Breaking Ice and Barriers: Wild Women Expeditions Celebrates International Women’s Day by Announcing the First-Ever Women-Only Antarctic Expedition

Wild Women Expeditions, in partnership with Aurora Expeditions and in celebration of International Women’s Day (March 8), is excited to announce the launch of its newest trip: Antarctic Women’s Expedition: Fly the Drake, the first and only all-female Antarctic expedition designed by women, for women. Due to set sail on February 23, 2027, this special departure 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.

“We couldn’t be more proud or excited to be part of this historic expedition,” says Jennifer Haddow, CEO of 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.”

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 here, 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, while also enjoying time with friends new and old. 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. To learn more about this groundbreaking expedition, please visit this link.

In addition to this women-only departure, Wild Women Expeditions offers a range of other small-ship expeditions to the polar regions where guests enjoy the perfect balance of adventure, luxury, and personal discovery that go well beyond the traditional travel experience. Led by a dedicated Wild Women guide who brings the signature Wild Women experience to life, the onboard atmosphere is one that fosters education, friendship, transformation, and fun.

For more information about the company’s full range of trips worldwide, please visit WildWomenExpeditions.com.

About Wild Women Expeditions: Empowering women and communities around the world through adventure travel for more than 34 years, Wild Women Expeditions is defined by its wide-spanning community of nature lovers and is led by local guides. A global leader in women’s group adventure travel, this women-owned and led business offers more international itineraries than any of its competitors in the women-only sector. Sharing in a passion for the outdoors, a sense of adventure, and a drive for more kindness in the world, Wild Women Expeditions prides itself on leading inclusive group tours that prioritize sustainability, conservation, and social responsibility wherever “wild women” can be found. Check us out on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.