Antarctica
Arctic
Artic
Info
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fuser%2Fe729e780-1fbe-4cc2-ad7c-faf67d440e2b-bruna-garcia.png&w=1920&q=75)
Your contact
Bruna
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fuser%2Fe729e780-1fbe-4cc2-ad7c-faf67d440e2b-bruna-garcia.png&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Ftrip%2Ffcd31c01-eca0-456f-b867-004245024787-michael-baynes-shackleton-walk-30-of-39-.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Length
21 Days
Ship category
Premium
Ship type
Mid-Sized Ship
Capacity
132 Passengers
Spot the elusive Macaroni penguin in the Falklands
Witness elephant seals in their natural habitat
Watch penguin couples take care of their young
Learn about the rich history in the Falkland Islands
Adaptable itineraries
Expert guides answer all questions
Your booking contributes to our Conservation Project
Expedition Parka to take home
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fprovider%2F50f2efee-7a74-49a9-97f6-7b786b37d125-sylvia-earle-exterior-benjamin-tan-and-masano-kawana.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fprovider%2F23e92a68-3ccc-4a4c-ab23-9ce6a7a62701-deck-plan-1.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fprovider%2F47e41ceb-ed52-4124-ac02-f3b28dbe1b28-sylvia-earle-benjamin-tan-and-masano-kawana.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Welcome aboard the Sylvia Earle, a purpose-built expedition vessel named in honor of pioneering marine biologist and conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle. Launched in late 2022, this state-of-the-art ship combines advanced nautical design with a deep respect for the natural world. Carrying a maximum of 130 guests, the Sylvia Earle fosters a more intimate, community-focused experience, where like-minded travelers can connect meaningfully while exploring the planet’s most remote and awe-inspiring polar regions.
The ship features the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW® design, which cuts through swell for … Read more about Sylvia Earle
%3Aformat(webp)%2F1445faeb-79e0-45ec-8580-83006cd1c610-captain-s-suite-420.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2F3ae3fea4-1a90-4af4-81ec-b09bbb3b62ad-junirsuitesylvia.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2F205155b9-64f5-4fd1-8dd1-a1f6d13cbc93-balconysuperiorse.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fa879ef7e-b823-475c-8e90-8f10692c663d-balconyase.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2F13094e77-42fe-406b-a706-7e8fbc5b26e3-balconystateroombse2.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fa71bfc19-13d2-433f-b652-5078da13b114-aurora-stateroom-superior-410.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2F50fb1620-3833-4f83-97b2-6830ade48f51-balconycse.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2F8a5d184a-1066-429f-ab6a-304d586de766-aurora-stateroom-triple-307.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
Observation Lounge
Spa
Sauna
Citizen Science Laboratory
Bar
Mudroom
Lecture Theater
Pool
Zodiac Fleet
Fitness Center
Internet/Wifi
Library
Arguably the most important part of any trip- The food! A Sylvia Earle polar cruise offers hearty delicious cuisine with a variety of options and courses for each meal. Mealtimes are a great way to get to know your fellow travelers in the open seating dining room. Tea, coffee, and various snacks are available 24 hours a day. Enjoy a wide range of house wine, beers, and soft drinks included with dinner, perfect after a long day of exploration.
Every passenger is also invited to join the cruise ship captain and expedition team for Welcome and Farewell drinks, which include complimentary cocktails and appetizers. The bars and lounges aboard the Sylvia Earle are a tasteful, yet inviting place to gather with new friends. Enjoy the sunset through the floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views. The friendly bartenders aboard the ship will quench your thirst and entertain you with tales of previous adventures.
Keep in mind this is an expedition cruise, so your itinerary will depend greatly on the weather, amount of ice and wildlife breeding behavior.
%3Aformat(webp)%2F5369ee1a-0bf0-4d40-8b89-e7802f3e3257-2020-03_hiking_ushuaia-2.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fa2590656-d523-432b-b515-b97295fcf7b7-2020-03_hiking_ushuaia-3.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fday_detail%2Fb3b3835c-b3d9-4901-bfbf-ff42dafebe2f-26424011697_450d3d594f_o.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Arrive in Ushuaia, where you will be met by a representative of the Sylvia Earle and transferred to your downtown hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, kindly remind hotel check-in staff to provide you with cabin tags. Please clearly label the tags with your name and ship cabin number.
%3Aformat(webp)%2F41de6771-04f2-4c4f-a972-d4fe0af1768e-falkland-islands-15-of-15-.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2F99dfe97d-cf48-478e-8243-832920e45f94-2020-03_quest_for_the_antarctic_circle-43.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fdbea98c9-01b2-46c8-b8a1-1289b1efe6fb-falkland-islands-12-of-15-.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
The Falklands Passage is the name given to the stretch of the Southern Ocean between mainland South America and the Falkland Islands. This is usually a 2-day sailing.
During this time, your naturalist guides will hold a series of informative and exciting talks and lectures about the wildlife and the geology that makes the Falklands and the Southern Ocean so remarkable.
Your guides will also be available to help you spot the various species of seabirds you will encounter, as well as using their expert eye to spot whales and other cetaceans in the water as you make your way to your next destination.

%3Aformat(webp)%2Ftrip%2Fe287f906-0a67-448a-bf7f-f6be00bb4a5b-antarctica_southgeorgiaisland_kingpenguins_mountains_46_ss.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Ftrip%2Ffa4f8a62-2687-4831-ac0d-77fc4c079417-antarctica_southgeorgiaisland_salisburyplain_kingpenguins_019_ae.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Lying 300 miles off the Patagonian coast, and 750 miles from the Antarctic Peninsula, the Falkland Islands (also known as Islas Malvinas in Spanish) is a far-flung British overseas territory.
Consisting of two major islands and over 770 smaller islands and islets, they are home to a hardy resident population of about 3,400 islanders. With a chequered history of disputed sovereignty, the islands were uninhabited until the 1700s.
With an economy that was traditionally driven by whaling, then fishing and farming, the islands have more recently diversified into sustainable tourism. With an abundance of wildlife, particularly birds - including some species found nowhere else - the islanders have been restoring natural habitats previously lost to grazing, as well as farming in ways that are more environmentally friendly.
There are a variety of sites to visit where you can see endemic and migrant birds, as well as several colonies of penguins and seals. Whales and dolphins are frequently spotted in the Sound and off the shoreline around the islands.
You will also see the historic capital, Stanley, which visitors often remark reminds them of how England used to be 50 years or more ago…
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fheader_media%2F149159ec-8bed-45fa-bd8f-6fff70d31f12-drygalski-fjord_aboard-plancius_south-georgia_november_martin-van-lokven.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Ftrip%2F8d6a6bb1-8aa8-4cf8-9a98-fbc6ae8d1d9c-antarctica_ocean_humpbackwhale_fin_002.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Ftrip%2F262ebefa-fadd-4805-8f29-2c853ecb4ff3-antarctica_ocean-atlantic_paradise-bay_ae.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
The passage to South Georgia to or from the Falklands or South America is usually a 2-day sailing. On your way to the magnificent yet remote South Georgia, your expert guides will enthrall you with a range of talks and lectures all about the remarkable concentrations of Antarctic wildlife that can be found on the island.
As well as the huge numbers of breeding birds and sea mammals, you'll also learn about the geology and human history of the island, and its importance in the exploration (and exploitation) of the Southern Ocean.
On deck, your guides will help you to identify the bird species that frequently follow the ships, as well as spotting cetaceans and other marine life you can spot en route.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fheader_media%2F1187afb0-06e6-4904-b846-eaf23da30812-south-georgia-5.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Ftrip%2F9b4f2abd-918f-4cc3-aca3-c1229dbe70e0-south-georgia-8.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fheader_media%2F5bed31f4-5da7-4f9e-bbe9-75ff375ace7c-falklands-south-georgia-ant-peninsula-fotografie-dietmar-denger-oceanwide-expeditions218.jpg_dietmar-denger.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
This remote and mountainous island might seem to be barren at first, given that it has no trees and is snow-covered for much of the year. However, appearances can be deceptive, and South Georgia is teeming with life!
Not only is it home to important breeding grounds for fur seals, elephant seals, and king penguins, it is also the only known habitat of the South Georgia Pipit - the Antarctic's only songbird - and the South Georgia Pintail duck.
High, rugged mountains and stunning coastal fjords make cruising the coast of South Georgia a spectacle you will remember.
Used as a base for early-20th century sealers, there are relics of this industry at various places around the island - a reminder of the human history of exploitation of Antarctica and its natural resources.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fheader_media%2F1187afb0-06e6-4904-b846-eaf23da30812-south-georgia-5.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Ftrip%2F9b4f2abd-918f-4cc3-aca3-c1229dbe70e0-south-georgia-8.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fheader_media%2F5bed31f4-5da7-4f9e-bbe9-75ff375ace7c-falklands-south-georgia-ant-peninsula-fotografie-dietmar-denger-oceanwide-expeditions218.jpg_dietmar-denger.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
This remote and mountainous island might seem to be barren at first, given that it has no trees and is snow-covered for much of the year. However, appearances can be deceptive, and South Georgia is teeming with life!
Not only is it home to important breeding grounds for fur seals, elephant seals, and king penguins, it is also the only known habitat of the South Georgia Pipit - the Antarctic's only songbird - and the South Georgia Pintail duck.
High, rugged mountains and stunning coastal fjords make cruising the coast of South Georgia a spectacle you will remember.
Used as a base for early-20th century sealers, there are relics of this industry at various places around the island - a reminder of the human history of exploitation of Antarctica and its natural resources.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fheader_media%2F0c08d43f-1996-4197-b4f2-ec9b59e0aa7b-16144163456_63ca864407_b.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fheader_media%2F35974f53-0aab-44bd-ac5b-6ef6629f7c80-15966784432_c631897b32_b.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fheader_media%2F37f2833d-a15d-45f4-8ad4-734db358c332-hurricane_katia_nova_scotia_waves_-6133408584-.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
En route to the vast Antarctic Peninsula we'll head across the Scotia Sea, following the route that Shackleton and five of his men took in order to find help for the rest of their crew. As excitement builds for our arrival to Antarctica, be out on the deck or from the open bridge to spot large icebergs and wildlife.


%3Aformat(webp)%2Fb561c5a2-0d3b-48db-9957-dca7cbe7a403-2020-03_quest_for_the_antarctic_circle-270.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
The North-West portion of the Antarctic Peninsula is the most frequently visited by expedition cruises and is home to many of the most popular landing sites. The Gerlache Strait is renowned for the stunning scenery with the snow covered mountains, as if covered in icing sugar, with numerous glaciers tumbling down to the sea.
Being the most northerly part of the whole continent, the Peninsula enjoys the mildest Antarctic condition, with temperatures in winter averaging a balmy -20 degrees C (-4 degrees F)! In the summer, things warm up to an average of just above freezing. Large areas of this part of the peninsula are ice-free in the early season, being important breeding and feeding grounds for many iconic Antarctic species.
It's here that many of the historic Antarctic expeditions began, and where early military and scientific bases were first established, some of which you will be able to visit if conditions allow. These remarkable artefacts have been left as time capsules, their contents showing remarkable levels of preservation thanks to the dry and cold climate.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Faf0475e9-5340-442d-b515-c124dc6ca586-2020-03_quest_for_the_antarctic_circle-19.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2F5a3c5ba9-50cd-46b6-880a-0ed8c2b11974-drake-passage-6-of-15-.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fheader_media%2Fcfeef6ca-205b-4963-8b09-e8166287677f-2022-12-07-day-1-pm-drake-passage-antarctica-ocean-victory-35-of-635-.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
The Drake Passage is the name given to the infamous stretch of open ocean between the tip of South America and the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.
It usually takes 2 or 3 days to cross the Drake Passage, and this is a great time to learn from your expert Antarctic naturalist guides. Through a series of fascinating talks and lectures, you'll begin to learn more about the remarkable wildlife and awe-inspiring geology of the Antarctic continent.
Your guides are always on hand to help you identify the sea bird species that always follow the ships, as well as spotting whales and other cetaceans that can be seen en route to the Antarctic Peninsula or the South Shetland Islands.
%3Aformat(webp)%2F5369ee1a-0bf0-4d40-8b89-e7802f3e3257-2020-03_hiking_ushuaia-2.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fa2590656-d523-432b-b515-b97295fcf7b7-2020-03_hiking_ushuaia-3.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fday_detail%2Fb3b3835c-b3d9-4901-bfbf-ff42dafebe2f-26424011697_450d3d594f_o.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
During the early morning, we sail along the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia, where we begin disembarking at around 8.00 am. Say farewell to your expedition team and fellow travelers as we all continue our onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature. A transfer to either downtown Ushuaia or to the airport is included in the cost of the voyage.
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.
When booking online, you can choose the option to "Upgrade to single occupancy". This will guarantee you the whole cabin to yourself, for an additional fee. If you don't select this option, then another traveler of the same sex might be placed into the same cabin with you. Exceptions may apply.
Arrival transfer from airport to hotel on Day 1
One night’s hotel accommodation with breakfast in Ushuaia on Day 1
City tour in Ushuaia on Day 2 (lunch not included)
Luggage transfer from your hotel in Ushuaia to ship on Day 2
Transfer from pier to downtown Ushuaia or to airport on Day 21
On-board accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage
Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner
Captain’s Welcome and Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages
Free Wi-Fi on board
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
Complimentary use of muck boots during the voyage
Comprehensive pre-departure information
Port surcharges, permits and landing fees
International or domestic flights, unless specified
Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary
Airport arrival or departure taxes
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 including but not limited to: alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, additional medical expenses such as medication, gratuities, phone charges
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 increase/decrease 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’.
Credit Card charges may apply
A fuel surcharge may apply at a later stage. More info
After completing your booking, you will receive an invoice from your travel specialist by email. A deposit of 30% of the trip price is required to secure your booking. Payment can be made through bank transfer or by credit card through a secure payment link.
Full payment is expected 30 days before your trip. Payment can be made in installments.
All cruises in the polar regions operate to itineraries that are more-or-less fixed. We say "more or less", because wildlife (breeding, seasonality) and weather always play an important role in routing. Most cruises will offer a range of land-based and water-based activities that you will enjoy at various points in your cruise, including:
All boats carry English speaking, scientifically trained guides. They will lead you on your excursions, allowing you to learn as much as possible about the unique wildlife and habitats of the Polar Regions.
Choosing the right ship for a cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic seems difficult, but it doesn't have to be. Our fleet is over 30 vessels, we are sure that there is the perfect one for you. Please, follow these simple steps, and you will be able to find your ideal ship:
In addition: We work with responsible partners who provide a great experience for their passengers. All of our providers are committed to sustainability and to preserving the beauty of the polar regions. You don’t need to worry about the impact of your cruise, because we’ve already taken care of it.
We love to help people find their dream vacation to the Arctic and Antarctic. Whether you give us a call, contact us via email, or use our website inquiry form, one of our Polar travel experts will be more than happy to answer any questions, recommend ships and itineraries, and walk you through the whole process!
Step 1: Find your perfect trip. If you have already started looking for Polar Cruises, you will have quickly noticed that the sheer amount of options can be quite overwhelming. To help you navigate the countless departures and itineraries that our fleet offers, we have put together a great filter page for Antarctic and Arctic Expedition Cruises. Use this page to filter all trips by price, date, ship category, and even destinations you wish to visit. We update all dates, prices, and availabilities daily, and are proud to host what is doubtlessly the world's most complete collection of information.
Step 2: Found something you love? We'll hold your spaces, free of charge! If you find a cruise you like, you can either inquire directly with us or make an unbinding booking online. We will then reach out to the shipowners to put a hold on your spaces for a limited time, free of charge. Once we have confirmed your block with the ship, we will send you a written confirmation of your reservation and include full payment details in an invoice. Typically, we are able to hold unpaid reservations for up to 1 week*. This gives us time to clarify all your remaining questions, and also ensures that no other passengers can book your spaces, while we continue our conversation.
Step 3: Confirm your booking. In order to confirm your booking, we ask for a deposit payment. You can pay via bank transfer or credit card. Keep in mind, that we can only hold your spaces for a limited amount of time. If we don't receive your payment after this time, we can no longer guarantee that the places will be available or that the price won't increase. To prevent disappointment, we will automatically cancel your reservation if we don't receive your deposit by the due date stated on your booking reservation.
Step 4: Booking confirmation & Payment. As soon as we have received your deposit and a completed passenger information form, we will be pleased to send your booking confirmation and updated invoice, along with your trip itinerary, important information, and other great tips for your cruise.
Step 5: Final payment. In your initial invoice, we will define a final payment date by when you need to pay us the remaining amount of your trip. Once we have received your final payment we'll send you your cruise documents and voucher. As your trip approaches, we make sure to pass along all necessary information, so you feel super prepared and stress-free.
*For last-minute bookings, we might not be able to hold your spaces for so long. We will also require the full payment of your cruise upon booking.
An expedition cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic is a big deal! Most people plan for this type of trip at least 8 months in advance. This means the earlier you book, the better chance you'll have to reserve your prefered cabins. Early bird discounts are also popular and a great way to get 10-30% off your cruise.
Most expedition cruises offer optional activities like camping and kayaking, but the spaces are limited. A cruise with 120 passengers can have only 10-15 spaces for kayaking. These are reserved on a first come first served basis. The earlier you book, the higher your chance of grabbing a spot.
Even though last minute deals do occur, keep in mind that the airline prices will be much higher if you purchase them last minute. You may save a few hundred on your cruise, but you may end up paying the most for airfare.
If you are prone to motion sickness then here are a few hints to help you.
Firstly, book a cabin in the middle of the ship. The middle of the ship will move less, both in roll and in pitch. Secondly, chose a larger ship. Bigger vessels typically are more stable, and some of them are even equipped with "stabilizers", fins under water that remove the rolling in the swells. Thirdly, take medical advice on anti-seasickness medication. Some traditional remedies are said to be very effective, such as taking ginger or using commercially-available acupressure wristbands.
Watch this informative video about life onboard an expedition ship and seasickness from our expert guide and Polartours Brand Ambassador, Kevin.

Price
Upon Request
See more
Inquiry