Make a new booking on this cruise and save up to 20% off the brochure fares PLUS receive an air credit to the value of $1,425 per person. Fares shown are already at the reduced prices. Offer is available until sold out or discount amount might be reduced or removed without notice. Further conditions apply*
Limited availability!
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Wild Antarctica featuring the Weddell Sea: In Partnership with New Scientist Discovery Tours Cruise & Stay package includes:
– Transfer from airport to hotel
– 1 night`s hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas with breakfast
– Transfer from hotel to airport
– Charter flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island
– Transfer from airport to port
– 11 night expedition cruise aboard the Sylvia Earle from King George Island to Ushuaia
– Daily cabin service
– All meals, snacks, tea, coffee, soft drinks and juices onboard
– Premium spirits, cocktails, beer, wine and liqueurs during bar opening hours (From lunchtime on sea days and from 3pm on excursion days)
– Captain`s Farewell reception including four-course dinner
– All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
– Educational lectures and guiding services from expedition team
– Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult)
– A 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket (yours to keep)
– Complimentary use of muck boots during the voyage
– Comprehensive pre-departure information
– Wi-Fi (Please note we travel to remote regions and therefore the connection can be unreliable)
– Port surcharges, permits and landing fees
– Transfer from port to airport*
Exclusions:
-Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination charges
-Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges
-Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
-Optional excursions not included in the itinerary
-Optional activity surcharges
-All items of a personal nature, gratuities, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, email or phone charges
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Note: A $15 USD per person per day gratuity for the crew is automatically added to your onboard account. It is at your discretion if you would like to remove the tip (or adjust the amount) when you settle your bill. It is not necessary to tip the expedition team members. This gratuity amount is included for suites as part of their ‘Suite Benefits’.
Special Conditions
Special Validity Dates
Cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02 Mar 2027 | Punta Arenas, Chile |
Hotel | |
| 03 Mar 2027 | Punta Arenas, Chile |
Fly to King George Island | |
| 03 Mar 2027 | King George Island, South Shetland Islands |
Embark | |
| 04 Mar 2027 | Weddell Sea Antarctica |
and Antarctic Peninsula | |
| 05 Mar 2027 | Weddell Sea Antarctica |
and Antarctic Peninsula | |
| 06 Mar 2027 | Weddell Sea Antarctica |
and Antarctic Peninsula | |
| 07 Mar 2027 | Weddell Sea Antarctica |
and Antarctic Peninsula | |
| 08 Mar 2027 | Weddell Sea Antarctica |
and Antarctic Peninsula | |
| 09 Mar 2027 | Weddell Sea Antarctica |
and Antarctic Peninsula | |
| 10 Mar 2027 | Weddell Sea Antarctica |
and Antarctic Peninsula | |
| 11 Mar 2027 | Weddell Sea Antarctica |
and Antarctic Peninsula | |
| 12 Mar 2027 | Drake Passage |
||
| 13 Mar 2027 | Drake Passage |
||
| 14 Mar 2027 | Ushuaia, Argentina |
Disembark |
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ special edition Wild Antarctica featuring the Weddell Sea Fly/Sail expedition, in partnership with New Scientist Discovery Tours.
The Weddell Sea is renowned for its vast amounts of ice – sea ice, pack ice and gigantic icebergs. It is the perfect setting for a voyage in partnership with New Scientist Discovery Tours. For those with an interest in history, the Weddell Sea was central to Ernest Shackleton’s well-known expedition when the Endurance became trapped in the ice. In addition to ice-watching opportunities, the area is also rich in wildlife, geology, and palaeontology. We hope to see a variety of ice seals. On shore, you can search for ancient fossils of gastropods, large clams, and spiral-shaped ammonites. This is the perfect time of year to see curious whales, who are feeding before they begin their migration north to warmer waters.
This unique cruise will be hosted aboard a new, state-of-the-art polar expedition vessel, the Sylvia Earle (built 2022). The Sylvia Earle is one of a handful of passenger ships to feature the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW, reducing fuel consumption and allowing a sleeker cruising experience. With no more than 130 guests, an amazing viewing space and a ship-build designed to minimise negative environmental impacts, the Sylvia Earle guarantees a far more enjoyable guest experience than the other older and larger expedition ships.
Day 1 Arrive Punta Arenas
Arrive in Punta Arenas, where you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to our hotel. We ask that you arrive no later than 2:00pm on this day. In addition to ensuring your arrival in time for our important pre-flight briefings, if weather conditions deem it necessary, we may depart for King George Island on Day 1 as opposed to Day 2.
Please visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk in the lobby between 2.00 pm – 6.00 pm to collect your luggage cabin tags. Our team will confirm details regarding your embarkation day, answer any questions and provide you with information about where to dine or purchase last minute items.
Overlooking the Straits of Magellan, the city sits astride one of the world’s most historic trade routes. Today, Punta Arenas reflects a great blend of cultural backgrounds, from English sheep ranchers to Portuguese sailors. It remains an utterly fascinating testament to Chile’s rich history. Modern day Punta Arenas is home to many popular restaurants, and bars, offering a mix of local and international fare (meals at your own expense today).
This evening, meet your fellow expeditioners at a voyage briefing where we will reconfirm your transfer times for tomorrow, explain the procedures for your flight to King George Island and outline important IAATO regulations for visitors to Antarctica.
Day 2 Fly to King George Island, Embarkation
This morning we will be transferred to Punta Arenas airport for our charter flight to King George Island, Antarctica (weather permitting). The flight will take approximately one hour and forty-five minutes. On arrival into King George Island our expedition team is on hand to greet you and to prepare you for your Zodiac transfer to the vessel. You will have time to settle into your cabin before our important safety briefings.
Note: King George Island is located at the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula in the South Shetland Islands and is one of the most remote places on Earth. A clear sky with perfect visibility is required for safe take-off and landing. A contingency plan will be applied to your itinerary should your flights not proceed today. Your safety is our utmost priority. We apologise in advance for any delays caused due to this unpredictable situation. Please refer to our terms and conditions for a more detailed explanation.
Days 3-10 Weddell Sea & Antarctic Peninsula
It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience that will stay with you forever.
Once we arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are ours to explore, and we have a host of choices available to us. Because we are so far south, we will experience approximately 18-24 hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as you wish.
Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities.
Central to the story of where Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ship, the Endurance became trapped in formidable sea ice, the Weddell Sea certainly is high on the list for many polar adventurers. A small set of islands standing off to the east of the Antarctic Peninsula collectively form the Antarctic Sound – the gateway to the Weddell Sea. With a well-deserved reputation as being an iceberg alley where large icebergs try to escape the Weddell Sea through Antarctic Sound, often making navigation difficult. However, the rewards can be great. Fossils are a reminder of a more temperate era – gastropods, large clams, and spiral-shaped ammonites, all turned to stone.
We hope to experience memorable wildlife encounters as the Weddell boasts a large Adélie penguin colony just outside of Antarctic Sound, some of which breed on the rocky slopes of a small volcanic island, where a large colony of Antarctic blue-eyed shags jostle for space with nest-building Wilson’s storm petrels. On thrilling Zodiac excursions or slicing a path through the maze of sea ice in your kayak, keep watch for chinstrap and gentoo penguins in and out of the water, as well as humpback, minke and orca whales. Your camera is sure to get a solid workout during your time in the Weddell Sea.
We generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. You will want to rug up before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to land, where you can visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and explore some of our favourite spots along the peninsula.
While ashore we aim to stretch our legs, wandering along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. Speaking of the oceans below, keen polar plungers will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters – conditions permitting!
In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding.
This is a great time to enjoy the observation lounge for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendour. Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve their way from summit to sea. Take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of this incredible white continent.
Join the team in the lecture theatre for presentations covering a broad range of topics to suit every interest. These lectures will cover polar science, wildlife, marine biology, glaciology, paleontology, exploration, history, photography and research including specialist New Scientist talks. Regardless of the topic, they all have one thing in common: they all aim to engage, educate, entertain and turn you into an ambassador for the planet. Plus, both on board and in the Zodiacs, the expedition crew will give you introductions to and commentary on many of the Antarctic phenomena you are experiencing.
You will have the opportunity to participate in the unique citizen science program offered throughout the voyage. It is designed to be a hands-on, immersive and transformative experience that helps you protect the beauty of our planet. Various sampling and data collection projects will be conducted on your voyage and a citizen science coordinator will be on hand to introduce and assist you. This expedition provides a unique platform to help collect high-quality data. With extended access to these remote regions and our expedition teams equipped with scientific backgrounds, we have the potential to participate and engage our passengers in citizen science projects to provide valuable data to the global scientific community. For a greater understanding, visit our world-class Citizen Science Centre. You will be rewarded for your thirst for knowledge with one of the best views on the ship.
Days 11-12 Drake Passage Crossing
Enjoy a final morning landing in the South Shetland Islands before we re-enter the Drake Passage for our return journey to South America.
With lectures and film presentations to complete our Antarctic experience, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the Southern Ocean and the life that calls it home. There is time for reflection and discussion about what we have seen and experienced. We hope you become ambassadors for Antarctica telling your family, friends and colleagues about your journey to this magical place, advocating for its conservation and preservation so that they might one day visit the region to experience what you have been lucky to see and do here.
As we approach the tip of South America, our Captain may sail close to legendary Cape Horn, weather and time permitting.
Day 13 Disembark Ushuaia
During the early morning, we cruise up the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia, where we will be free to disembark around 8.00 am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers as we all continue our onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature.
Upon disembarkation, for those continuing their travels in the region, transportation to the hotel will be arranged exclusively for guests who have booked their accommodations through Aurora or for those staying in downtown areas near the port. Expeditioners departing on flights prior to 14:30 pm will be directly transferred to Ushuaia Airport, those with flights after 14:30 pm will have the opportunity to explore Ushuaia before an afternoon airport transfer, and the transfer procedures and details will be communicated onboard before disembarkation.
Note: At the conclusion of the voyage, we do not recommend booking flights departing Ushuaia prior to 12.00 pm on the day of disembarkation in case there are delays.
Sylvia Earle 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.
Crossing the notorious Drake Passage or the Denmark Strait, our expeditions face some of the most intense conditions nature can throw at us. The Greg Mortimer is at the cutting edge of nautical technology: robust, powerful and up to the task.
Ship Profile & Stats
- Maiden Voyage: 2021
- Passenger Capacity (dbl): 126
Ship Amenities
- In Room Safe
- Room Controlled Thermostat
- Flat Screen Television
- 1 x mug per person
- 1 x drink bottle per person
- 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
- 1 x drybag backpack per person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)
Ship Facilities
- State of the art lecture facilities
- Library
- Mudroom
- Swimming Pool
- Spa
- Jacuzzi’s
- Gym
- Main Dining Room
- Activity launching platform
- Ship shop
- Observation lounge
- Top deck restaurant
- Bars
- Upper glass atrium lounge
- Lower glass atrium lounge
- Medical centre
- Lift(s)
At Aurora Expeditions wilderness is a passion they share with others by taking small groups of like-minded people to some of the most isolated places on our planet. From the polar regions of Antarctica and High Arctic to the wilds of Costa Rica, Scotland, Patagonia and more, Aurora Expeditions aims to create special expedition-style cruises that foster an understanding and appreciation of our natural world.
The Australian-owned adventure company was initially established in the early 1990¹s by adventures Greg Mortimer and Margaret Werner when they began sharing their love of remote places by organising ship-based trips for keen friends and fellow travellers. Their style to push the boundaries¹ has remained unchanged and they are proud of the fact that their spirit of adventure and exploration is as strong as ever. Their adventure activities are proof of this; with many of their voyages offering polar scuba diving, sea kayaking, camping and mountain climbing.
Deeply committed to education and preservation of the environment, Aurora Expeditions were the founding member of both the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO). All their voyages have expert expedition staff who will help to unlock the wonders of these special places.
Select the Deck to view detail.
Select the Cabin to view detail.
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Aurora Stateroom Superior are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.
Located on Deck 7, the Staterooms feature french balconies, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.
All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist’s impressions only and final results may vary.
Cabin Features:
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
French Balcony
Private en suite
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42″ Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)
There are three Aurora Stateroom Twin cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they’re close to the mudroom and loading platforms, perfect for adventurers who are looking for a comfortable base that’s close to the action.
All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist’s impressions only and final results may vary.
Cabin Features:
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
Private en suite
Porthole Window
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42″ Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)
There are four Aurora Stateroom Triple cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they’re close to the mudroom and loading platforms.
*Please note the Aurora Stateroom Triple cabins are only available on certain departures
All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist’s impressions only and final results may vary.
Cabin Features:
1 King Bed
2 Twin Beds
Private en suite
Porthole Window
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42″ Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)
Cabin & balcony combined size: 28m2 – 37.7m2
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Balcony Stateroom Superior cabins are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.
Located on Deck 4 and 6, the Staterooms feature floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.
Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist’s impressions only and final results may vary.
Cabin Features:
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
Balcony
Private en suite
Desk Area
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42″ Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)
Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 44.5m2
The largest of all our rooms, the singular Captain’s Suite will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, you’ll need to get in early to secure this suite.
All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist’s impressions only and final results may vary.
Cabin Features:
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
Balcony
Private en suite
Desk Area
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42″ Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)
1 Free pair of binoculars per suite
1 hour spa treatment per person*
Free stocked mini bar^
Gratuities/tips for crew included – to the value of AU$ 15 per person per day
1 Free bottle of champagne per suite.
*Valid on 1-hour massage or facial treatment only. Further details provided on board.
^Balcony Suites and Junior Suites stocked once only, not replenished. Captain’s Suite replenished as needed.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 42m2 – 43.5m2
The four Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage points on Deck 7. When you aren’t enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites’ separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony.
All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist’s impressions only and final results may vary.
Cabin Features:
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
Balcony
Private en suite
Desk Area
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42″ Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)
1 Free pair of binoculars per suite
1 hour spa treatment per person*
Free stocked mini bar^
Gratuities/tips for crew included – to the value of AU$ 15 per person per day
1 Free bottle of champagne per suite.
*Valid on 1-hour massage or facial treatment only. Further details provided on board.
^Balcony Suites and Junior Suites stocked once only, not replenished. Captain’s Suite replenished as needed.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21m² – 24.8m²
We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Our 23 Balcony Stateroom – A cabins are our premium cabin, and the most abundant on board. These cabins are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 and 6 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator.
All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist’s impressions only and final results may vary.
Cabin Features:
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
Balcony
Private en suite
Desk Area
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42″ Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21m2 – 24.8 m2
Our 17 Balcony Stateroom – B Cabins are our standard cabin, many fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups. These cabins are located at the fore and aft of Deck 4 and 6.
All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist’s impressions only and final results may vary.
Cabin Features:
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
Balcony
Private en suite
Desk Area
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42″ Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21m2 – 24.8m2
Our 11 Balcony Stateroom – C cabins are our most economical, fitted with all the necessities and comfortable for up to 2 people. These cabins are scattered throughout Deck 6.
All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist’s impressions only and final results may vary.
Cabin Features:
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
Balcony
Private en suite
Desk Area
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42″ Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)
* Unless otherwise noted all pricing is on a per person twin share basis. All prices based on cash payment - credit card fees may apply. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Special conditions may apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Any pricing not in Australian Dollars will be converted on the day of payment into the relevant currency based on our daily rate of exchange. Please note that many of the prices shown on this website are not shown in real time. Whilst we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ slightly from the live prices in our booking system. All pricing and offers are subject to availability at time of booking. Whilst all information is correct at the time of publication, offers are subject to change. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty. Please submit any data errors/omissions you may notice on this site.
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