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

Exceptional Darwin Leaders to drive global change over the coming decades

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.

Conservation is not about what we have lost but what we still have. Countless species and even entire ecosystems can be brought back from the brink. DARWIN200 will empower tomorrow’s conservation leaders and the global public to change the world for the better to build a brighter future.
Stewart McPherson, Project Leader
Only if we understand, will we care. Only if we care, will
we help. Only if we help, shall we be saved.
Jane Goodall, DARWIN200 Patron
I am very supportive of this incredible project. Using Charles Darwin’s voyage on HMS Beagle as a framework to highlight environmental change as well as the beauty of nature is a timely and noble ambition.
Dr. Sarah Darwin, Charles Darwin’s Great-Great Granddaughter

press releases

Legendary Dutch Tall Ship Oosterschelde en route to Cape Town, Marking a Historic Milestone in the Global DARWIN200 Conservation Mission

Having successfully rounded the treacherous waters of Cape Horn, the historic Dutch tall ship Oosterschelde is currently exploring on the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia en…

Press Releases 13-03-25

Historic Dutch Tall Ship Oosterschelde Triumphs Over the Treacherous Waters of Cape Horn during DARWIN200 Conservation Voyage

The historic Dutch tall ship  Oosterschelde achieved a remarkable maritime milestone, successfully reaching Cape Horn during the DARWIN200 conservation mission.

Press Releases 12-02-25

DARWIN200 reaches Hobart, Tasmania aboard historic tall ship Oosterschelde

December 2nd 2024 Hobart, Tasmania, Australia: Today, the iconic DARWIN200 conservation mission aboard historic Dutch tall ship Oosterschelde sailed into Hobart ahead of a programme of…

Press Releases 02-12-24

DARWIN200 arrives into Sydney Harbour midway through its two-year global conservation voyage aboard historic tall ship Oosterschelde

November 12th 2024 Sydney, Australia: Today, the iconic DARWIN200 conservation mission aboard historic Dutch tall ship Oosterschelde sailed into Sydney Harbour for a programme of conservation…

Press Releases 11-11-24

DARWIN200 Expedition Reaches New Zealand

The ship arrived in Whangarei in early October where it underwent some well deserved rest recuperation having sailed over 22,500 nautical miles since its departure.

Press Releases 22-10-24

DARWIN200 Arrives in Fiji Amplifying Conservation Efforts Across the Pacific

The DARWIN200 project arrives in Fiji on 17th September 2024, joined onboard by two Darwin Leaders from Australia & New Zealand.

Press Releases 17-09-24

DARWIN200 is Halfway Through It’s Voyage Around The World

AUGUST 15th 2024 marks one year since the departure of the iconic DARWIN200 voyage which set sail from Plymouth Harbour, UK, on an epic two year planetary conservation…

Press Releases 15-08-24

Rapa Nui Port Visit for Tall Ship Oosterschelde and DARWIN200 Darwin Leaders.

On June 4th 2024 DARWIN200, the two-year planetary conservation mission aboard the magnificent Dutch tall ship Oosterschelde, arrived in Rapa Nui (Easter Island).

Press Releases 11-06-24

Instagram live feed

Meet the World’s Oldest Living Land Animal – Jonathan the Giant Tortoise! ✨🐢

Join our next World’s Most Exciting Classroom episode on Thursday, May 15 at 9am ET / 2pm UK.

🌍 The Oosterschelde has landed on St. Helena – and we’re bringing the island to your classroom!

Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/qE5GKam5UdA

🎥 Highlights include:
🐢 Meet Jonathan, the 192-year-old Seychelles Giant Tortoise
🦈🐧 Shark cage diving & penguin encounters in Gansbaai
🔬A classroom-friendly science experiment
🎁 Kahoot quiz with a $50 gift card prize
🤔 A brand new Curiosity of the Week

Perfect for students, educators & curious minds of all ages. Don’t miss it!

#Darwin200 #WorldsMostExcitingClassroom #JonathanTheTortoise #StHelena #ScienceEducation #LiveLearning #ClassroomAdventure

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Our eyes are always on the horizon – flying fish, seabirds, and maybe even a whale tail. Every nautical mile brings a new discovery.

Today’s highlight: a Shearwater, effortlessly skimming across glassy seas.

📸 Photo: @joshclarkephotos

#Darwin200 #MarineLife #oosterschelde #birdsatsea

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Charles Darwin visited St Helena in 1836. Nearly 200 years later, DARWIN200 sails in his wake aboard the Oosterschelde – exploring, documenting, and protecting our natural world, while inspiring the next generation to do the same.

Less than 1,200 nautical miles now separate us from this remarkable island. The DARWIN200 journey continues!

Photo Credit: Josh Clarke

#Darwin200 #DarwinLegacy #HistoryMeetsFuture #oosterschelde

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📅 Tomorrow, Thursday, 8th May

🕘 9am Eastern / 2pm UK

Watch live or afterwards via the link in our bio.

We’ve just set sail from Cape Town, and this episode is packed with incredible stories and live science:

Hear from big cat biologist Andrew Stein, founder of CLAWS, who tracks lions in Botswana to reduce conflict with local communities

Darwin Leader Thiago Costa shares his work with octopus fishers in Peru

Joe brings video and photos from shark cage diving and penguin conservation in South Africa

Try out a new classroom science experiment

Play Kahoot for a chance to win a $50 gift card for your class

Discover the latest Curiosity of the Week

Don’t miss it—this is one of our most exciting line-ups yet.

#Darwin200 #WorldsMostExcitingClassroom #STEMeducation #LiveLearning

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After the sun sets and the world has gone to sleep, the Oosterschelde and her crew sail on through the night.

When you’re sailing, you’re at the mercy of the ocean and she never rests. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week there is someone manning the helm with a team standing by to set sail however the wind decides.

This trip, we are mostly sticking to the trade winds that have carried ships around these oceans for hundreds of years, so light breezes carry us downwind at a steady speed of 4-5 knots.

These consistent winds and light sail work give the voyage crew a chance to sit back and appreciate their place as a tiny spec of light in what seems like an endless sea of black.

📸 @joshclarkephotos

#darwin200 #Leg29 #CapeTowntoStHelena #atlanticocean #ExpeditionAdventure #Oosterschelde #SailingToInspire #LifeAtSea #Capetown #sthelena #VoyageHighlights #oosterschelde #midnight #nightsailing

254 2

Our first week since leaving Cape Town has been jam packed with everything you could ask for from a sailing trip! Beautiful weather, great sailing, good fishing, plenty of wildlife and great company! What more can you want?

We are now well over half way to St. Helena and look forward to seeing what else this part of the Atlantic has to offer!

#darwin200 #Leg28 #CapeTowntoStHelena #atlanticocean #ExpeditionAdventure #Oosterschelde #SailingToInspire #LifeAtSea #Capetown #sthelena #VoyageHighlights #oosterschelde

216 3

Join the World’s Most Exciting Classroom – LIVE! 🌍

Get ready for another episode of the World’s Most Exciting Classroom today, Thursday, May 1st at 9AM Eastern / 2PM UK time!

Watch live or later on YouTube via the link in our bio.

We’ve got a jam-packed program lined up:

🌊 The Oosterschelde has just set sail from Cape Town after an unforgettable few weeks with Darwin Leaders and incredible conservation action. Join us for an inside look at what’s next!

Special guest Hailey Shchepanik from the Vancouver Aquarium returns to share her adventures sailing with us from Sydney to Hobart.

Go on safari with Joe as he shares stunning photos and footage from tracking wild dogs, lions, leopards, and more in the Greater Kruger!

Try a new classroom experiment—easy to replicate and sure to spark curiosity.

Play Kahoot for a chance to win a $50 gift card for your class!

Discover our latest Curiosity of the Week… and much more!

Don’t miss out 🌎📚

#Darwin200 #WorldsMostExcitingClassroom #STEMeducation #LiveLearning #YouthForNature

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⛰️⛵ Where History Meets the Horizon

The Oosterschelde sailed past Table Mountain, bathed in golden light — a perfect symbol of the DARWIN200 voyage, where heritage, nature, and exploration converge.

Along the way, nature put on a show: we spotted a Southern Right Whale, a pod of Common Dolphins, Heaviside’s Dolphins, and Cape Fur Seals — a reminder of the richness we’re here to understand and protect.

As she retraces Darwin’s historic route, this Dutch tall ship is more than just a vessel — she’s a moving classroom, an ambassador for conservation, and a beacon for young scientific minds across the globe.

Cape Town, you’ve helped shape not only memories, but the minds that will shape the future of conservation.

Photo credit: @joshclarkephotos

#Darwin200 #Oosterschelde #TableMountain #CapeTownSunset #SailingHistory #CharlesDarwin #TallShip #OceanExploration #NatureAndLegacy

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