Introducing the Sylvia Earle
A floating ambassador for the planet
On our small purpose-built ship, the Sylvia Earle, connect with like-minded travellers in a meaningful way on perspective-altering voyages to some of the most remote, unique and spectacular places on the planet. Featuring the Ulstein X-BOW® design, it cuts through the swell for a smoother transit through waves while minimising its environmental impact.
A floating ambassador for the conservation of the planet, the Sylvia Earle pays tribute to marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer Dr. Sylvia Earle and six pioneering women in conservation – Dr. Carden Wallace AM, Joanna Ruxton, Sharon Kwok, Bernadette Demientieff, Dr. Asha de Vos and Hanli Prinsloo – with public decks honouring their contributions and shining a light on their important causes.
With a fully equipped Citizen Science Center, expert lecturers and a participative Citizen Science Program, our aim is to enrich your knowledge and connection to the places we travel to onboard the Sylvia Earle.
The Sylvia Earle is a comfortable base camp for adventure. Carrying a maximum of 130 expeditioners, our aim is to get you off the ship so you can experience the natural environment as much as possible in smaller, more intimate groups.
Designed for discovery
Ulstein X-BOW® & Lounge
The streamlined Ulstein X-BOW® cuts through the swell for a smoother transit through waves. It also helps reduce fuel consumption. Experience the Glass Atrium Lounge inside the bow, featuring huge windows and superb views.
Gym, Sauna & Jacuzzis
In between landings, enjoy access to the onboard gym, indulge in the Wellness Centre or relax in the sauna. Or head to the back deck to swim in the heated pool or relax one of two jacuzzis, offering stunning views of the world outside so you won’t miss a second.
Safety Features
The Sylvia Earle features industry-leading safety technology that exceeds the requirements for a ship of this size. With world class return-to-port equipment, the ship is able to maintain operating systems and comfort in the event of engine failure. The ship also features a medical clinic designed for use in remote areas.
Responsible Travel Features
100% climate neutral, the Sylvia Earle operates with low energy consumption, high fuel-efficiency and a streamlined design to deliver a 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.
Efficient Zodiac Access
Our ships carry 15 Zodiacs, which you can board via four dedicated doors, making boarding as quick, efficient and safe as possible and minimising wait times so you can get closer to the action for longer.
Activity Preparation Area
The Sylvia Earle is designed to support our range of add-on activities, from kayaking and diving to ski touring, the transition from ship to sea or shore will be as smooth as possible. We built the spacious activity preparation areas and loading platforms in consultation with our expert guides.
You will also have access to individual lockers and rapid drying areas for dry suits and wet suits in the mudroom, to give your gear the best chance to dry between excursions.
Staterooms & Suites
Captain’s Suite
Stateroom & balcony combined size: 43.8m2 (471.5 ft2)
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.
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Junior Suite
Stateroom & balcony combined size: Up to 41.6m2 (447.8ft2)
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.
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Balcony Stateroom Superior
Stateroom & balcony combined size: 29.2m2 - 35.2m2 (314.3ft2 - 378.9ft2)
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Balcony Stateroom Superiors 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.
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Balcony Stateroom Category A
Stateroom & balcony combined size: 19.5m² - 28.7m² (209.9ft² - 308.9ft²)
We have three categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the stateroom size.
Our 23 Balcony Stateroom A rooms are our premium rooms, and the most abundant on board. These staterooms are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 and 6 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator.
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Balcony Stateroom Category B
Stateroom & balcony combined size: 19.5m2 - 28.7m2 (209.9ft² - 308.9ft2)
We have three categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the stateroom size.
Our 17 Balcony Stateroom B rooms are our standard room, many fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups. These staterooms are located at the fore and aft of Deck 4 and 6.
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Balcony Stateroom Category C
Stateroom & balcony combined size: 19.5m2 - 28.7m2 (209.9ft² - 308.9ft2)
We have three categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the stateroom size.
Our 11 Balcony Stateroom C rooms are our most economical, fitted with all the necessities and comfortable for up to 2 people. These staterooms are scattered throughout Deck 4 & 6.
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Balcony Stateroom Category A – Solo
Stateroom & balcony combined size: 19.5m² - 28.7m² (209.9ft² - 308.9ft²)
To support your solo travel adventures, from our 2026 Arctic and Beyond season, we will offer 6 dedicated Balcony Stateroom Category A - Solo cabins on every sailing, with no single supplement.
We have three categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the stateroom size.
Our 6 Balcony Stateroom A - Solo rooms are our premium rooms, these staterooms are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 and 6 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator.
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Balcony Stateroom Category B – Solo
Stateroom & balcony combined size: 19.5m2 - 28.7m2 (209.9ft² - 308.9ft2)
To support your solo travel adventures, from our 2026 Arctic and Beyond season, we will offer 2 dedicated Balcony Stateroom Category B - Solo cabins on every sailing, with no single supplement.
We have three categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the stateroom size.
Our two Balcony Stateroom B - Solo rooms are our standard room, these staterooms are located at the fore of Deck 6.
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Balcony Stateroom Category C – Solo
Stateroom & balcony combined size: 19.5m2 - 28.7m2 (209.9ft² - 308.9ft2)
To support your solo travel adventures, from our 2026 Arctic and Beyond season, we will offer 2 dedicated Balcony Stateroom Category C - Solo cabins on every sailing, with no single supplement.
We have three categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the stateroom size.
Our 2 Balcony Stateroom C - Solo rooms are our most economical, and are fitted with all the necessities. These staterooms are scattered throughout Deck 6.
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Aurora Stateroom Superior
Stateroom size: 19.9m2 - 20.8m2(214.2ft2 - 223.9ft2)
Located on Deck 7, the Staterooms feature french balconies, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.
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Aurora Stateroom Triple Share
Stateroom size: 22.67m2 (244ft2)
There are two Aurora Stateroom Triples featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms.
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Deck Plan
View entire deck planOnboard activities
State of the Art Lecture Facilities
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.
Science Centre & Lounge
Learn more about the world we explore with our onboard naturalist and expedition team in our science centre, or enjoy superb views to the front of the ship.
Library
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, plug in and organise your photos or play board games with newfound friends.
Choose from our range of informative non-fiction titles, wildlife guidebooks, travel journals, novels and a selection of children’s books and board games.
Wildlife guides, books and binoculars can also be found on the observation lounge on Deck 7.
Mudroom
No need to take your wet expedition gear back to your stateroom to dry. Keep your stateroom warm and cosy by leaving your outer jackets and pants in the mudroom.
The mudroom is your launchpad for all shore excursions and activities. Here, you will have access to a locker when you can hang your gear up to dry, and store your boots between excursions.
Jacuzzis & Sun Deck
There are two jacuzzis on the top outside deck which offer amazing views of the world outside.
Gym & Sauna
During your voyage, enjoy complimentary access to the gym or visit our sauna, which we highly recommend after the Polar Plunge!
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 Farewell drinks, with complimentary beverages and cocktail appetisers, followed by a 3 course meal.
Bars & Lounges
Communal meeting areas have always played a major role in fostering the warm camaraderie on board our ships. They are the heart of the expedition, where people meet to share tales from the day, swap photos, keep an eye out for wildlife and watch the sun go down.
The bars and lounges on board are refined yet inviting places to gather, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views, and of course friendly bartenders to shoot the breeze with.
