In the spirit of celebrating pioneering women, Aurora Expeditions is offering a women-only expedition to Antarctica on 23 February 2027 – it’s first female-only expedition as well as the first and only all-women trip of its kind to travel to Antarctica.
‘Antarctic Women’s Expedition: Fly the Drake’
Guests will begin their trip in Punta Arenas, Chile, where they will fly to King William Island to embark the ‘Sylvia Earle,’ named for Dr. Sylvia Earle, a world-renowned marine biologist, oceanographer, explorer, and advocate for ocean conservation and education, who also holds the record for the deepest walk on the sea floor.
Flying to and from King William Island eliminates the need to cross the Drake Passage by ship. Thus, the name of this expedition cruise – ‘Fly the Drake’.
From there, guests will spend the 10-day expedition observing the wildlife of Antarctica, enjoying a range of shore excursions, and learning about women in conservation, both past and present, through engaging programming.
February is late in the Antarctic summer, which is a prime time for wildlife activity. At this time of the year, penguin chicks will be developing their adult plumage and learning to swim, with leopard seals and orcas patrolling the waters, and increasing numbers of whales preparing to migrate, against a backdrop of spectacular sunsets.
At the end of the expedition on 4 March, guests will disembark on King William Island and fly via charter back to Punta Arenas.
Hosting this expedition cruise is Nigerian-born, Stockholm-based bestselling author and award-winning photographer Lola Akinmade Akerstrom. Also onboard will be former NASA astronaut Sandra Hall Magnus. Both will contribute to the theme of celebrating the power of women in exploration, storytelling and environmental conservation.
The Sylvia Earle is a newly built, carbon neutral, 130-passenger vessel. Its decks highlight six pioneering women in conservation and their incredible achievements and causes.
Prices start from US$21,246 for twin share and US$31,860 for solo.
Another female-only cruise – Antarctic Women’s Expedition: Spirit of Antarctica – will be offered on 3 March 2028 with prices starting from US$14,000 for twin-sharing and US$21,000 for solo. It will start and end in Ushuaia, Argentina
Main photo credit: Tyson Mayr
