Paul Oakenfold to Perform Historic DJ Set in the Galápagos Islands During Ultra-Exclusive Science Expedition

In an unprecedented blend of science, luxury travel, and live music, internationally renowned DJ Paul Oakenfold is set to become the first DJ to perform live in the Galápagos Islands, the birthplace of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. This historic event is part of the upcoming “Space2Sea Galápagos: Voyage of Discovery”, a seven-day, ultra-exclusive expedition organized by FUTURE of SPACE and scheduled to take place from November 1–8 aboard the environmentally conscious luxury vessel Silver Origin.

The expedition is more than just a scenic cruise. With just 100 spots available, each priced at approximately $50,000, the journey is designed to fuse scientific inquiry, artistic inspiration, and luxury in one of the most biologically significant ecosystems on Earth. It will feature a distinguished lineup of scientists, explorers, technologists, and artists, all coming together to inspire, educate, and connect participants with both cosmic and evolutionary perspectives.

A One-of-a-Kind Performance: Paul Oakenfold’s “World’s Most Remote Dancefloor”

At the center of the voyage’s cultural programming is Paul Oakenfold, one of the world’s most influential trance music pioneers. He’s no stranger to breaking boundaries, having performed in unusual and iconic locations such as the Great Wall of China and Mount Everest base camp. Now, he’s bringing his music to one of the most remote and ecologically significant places on the planet — the Galápagos Islands.

Organizers are calling Oakenfold’s upcoming set “the world’s most remote dancefloor,” and it’s being billed as a historic moment in the convergence of nature, music, and human innovation. The performance will take place under the pristine Galápagos skies, offering attendees a surreal blend of sound and science in the same archipelago where Charles Darwin observed evolutionary traits among species like finches and tortoises nearly two centuries ago.

Oakenfold’s installation isn’t just about entertainment — it’s meant to underscore the creative connections between the cosmos, the ocean, and the human experience, using music as a universal language that ties together the expedition’s deeper themes.

Silver Origin: A Ship Designed for Science, Sustainability, and Luxury

The expedition will be hosted aboard the Silver Origin, a luxury vessel from Silversea Cruises specially designed for low-impact exploration of the Galápagos Islands. This state-of-the-art ship incorporates dynamic positioning technology, which eliminates the need for anchors and minimizes disturbance to marine habitats — a key consideration given the fragile ecosystems of the Galápagos.

With suites averaging $50,000, Silver Origin offers a fully immersive, intimate experience for a select group of just 100 guests. From onboard science labs to locally inspired cuisine and educational programming, every detail is crafted to support the expedition’s mission: exploration without exploitation.

A Powerful Lineup of Thought Leaders and Explorers

“Space2Sea Galápagos: Voyage of Discovery” isn’t just about music. It’s also an intellectual expedition designed to explore the intersections of space exploration, evolutionary biology, and human creativity.

Leading the scientific roster is Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, the celebrated astrophysicist and host of Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey, who returns to FUTURE of SPACE programming after appearing in their 2023 Antarctica voyage. His presence lends cosmic context to a journey focused on Earth’s evolutionary past.

Also confirmed is Dr. Kathryn D. Sullivan, a trailblazing former NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy officer. Sullivan is the only person in history to have walked in space and reached the ocean’s deepest point, the Mariana Trench. Her dual achievements uniquely embody the expedition’s “space to sea” theme.

Joining them is Dr. Beth Shapiro, an acclaimed evolutionary biologist and Chief Science Officer at Colossal Biosciences. A recipient of the MacArthur “Genius” Grant, Dr. Shapiro is known for her work in ancient DNA and species de-extinction, offering modern insights into Darwin’s foundational theories.

The expedition also includes voices from the creative arts. Bradley G. Munkowitz (GMUNK), known for his work as a design director on Tron: Legacy, will bring his visionary aesthetics to the ship’s media and visual storytelling. Award-winning documentary filmmaker Chai Vasarhelyi, best known for Free Solo, will also be on board to capture the voyage’s essence through a cinematic lens.

Revisiting Darwin’s Legacy in a Modern Context

The Galápagos Islands hold a special place in scientific history. When Charles Darwin visited the archipelago in 1835, he noticed that different islands were home to slightly different species of finches, each with variations in their beaks that reflected their ecological niches. These observations led to his groundbreaking theory of natural selection, published in On the Origin of Species in 1859.

Fast forward to today, and this upcoming expedition revisits the same islands with new eyes — those of scientists who explore DNA and climate change, astronauts who have seen Earth from space, and creatives who push the boundaries of storytelling and sound. This is more than just a luxury cruise; it’s a transformational voyage designed to bridge time, knowledge, and imagination.

From Antarctica to the Galápagos: Building on the Success of Previous Expeditions

This isn’t FUTURE of SPACE’s first foray into blending science and exploration. The organization previously organized a 10-day voyage to Antarctica, which included Neil deGrasse Tyson and William Shatner, the legendary Star Trek actor who himself became a real-life space traveler in 2021.

Building on the success and momentum of that journey, Space2Sea Galápagos promises to be even more ambitious in scope and richer in cross-disciplinary content. By linking space exploration and marine biology, the expedition aims to create a new narrative around scientific discovery, environmental stewardship, and the power of human creativity.

A Visionary Journey for the Future of Exploration

With its ultra-exclusive guest list, world-class speakers, and historic performances, Space2Sea Galápagos is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about expeditions of 2025. It challenges traditional notions of scientific travel by adding immersive art, music, and media experiences into the mix.

By choosing the Galápagos — a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of evolutionary science — the organizers are making a clear statement: the future of exploration must honor the past while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

For the 100 lucky individuals aboard the Silver Origin, this isn’t just a luxury vacation. It’s a rare opportunity to engage directly with scientific legends, cultural icons, and the very landscape that changed how humanity views life on Earth.

Final Thoughts: A New Frontier in Experiential Exploration

As Paul Oakenfold prepares to DJ in one of the most protected and biologically rich areas of the world, the Space2Sea expedition invites participants to dance not just on the deck of a ship — but on the cutting edge of science, art, and discovery. This fusion of sound and science, under the stars and in the birthplace of evolution, is more than an event — it’s a visionary leap into the future of human experience.

Whether it’s the legacy of Darwin, the imagination of Tyson, the innovation of astronauts, or the rhythm of trance music, Space2Sea Galápagos represents a new kind of transformational journey — one that connects the dots between the galaxies above and the species evolving below.