by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 4:40 PM ET, Thu March 6, 2025
In celebration of International Women’s Day, Wild Women Expeditions and Aurora Expeditions are joining forces to offer their newest trip: An all-woman Antarctic journey.
Named “Antarctic Women’s Expedition: Fly the Drake,” the small ship trip is the first and only all-female Antarctic expedition designed specifically by women, for women.
“We couldn’t be more proud or excited to be part of this historic expedition,” Jennifer Haddow, CEO of Wild Women Expeditions, said in a statement.
“This is not only going to be a fantastic trip, but it marks a significant moment in history,” Haddow added. “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.”
The Antarctic trip is set to kick-off on February 23, 2027 and will begin in Punta Arenas, Chile. From there, participants fly to King William Island to embark on the Sylvia Earle, a ship named for world-renowned marine biologist, oceanographer, and explorer Dr. Sylvia Earle, who was an advocate for ocean conservation and education.
The Sylvia Earle is a newly built, carbon neutral, 130-passenger vessel that not only pays tribute to 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 honoring their contributions and shining a light on their important work.
During the 10-day expedition, participants will have the opportunity to observe wildlife of Antarctica, enjoy a range of shore excursions, and learn about women in conservation, both past and present.
Wildlife highlights may include seeing penguin chicks (which will be developing their adult plumage and learning to swim during the time frame of the trip), along with leopard seal and Orca spottings. There will also be an increasing numbers of whales in the region preparing to migrate.
Additional activities will include strolls or hikes in Antarctica and exploring the awe-inspiring landscape up close by
cruising in a Zodiac or diving into water-based activities like
kayaking.
"This once-in-a-lifetime adventure is tailored exclusively for bold women
ready to push boundaries and explore the untamed beauty of Antarctica," says the Wild Women website.
At the end of the expedition, guests disembark on King William Island and fly via charter back to Punta Arenas.
“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 honored that we will be part of this momentous journey,” Haddow said.
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