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
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.
INSPIRE
Create the WORLD’S MOST EXCITING CLASSROOM to reconnect global audiences with nature, science and conservation.
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
Reaching 200 million students worldwide
Historic tall ship Oosterschelde
Voyage Legs
Interactive Citizen Science Research Projects
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
Well the time is almost here! After 45,000 miles, 32 ports, 4 continents and over 100 inspiring Darwin Leaders, the Oosterschelde is in Horta, prepping to depart on the final leg of the epic Darwin200 voyage.
Over the next 10 days, she and her crew will sail across 1200 miles of the North Atlantic before arriving in Falmouth on the 19th of July, only a few hundred meters from the exact spot Darwin would have disembarked the Beagle all those years ago.
We hope to see many of you in Falmouth when we arrive to celebrate the end of what has been a life changing voyage for all involved!
📸 @joshclarkephotos
#sailing #sunset #tallship #tallships #sailinglife #sailinginstagram #falmouth #cornwall #horta #azores #worldvoyage #aroundtheworld #darwin200 #voyage #voyageofdiscovery #oosterschelde #darwinlegacy @dutchtallship
Darwin Leader Priya Talreja, an environmental policy advocate from California, has spent this week working with the renowned Azores Deep Sea Research group, led by Dr. Telmo Morato.
This team is gaining global recognition for mapping deep-sea biodiversity using smart, low-impact tools like the Azor Drift Cam – a compact camera system capturing real-time footage of the ocean floor and making the deep sea visible to people everywhere 🌍
Throughout the week, Priya has been exploring how this innovative tech is helping scientists discover new species, monitor fragile ecosystems, and shape global ocean policy – all while minimising cost and environmental impact.
🎬 As part of her project, she’s developing short films and essays that explore how science, policy, and storytelling can come together to protect the deep ocean – Earth’s last great frontier.
🔗 Learn more: https://www.horta.uac.pt/project/azores-deep-sea-group
🌐 www.darwin200.com
#Darwin200 #ProjectSpotlight #DeepSeaExploration #AzorDriftCam #OceanInnovation #MarineScience #OceanPolicy #NextGenLeaders #ClimateAction #DarwinLeader #Azores
Darwin Leader Cassandra Murrell has just kicked off her project at the University of the Azores’ Deep-Sea Lab, diving into the fascinating world of cold-water corals – some of the ocean’s oldest and most important ecosystems.
On her very first visit, Cassie was struck by the beauty and resilience of these corals, thriving at depths of 200 to 1,500 meters, and deeply inspired by the powerhouse team of young female scientists led by Dr. Marina Carreiro-Silva.
Over the coming days, she’ll be documenting how this pioneering group is advancing research into coral reproduction, restoration, and resistance, all in the face of mounting threats, such as climate change and deep-sea mining.
🎥 Follow along as Cassie helps bring this story to the surface, shining a light on ocean innovation and stewardship in the Azores.
🔗 Learn more about DeepSeaLab: https://deepsea.uac.pt/experimental-research
🌍 Explore the journey: www.darwin200.com
#Darwin200 #ProjectSpotlight #ColdWaterCorals #Azores #MarineScience #DeepSeaLab #OceanHope #ClimateAction #NextGenLeaders #DarwinLeader
This week, we’ve welcomed two incredible #DarwinLeaders diving into deep-sea research on Okeanos Institute, at the stunning Azores Islands.
🐠 Cassandra Murrell (from Ireland) is working with Dr. Marina Carreiro-Silva and the team at the University of the Azores’ Deep-Sea Lab @okeanos_uac and @azores.deepsea , documenting cutting-edge science on cold-water corals ancient ecosystems threatened by climate change and deep-sea mining.
📡 Priya Talreja (from California) is collaborating with Dr. Telmo Morato and the Azores Deep Sea Research group, using innovative tech like the Azor Drift Cam to bring live images of the deep ocean to screens around the world 🌍
🎬 Each project will produce a mini-documentary and a series of essays to inspire a new generation of ocean defenders and spotlight the Azores as a global leader in protecting Earth’s last great frontier.
#Darwin200 #OceanExploration #Azores #MarineScience #DeepSea #CoralReefs #OceanHope #NextGenLeaders #ClimateAction
Join the next episode of the World`s Most Exciting Classroom!
Thursday, 3rd July
9am ET | 2pm UK
Watch live or later on Youtube via the link in our bio.
This episode is jam-packed!
– See Darwin artifacts with Emma Mills from ZSL – including a 1st edition of On The Origin of Species!
– Live from the Azores with the Darwin200 team aboard the Oosterschelde!
– Try a new classroom experiment
– Win a $50 gift card via Kahoot
– Discover our latest Curiosity of the Week
…and more!
Don’t miss this exciting episode on science, history, and exploration.
#Darwin200 #WorldsMostExcitingClassroom #ScienceEducation #oosterschelde
#darwin200reflections is complete — but the journey isn’t over yet.
After two incredible years filled with unforgettable moments, inspiring connections, and powerful stories, the end of the voyage is in sight.
The Oosterschelde, last week, arrived in the Azores — a stunning volcanic archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic.
So far, the ship has been exploring several of the islands, including São Miguel, Terceira, Graciosa, and now Faial.
Today marks the start of a brand new Darwin Leader week in the port of Horta, where a new group of young conservationists will be diving into wildlife and conservation topics unique to this remarkable part of the world.
Stay tuned
#darwin200reflections #darwin200 #oosterschelde #capetown #charlesdarwin #worldvoyage #historicjourney #conservation #wildlife
NAME A NEW SPECIES! 🦗
Students around the world, this is your chance to help name a newly discovered marine cricket species found only on Rapa Nui (Easter Island)!
Discovered by Jut Wynne as part of the DARWIN200 research, this tiny, ground-dwelling cricket (less than 15 mm!) was first documented in lava tube caves near Hanga Roa. On an island shaped by dramatic environmental change, this discovery is both scientifically thrilling and a call to conservation.
🗳️ Five names were proposed by local Rapa Nui students — now it’s your turn to vote for your favorite!
The student whose name is selected will receive a $1000 scholarship
The winning name will be announced LIVE from London on July 27th
Found nowhere else on Earth, this species may already be under threat — help shape its scientific legacy!
👉 Vote now via the link in our bio.
#Darwin200 #RapaNuiCricket #NameTheCricket #StudentVoice #ConservationInAction #JutWynne #BiodiversityMatters
The final post in our #darwin200reflections series — and tomorrow, we rejoin the ship in its current port: the Azores.
But before that, we take you to Ascension Island.
We’ve already shared a bit about Charles Darwin’s visit here, but our own time on Ascension was just as unforgettable. From witnessing thousands of green turtles hatch on the beach to exploring the unique volcanic landscapes, the island delivered wildlife spectacles at every turn.
We were joined by three inspiring Darwin Leaders from St Helena, each undertaking projects focused on the island’s fascinating wildlife and environmental challenges — learning firsthand about the conservation work happening here today.
Earlier this month, after a very special stay, we set sail once more — this time heading north across the equator on the long journey to the Azores.
And just a few days ago, we arrived.
Tomorrow, a new group of Darwin Leaders will begin their projects in this spectacular part of the world.
Stay tuned to see what they get up to.
#darwin200 #oosterschelde #charlesdarwin #ascensionisland #azores #wildlifeconservation #voyageofthebeagle #greenTurtles #expedition #oceanjourney #historicjourney #biodiversity
St Helena — a remote volcanic island in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean.
Most famously, it was the final place of exile for Napoleon Bonaparte, who died here in 1821. Just 15 years later, in 1836, Charles Darwin visited the island during the final stages of his voyage aboard HMS Beagle.
Darwin was fascinated by St Helena’s geology and ecology. He spent much of his short visit exploring the rugged interior, collecting plant specimens, and documenting the island’s volcanic features
Darwin wrote: the “island rises abruptly like a huge black castle from the ocean”
Until recently, St Helena remained accessible only by sea. Today it has an airport but fortunately for us we arrived by sea, watching the island appear from the horizon just as Darwin did.
We were fortunate to spend time exploring both sides of the island — its fascinating history and its important conservation work.
#darwin200reflections #darwin200 #oosterschelde #capetown #charlesdarwin #worldvoyage #historicjourney #conservation #wildlife
🌍 Meet the Darwin 200 Leaders from St Helena & Ascension Island! 🐢🌿🪶
As part of our mission to support local conservation and empower the next generation of environmental leaders, we’ve had the privilege of working with three incredible St Helenian Darwin Leaders across St Helena and Ascension Island.
On St Helena, we led a joint project with Matthew Owen and Jolan Henry, in partnership with the St Helena National Trust. Together, they explored the past, present, and future of conservation on the island from wirebirds and insects to boobies, invasive plants, and even some marine life. This project offered a powerful glimpse into the rich biodiversity of this remote island.
Matthew and Jolan were then joined by another incredible local leader, Tyanne, as they sailed with us to Ascension to continue their conservation journeys.
On Ascension Island, our three Darwin Leaders each led focused research projects in partnership with Ascension Island Conservation:
Tyanne studied Green Mountain, focusing on the rare parsley fern
Matthew explored beach ecosystems, with a spotlight on green turtles
Jolan researched seabird colonies, particularly frigatebirds
We’re proud to provide opportunities for these young leaders as they work to protect some of the world’s most extraordinary and fragile ecosystems.
#Darwin200 #DarwinLeaders #StHelena #AscensionIsland #YouthInConservation #IslandConservation #GreenTurtles #Frigatebirds #ParsleyFern #Wirebirds
#darwin200reflections
During our stay in South Africa we had 10 inspiring Darwin Leaders join us from all over Africa to study some of the incredible South African wildlife.
Heres a snippet of the wildlife footage they captured during their projects. Stay tuned for the release of the videos!
#darwin200 #worldvoyage #charlesdarwin #conservation #southafrica
As we continue our recap of the DARWIN200 voyage, we’re getting closer and closer to the present day.
In April 2024, we arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, after crossing not one, but two oceans. The ship had earned a rest so a scheduled period of maintenance was much needed.
But this wasn’t just a pit stop.
Over two weeks, we welcomed 10 Darwin Leaders from across the African continent, each working on inspiring projects with local conservation organisations. From vultures and penguins to turtles and even carnivorous plants — the biodiversity of the region was extraordinary.
Beyond the Darwin Leader work, the stay in South Africa was full of events. We sailed the Oosterschelde to Simon’s Town — the very same port the Beagle docked in — where we took part in the unveiling of a bust of Charles Darwin and watched a play inspired by his life and legacy. We even held the Darwin Leader Presentations in front of a aquarium tank!
From here, our next stop took us further along the Beagle’s route — to the remote island of St Helena.
#darwin200reflections #darwin200 #oosterschelde #capetown #charlesdarwin #worldvoyage #historicjourney #southafrica #conservation #wildlife
We had crossed the Pacific — now it was time to cross the Atlantic.
But not without a few incredible stops along the way.
After resting and resupplying in the Falkland Islands — we set sail for one of the planet’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations: South Georgia.
A week’s sail from the Falklands, this remote island sits isolated in the South Atlantic. Despite its distance from everywhere, South Georgia is bursting with life. It’s home to tens of millions of seabirds, millions of seals, and some of the largest King Penguin colonies on Earth — one with more than 150,000 individuals.
The sheer density of wildlife here is staggering. It’s often called the “Antarctic Galápagos” — and for good reason.
Because of its exposed location, the swell and weather can make landings here a challenge. But fortune was on our side, and we were able to spend a few unforgettable days exploring this wild and beautiful place on foot.
From here, our course turned northeast — a multi-week crossing to South Africa, where we would once again intersect with the voyage of the Beagle.
#darwin200reflections #darwin200 #oosterschelde #charlesdarwin #worldvoyage #historicjourney
Join the World`s Most Exciting Classroom! 🌍
Thursday, 26th June
11am ET / 4pm UK
Our next episode of the World`s Most Exciting Classroom is jam-packed with adventure, science, and hands-on learning!
🔬 LIVE from Zambia!
Explorer and ichthyologist Joe will be broadcasting from his expedition on the little-explored Kabompo River – he might even discover a new species! 🐟
The DARWIN200 team is checking in from the Azores, their final stop before returning to the UK.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/nFzcJDFCJ9A
What’s in store?
✅ A classroom experiment you can replicate
✅ $50 class gift card up for grabs in our Kahoot quiz
✅ A new “Curiosity of the Week”
…and so much more!
Don’t miss it – the adventure awaits!
#WorldsMostExcitingClassroom #ScienceAdventure #Darwin200 #EducationLive #ExploreToLearn
January 2025.
We had just welcomed in the New Year in Lyttelton, New Zealand, and were now making the final preparations before departing on the longest leg of the entire DARWIN200 voyage:
A seven-week crossing of the South Pacific to the Falkland Islands.
Leaving port this time felt different.
We had become familiar with the rhythm of one- to two-week sails — but very few onboard knew what seven weeks at sea would truly feel like.
A few days out, we passed the Chatham Islands — the last land we’d see before rounding Cape Horn. Beyond that: nothing but open ocean.
Some days felt like weeks. Some weeks, like days.
Since departing, we experienced it all: pouring rain, bright sun, steady winds, and big swell.
But by the end of January, we were hit with the heaviest weather of the entire voyage —
50-knot winds and 10-metre waves.
Those 36 hours were a blur.
The wind was so powerful, it sculpted the sea into something unrecognisable – not rolling waves, but a churning plain. The peaks were flattened, the surface shredded, it looked like a desert.
And then, the wind dropped.
We were fast approaching landfall.
Rounding Cape Horn was a powerful moment.
We hadn’t seen land in weeks, and now here we were — crossing from the Pacific into the Atlantic, with one of the most iconic landmarks in maritime history just off our bow.
To have crossed an entire ocean, and to do so at such a storied location, was a surreal and humbling experience. It felt like stepping back in time — a connection to every voyage that had made this passage before us.
With Cape Horn behind us, only one stop remained:
The Falkland Islands.
Stepping on land for the first time in seven weeks brought a strong case of land sickness — but also a wave of relief, joy, and deep achievement.
It was a true epic. A voyage made possible only through teamwork, resilience, and the skill of the incredible crew aboard the Oosterschelde.
#darwin200reflections #darwin200 #oosterschelde #charlesdarwin #worldvoyage #historicjourney
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