Spirit of Antarctica

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 small groups of travellers on voyages of discovery to regions that inspired them, thereby creating lifelong ambassadors for the preservation and protection of these sacred places. More than two decades later, that pioneering spirit burns just as brightly, as does our preference for small-group, personal expeditions.

At sea, all of our expeditions are on ships of 60-passengers or less. We are one of the only companies operating trips of this size. Less people means more solitude and greater flexibility if tides, currents, ice or weather dictate a schedule change. And because we have less people to ferry ashore, we often make more landings.

Our treks in Nepal, Bhutan and Patagonia are limited to 16 expeditioners each. This ensures personal attention and a nice mix of people to share the adventure.

We make the most of our size advantage to create intimate expeditions varying in length from 10 to 23 days. Simply choose the region you’d like to explore, the amount of time you’ve got and what activities you enjoy. Focus on one destination or combine back-to-back trips for the ultimate adventure.

You’ll be accompanied by expedition staff we believe are the world’s best. Remote area specialists, their on-board lectures entertain and expand your knowledge.

Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning for another thrilling adventure, our original goals remain unchanged. Explore wild places that stir the soul, offer personal attention on unforgettable expeditions and welcome new friends into the Aurora family.

Expedition Staff: Aurora is proud of its expedition staff and we are fortunate to have a team of expert naturalists, historians, earth scientists and special guest lecturers that make each journey an unforgettable adventure. Education and interpretation are key elements of our voyages and we have built up a team whose experience and enthusiasm ensures you come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of these magnificent, far flung corners of the globe.

Why travel with Aurora Expeditions?

1. With over 200 voyages to Antarctica alone, we put the spirit in adventure and exploration by travelling to some of the most wild and remote areas in the world.

2. Our small ships carry only 54 passengers, allowing you to have a truly intimate experience with nature.

3. Our expedition staff are experienced, enthusiastic and among the best in the industry – they are our secret to success.

4. We push the boundaries of expedition cruising! Flexible itineraries , Zodiac landings , an ‘open bridge’ policy, onboard lectures and optional adventure activities such as sea kayaking, scuba diving, photography, climbing and camping!

5. We are proud to be the first Australian member of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) and Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO).

6. We are deeply committed to education and preservation of the environment, respectfully visiting these wilderness areas, creating lifelong ambassadors for their protection.

7. We love what we do! We are dedicated to providing a 'trip of lifetime' whilst ensuring the safety and well being of our passengers, crew and expedition staff.

Whether you travel on one of our Antarctica cruises, Arctic cruises or even our PNG and Kimberley cruises you will be expedition cruising, the Aurora way.

Our small, expedition-style Antarctic cruises are the best way to explore this incredible last frontier and as our past passengers will testify, our trips provide premium Antarctica travel experiences.

Whether you come face-to-face with a polar bear on an Arctic cruise; meet the local warriors in Papua New Guinea; are one of the first to explore a remote Russian island; or find yourself surrounded by hundreds of nesting penguins on an Antarctica cruise, our versatile itineraries allow all our expeditions, including our onshore Antarctic tours, to be individual and unique.

The choice is easy – when it comes to your next Kimberley, Papua New Guinea, Russian, Arctic or Antarctica tours – expedition-cruising, the Aurora way, will open your eyes to a world of discovery.