Aurora Expeditions is an Australian-owned adventure company specializing in small group expedition-style travel to polar regions and other wild and remote places.
With a history of pushing the boundaries of expedition travel, Aurora Expeditions is known for pioneering several activities such as scuba diving and climbing in Antarctica. Indeed, they distinguish themselves from other small cruise lines by their selection and quality of extensive off vessel activity options.
Most voyages offer adventure options such as mountain climbing, sea kayaking, photography and camping in various locations. Aurora’s expert naturalists, historians, expedition leaders, staff and crew are among the best in the business.
Aurora Expeditions History
True to their focus on adventure activities Aurora Expeditions has a number of pioneering firsts, particularly in polar regions. Founded in 1991 the company was a founding member of the International Associated of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). Aurora was the first to introduce ice camping, kayaking, commercial climbing and SCUBA diving on the Antarctic peninsula. They were the first company to retrace the footsteps of Sir Earnest Shackleton’s infamous journey across South Georgia Island.
They were similarly a founding member of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) and were the first to introduce polar snorkeling on the Arctic.
Most recently they were the first adventure cruise company to introduce a passenger vessel, the Greg Mortimer, to feature Ulstein X-Bow technology. The Greg Mortimer was followed by the Sylvia Earle and Douglas Mawson, and Aurora Expeditions now offers the most sophisticated fleet in the expedition cruise industry. Read an AdventureSmith review of the Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle.
Aurora Expeditions Cruises
Designed in close consultation with their expedition team, their fleet of two ships are a master class in adventure cruising and purpose-built for expeditions to the most remote places on earth. With the revolutionary ULSTEIN X-BOW® to cross oceans more comfortably, expansive observation decks, inviting communal areas and unsurpassed environmental credentials, their ships offer the perfect base camp for adventures at the outer limits of human exploration.
Each expedition is accompanied by an expedition team among the world’s best. Many are recognized world leaders in their fields, and they enthusiastically share their knowledge making every cruise interesting and educational. On board lectures and off vessel activities expand your knowledge and immerse you in your surroundings.
Traveling in small groups (average 132 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. With a staff-to-passenger ratio of approx. 1:8, means more one-on-one time with your expedition team.
Why travel with Aurora Expeditions
Choose to cruise with Aurora Expeditions if you are seeking a true adventure aboard the most modern and sophisticated ships available. Travelers looking for added activity and more extensive adventure such as camping, sea kayaking, snowshoeing, ski and snowboard touring, scuba diving, snorkeling, trekking ice climbing, rock climbing and stand-up paddle boarding.
As a part of their Sustainability in Action Program, Aurora also features a sustainable food program with locally sourced, certified products. On board Aurora’s ships travelers will find organic fruit, vegetables and dairy products; free-range chicken and eggs; Argentinian grass-fed beef, and more.
Finally, Aurora Expeditions is a certified B Corporation, meaning they meet rigorous standards for performance, accountability and transparency in business practices that benefit their employees, customers, communities and the environment (not just the company’s bottom line).
Aurora Expedition’s offers Antarctic cruises and Arctic cruises. They also are featured on our lists of the best Antarctica cruise lines.
