Svalbard Odyssey

Travel is always the best educator and we offer the chance to enrich your curiosity and expand your knowledge and understanding of the places we travel to. There is no better learning opportunity than being in the field with subject matter experts.

Our Citizen Science Program is designed to be an interactive forum of like-minded travellers to share new discoveries and deepen their connection to the natural world in a relaxed, informal and fun environment – both on board our ships, on our fascinating shore expeditions and in our zodiacs.

You can make a difference as we can provide invaluable data to the scientific community through you taking part. You too can become an ambassador for the protection of our majestic but fragile blue planet when you return home by sharing what you have learned.

What is Citizen Science?

Citizen Science is the collection and analysis of data relating to the natural world by members of the general public, typically as part of a collaborative project with professional scientists around the world.

Why Take Part?

Aurora Expeditions travels to some of the most unique and remote places on the planet. It is challenging for scientists to spend time in these areas, so any observations we contribute can be extremely valuable.

Gathering and sharing data is also a great way to engage and educate ourselves in pressing issues that concern us at a local, regional and global level.

How Does it Work?

Members of our passionate Expedition Team, together with a Citizen Science Coordinator, will be on hand to introduce and assist you with the projects being conducted on your voyage.

Expert guidance on the collection, storage and sharing of new scientific data will not only greatly enhance your voyage experience, but help you gain more knowledge of our ever-changing natural environment.

From the biggest mammals to the smallest marine creatures, the important part you play in our Citizen Science projects will help protect and preserve the planet for generations to come.

Our Projects

Our passengers can contribute to global research, collecting data in some of the most hard-to-reach, under-studied places on Earth. Our Citizen Science Program covers seven projects that span the globe, to advance understanding of marine ecosystems, birdlife, climate change and polar environments.

Please note: As some of our Citizen Science projects are location- and weather-dependent, we cannot operate all of the projects on all voyages. We will endeavour to include as many projects as possible on your voyage with ample time allocated to them on a day-to-day basis.

• HappyWhale uses photo ID to track individual whales. Guests can photograph encounters and log them on the database, improving knowledge about migration, population health and behaviour.
• eBird is the world’s largest biodiversity-related Citizen Science project, collecting bird observations from around the globe. Aurora passengers help to track species distribution and population changes.
• Our passengers are invited to record cloud conditions, with observations submitted to NASA GLOBE Cloud contributing to climate modelling.
• Our Citizen Scientists measure water clarity by lowering a Secchi disk, recording visibility, and sharing data with scientists that are studying the effects of climate change on ocean ecosystems. This builds a long-term global dataset, and each voyage contributes new observations from some of the least-studied waters in the world.
• Snow algae are microscopic organisms that grow on snow and ice, influencing melt rates. The Snow Algae Study engages passengers in photographing and recording snow algae sites, contributing to global research into how these organisms influence the Antarctic environment. This study is supported by the latest science from the National Snow and Ice Data Center.
• FjordPhyto invites passengers to explore phytoplankton diversity in polar fjords and coastal waters. Using simple tools, they collect samples to help scientists track phytoplankton health and its response to changing ocean conditions. These observations enhance understanding of the base of the marine food and how climate change is altering polar ecosystems. *Only available on Antarctic voyages.
• We are proudly the first expedition company to facilitate the development and execution of the TIPI pilot project, using thermal imaging to measure polar ice conditions. This project combines science, technology and storytelling to create robust datasets while engaging the public in polar research. We are collaborating with founder Joe Muise to deliver high-quality scientific outcomes.

Although the ship is fun, the real enjoyment comes from the many shore excursions that are available. Depending on weather conditions, it may be possible for multiple landings, taking a look at everything from rock formations and ancient ruins to cute groups of penguins. We know time is of the essence in these wild locations, so the Sylvia Earle has been designed to carry 15 Zodiacs, which means you can maximise your time on shore.

From four dedicated sea level launching platforms, transfers are quicker, safer and enable you to get closer to the action for a longer period of time. Just remember to charge your camera before you step onto the Zodiac!

Learn more about the world we explore with our onboard naturalist and expedition team in our science centre, or enjoy superb views to the front of the ship.

On all expeditions you will meet naturalists and local specialists, who offer presentations on their area of expertise to deepen your understanding of the region you’re visiting.

Join the team in the lecture theatre for presentations covering topics as broad as history and culture, biology and climate change, but they have one thing in common: they all aim to engage, educate and entertain.

No need to take your wet expedition gear back to your cabin to dry. Keep your cabin warm and cosy by leaving your outer jackets and pants in the mudroom.

The mudroom is your launchpad for all shore excursions and activities. Here, you will have access to a locker when you can hang your gear up to dry, and store your boots between excursions.

Zodiacs are a vital part of getting up close and personal on your adventure – sneaking into areas that the Sylvia Earle can't reach. On this new ship, there are specially designed launching platforms that enables us to load Zodiacs easily and quickly, allowing you to spend more time exploring on the two to three daily landings.

There are 15 Zodiacs that are boarded from either side of Deck 3 (sea level), perfect for when there is a group of fluffy cute penguin chicks that we need a photo of! 

Regardless of your destination, we offer a number of additional activities to allow you to see more of the environment. From kayaking and diving to climbing and ski touring, it's these optional activities that often leave the biggest impression on your trip as a whole. On board the Sylvia Earle, there is a spacious prep and loading platform for these activities and more – designed in consultation with our expert activity guides. 

Let's face it – you don't want windowless rooms when travelling around some of the most beautiful locations around the world. This is why the Sylvia Earle is designed with plenty of dedicated observation spaces – ideal for keen bird spotters, wildlife watchers and those wanting to watch the scenery go past.

From the indoor 180-degree lounge and outdoor 360-degree open deck, both on deck 8, to the 270-degree open sundeck on level 7, there are plenty of observation points to share around the ship! 

Communal meeting areas have always played a major role in fostering the warm camaraderie on board our ships. They are the heart of the expedition, where people meet to share tales from the day, swap photos, keep an eye out for wildlife and watch the sun go down.

The bars and lounges on board are refined yet inviting places to gather, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views, and of course friendly bartenders to shoot the breeze with.

With floor-to-ceiling windows, the library is a peaceful sanctuary where you can find non-fiction books to read up on the day’s destinations, plug in and organise your photos or play board games with newfound friends.

Choose from our range of informative non-fiction titles, wildlife guidebooks, travel journals, novels and a selection of children’s books and board games.

Wildlife guides, books and binoculars can also be found on the observation lounge on Deck 7.

Experience the Glass Atrium Lounge inside the bow, featuring huge windows and superb views to the front of the ship.

Wildlife guides, books and binoculars can also be found on the observation lounge on deck 8, the perfect place to relax and watch the incredible landscapes pass by, or spot unique polar wildlife. 

You are welcome to visit the wellness centre during your voyage where you can use our sauna (which we highly recommend after the polar plunge!) or book a massage (additional cost applies).

In between landings, enjoy complimentary access to the onboard gym.

There are also two jacuzzis on the top outside deck with amazing views of the world outside.