbing, ski/snowboard touring, and photography workshops.

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Day 1 Arrive Ushuaia
Day 2 Ushuaia – Embark
Days 3-4 Drake Passage
Days 5-9 Antarctic Peninsula
Days 10-11 Drake Passage
Day 12 Disembark, Ushuaia
Day 1 Arrive Punta Arenas
Day 2 Punta Arenas – King George Island – Embark
Days 3-10 Antarctica Peninsula
Days 11-12 Drake Passage
Day 13 Disembark – Ushuaia, Argentina
Day 1 Arrive USHUAIA
Day 2 USHUAIA – Embark
Day 3-4 AT SEA
Days 5-10 Antarctica Peninsula
Day 11 KING GEORGE ISLAND – DISEMBARK – FLIGHT TO PUNTA ARENAS
Day 13 PUNTA ARENaS
Day 1 Arrive Punta Arenas
Day 2 Punta Arenas – King George Island – Embark
Days 3-10 Antarctica Peninsula
Days 11-12 AT SEA
Day 13 CHILEAN FJORDS
Day 14 PUNTA ARENAS Disembark
Day 1 Arrive Ushuaia
Day 2 Ushuaia – Embark
Day 3 At Sea
Day 4 Falkland Islands
Days 5-7 At Sea
Days 8-12 South Georgia
Days 13-14 At Sea
Days 15-18 Antarctica Peninsula
Day 19 king george island – disembark – flight to punta arenas
Day 20 punta arenas
Day 1 Arrive Ushuaia
Day 2 Ushuaia – Embark
Days 3-4 At Sea
Days 5-8 antarctic peninsula
Days 9-10 At Sea
Days 11-15 South Georgia
Days 16-17 At Sea
Days 18-19 falkland islands
Day 20 at sea
Day 21 disembark ushuaia
Day 1 Arrive Ushuaia
Day 2 Ushuaia – Embark
Day 3 At Sea
Day 4 falklands
Days 5-7 At Sea
Days 8-12 South Georgia
Days 13-14 At Sea
Days 15-18 ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
DayS 19-20 DRAKE PASSAGE
Day 21 disembark ushuaia
Day 1 Arrive Ushuaia
Day 2 Ushuaia, Argentina – Embark
Day 3 At Sea
Day 4 Falkland Islands
Days 5-7 At Sea
Days 8-12 South Georgia
Days 13-14 Scotia Sea
Days 15-20 Antarctic Peninsula and the antarctic Circle
Days 21-22 Drake Passage
Day 23 Disembark – Ushuaia
Day 1 Arrive Ushuaia
Day 2 Ushuaia – Embark
Days 3-4 Drake Passage – SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
Days 5-11 Antarctic Peninsula AND THE ANTARCTIC CIRCLE
DayS 12-13 AT SEA
Day 14 DISEMBARK USHUAIA
Day 1 Arrive Ushuaia
Day 2 Ushuaia – Embark
Days 3-4 Drake Passage – SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
Days 5-9 weddell sea and Antarctic Peninsula
DayS 10-11 AT SEA
Day 12 DISEMBARK USHUAIA

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More About the Sylvia Earle

As one of the most advanced expedition ships in the world, capable of negotiating the strongest winds and waves, she is robust, powerful and built with her guests in mind. Featuring the inverted ULSTEIN X-Bow for faster, smoother sailing, the revolutionary design allows for more gentle sea crossings, improved comfort and reduced emissions.

The Sylvia Earle is registered in Nassau, BS, holds A1 Ice Class rating, is Polar Code 6 compliant and is fully compliant with the latest SOLAS requirements. She cruises at an average speed of 10-12 knots, with a maximum speed of 15.5 knots.

A large expedition cruise ship named "Greg Mortimer" with "Aurora Expeditions" branding navigates icy waters. The ship has a white and teal hull, and lifeboats are visible. Snow-covered cliffs and glaciers form the background under a cloudy sky, setting the stage for an epic Sylvia Earle Antarctica expedition.
Modern cruise ship lounge with futuristic design, inspired by the Sylvia Earle Antarctica expedition, featuring a central column with charging stations, cozy seating areas with brown and teal chairs, a patterned blue carpet, and large windows providing ample light. Stairs and additional seating are visible in the background.
A cozy wooden sauna room with tiered benches and a large window offering a stunning view of the ocean. A bucket and ladle sit on the lower bench near heating stones. The walls and ceiling are wood-paneled, creating a warm atmosphere perfect for dreaming about Sylvia Earle's Antarctica expedition.
A locker room with blue lockers and compartments, some open, displaying hanging waterproof suits and heavy-duty boots. A wooden bench sits in the center, and the floor is blue. The space is brightly lit with overhead fluorescent lights, evoking a sense of preparation for a Sylvia Earle Antarctica expedition.
A modern, well-lit cruise ship lounge features a bar area with several chairs, a variety of tables and seating arrangements, and a relaxed atmosphere. Blue accents and curved architectural elements enhance the sleek, contemporary design, with checkerboard-pattern tables adding charm.
An elegantly set dining room on a cruise ship with round tables covered in yellow tablecloths and matching yellow napkins. Modern light fixtures hang from the ceiling, and large windows provide natural light. The chairs are upholstered in a mix of white and blue fabric.
A reception area labeled "Expedition Desk" with a U-shaped counter and a computer monitor displaying information. The space is well-lit with overhead lights; a sanitizer dispenser is mounted on the right. A large, framed photo of a mountain landscape is on the left wall.
A modern reception desk in a brightly lit room, with a large sign above it reading "RECEPTION." The desk has a white countertop, with office supplies and a computer screen visible. There are doors to rooms on either side of the desk.
Ship Highlights
  • Size/Type
    342 ft.
  • Guest Capacity
    130
  • Features
    Observation Lounges & Viewing Platforms
    Glass Atrium Lounge
    Open Bridge
    3 Bars
    2 Lounges
    Mudroom & Lockers
    State of the Art Lecture Theater
    Multimedia Room & Library
    Heated Saltwater Open Air Swimming Pool
    2 Jaccuzis
    Gym & Sauna
    Medical Center
View Deckplans

Cabin Details

The Sylvia Earle has eight cabin categories and 71 cabins, you will find a variety of cabin options from triple porthole staterooms to private balcony staterooms and suites with large floor-to-ceiling windows.

A modern, well-lit hotel room features a large bed with white linens and blue accent pillows. To one side, there is a cozy daybed with gray bedding. The walls are adorned with contemporary artwork inspired by Sylvia Earle's Antarctica expedition, and there is a dark-toned wardrobe opposite the bed.
Modern cruise ship cabin featuring a large bed with white and blue linens, bedside tables, a desk, and a chair by a porthole. The walls are adorned with a large picture of a polar bear on ice and additional framed artwork. Inspired by the Sylvia Earle Antarctica expedition, the room has a clean, contemporary design.
Modern bathroom with a glass-enclosed shower on the left, a white vessel sink with a dark wood vanity in the center, and a white toilet on the right. The wall features decorative tiles inspired by Sylvia Earle's Antarctica expedition and an illuminated rectangular mirror. Towel racks and shelves are also visible.

Sylvia Earle

Triple Porthole Stateroom

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A modern hotel room with a large bed adorned with white and dark blue bedding. The room features a flat-screen TV, desk, two chairs, and a large window with sheer curtains. Folded blue clothes, headphones, and papers from the Sylvia Earle Antarctica expedition are neatly placed on the bed.
A modern, well-lit cruise ship stateroom designed for the Sylvia Earle Antarctica expedition. It features a large bed adorned with gray covers and multiple pillows, two cushioned chairs, a round table, a desk with a blue-patterned chair, wall art of penguins, and wood paneling.
A cruise ship cabin features a neatly made bed with white linens and a grey throw, two cushioned chairs with a small round table, a desk with a blue-patterned chair, and a wall-mounted painting of penguins. Wooden paneling and modern decor complete the cozy atmosphere, perfect for your Sylvia Earle Antarctica expedition.
A modern bathroom with a shower area on the left, featuring a rainfall showerhead and tile flooring. A rectangular mirror with LED backlighting is mounted above a sleek, dark wood vanity with a white sink. The wall behind the sink is decorated with decorative tiles, inspired by Sylvia Earle's Antarctica expedition.

Sylvia Earle

Balcony Stateroom (A)

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A cozy, modern bedroom featuring a comfortable double bed with multiple pillows, a large wall art piece of penguins by an iceberg from the Sylvia Earle Antarctica expedition, two white and gray chairs, and framed photography of icy landscapes. Warm lighting enhances the soothing, minimalist decor.
Modern hotel room with a king-sized bed, two armchairs, a coffee table, and a desk. Walls are wood-paneled with light gray and white decor. Large wall art inspired by the Sylvia Earle Antarctica expedition adorns the walls. A door leads to an outside hallway. Room features soft lighting and cozy atmosphere.
A modern hotel room desk setup showing a close-up of a vanity mirror, a tray with a metal ice bucket and two glasses, an information booklet about the Sylvia Earle Antarctica expedition, an old-fashioned telephone, and power outlets. The background features sheer curtains and a glimpse of a bed.
A modern cruise ship cabin with wooden furnishings, perfect for a Sylvia Earle Antarctica expedition. It features a neatly made bed, a wall-mounted TV, a vanity desk with a chair, a kettle, and a phone. The room is well-lit with ceiling lights, and a door leading to the hallway is visible.
Modern bathroom with white fixtures, including a toilet, sink, and shower. There are white towels on a heated towel rack and a backlit mirror above the sink with a tiled backsplash. The shower area has a glass partition and various shelves for toiletries, evoking the pristine feel of Sylvia Earle's Antarctica expedition.

Sylvia Earle

Balcony Stateroom (B)

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A modern, well-lit hotel room features two neatly made twin beds with gray and white bedding. The room includes a wall-mounted TV, a desk with a chair, a small seating area with an armchair and table, and artwork depicting animals from Sylvia Earle's Antarctica expedition.
A modern hotel room with two neatly made single beds, each with dark grey headboards and white linens. The room features a comfy chair with a matching cushion, bedside tables, and framed photographs of wildlife from Sylvia Earle's Antarctica expedition adorning the walls.
Modern bathroom with a glass-enclosed shower on the left, featuring a wall-mounted showerhead and shelves. A large backlit mirror hangs above a round sink with an open shelf and cabinet below. Towels are neatly arranged on a metal rack above the toilet, inspired by the organized precision of Sylvia Earle's Antarctica expedition.

Sylvia Earle

Balcony Stateroom (C)

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A modern hotel room featuring a king-sized bed with gray and white linens, a sofa with blue pillows, a round coffee table, a desk with a mirror, and large photograph of penguins on the wall. The room is well-lit with ceiling and wall-mounted lights.
Modern hotel room with a king-sized bed adorned with white linens and gray accents. A desk with a mirror and chair is near the window, which features sheer curtains allowing natural light. The room has dark wood furniture, a wall-mounted TV, and tasteful decor inspired by Sylvia Earle's Antarctica expedition.
A modern bathroom with a walk-in shower on the left, featuring a handheld showerhead and shelves with towels. In the center, a round sink is positioned below an illuminated mirror on a tiled wall. To the right, towel racks and a toilet are visible, evoking the sense of order found on Sylvia Earle's Antarctica expedition.

Sylvia Earle

Balcony Stateroom Superior

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A modern hotel room with a large bed adorned with white sheets and grey pillows. The room features a photo from the Sylvia Earle Antarctica expedition on the wall, two bedside tables with lamps, an armchair, and a balcony with sheer curtains that lets in natural light.
A modern hotel room with a minimalist design. The spacious room features large wooden cabinets, a wall-mounted TV, a white sofa, a small round table, a beige chair, and a large window with curtains. The adjoining bedroom has a visible bed and a large photograph of an iceberg from the Sylvia Earle Antarctica expedition.
A modern bathroom with double sinks, a large illuminated mirror, and a walk-in shower on the left. Towels are neatly stacked on shelves above a toilet. The background features a geometric patterned accent wall inspired by Sylvia Earle's Antarctica expedition. The space is well-lit and organized.

Sylvia Earle

Captain’s Balcony Suite

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A modern hotel room with a large bed centered against a wall, featuring a dark headboard and white bedding with dark accent pillows. Wall-mounted TV on the left and a dark door to the left side of the bed. The decor draws inspiration from Sylvia Earle's Antarctica expedition, with contemporary dark wood tones and gray carpet.
Luxury hotel room featuring a king-sized bed with white linens and blue accent pillows. The room includes a large wall-mounted TV, a desk with a black chair, and modern dark wood furniture. A scenic photo from Sylvia Earle's Antarctica expedition hangs over the bed.
A modern, compact bathroom features a sleek sink with a round basin, a large illuminated mirror, a towel rack with white towels, and an enclosed shower area with a rainfall showerhead and caddy. The walls have a combination of white and mosaic tile decor inspired by the colors of Sylvia Earle's Antarctica expedition.

Sylvia Earle

French Balcony Stateroom Superior

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A modern hotel room with a queen-sized bed, decorated with white and gray bedding and gold accent pillows. A large scenic art piece of a mountain from Sylvia Earle's Antarctica expedition hangs above the bed. The room also features a wall-mounted TV, work desk, built-in storage, soft lighting, and carpeted floors.
A modern hotel room features dark wood paneling with a mounted flat-screen TV, a round coffee table, and a sofa in the foreground. The bedroom can be seen through an open doorway, showcasing a neatly made bed with a headboard and bedside tables. Inspired by Sylvia Earle's Antarctica expedition, the decor exudes elegance.
A modern, neatly arranged living space with a white sofa, two yellow pillows, an armchair, a round coffee table, and built-in side tables. A framed picture from Sylvia Earle's Antarctica expedition and contemporary lighting adorn the wall, with natural light coming through a large window with curtains.
Modern bathroom with toilet, wall-mounted washbasin, and illuminated mirror. The shower is to the right, partitioned by a glass door. Towels are neatly arranged on a rack above the toilet. The space also includes a small shelving unit below the sink, inspired by Sylvia Earle's Antarctica expedition.

Sylvia Earle

Junior Balcony Suite

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You have the flexibility to choose your own travel dates on most of our trips. Certain trips, such as cruises, have fixed schedules. Availability on these trips is always changing so please contact us with your preferred travel time and we can find the perfect itinerary for you.

The first step is to get in touch with a Southern Explorations travel planner for date availability and information on activities, accommodations and other travel aspirations you may have. Give us a call at 1.877.784.5400, fill out this form or email info@southernexplorations.com.

Yes! All of our posted itineraries can be considered a starting point and were happy to tailor a trip to your exact desires. There may be some elements of a trip, such as a cruise or all-inclusive lodge stay, that cannot be modified but we can always adjust the tours around those components.

We provide full service tours so in general our trips include all guided activities with professional English-speaking guides, accommodations, transportation, airport transfers, entrance fees and permits, select meals, and pre-departure services. You will be responsible for international airfare while we will book all in-country airfare. Contact one of our expert travel planners for even more details on this specific tour.

We have more detailed information about each destination in the Plan Your Trip section of this website. Our team of friendly travel planners is also available to walk you through various options and to work with you on the perfect trip!

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