Sylvia Earle

This purpose-built expedition vessel 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. Besides the same revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW® design, the Sylvia Earle features a distinctive Glass Atrium Lounge at the bow of the ship with a stunning panoramic view on both port and starboard side, two jacuzzis where you can admire impressive scenery while watching the world go by.

Aurora Expeditions (Sylvia Earle's operator) is an excellent choice for travellers who value sustainability and want to explore the polar regions responsibly. The company has moved beyond traditional carbon offsetting to adopt a circular impact model that focuses on reducing emissions and regenerating ecosystems. Through its Ocean Regeneration initiative, Aurora funds the planting of marine life and removal of ocean waste for every passenger, with a goal to restore more than 7,000 units of kelp, seagrass, and coral by 2026. Working with trusted partners such as Seatrees, Veritree, and CleanHub, these efforts also support local communities and conservation projects in coastal regions around the world. As a certified B Corporation, Aurora operates purpose-built, low-impact ships designed to minimize fuel use and avoid seabed damage, and it maintains plastic-free practices across all operations. Altogether, this approach makes Aurora Expeditions a thoughtful and proactive choice for travellers seeking a meaningful, environmentally conscious way to experience the world’s most remote destinations.