Aurora Expeditions, in partnership with Dr. Sylvia Earle and Ocean Geographic, is presenting this very special once-in-a-lifetime voyage.
The BIG ACE - the Bears, Ice, Glaciers, Arctic Climate Expedition 2025 begins from Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and navigates northward to go beyond 80°N in pursuit of the remaining Arctic ice shelf. The voyage will aim to proceed (weather permitting) eastward towards Kritøya, circling around Austfonna, one of the largest glaciers on the planet. Throughout, the aim will be to encounter and observe a diverse array of Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, walruses, puffins, and arctic foxes, amidst the stunning backdrop of sea ice platforms and calving glaciers. With Svalbard boasting an astounding 2100 glaciers, this expedition promises an unparalleled natural spectacle.
Hosted by Dr. Sylvia Earle in her 90th birthday year, this expedition will honor Dr. Earle’s lifelong advocacy for the world’s oceans by inviting changemaker passengers to use their own voice, contributing their various talents or ‘superpowers’ to instigate meaningful conversations and spur action to safeguard the planet for future generations. This voyage takes place on Aurora’s Sylvia Earle which was named in her honor. See the above article for more on this incredible ship.
BIG ACE seeks to lobby for the protection of the Arctic, foster a collective appreciation of our planet’s fragility and mitigate the impact of climate change through the power of the arts. The Arctic, where warming occurs at a rate four to five times greater than the global average, is undergoing significant degradation.
As a Certified B Corporation™, Aurora is committed to driving positive change and contributing to a more sustainable future. The Arctic Climate Expedition 2025 is a key initiative towards fulfilling that goal – building ambassadors for the conservation and preservation of our planet.
BIG ACE isn’t confined to scientists and researchers; this epic project calls for an assemblage of 110 global citizens and welcomes people of all ages, nationalities, educational and professional backgrounds. Each participant will be asked to contribute using their unique voice. Whether through storytelling, film production, poetry, music, art, education, lobbying, or other avenues, every participant will play a vital role in championing the Arctic’s cause.
Highlights
- Travel with Dr. Sylvia Earle and Ocean Geographic
- Venture close to 80° north, watch for polar bears on pack ice
- Enjoy the best of Svalbard, a world of near-endless daylight, where polar bear sightings quicken your pulse, guillemot cries echo from towering cliffs, and beluga whales rise from the sea.
- Explore tundra adorned with wildflowers, keep watch for arctic foxes, and discover historical camps of explorers and hunters. Circle some of the world’s largest glaciers.
- Circle some of the world’s largest glaciers. With Svalbard boasting an astounding 2100 glaciers, this expedition promises an unparalleled natural spectacle.
- Push through pack ice to find walrus and bearded seals, and delight in the breathtakingly beautiful fjords.
- Engage in hands-on workshops and activities designed to foster environmental stewardship and promote sustainable living.
June 23 – July 5, 2025 Prices start from $18,480 pp. Call today to reserve your spot. Many categories are already sold out.
