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Overview

The sister ship to the Greg Mortimer, the Sylvia Earle features the same cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology.

Maximum passengers: 130

This vessel honours the highly accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer, Sylvia Earle.

Like the Greg Mortimer, the Sylvia Earle features the same revolutionary X-BOW® design, an inverted bow concept which results in smoother sailing and increased efficiency. Rather than rising over and then dropping onto waves like a traditional ship, the X-BOW® cuts through the swell, minimising vibrations, allowing for quicker transits through waves, whilst helping to reduce fuel consumption.

If you travel across the infamous Drake Passage, take some ginger tea or ginger biscuits with you to banish nausea. It can also help to lay in a place where you can see the horizon and get air often.

Features

  • 71 cabins
  • Restaurants and bars
  • Lounges
  • Library
  • Presentation room
  • Citizen Science laboratory
  • Spa and wellbeing facilities
  • Fitness room
  • Expedition jacket – yours to keep
  • Loan of rubber boots during voyage
  • Fleet of Zodiacs
  • Optional activities such as kayaking available on selected departures
  • X-BOW® design for more stability and comfort
  • Registered Ice Class 1A

Cabins & suites

Guest cabins offer exceptional comfort and most feature full length windows or private balconies. There are over 20 interconnecting cabins and many of these can accommodate a third person.

 

Single travellers
Quad, triple or twin share cabins are available (on a same gender basis). Sole occupancy of a cabin incurs a supplement.

 

 

Environmentally Friendly

The vessel also features the same environmentally friendly virtual anchoring technology, in which GPS and high-tech steering are used to hold position rather than using a traditional anchor. This ensures that the delicate sea floor remains undisturbed and undamaged. Reduced emissions into the air and sea, lower energy consumption, high fuel efficiency, reduced light pollution to minimise wildlife disruption and lower on-board plastic use are all in place to reduce the Sylvia Earle’s impact on the environment too. The ship is also operated by a certified B Corporation, who have made a legal commitment to balance purpose and profit.  They must meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

A new Standard

Other innovative features of the ship include world class return-to-port safety equipment, which duplicates the propulsion system, enabling the ship to maintain operating systems in the event of engine failure. There are four sea-level Zodiac launching platforms, designed for speedy embarkation to help maximise time ashore. With a wide range of activities offered on board, the vessel includes a mudroom and a spacious activity preparation area alongside a separate activity launch platform.

Unique to the Sylvia Earle is the distinctive glass atrium lounge at the front of the ship, with huge windows allowing for stunning panoramic views. It’s the perfect place to sit with a drink and take in the passing scenery or watch for wildlife. Other high quality facilities include a state-of-the-art lecture theatre, science centre, multi-media room, observation lounge, library and restaurant. A Wellness Centre (featuring gym equipment, sauna and spa with massage therapist) and a heated saltwater open air swimming pool, plus two outdoor Jacuzzis allows for maximum relaxation in between landings.

Citizen Science

Get involved and give back by participating in various Citizen Science projects, both on and off the vessel. Make a difference by helping various scientific organisations through participating in ongoing investigations devoted to research in remote places like the Polar regions.

Take the opportunity to join in with data collection off the ship, where you can engage in a number of unique projects, from surveying seabirds and studying phytoplankton, to tracking whales and mapping weather patterns. Afterwards, return to the Sylvia Earle’s well equipped on-board Science Centre to analyse the data you and your group have collected.

The projects are informative, interactive, and fun! There are multiple chances to actively collaborate and your on-board Citizen Science Coordinator will be on hand to assist you with the projects being conducted on your voyage. 

Optional experiences 

The following are offered at extra cost, but availability varies according to voyage and departure date