After visiting historic Saint Helena Island, we sail on to the voyage that now takes us mile by mile closer to home. We are taking advantage of the southeast trade winds here and this part of the long Atlantic voyage is fast. We relieve each other at the helm. Life on board is relaxed and the temperature is pleasant. We regularly catch a fish with our trolling line to supplement the menu. Ascension Island is a lonely volcano in the middle of the ocean. Once there was only an amplifier for the first submarine telephone cable from England to South Africa. Now there is also a small British and American military base. Many of the workers who live on the island come from Saint Helena. Not everyone is suitable for life in such a remote place and these people can do it. Although the island is very dry and barren at first glance, it is certainly worth a visit.

For example, a huge population of sea turtles’ nest on the beaches. If we get the chance, we should go at night to see how such a huge animal drags itself onto the beach to lay eggs. There are also land-migrating crabs and large colonies of seabirds. And anyone who takes the trouble to climb the volcano has a very special experience. The top of the volcano is so high that there is always a cloud around it. The water from that cloud ensures that the ‘green mountain’ lives up to its name. The contrast with the dry landscape at the foot of the mountain could hardly be greater.

The waters are particularly rich in fish and even with a simple hand line, the people on board can easily catch a meal together. There is of course hardly anything to get here and, in this way, we replenish the stocks for the next route.

Before and after your voyage leg
We strongly recommend you book a few days accommodation in the port of your embarkation (prior to your joining Oosterschelde), and a few days in the port you disembark (after your place on the voyage ends). This will allow you to recover before and after your adventure and will give you the opportunity to explore locations at your start and end points.

Land based tour organized by Redfern Adventures
Redfern Adventures has put together really focused itineraries that offer you the chance to explore the incredible Falkland Islands and the beautiful island of Saint Helena after you disembark or before you embark (depending upon which voyage leg you are joining). These itineraries are specifically designed to take in the best wildlife and historic tourist sites that these locations offer.  The Falkland Islands and Saint Helena Add On Trips are organized separately from the DARWIN200 Global Voyage through the travel operator Redfern Adventures.

To reserve a place, please email sales@redfernadventures.com. 

More than an Adventure!
By taking part in the Global Voyage, you support the DARWIN200 project. As part of your adventure, you will receive the following exclusive benefits:

1. A full color, 300-page, hardback book as a momento of your adventure on board.
2. A short video which will be filmed during each voyage leg.
3. An invitation to the Start of Voyage Party in Plymouth on 13/08/2023.
4. An invitation to the End of Voyage Party in Falmouth on 20/07/2025.
5. An invitation to the DARWIN200 Concluding Award Ceremony in London in summer, 2025. Meet environmental celebrities, the young conservationists (‘DARWIN LEADERS’) and take part in a prize-giving ceremony.
6. Acknowledgement and thanks by name on all DARWIN200 output films throughout the global voyage (although anonymity will be respected, if requested).
7. Free DARWIN200 Global Voyage branded T-shirt!

DARWIN200
Become part of DARWIN200, a planetary conservation initiative that will empower the next generation’s elite environmental leaders and engage millions of students worldwide in conservation projects. By taking part in the Global Voyage, you will be helping to make the DARWIN200 project a reality. For more information visit: www.darwin200.com.

Q & A sessions
Interested in joining? Join our live information session about the 2023-25 Global Voyage. Each Information Session is beamed via Zoom and includes an overview of the global voyage, information about each of the 32 voyage legs, a live walk around Oosterschelde (when her schedule allows) and a Questions and Answers exchange.

Join the next info session via www.darwin200.com/info.

Level 2

Level 2-voyages are suitable for anyone in good health and a reasonable level of fitness, without mobility issues. On these voyages, you can expect days with strong winds or high waves, but most of the time the conditions will be good. A harbor is not always nearby and (medical) help from shore is therefore not always available.

The shipping company would like the OOSTERSCHELDE to be accessible to the widest possible audience, but you must realize that you are making a voyage aboard a seagoing tall ship. This requires more of your physical ability than a daily walk. Some voyages are more challenging than others. With the different levels, we give an indication of how heavy the voyage can be. If you are unsure whether a voyage is suitable for you, it is important to contact shipping company OOSTERSCHELDE for advice.