Aurora Expeditions
An Australian adventure expedition company specializing in small-group Antarctic voyages with a strong focus on active exploration -- kayaking, diving, mountaineering, and ski touring.
Aurora Expeditions was founded in 1991 by Australian mountaineer Greg Mortimer after his expedition to climb Mount Minto in Antarctica. The company has maintained its adventure-first ethos, offering some of the most physically engaging Antarctic experiences available.
Philosophy
Aurora positions itself between traditional expedition cruising and genuine adventure travel. Their tagline -- "adventure with purpose" -- reflects programs that combine active exploration with citizen science and environmental education. Group sizes at landing sites are kept small (maximum 100 passengers ashore at once).
Fleet
Greg Mortimer
- Built: 2019
- Passengers: 160
- Design: X-BOW hull design for superior sea-keeping in the Drake Passage
- Features: Hydraulic viewing platforms, lecture lounge, sea kayak staging area
Sylvia Earle
- Built: 2022
- Passengers: 132
- Design: Same X-BOW platform as Greg Mortimer with enhanced expedition spaces
- Features: Dedicated activity center, underwater camera system, virtual anchor technology
Adventure Activities
Aurora is known for going beyond standard zodiac cruises:
- Sea kayaking: Multi-day kayaking programs with dedicated guides; paddle among icebergs and whale pods
- Scuba diving: Dry-suit diving under icebergs and along Antarctic walls (for certified divers)
- Ski touring & mountaineering: Guided ascents of Antarctic peaks and ski descents
- Snorkeling: Polar snorkeling with thermal protection suits
- Photography masterclass: Multi-day structured program with professional polar photographers
- Polar cycling: Fat-tire biking on Antarctic terrain (select departures)
Key Itineraries
Spirit of Antarctica (12 days)
Classic Peninsula with emphasis on active options. Multiple landing days with choice of activity each outing.
Price range: AUD $10,000 -- $25,000 per person
South Georgia & Antarctic Odyssey (21 days)
The grand voyage via the Falklands and South Georgia to the Peninsula.
Price range: AUD $18,000 -- $42,000 per person
Booking Information
- Season: November through March
- Departure port: Ushuaia, Argentina
- Minimum age: 8 years (16 for adventure activities)
- Physical requirements: Good fitness required; high fitness for diving, mountaineering, and ski touring
- Included: All meals, expedition jacket, zodiac operations, onboard lectures and workshops