Exceptional Darwin Leaders to drive global change over the coming decades
CHANGE THE WORLD
Join us as we embark on a journey of discovery to re-trace Charles Darwin’s voyage around the globe.
CHANGE THE WORLD
Join us as we embark on a journey of discovery to re-trace Charles Darwin’s voyage around the globe.
OUR MISSION
DARWIN200 is a planetary conservation initiative which aims to change the world for the better.
We are sailing a historic tallship around the world following Charles Darwin’s voyage aboard HIMS Beagle two centuries ago.
Using our ship as a floating laboratory and media platform, we will harness the legacy of Charles Darwin’s passion for natural history to engage worldwide audiences and advance global conservation.
Discover our project goals below & join our mission.
Where are we on our Global Voyage?
Our journey will consist of 32 voyage legs and we will be making landfall at key locations where Charles Darwin stepped ashore. But where are we now….
50.3755° N, 4.1427° W
DEPARTED
15th AUG
2023
FROM
PLYMOUTH UK
01
GOAL 1
EMPOWER
Train exceptional DARWIN, LEADERS, one from each of 200 countries and states around the world. These young conservationists will become tomorrow’s environmental leaders.
02
GOAL 2
INSPIRE
Create the WORLD’S MOST EXCITING CLASSROOM to reconnect global audiences with nature, science and conservation.
03
GOAL 3
solve
Undertake citizen science RESEARCH PROJECTS tackling many of the world’s most critical environmental problems to engage global audiences in practical solutions.
DARWIN Leaders
DARWIN200 is selecting the world’s top young (18+ year old) conservationists – one from each of two hundred countries and states around the world.
These exceptional young conservationists (known as ‘Darwin Leaders’) are carefully chosen for their abilities, initiative and determination. Many have already accomplished inspiring conservation feats (such as setting up projects to save endangered species or efforts to educate audiences in their home countries). All show the raw, burning passion to protect the natural world and drive positive change for a better future.
From August 2023 to July 2025, groups of 4-8 Darwin Leaders will travel to our ship in each of the ports Charles Darwin visited, using our ship as a floating laboratory and media platform.
World’s Most Exciting Classroom
During the DARWIN200 2023-2025 Global Voyage, our goal is to engage with millions of students at schools across the planet via continuous streams of free online activities, research projects, experiments, lectures, competitions and weekly ‘nature hour’ events.
We call these outreach activities ‘the world’s most exciting classroom’.
All our outreach activities will be completely free of charge for students, teachers and the general public. Our goal is to engage 200 million students worldwide during our two-year global voyage and for years to come.
Research
In continuation of Charles Darwin’s work aboard HMS Beagle, the DARWIN200 ship will offer a unique platform to support 8 research projects into many of the world’s most critical environmental problems. Results will be displayed via live data feeds, results presentations, online lectures and interviews with the professional teams of researchers behind each initiative.
12.02.1809 – 19.04.1882
CHARLES DARWIN
In 1831, at the age of 22, Charles Darwin stepped aboard HMS Beagle in Plymouth, England to being a five year journey around the world. DARWIN200 builds on Charles Darwin’s legacy to educate global audiences about the threats our planet faces and the inspiring conservation work that can save the natural world.
FACTS &
FIGURES
200
200
Million
Reaching 200 million students worldwide
50
Meter
Historic tall ship Oosterschelde
32
Voyage Legs
8
Interactive Citizen Science Research Projects
2023
Voyage starts
The Global Voyage will be undertaken aboard the historic 50 metre long tall ship Oosterschelde. Built in 1918, this uniquely restored, three masted schooner is one of the most beautiful historic vessels afloat.
press releases
The weather has finally started to calm, bringing much-needed relief for those battling seasickness during a few rough days.
Strong winds and high seas tested everyone’s endurance, but our team and guests have proven their resilience. 🌊
#Darwin200 #SailingChallenges #oosterschelde
Join Darwin200`s Next World`s Most Exciting Classroom Episode! ✨🌍
📅 When? Thursday, January 16th
🕑 Time? 2 PM UK / 9 AM Eastern
🎥 Where? Tune in live or watch later on YouTube via the link in our bio.
This week’s highlights:
Live connection from the Oosterschelde, currently on a thrilling 7-week nonstop journey across the Pacific – the world’s roughest waters! 🌊
Meet National Geographic Explorer Joe Cutler, who will share stories from his epic African expedition in Zambia and Angola, navigating wild waters and facing incredible wildlife like hippos and lions!
Hear from a Darwin Leader about their inspiring conservation work in the field. 🌱
Try a new experiment perfect for your classroom.
Play Kahoot and win a $50 gift card for your class! 🎉
Discover this week’s Curiosity of the Week – and so much more!
Don’t miss this jam-packed adventure! Gather your class and be part of the excitement. 🌟
#Darwin200 #WorldsMostExcitingClassroom #AdventureAwaits #STEMLearning #Conservation
Sailing through the Southern Ocean is a constant game of strategy and resilience. As the Oosterschelde`s captain and crew navigate our team and guests through these legendary waters toward Cape Horn, every course adjustment is a chance to harness better conditions and make the most of the powerful winds. 🌊
Did you know? Cape Horn, often called the "sailor`s Everest," has some of the most dangerous waters in the world, with waves that can reach up to 20 meters and winds exceeding 50 knots. It`s a test of endurance for any ship and crew.
#Darwin200 #CapeHornBound #SouthernOcean
Adjusting Course ⛵️Captain Maarten shared the plan to head north for a few days to chase the top of a low-pressure system. With the winds picking up, the Oosterschelde crew set the massive forecourse sail which was a true team effort!🌍 #Darwin200 #TallShipTeamwork #oosterschelde
We are now 1/4 of the way into our voyage from Christchurch, NZ 🇳🇿 to Stanley, Falkland Islands 🇫🇰.
It’s been a week since we had our last sighting of land but everyone is still in good spirits, even after the occasional wave comes and splashes you in the face!
During the voyage we’ve had a big mix of weather from torrential rain and gale force winds to sunshine and calm seas. Our route has taken us quite far north treating us to some mild temperatures. As we continue our journey towards Cape Horn we are again heading toward the south back into the 40°’s and toward the 50° range. We expect the temperatures to drop again and more difficult weather to come. The name Furious Fifties doesn’t come from nowhere!
📸 @tomdixonfilm
#darwin200 #oosterschelde #Darwin200 #TallShipVoyage #SailingAdventure #HistoricJourney #Circumnavigation #CharlesDarwin #ExploreTheWorld #JoinTheCrew #AdventureAwaits #SailingExperience
Species Spotlight: Tūī
As part of DARWIN200’s mission to study island ecosystems, our onboard researcher Grant is focusing on unique species from around the world. This week, we’re studying one of New Zealand’s most iconic birds: the Tūī (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae).
Unmistakable for its striking iridescent feathers, white throat tufts, and otherworldly calls, the Tūī is a great ambassador for Aotearoa’s unique wildlife.
Natural History:
Tūī are nectar feeders, using their long beaks to drink nectar from native flowers like kōwhai and flax. They also eat fruits, seeds, and insects.
Their wide variety of complex, melodious calls are iconic and can be heard echoing throughout New Zealand’s forests and suburban gardens.
Conservation:
Historically, their numbers dropped significantly due to deforestation and the impact of invasive species, but conservation efforts and this species’ ability have allowed the Tūī to make a comeback in many regions.
Though numbers are rising, Tūī still face threats from habitat loss, introduced predators (like rats and stoats), and disease.
New Zealanders are assisting the Tūī’s comeback by planting native trees, creating sanctuaries to help Tūī thrive in urban and rural spaces.
#speciesspotlight #Darwin200 #oosterschelde #tuibird
The Southern Ocean didn’t ease us in. Since leaving Christchurch, relentless winds and waves have reminded us why this stretch is so legendary. 🌊
These conditions test every aspect of life aboard, but they also highlight the resilience and teamwork of our crew and guests. On rough days like this, there’s no room for hesitation, only determination and respect for the ocean.
Could you brave it? 🚢
#Darwin200 #RoughSeas #oosterschelde
🌊 We’re well into our journey from Christchurch to Stanley and currently sailing through the challenging Southern Ocean. The crew is braving the elements while learning about the region’s fascinating marine life. 🐋🐦
This ferocious leg, which will take 7 weeks of teamwork, resilience, and adventure to complete. Stay tuned as we share highlights, challenges, and moments from our epic voyage leg 27. ⚓🗺️
#Leg27 #SailingAdventures #Darwin200 #Leg27 #SouthernOcean
After 3 days of sailing we reached the Chatham Islands, an archipelago around 400 miles off the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island.
Upon arrival we were greeted by these inquisitive Buller’s Albatross (Thalassarche bulleri).
We were on the lookout for the resident Chatham Albatross (Thalassarche eremita) which only breeds on The Pyramid, an isolated island in the Chatham Islands. Unfortunately though, we did not see any.
As we continue on our journey we will be sailing through their range and will keep an eye out for them!
The Chatham Islands is the last land we will see until we reach Cape Horn. The next 5-6 weeks will be nothing but open ocean. 🌊
📸 @tomdixonfilm
#darwin200 #oosterschelde #Darwin200 #TallShipVoyage #SailingAdventure #HistoricJourney #Circumnavigation #CharlesDarwin #ExploreTheWorld #JoinTheCrew #AdventureAwaits #SailingExperience #albatross #chathamislands
Gliding through the sparkling waters on leg 25 of our Global Voyage, heading to Stanley. ⛵🌊 #Darwin200 #GlobalVoyage #Leg25 #SailingTheSeas
A magical moment on our sail to Christchurch when dolphins swam alongside the Oosterschelde, adding to the beauty of the journey. 🐬⛵ #DolphinsAtSea #Darwin200 #Nature
Our guests are fully embracing this incredible journey, getting stuck in, exploring, and making the most of every moment. Whether it’s discovering new places or simply soaking in the adventure, they’re truly making this trip an adventure to remember.
Photo credit: Jordan Winters
#SailingGuests #Darwin200
Happy New Year from the deck of the Oosterschelde. 🎉 Wishing you all a Happy New Year and new adventures in 2025. Follow along as we continue our Global Voyage following Charles Darwin`s footsteps into 2025. #HappyNewYear #Darwin200 #SailingInto2024
Photo credit: Josh Clarke
As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on an unforgettable year retracing Darwin`s footsteps. From Puerto Santa Cruz to Christchurch, we sailed across incredible locations, including the Galapagos Islands, Sydney, Easter Island, Mangareva, Fiji, Concepcion, and many more. Each port deepened our understanding of the landscapes that shaped Darwin’s discoveries.
The Galapagos, where we immersed ourselves in the ecosystems that inspired Darwin`s theory of evolution, and Sydney, where we hosted unforgettable events bringing together local communities, conservationists, and experts, were undoubtedly highlights of the year.
We also welcomed many Darwin Leaders to most ports, these are young conservationists who joined us from around the world to work with local partners and engage in meaningful research projects.
Through our partnership with Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants, we’ve beamed live every week, offering free World`s Most Exciting Classroom events, providing fun online education and exciting opportunities to classrooms across the globe.
In 2024, we completed 18 sailing legs as part of our Global Voyage. Here’s to more discoveries and inspiring moments in 2025! 🌊✨ Follow our journey via the link in our bio.
A special thank you to our Partners and Sponsors, without you, none of this would be possible.
One post can`t sum up what an incredible year this has been. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible DARWIN200 staff, the Oosterschelde team, our fantastic guests, and all of you, our followers, for joining us on this amazing journey.
Photo credit: Tom Dixon, Josh Clarke, and Aaron McKay
#HappyNewYear #Darwin200 #DarwinLeaders #ExploringByTheSeatOfYourPants
🌊 After an incredible journey from Hobart, we have arrived in Lyttelton! 🚢 The Oosterschelde has safely docked in the harbour, and the crew and guests have been hard at work, pulling ropes and embracing the thrill of life at sea. Even with the cloudy skies, the spirit on board remains high.
Swipe through these photos from our journey, showcasing the stunning views of Lyttelton and the teamwork that keeps the ship sailing smoothly. From Hobart to Lyttelton, what an unforgettable voyage leg it`s been!
📸: Josh Clarke
#Darwin200 #SailingFromHobart #LytteltonArrival #Oosterschelde #SailingAdventure #OnBoard #LytteltonHarbour
Join the DARWIN200 Community and follow our Journey of Discovery
Sign up to our newsletter and follow the DARWIN200 global voyage as we sail around the world.