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Antarctica

Sylvia Earle

Expeditionary Ship
Ice Rating: A1

Named after legendary marine biologist, oceanographer, explorer and author, the Sylvia Earle pays tribute to its namesake’s long standing commitment to conservation and the protection of ocean wildlife.

At the cutting edge of nautical technology, the Sylvia Earle is a robust and powerful vessel with an Ulstein X-BOW that adds extra stability and makes for a quicker transit through the waves. A glass atrium lounge inside the bow boasts views to the front of the ship and a state-of-the-art lecture theatre allows you to hear experts talk about culture, biology and wildlife.

Why we like Sylvia Earle

Sylvia Earle features a fully-equipped Citizen Science Centre where passengers can get involved with the collection, storage and sharing of scientific data, essential for conservation. Projects include taking identification photographs of whales, carrying out seabird surveys and collecting samples to identify microplastics in shore matter.

Activities

The Sylvia Earle offers a range of add-on adventure activities from kayaking and ski touring to climbing and diving, and there are four dedicated sea-level zodiac launching platforms that make boarding the zodiacs quick and efficient.

There is a peaceful library with floor-to-ceiling windows that offers travel journals, novels, a selection of children’s books and board games. Watch the world go by from one of the two al fresco jacuzzis or the heated outdoor saltwater pool, or experience the gym, sauna or wellness centre.

All photography credited to Benjamin Tan and Masano Kawana

Sustainability

One of the world’s lowest polluting marine engines with impressively high fuel-efficiency, the ship uses a combination of GPS, steering technology, propellers and thrusters to protect the sea floor and minimise the damage caused by conventional anchors.

Cruises and Voyages
Wildlife Cruises

Adventure Traveller

Passengers:	Maximum of 132
Crew:	74
Cabins:	71
Length:	341 feet
Cruising Speed:	10-12 knots
Year Built:	2022

Download Deck Plan

See when this vessel is setting sail

For further information about any of these tours please call 01285 880 980

Expert-led Cruises

Our travel experts have years of knowledge and between them and have personally inspected or travelled on board many of the boats we offer.

Expert led cruise title	Departure date	Duration	Prices start from ex. flights	Status
Classic Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands	30/10/23	12 days	£9,295	AVAILABLE	Reserve your place
Classic Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands	05/11/23	12 days	£9,295	AVAILABLE	Reserve your place
Classic Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands	04/12/23	12 days	£9,295	AVAILABLE	Reserve your place
Classic Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands	11/12/23	11 days	£9,294	AVAILABLE	Reserve your place
Ultimate Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands	27/12/23	23 days	£21,895	AVAILABLE	Reserve your place
Classic Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands	09/01/24	12 days	£9,295	AVAILABLE	Reserve your place

Alternative boats

Our travel experts have years of knowledge and between them and have personally inspected or travelled on board many of the boats we offer.

Antarctica

Greg Mortimer

Expeditionary Ship
£££££

ICE RATING: A1

View Boat

Antarctica

Magellan Explorer

Expeditionary Ship
£££££

View Boat

Antarctica

MS Seaventure

Expeditionary Ship
£££££

ICE RATING: A1

MS Seaventure, Aerial view of ship ice breaking, Antarctica

View Boat

Antarctic Continent

Sylvia Earle

Expeditionary Ship
£££££

ICE RATING: A1

View Boat

Start planning your trip

01285 880 980

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Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.

Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?

More about Steppes

Featured in the press

Vessel Ice Rating Comparison Chart.

We use the Lloyd Register scale to signify the ice rating of our vessels but you can see how that scale aligns with other scales in the chart below.

Mame / Country of Register

Ice thickness (cm)

10 15 30 50

Ice thickness (cm)

lowest highest

Finland / Sweden

Category II

IA Super

Finland / Sweden

Category II

IA Super

Finland / Sweden

Category II

IA Super

Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super

Finland / Sweden

Category II

IA Super

Finland / Sweden

Category II

IA Super

Finland / Sweden

Category II

IA Super

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