Antarctica

Climate Expedition

Join Dr Sylvia Earle, a Hero of the Planet

Climate Expedition

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Earth’s changing climate is the headline issue of our time. And rightly so. Time is running out to turn the tide. If you want to make a difference, here’s your chance to raise your voice above the ‘blah blah blah’.

Aurora Expeditions invite you to apply to join renowned marine biologist and National Geographic explorer-in-residence Dr Sylvia Earle on a climate expedition like no other. Sailing to Antarctica you’ll join around 100 luminaries from all over the world for a climate summit in the great white wilderness. Those assembled might be conservationists, celebrities, brilliant young minds or those with talents in economics or art, and all will come together to formulate 23 resolutions to inspire transformative changes for global net-zero emissions by 2050.

“February 2023 will be a moment in time of a gathering of great minds, a brains trust, for commitments to resolve what it takes to move from where we are now to a better future,” says Dr. Earle.

Contact us for details on how to apply for this extraordinary Antarctic expedition. This could be your legacy.

12 day Expedition with Climate Minded Friends

The expedition route features the Drake Passage, Aitcho Islands off the Antarctic Peninsula, Hope Bay, Brown Bluff, Enterprise Island and Lemaire Channel, among other key destinations.

In partnership with Ocean Geographic, the expedition’s master plan is to address the warming climate and loss of ice in the southern polar region as a direct threat to the future of human life on our planet.

The expedition will confront the consequences of environmental change and develop creative strategies to radically reduce carbon emissions. Expedition members will help formulate 23 resolutions to inspire transformative changes for global net-zero emissions by 2050.

Other outcomes will include a series of lectures, a feature documentary, exhibitions and a book.

Aurora Expeditions CEO Monique Ponfoort says: “The stories and images from this game-changing expedition aim to encourage the way people see and understand the Antarctic.”

“We invite you to be part of the legacy that helps bring about a healthy, sustainable and habitable planet,” she adds. “This is a unique opportunity to discover the beauty and majesty of Antarctica, the last pristine wilderness of penguins, seals, seabirds, glaciers and icebergs, in the company of Dr. Earle and her special guests.”

Named in honour of Dr. Earle, our new purpose-built ship is designed for discovery to the most remote and beautiful places on earth. Its revolutionary ULSTEIN X-BOW® also allows the ship to cross oceans more comfortably and efficiently.

The Sylvia Earle is the ideal ‘base camp’ for adventures at the outer limits of human exploration. The ship has everything you need to maximise comfort and relaxation while making enriching discoveries. The ship also features a modern lecture lounge, a Citizen Science Centre, multiple observation areas, Zodiac launching platforms, mud room, gym, spa and wellness centre. Every cabin features an ocean view and nearly all include balconies.

“February 2023 will be a moment in time of a gathering of great minds, a brains trust, for commitments to resolve what it takes to move from where we are now to a better future,” says Dr. Earle.

“This can be your legacy; you can help change the current course from a catastrophic outcome to a healthy, habitable planet,” she adds. “Please do this for the next generation, for the future of humanity.”

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Antarctic Climate Expedition - Aurora Expeditions

11 nights & 12 Days

* participants have to apply to be accepted on this unique voyage

2-days in Ushuaia pre-voyage
9 voyage days
1 day Punta Arenas post-voyage

START: Ushuaia, Argentina | Finish: Punta Arenas, Chile

EMBARK: Ushuaia, Argentina * DISEMBARK: King George Island

CHARTER FLIGHT: King George Island to Punta Arenas

DURATION: 12 days / 11 nights (9 voyage days, 2-day Ushuaia pre-voyage, 1 day Punta Arenas post-voyage)

START DATE: 13 February 2023 (2 nights in Ushuaia, Argentina)

EMBARKATION: 15 February 2023 * DISEMBARKATION: 23 February 2023 (flight to Punta Arenas – 1 night hotel, end date 24 February 2023)

*Please note: Only snorkelling and SCUBA diving will be offered as add-on activities on this special expedition.

PRE-EXPEDITION: 13-15 February 2023

STAGING HOTEL: Arakur Usuaia

POST-EXPEDITION: 23-24 February 2023

Cabos de Hornos / Hotel Rey Don Felipe

The Expedition package compromised from:

13 February arrival in Ushuaia until 24 February 2023.

13-14 February at Arakua Ushuaia

15-23 February on The Sylvia Earle

23 February at Cabo de Hornos or Hotel Rey Don Felipe, Punta Arenas (all twin sharing).

*In the genuine spirit of expedition travel, this itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea and other conditions beyond our control.

Important to Note: Upon notification that your application is successful, you will have seven days to confirm your reservation with deposit/payment of USD 5000 due at time of offer. We will release your spot immediately after the holding date has passed.

PRICING

Balcony Stateroom Superior | USD 21,880
Balcony Stateroom Category A | USD 18,380
Balcony Stateroom Category B | USD 18,080
Balcony Stateroom Category C | USD 17,680

About the Ships – Aurora specialise in small ship expedition vessels

The ships are named after; Aurora’s co-founder and well-known mountaineer, Greg Mortimer; and Sylvia Earle, a world-renowned oceanographer and explorer. The Greg Mortimer & the Sylvia Earle are small enough (averaging 132 onboard) to go where others simply can’t and are purpose-built for expeditions to the most remote places on earth.

With the revolutionary ULSTEIN X-BOW® to cross oceans more comfortably, expansive observation decks, inviting communal areas and unsurpassed environmental credentials, the ships offer the perfect base camp for adventures at the outer limits of human exploration.

Designed for rugged, remote areas

The ships are designed for rugged, remote areas and when crossing the notorious Drake Passage, the expeditions face some of the most extreme conditions. The ships are at the cutting edge of nautical technology: robust, powerful and up to the task. The ULSTEIN X-BOW® is an inverted bow design that has been used on over 100 vessels in commercial shipping industry – the Greg Mortimer being the first passenger vessels to incorporate this innovative marine technology. The bow cuts through the swell so you feel fewer vibrations, make quicker transits through sea passages and helps reduce fuel consumption by up to 60%. This, in combination with Rolls Royce dynamic stabilisers offers unrivalled stability and comfort on ocean crossings.

Designed for active expeditions

The ships are built to world-class polar standards and designed in close consultation with the expedition specialists, to ensure that every aspect of the ship’s design enriches your expedition experience. The zodiac loading platforms and activities platform allows for faster disembarkation from the ship – to get out on your adventure quicker, whether by zodiac or by kayak. In the mudroom you will have access to a locker when you can hang your gear up to dry, and store your boots between excursions. You will also have access to lockers and rapid drying areas for wetsuits, to give your gear the best chance to dry between excursions.

Designed for wildlife watching, education & learning

While on board, the ship is your base camp in the most incredible environments on earth. Within the ship, you will find indoor lounge areas with floor-to ceiling windows and panoramic views, and multiple open decks with expansive 270-360 degree views. On all expeditions you will meet naturalists and local specialists, who offer presentations on their area of expertise to deepen your understanding of the region you’re visiting. Join the team in the lecture theatre for presentations covering topics as broad as history and culture, biology and climate change, but they have one thing in common: they all aim to engage, educate and entertain. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the library is a peaceful sanctuary where you can find non-fiction books to read up on the day’s destinations and wildlife, plug in and organise your photos or play board games with newfound friends.

Designed for a comfortable onboard experience

When you are not busy on regular shore excursions, there is gym or sauna or book a massage (additional cost applies). There are also 2 jacuzzis on the top outside deck with amazing views of the world outside. The comfortable open seating dining area is where you will share tales of the day and be fuelled with delicious meals cooked by our onboard chefs. The cabins are beautifully appointed and you can choose from a range of configurations and features, including twin and double-bed options, private balconies and interconnecting staterooms.

Responsible travel features

The ships boasts the lowest polluting marine engines in the world, due to a combination of low energy consumption, high fuel-efficiency and a streamlined design. Our state-of-the-art Tier 3 engines deliver an 80% reduction in emissions*. The onboard desalination plants convert seawater to freshwater that’s safe to drink. This means we can carry less freshwater on sea crossings, further reducing the fuel consumption.

Safety features

Your safety is a critical consideration and our ships feature industry-leading safety technology that exceeds the requirements for ships of this size. The ships are Ice Class 1A and Polar Code 6 compliant, hold BV class and are fully compliant with the latest SOLAS requirements. A world class return-to-port system enables the ships to maintain operating systems and comfort in the event of an engine failure. As the expeditions take place in remote areas far from traditional medical facilities, we have a fully-resourced medical clinic, open 24 hours a day and staffed by qualified medical professionals.

Inclusions

Two-night accommodation with breakfast at Arakuar, Ushuaia
Full-day conference with lunch and coffee on 14 February.
From 14 February evening until 23 February onboard The Sylvia Earle – A la carte meals, coffee, tea and bottled water, landings, lectures, guides.
Airport transfer and meet & greet included.
Flights from King George Island to Punta Arenas on 23 February.
Baggage allowance, 20kg check-in plus one piece of 7kg carry-on. Purchase for additional allowance available.
One night hotel at Hotel Cabo de Hornos or Hotel Rey Don Felipe on 23 Feburary.
Official expedition gear including; expedition jacket, t-shirt, beanie, reference primer and a copy of ACE limited edition book.

Exclusions

International flights
Extra arrangements
Gratuities
Extra activities, visas, insureance Items of a personal nature

Recommended Routings to Ushuaia | LATAM via Santiago & Buenos Aires

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