We are absolutely delighted to see Dutch tall ship Oosterschelde sail into Falmouth Harbour today marking the triumphant conclusion of the DARWIN200 Global Voyage, a modern odyssey inspired by Charles Darwin’s legendary journey aboard HMS Beagle.

So many adventure seekers from the Another World Adventures community have hauled on lines as guest crew aboard this incredible mission. And our co-founder Larissa Clark has run the PR and media for the mission and tall ship for the entire voyage.

If you missed out on a chance to join the crew don’t worry!

You can see the tall ship’s upcoming voyages here and make an enquiry to join the crew!

Gathered at Port Pendennis Marina, hundreds of well-wishers, families of the crew, and members of the international conservation community welcomed the ship home after 43,000 nautical miles, 31 ports of call, and two years at sea.

The choice of Falmouth as the homecoming port was deeply significant. It was here, in 1836, that a young Charles Darwin returned to British shores aboard HMS Beagle after his own voyage of discovery, a journey that would ultimately transform the way we understand the natural world.

Darwin’s experiences aboard the Beagle laid the foundation for his groundbreaking work, On the Origin of Species, which changed scientific thinking forever and continues to inspire generations of researchers and conservationists.

The DARWIN200 project, brainchild of British conservationist Stewart McPherson, set out from Plymouth in 2023 with a bold mission: to train and empower the next generation of environmental leaders while shining a spotlight on urgent conservation challenges around the globe.

Speaking as the ship docked, McPherson said: “This voyage began as a bold vision to use the power of adventure, science and education to help shape the next generation of environmental leaders.

Together, we’ve worked with incredible organisations across the globe and shown what’s possible when young people are given the opportunity to learn, to lead and to act. Conservation isn’t about what we’ve lost, it’s about protecting what we still have. That’s what this voyage has been about from the very beginning.”

Throughout its two-year mission, the Dutch tall ship Oosterschelde – one of the world’s most beautifully restored historic tall ships – became a floating classroom and catalyst for action.

More than 600 guest crew from the general public – including many from our community! – sailed the ship between ports where over 105 young ‘Darwin Leaders’ from 45 countries were trained aboard and in the field, working alongside local NGOs and scientists in each port to research, document and safeguard futures for more than 100 species and ecosystems – from sea turtles in Galápagos Islands to the fragile Atlantic rainforest of Brazil.

Another World Adventures Founder and PR for DARWIN200 Larissa Clark says “I’ve loved being part of this incredible project – first by helping adventure seekers to secure coveted places aboard and then sharing the story of Darwin200 with more than a quarter of a billion people worldwide through hundreds of global media collaborations I’ve developed with my friend, colleague and PR partner in crime, Alice Dogruyol.

Turning that media coverage into awareness—and awareness into action—has shown the true power of global storytelling. This journey has sparked conversations, inspired young changemakers, and reminded us all that together, we can protect our planet’s future.”

It’s been an honour to captain this ship on a voyage of such meaning,” said Gerben Nab, Captain of the Oosterschelde and Director of the ship’s operations. “This was more than a sailing voyage, it was a bridge between generations, between science and the sea.

We’ve sailed through some of the world’s most challenging waters and to some of its most breathtaking places where nature remains much as Darwin would have seen it on his own voyage nearly two centuries ago.

There was something profoundly special about experiencing those wild and remote places from the deck of this historic ship. This has been a truly unique journey, powered by wind, purpose, and a belief that adventure can still change the world.”

The voyage reignited global interest in Darwin’s legacy, revisiting key sites from the Beagle’s itinerary and engaging schoolchildren around the world through weekly live broadcasts dubbed ‘The World’s Most Exciting Classroom’, bringing frontline conservation stories into classrooms in a creative, exciting and interactive way. 

Dr. Sarah Darwin, botanist, researcher at the Berlin Natural History Museum and great-great-granddaughter of Charles Darwin, visited the voyage during its time in Brazil and the Galápagos Islands.

Reflecting on the ship’s return, she said “As my great-great-grandfather Charles Darwin wrote, ‘…love for all living creatures [is] the most noble attribute of man….’ That spirit of curiosity, compassion and connection to the natural world is at the heart of DARWIN200.

Seeing this project come to life, experiencing young people so inspired and determined to protect the natural world, has been deeply moving and energising. Their ripples have become waves, spreading far beyond the ports we’ve visited to inspire tens of millions worldwide.

It has been a privilege to be part of this extraordinary voyage and the powerful sense of optimism and excitement that this community is creating. I am proud to serve as an ambassador for DARWIN200.”

Among the Darwin Leaders was Josh Clarke, 24, from Falmouth, whose project in the Falkland Islands was to study threatened bird species. “This has been life-changing. Not only have I developed new skills and knowledge, but I’m also now part of a global network of people determined to protect our planet.”

Following the weekend’s celebrations, the Oosterschelde will set sail again on Monday 21st July, bound for Central London on a victory voyage up the Thames.

The ship will dock at the iconic Tower Bridge Quay where a special Royal visit from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh is planned on Friday 25th July.

On 27th July, the winning name of a newly discovered marine cricket, found only on Rapa Nui, will be announced live on the ‘World’s Most Exciting Classroom’ from London. Five names, proposed by local Rapa Nui students, are up for vote—the winner earns a $1000 scholarship. Specimens of the cricket, likely endangered, were collected during the Darwin200 Expedition. Votes and full details here: https://tinyurl.com/e64ab897  

On Monday 28th July, members of the public are invited to visit aboard the Oosterschelde at Tower Bridge Quay to explore one of the world’s most famous historic tall ships and learn more about the DARWIN200 project. Opening times are 10:00–13:00 and 14:00–16:00. Admission is free and no booking is required.

https://darwin200.com/