Lead Pricing
| Interior | Outside | Balcony | Suite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Request Price | Request Price | Request Price | Request Price |
At Aurora Expeditions wilderness is a passion they share with others by taking small groups of like-minded people to some of the most isolated places on our planet. From the polar regions of Antarctica and High Arctic to the wilds of Costa Rica, Scotland, Patagonia and more, Aurora Expeditions aims to create special expedition-style cruises that foster an understanding and appreciation of our natural world.
The Australian-owned adventure company was initially established in the early 1990¹s by adventures Greg Mortimer and Margaret Werner when they began sharing their love of remote places by organising ship-based trips for keen friends and fellow travellers. Their style to push the boundaries¹ has remained unchanged and they are proud of the fact that their spirit of adventure and exploration is as strong as ever. Their adventure activities are proof of this; with many of their voyages offering polar scuba diving, sea kayaking, camping and mountain climbing.
Deeply committed to education and preservation of the environment, Aurora Expeditions were the founding member of both the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO). All their voyages have expert expedition staff who will help to unlock the wonders of these special places.
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Aurora Stateroom Superior are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.
Located on Deck 7, the Staterooms feature french balconies, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.
All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist’s impressions only and final results may vary.
Cabin Features:
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
French Balcony
Private en suite
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42″ Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)
There are four Aurora Stateroom Triple cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they’re close to the mudroom and loading platforms.
*Please note the Aurora Stateroom Triple cabins are only available on certain departures
All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist’s impressions only and final results may vary.
Cabin Features:
1 King Bed
2 Twin Beds
Private en suite
Porthole Window
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42″ Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)
There are three Aurora Stateroom Twin cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they’re close to the mudroom and loading platforms, perfect for adventurers who are looking for a comfortable base that’s close to the action.
All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist’s impressions only and final results may vary.
Cabin Features:
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
Private en suite
Porthole Window
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42″ Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21m² – 24.8m²
We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Our 23 Balcony Stateroom – A cabins are our premium cabin, and the most abundant on board. These cabins are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 and 6 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator.
All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist’s impressions only and final results may vary.
Cabin Features:
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
Balcony
Private en suite
Desk Area
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42″ Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21m2 – 24.8 m2
Our 17 Balcony Stateroom – B Cabins are our standard cabin, many fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups. These cabins are located at the fore and aft of Deck 4 and 6.
All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist’s impressions only and final results may vary.
Cabin Features:
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
Balcony
Private en suite
Desk Area
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42″ Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21m2 – 24.8m2
Our 11 Balcony Stateroom – C cabins are our most economical, fitted with all the necessities and comfortable for up to 2 people. These cabins are scattered throughout Deck 6.
All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist’s impressions only and final results may vary.
Cabin Features:
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
Balcony
Private en suite
Desk Area
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42″ Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)
Cabin & balcony combined size: 28m2 – 37.7m2
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Balcony Stateroom Superior cabins 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.
All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist’s impressions only and final results may vary.
Cabin Features:
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
Balcony
Private en suite
Desk Area
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42″ Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)
Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 44.5m2
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.
All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist’s impressions only and final results may vary.
Cabin Features:
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
Balcony
Private en suite
Desk Area
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42″ Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)
1 Free pair of binoculars per suite
1 hour spa treatment per person*
Free stocked mini bar^
Gratuities/tips for crew included – to the value of AU$ 15 per person per day
1 Free bottle of champagne per suite.
*Valid on 1-hour massage or facial treatment only. Further details provided on board.
^Balcony Suites and Junior Suites stocked once only, not replenished. Captain’s Suite replenished as needed.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 42m2 – 43.5m2
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.
All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist’s impressions only and final results may vary.
Cabin Features:
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
Balcony
Private en suite
Desk Area
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42″ Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)
1 Free pair of binoculars per suite
1 hour spa treatment per person*
Free stocked mini bar^
Gratuities/tips for crew included – to the value of AU$ 15 per person per day
1 Free bottle of champagne per suite.
*Valid on 1-hour massage or facial treatment only. Further details provided on board.
^Balcony Suites and Junior Suites stocked once only, not replenished. Captain’s Suite replenished as needed.
Sylvia Earle honours the highly accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer, Sylvia Earle. As the first female chief scientist of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and named by Time Magazine as its first Hero for the Planet in 1998 – this vessel pays tribute to Sylvia’s long standing conservation efforts for marine protected areas and ocean wildlife. Sylvia Earle will be actively involved in the development of her namesake.
Crossing the notorious Drake Passage or the Denmark Strait, our expeditions face some of the most intense conditions nature can throw at us. The Greg Mortimer is at the cutting edge of nautical technology: robust, powerful and up to the task.
Ship Profile & Stats
- Maiden Voyage: 2021
- Passenger Capacity (dbl): 126
Ship Facilities
- Swimming Pool
- Mudroom
- Library
- State of the art lecture facilities
- Lift(s)
- Medical centre
- Lower glass atrium lounge
- Upper glass atrium lounge
- Bars
- Observation lounge
- Top deck restaurant
- Activity launching platform
- Ship shop
- Main Dining Room
- Gym
- Jacuzzi’s
- Spa
Cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Sep '22 | Denpasar, Bali |
Hotel | |
| 22 Sep '22 | Denpasar, Bali |
Flight to Biak | |
| 22 Sep '22 | Biak, Papua New Guinea |
Embark | |
| 23 Sep '22 | Mamberamo River, Papua New Guinea |
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| 24 Sep '22 | Roon Island |
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| 25 Sep '22 | Kwatisore, Papua New Guinea |
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| 26 Sep '22 | Manokwari, Papua New Guinea |
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| 27 Sep '22 | Raja Ampat |
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| 28 Sep '22 | Raja Ampat |
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| 29 Sep '22 | Raja Ampat |
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| 30 Sep '22 | Raja Ampat |
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| 01 Oct '22 | Ambon Island, Indonesia |
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| 02 Oct '22 | Banda Neira, Indonesia |
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| 03 Oct '22 | At sea | ||
| 04 Oct '22 | Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia |
Disembark |
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
12 Night Cruise sailing from Biak to Darwin aboard Sylvia Earle. Hotel stay pre-cruise in Denpasar.
Day 1 Denpasar
Upon check-in at Novotel Hotel Denpasar Airport, reception staff will provide you with Aurora Expeditions cabin tags. Please fill out the luggage tags clearly, showing your name and cabin number to allow us to deliver your luggage to your cabin ahead. At our voyage briefing, enjoy a welcome drink and meet fellow expeditioners, before spending the night in preparation for your charter flight to Biak.
Day 2 Fly to Biak, embarkation
Board a morning charter flight to Biak to embark the Sylvia Earle. Explore the powdery white-sand beaches and sparkling waters in the waters of the Schouten Islands. Separated by a narrow mangrove-lined channel, these forest-covered islands boast the highest rate of endemic species in Papua. Birders will hope to strike off their list a rare and endemic species. Kayak offshore pristine cays and snorkel among coral reefs. Discover a cave that was home to some 5,000 Japanese during World War II, and search for remnants of where American and Japanese military forces clashed. While sipping a sunset cocktail, meet your expedition team and crew at a beach barbecue welcome dinner.
Day 3 Mamberamo River
The longest and widest river in Indonesia, the Mamberamo river is often called the Amazon River of Papua. Flanked by tropical rainforest that is inhabited by a rich diversity of wildlife, we plan to explore the area near the mouth of the Mamberamo River where it meets the Bismarck Sea, searching for wildlife and visiting a local village hike in the forest and learn about local plants and wildlife.
Day 4 Roon Island
Dive and snorkel among the colourful shallow reefs in Numamuran Strait, where the jungle meets the reef, and where we search for branching corals, boulder coral colonies, and cushion stars. Paddlers may glimpse dugongs—relatives of manatees that graze on seagrass. At the southern end of Roon Island, divers and snorkellers might see Hawksbill and green turtles, barracuda and surgeonfish, and where a Japanese Zero fighter aircraft, a relic from World War II rests on a shallow coral slope.
Day 5 Kwatisore
The Cenderawasih Marine Park covers more than 15,000 sq. km / 5,790 sq. mi of marine and coastal habitat, featuring some the finest and most extensive coral reefs found anywhere in the world. The marine park is renowned for its diversity of coral reef fish species, where some 1,040 species including multiple species of butterfly fish, angelfish, damselfish, parrotfish, rabbitfish and anemone fish. In Cenderawasih Marine Park, you have the chance to experience swimming with iconic whale sharks, the world’s largest fish that can reach a size of 12 m / 39 ft. These gentle enormous creatures congregate near local fishermens’ bagan (traditional hand-made floating rafts), where they feed on fish that have escaped the fishermens’ nets. Here you’re able to experience a close encounter with these inspiring creatures.
Days 6 Arfak Mountains & Manokwari
The capital of West Papua Province, Manokwari, and the nearby majestic Arfak Mountains offer outstanding land and sea-based activities. The Arfak Mountains is one of the world’s premier birdwatching destinations and features an incredible variety of endemic plants and birds. After a pre-dawn start, we arrive in the Arfak Mountains and divide into small groups where we quietly sit and watch the displays of some of the region’s most iconic birds including numerous species of Bird-of-Paradise and the Vogelkop Bowerbird.
Manokwari is a small coastal town that offers beautiful beaches and bays to explore. Divers and snorkellers can explore the clear blue waters surrounding the nearby islands of Lemon, Raimuti and historic Mansinam, which features fascinating World War II shipwrecks.
Days 7-10 Raja Ampat
Located in the ‘Coral Triangle,’ Raja Ampat archipelago has been described as a marine ‘species factory,’ and a Mission Blue Hope Spot. Believed to contain the most biodiverse marine habitat on the planet, the waters surrounding Raja Ampat are home to 600 species of hard coral and 1,500 types of fish – more than anywhere else in the world – which makes for exceptional diving and snorkelling experience. We plan to spend four days exploring the coral reefs and shoals, limestone formations and rainforests of this hidden gem. Some of the islands we plan to explore include Wayag, Waigeo, Gam and Misool Marine Reserve, another Mission Blue Hope Spot.
Established in 2005, The Misool Marine Reserve encompasses a 300,000-acre protected area. Fishing, collecting turtle eggs, reef bombing, cyanide fishing, netting or shark finning are not permitted here. In a scientific survey, conducted between 2007 and 2013, prohibition of the activities listed above have seen a 250 per cent increase in fish biomass. On some key sites, recovery surpassed 600 per cent – an incredible story of how the ocean’s ecosystems can heal once they’ve been fully protected and left alone to recover.
Day 11 Ambon Island
Ambon is the capital city of Maluku, one of Indonesia’s oldest provinces, and is famous for its abundant natural resources, especially spices. On a guided tour of Ambon, learn of its history during Dutch rule and visit the Australian World War II memorial. In the afternoon, swim, snorkel, dive or kayak at Namalatu Beach.
Day 12 Banda Neira
The story of the Banda Islands is mostly related to the trading of spices. As nutmeg was an expensive luxury item in Europe, controlling the production of nutmeg and mace was a major motivation for the Dutch conquest of the islands in the 1620s. On Banda Neira, explore the local market famous for its spices, stretching along the road next to the pier, and the nutmeg plantation close to the harbour. Enjoy a guided tour of impressive Fort Belgica, built by the Dutch East India Company to protect their monopoly of the nutmeg trade.
Day 13 At sea
As we cross the Timor Sea, enjoy some final lectures from our team of experts and celebrate the end of a thrilling expedition discovering West Papua and the Spice Islands at a Captain’s Farewell Dinner.
Day 14 Darwin
Bid a fond farewell to your fellow travellers as you disembark in Darwin to continue your journey.