Aurora Expeditions, in partnership with Dr Sylvia Earle and Ocean Geographic, is excited to invite you aboard the "Arctic Climate Expedition 2025"
The BIG ACE - the Bears, Ice, Glaciers, Arctic Climate Expedition 2025 begins from Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and navigates northward to go beyond 80°N in pursuit of the remaining Arctic ice shelf. The voyage will aim to proceed (weather permitting) eastward towards Kritøya, circling around Austfonna, one of the largest glaciers on the planet. Throughout, the aim will be to encounter and observe a diverse array of Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, walruses, puffins, and arctic foxes, amidst the stunning backdrop of sea ice platforms and calving glaciers. With Svalbard boasting an astounding 2100 glaciers, this expedition promises an unparalleled natural spectacle.
Hosted by Dr Sylvia Earle in her 90th birthday year, this expedition will honour Dr Earle’s lifelong advocacy for the world’s oceans by inviting changemaker passengers to use their own voice, contributing their various talents or ‘superpowers’ to instigate meaningful conversations and spur action to safeguard the planet for future generations.
BIG ACE seeks to lobby for the protection of the Arctic, foster a collective appreciation of our planet’s fragility and mitigate the impact of climate change through the power of the arts. The Arctic, where warming occurs at a rate four to five times greater than the global average, is undergoing significant degradation.
As a Certified B Corporation™, we’re committed to driving positive change and contributing to a more sustainable future. The Arctic Climate Expedition 2025 is a key initiative towards fulfilling that goal – building ambassadors for the conservation and preservation of our planet.
BIG ACE isn’t confined to scientists and researchers; this epic project calls for an assemblage of 110 global citizens and we welcome people of all ages, nationalities, educational and professional backgrounds. Each participant will be asked to contribute their specialised expertise for a collective cause, using their unique voice. Whether through storytelling, film production, poetry, music, art, education, lobbying, or other avenues, every participant will play a vital role in championing the Arctic’s cause.
- Travel with Dr. Sylvia Earle and Ocean Geographic.
- Venture close to 80° north, watch for polar bears on pack ice.
- Enjoy the best of Svalbard, a world of near-endless daylight, where polar bear sightings quicken your pulse, guillemot cries echo from towering cliffs, and beluga whales rise from the sea.
- Explore tundra adorned with wildflowers, keep watch for arctic fox, and discover historical camps of explorers and hunters. Circle some of the worlds largest glaciers.
- Circle some of the worlds largest glaciers. With Svalbard boasting an astounding 2100 glaciers, this expedition promises an unparalleled natural spectacle.
- Push through pack ice to find walrus and bearded seals, and delight in the breathtakingly beautiful fjords.
- Engage in hands-on workshops and activities designed to foster environmental stewardship and promote sustainable living.
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.
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Sylvia Earle
| Cabins | 62 |
|---|---|
| Launched | 2022 |
Sylvia Earle made her inaugural cruise in 2022; she honours the highly accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer, Sylvia Earle. As the first female chief scientist of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and named by Time Magazine as its first Hero for the Planet in 1998 – this vessel pays tribute to Sylvia’s long standing conservation efforts for marine protected areas and ocean wildlife. Sylvia Earle will be actively involved in the development of her namesake.
The streamlined Ulstein X-BOW® cuts through the swell so you feel fewer vibrations and disturbances, and makes quicker transits through waves. It also helps reduce fuel consumption by up to 60%^. Experience the Glass Atrium Lounge inside the bow, featuring huge windows and superb views to the front of the ship.
In between landings, enjoy the heated saltwater open air swimming pool and jacuzzis on board the Sylvia Earle and watch the world go by, or experience our gym, sauna or enjoy a massage (additional cost) in the Wellness centre.
Sylvia Earle carries many Zodiacs, which you can board via four dedicated, sea-level launching platforms. These platforms make boarding the Zodiacs as quick, efficient and safe as possible, minimising wait times and getting you closer to the action for longer.
Dining
One of the most important parts of any expedition is the food! Whatever adventures the day holds, you will be fuelled-up with hearty meals and delicious morning/afternoon teas cooked by our onboard chefs. Meals are a great time to soak up the expedition camaraderie in our open seating dining area. Share stories with your fellow travellers and ask our expedition team questions that may have come up during the day. Tea, coffee and snacks are available 24 hours a day, and our chefs offer different menu options and courses for each meal. Enjoy the range of house wine, beers and soft drinks included with dinner after a long day in the wild. We also invite you to join your captain and expedition team for informal Captain’s Welcome and Farewell drinks, with complimentary beverages and cocktail appetisers, followed by a 3 course meal.
Responsible Travel
We believe that preserving and protecting the environment is of the utmost importance and this is reflected in several features of the Sylvia Earle. The Sylvia Earle will boast one of the lowest polluting marine engines in the world due to low energy consumption, high fuel-efficiency and a streamlined design to deliver an 80% reduction in emissions.* The ship can also utilise virtual anchoring to hold its position using a combination of GPS, steering technology, propellers and thrusters. This protects the sea floor and minimises the damage caused by conventional anchors.
*Compared to Tier 1 engines.
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Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.
