In celebration of International Women’s Day (March 8), Wild Women Expeditions, in partnership with Aurora Expeditions, has announced the launch of the first and only all-female Antarctic expedition designed by women, for women.
Due to set sail on Feb. 23, 2027, the special departure of ‘Antarctic Women’s Expedition: Fly the Drake,’ marks a “groundbreaking moment in history for expedition cruising – this being the first and only all-women trip of its kind to travel to Antarctica,” say the companies.
“We couldn’t be more proud or excited to be part of this historic expedition,” said Jennifer Haddow, CEO of Canadian-based Wild Women Expeditions. “This is not only going to be a fantastic trip, but it marks a significant moment in history. It is a testament to the fact that women have been here, contributing to science, exploration, sustainability, and advocacy for many years and that we are here today, and we will be here, leading the way through our curiosity, collaboration, and community into the future.
“This trip is the culmination of a lot of hard work and dedication, and truly a huge moment for Wild Women. It signifies everything that we stand for as a company and we are so honoured that we will be part of this momentous journey.”
The trip
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.
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. 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.
At the end of the expedition, guests will disembark on King William Island and fly via charter back to Punta Arenas.
The Sylvia Earle is a newly built, carbon neutral, 130-passenger vessel that not only pays tribute to Dr. Earle but also to six other pioneering women of science: Dr. Carden Wallace, 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 work.
In addition to this women-only departure, Wild Women Expeditions – in business for 34 years – offers a range of other small-ship expeditions to the polar regions offering a balance of adventure, luxury, and personal discovery that “go well beyond the traditional travel experience.”
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