About Aurora Expeditions

From the start, Aurora Expeditions was destined to be different. Co-founders Greg and Margaret Mortimer had a passion for adventure, exploring wild places and sharing the experience with friends and in 1991, Aurora Expeditions, named in honour of Sir Douglas Mawson’s ship, was born.

Their aim was simple – to take ....more

About Aurora Expeditions Cultural Preservation What We Offer What We Offer Our Story Environmental Sustainability Accreditations and Associations Covid Policies Economic Impact Social Responsibility Responsible Tourism Awards Reviews Ships FAQ Videos Tours

Reasons to tour with Aurora Expeditions

Small Groups - Travelling in small groups (average 138 passengers) means that, unlike on larger ships, you can join every excursion, getting into the environment and exploring via shore landings, Zodiac cruises, kayaking or diving.

Expert Guides - Our highly acclaimed expedition specialists are some of the best in the business. Many are recognised world leaders in their fields, and they enthusiastically share their knowledge.

Flexibility & Freedom - We stop for breaching whales! Our itineraries are designed to be adaptable. If weather or sea ice blocks our way we have a Plan B, C and D! We're always on the lookout for new places to explore.

Spirit of Adventure - No matter where we are, we encourage a true sense of exploration. Zodiac cruise into a craggy cove to take a closer look at rockhopper penguins scaling a cliff.

Solo Travellers - Our small group ethos fosters an open, friendly environment, where making new connections is easy. We welcome solo travellers: avoid single supplements with our cabin-sharing service.

Health & Safety - In consultation with authorities, we have developed in-depth health and safety policies and practices to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers, expedition staff and crew in association with COVID-19.

Deposit Protection - When you book and place a new deposit with Aurora Expeditions your funds are automatically placed into a separate trust fund, which means your deposit is secure and protects your funds at this time of uncertainty.

Cultural Preservation

We have a commitment to protect and conserve the delicate ecosystems, local communities and cultural heritage of the places we visit.

What We Offer

Our passion for adventure, exploring wild places and sharing the experience with friends burns just as brightly as it did 30 years ago, as does our preference for small-group, personal expeditions.

Each expedition is accompanied by an expedition team we believe are the world’s best. Remote area specialists, their onboard lectures ....more

What We Offer

Our Story

From the start, AE Expeditions (part of Aurora Expeditions) was destined to be different. Co-founders Greg and Margaret Mortimer had a passion for adventure, exploring wild places and sharing the experience with friends and in 1991, the company, named in honour of Sir Douglas Mawson’s ship, was born.

Their aim was ....more

Environmental Sustainability

We are proud to have been certified 100% Climate Neutral as part of an ongoing active sustainability plan to help make a positive impact on the planet. X-BOW Reduced fuel consumption. Responsible travel ashore; we care for the places we visit

Accreditations and Associations

IAATO and AECO

Covid Policies

Effective from 1st October 2023.

Aurora requires expeditioners to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel. If you are unvaccinated, your participation on an expedition is subject to a medical review.

In the event that any passenger was to test positive for COVID-19 onboard, we will require a 5-day isolation period in ....more

Economic Impact

As a global expedition company, we seek to create a diverse workforce that represents the people of the world. Within the extended Aurora extended family, 16 languages are spoken. Plus, we are proud to have leading representation of women in our workforce, with 61% of roles across our global operations ....more

Responsible Tourism

We have an ongoing commitment to responsible, respectful travel. As one of the first operators to become an IAATO and AECO member, we take our responsibility seriously. We are curious, we are passionate. We care about reducing our footprint environmentally. We are taking real actions for the care of the ....more

Awards

World Travel Award, World Cruise Award, Travel Weekly, Wave and Conde Nast. WINNER: World’s Best Expedition Cruise Line | 2023 World Cruise Awards

World Travel Awards - Winner 2023

Travel Weekly Awards - Gold Winner 2023

Conde Nast Hot List - 2023

World Cruise Awards - Winner 2023

Wave Awards - Winner 2023

Aurora Expeditions Reviews

Valentin Rion (Google Reviewer)

31-Mar-2024

Since I was a child, I have always dreamed of visiting Antarctica to experience one of the most remote places in the world, witnessing its beautiful wildlife and mesmerizing landscapes. Last February, I joined a group of professional photographers on what has now become the greatest experience of my life. Traveling with Aurora Expeditions (now a B Corp company) was phenomenal. Prior to departure, their customer service was always available to assist me with any questions I had. During the trip, the incredible staff and Expedition Team made the experience absolutely unforgettable. Thanks to their passion and knowledge, I learned so much about Antarctica. Thank you for this incredible experience, one that I hope to relive with you in the future!

Gail Oja (Google Reviewer)

18-Mar-2023

Wow, wow, wow! This is a first-rate run operation and one of the most immersive, spectacular adventures I’ve ever had in my years of world travels. You’ll have two expeditions per day and each one will provide new experiences. The Sylvia Earle is beautiful and staffed by a professional crew (about 1:1) and the daily expeditions are expertly and safely run. Can’t say enough about Aurora.

Mark Luttinen (Google Reviewer)

23-Apr-2022

Fantastic experience starting with a voyage through the straights of Magellan and a quick trip through Drakes Passage. Best part of the trip was getting up in the morning to see what new sites and adventures were in store for the day. Definitely got out to see more unique locations in Antarctica than I would expect. The expedition staff was a delight to be around and helped get us out to see whales, seals, penguins and fantastic displays of ice. Hotel staff catered to our needs and made us feel welcome, comfortable and somewhat pampered. Always met with a smile and cheerful greeting any time.

Peter Houghton (Google Reviewer)

26-Mar-2023

My wife and I both agreed we had the greatest holiday of our lives in Antarctica with Aurora Expeditions. Whether it was whale watching from the zodiacs, playing with leopard seals, visiting penguin colonies or marveling at the shapes of floating icebergs...it was only made better by the comforts onboard, the service of the staff and the camaraderie of the passengers and crew. What an unforgettable experience!

John Fison (Google Reviewer)

21-Mar-2023

We had an amazing trip on the Greg Mortimer in February 2023. The Aurora team on the ground in Punta Arenas (Tomas and crew), Expedition Team (led so well by Ashley) and the HQ team in Australia looked after us perfectly, from start to finish. We shared so many wonderful experiences with friends and the team could not have done any more for us. Highlights include seeing the wonderful forms of icebergs south of the Antarctic Circle, the shoreline landscape, wildlife and birds (inquisitive leopard seals being our favourite), the polar plunge, volcanic island and the genuine desire of the crew, every day, to make it the trip of a lifetime. Thank you Aurora!

KandE Traveling (Google Reviewer)

08-Oct-2022

We just completed our Northwest Passage cruise on the Greg Mortimer. It was our first cruise, as being packed in with thousands of people was not our idea of a holiday. We were looking for opportunities for hikes and wildlife viewing. Aurora provided an excellent boat, service people, and an exceptional expedition team. Two professional photographers rode in the zodiacs and gave lectures on improving your camera skills whether you own professional-grade equipment or just your smart phone. The nature videographer had clips of animals filmed for Nature and Richard Attenborough's shows. A geologist explained how old the rocks were and the unusual basalt formations. The kayak guide got hooked on the botanist's study of plankton, and shared his excitement with the passengers. Several guides are proficient long-distance sailors; have experience with dog sleds, or are paramedics. The shore landings were inspected by a group of guides who made us safe by ensuring no polar bears were present. The reception, housekeeping, and meal servers were very personable and never left us disappointed. Food offerings were varied and plentiful, and dinners were served a la carte. We look at our pictures and trip notes, and still can't believe what a fabulous experience we had.

J “Finediner” Geh (Google Reviewer)

08-Feb-2024

About a year ago, my in laws wanted to see penguins in their natural environment. Despite being really sick on boats, I obliged to travel with them. They were, after all, over 80, and who knew what could happen? This meant the whole year worrying about new health conditions, insurance, worsening mobility, and memory loss (not me!). To make a dream come true, someone had to be brave. So I offered to go, and my husband began the hugely complex plan of getting 6 family members together from across 3 continents to go to South America. This expedition is a well catered semi- cruise on the Sylvia Earle. Three decent meals a day. Two were buffet, and alcohol included in the evening meal was more than enough. Coffee/teas and cookies/fruit kept constantly in supply. Twice a day cleaning of rooms and explicit protocols for landings via zodiac rides were included. We all felt very safe all the time. The ship's captain and crew and the expedition leader kept us on course during the 11-day trip. The worst part is Drake's passage, where choppy waters are the norm. 2 days there and back with antisickness jabs got me through. The landscape was chilly, but they provided the jackets. Take some Salapettes. Maybe 2 pairs and ski gloves/hats/goggles/sun protection (a must). Take swimwear for the sauna and the polar plunge. Take gym kit for the ship's gym. I never saw such happy, polite, and well trained staff as these. It was a joy and a pleasure to have been there. The 4 days of throwing up wouldn't put me off as the ship's doctor was very obliging. But I will not have to do it again now! Amazing, peaceful landscapes, wildlife, and pure air will greet you in Antarctica. There are educational, entertaining lectures and a quiz! You also get your own water bottle. What's not to like?

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Aurora Expeditions Ships

Sylvia Earle

Greg Mortimer

Douglas Mawson

Frequently Asked Questions

What about special requests or requirements?

Aurora Expeditions will use reasonable endeavours to accommodate special requests from you, including special dietary requirements, but they cannot be guaranteed. You should advise Aurora Expeditions as soon as possible after booking of any such special requests or requirements, such that Aurora Expeditions can try and accommodate them.

What policies are in place for Covid-19?

We have updated our health and safety protocols effective from 1st October 2023. Aurora requires expeditioners to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel. If you are unvaccinated, your participation on an expedition is subject to a medical review. In the event that any passenger was to test positive for COVID-19 onboard, we will require a 5-day isolation period in your cabin on the vessel. Aurora highly recommends that all passengers have an Influenza vaccine prior to travel. All health and safety protocols are subject to change and may vary due to local regulations in the countries visited.

What is Aurora Expedition's child policy?

Bookings are open to people 8 years of age and over. Children under the age of 8 are not permitted. Passengers under 18 years of age must be accompanied at all times by an adult throughout the expedition and cannot be left unsupervised at any time including during paid additional activities. A child remains the sole responsibility of the adult at all times. Children between 8-17 years of age must pay the adult price of the expedition.

Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

Save the solo supplement and we’ll pair you with a like-minded traveller based on gender and your selected cabin category. If we’re unable to find you someone to share with, the solo supplement is waived. This option can be combined with other offers and discounts. If you would rather have a cabin all to yourself, you can pay a 50% surcharge and it’s all yours! This way, you can explore endlessly at your own pace. This option can be combined with other offers and discounts.