Aurora Expeditions’ second purpose-built small ship, Sylvia Earle, departed on her inaugural voyage from Ushuaia, Argentina on December 10, 2022, heading to Antarctica.
Chief executive officer, Michael Heath is on board the Sylvia Earle along with around 120 passengers on this 12-day Spirit of Antarctica expedition.
“We are excited to be leaving Ushuaia behind us and sailing to Antarctica on the Sylvia Earle, as she explores the white continent for the first time,” Heath said.
“She is looking amazing and performing well. With our focus on education and conservation, our goal is to immerse our expeditioners in some of the world’s most secluded and wonderous places such as the Antarctic Peninsula in a relaxed, fun and informal onboard setting.
“Our highly experienced Expedition Team will be guiding and enriching our passengers while we experience myriad excursions by water and land, with enthralling activities ranging from Zodiac cruises to walks and hikes, sea kayaking, scuba-diving, snorkelling, photography, wildlife watching, camping and snowshoeing. All while creating lifelong ambassadors for the planet,” concludes Heath.
The Sylvia Earle features the Ulstein X-BOWâ, an inverted bow design, for sailing across tempestuous waters creating smoother and faster crossings which helps increase the passenger comfort and importantly, reducing fuel consumption.
Public spaces include multiple restaurants and bars, social relaxation and wellness areas, an outdoor heated swimming pool and jacuzzis, a gym, sauna, a library lounge, lecture theatre, and expansive decks offering panoramic views of wilderness and wildlife, making it the ideal ‘base camp’ for exploring.
The Sylvia Earle will operate nine voyages in Antarctica this season before heading to Costa Rica and the Panama Canal in April 2023.