After two years and 43,000nm, the DARWIN200 Global Voyage – a conservation odyssey retracing the route of Darwin’s HMS Beagle returns home to the UK on Saturday 19 July, with landmark celebrations in Falmouth, the port where Darwin’s original journey ended in 1836.
This is no ordinary homecoming. It marks the completion of a modern-day voyage of discovery, conservation and education, echoing Darwin’s legacy but with a mission fit for the 21st century: to inspire a new generation of environmental leaders and spark urgent action to conserve nature.
“This voyage was a tribute to the great explorers of the past, a journey powered by wind, purpose, and the belief that adventure still has the power to change the world. Oosterschelde became a bridge between generations, science, and the sea. It’s been the honour of my life to captain her.”
Gerben Nab, Director & Captain, Oosterschelde
Sailing aboard the historic Dutch tall ship Oosterschelde, the DARWIN200 team has visited 31 ports, trained 105 young conservationists from 45 countries, and shared its message with millions: conservation isn’t about what we’ve lost – it’s about what we still have.
Following the public celebrations in Falmouth, the Oosterschelde will make a triumphant sail up the Thames to London, where she will dock in front of Tower Bridge for a Royal visit from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh on Friday 25 July.
This remarkable voyage – bridging the past with the future – offers powerful visuals, inspiring human stories, and a once-in-a-generation moment of history-in-the-making.
“This has been the adventure of a lifetime not just for those of us on board, but for the thousands of young people who followed our journey. DARWIN200 became a floating classroom, inspiring a new generation of environmental leaders in every port we visited.” Stewart McPherson, Founder & Director, DARWIN200
Falmouth Harbour: 12:00 PM: Harbour arrival / 18:00: Free ticketed event open to general public – reserve tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/2v5vnwk9
London: Tower Bridge Quay / 28 July / 10:00–13:00 & 14:00–16:00 / The general public are welcome to meet the crew, explore one of the world’s most famous tall ships, and discover the story of DARWIN200. Free entry. No booking required.
