At AE Expeditions, adventure is at the heart of everything we do.
Since our inception, we’ve remained true to our passion for exploring the world’s most remote and wild places, sharing these extraordinary experiences with like-minded travelers. Our small-group, personal expeditions allow for deeper connections—to nature, to our expert expedition team, and to your fellow expeditioners.
Guided by some of the world’s best remote area specialists, every journey is enriched with fascinating lectures and insights that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re embarking on your first expedition or returning for another adventure, our mission remains the same: to take you beyond the ordinary, offering immersive, unforgettable experiences that stir the soul and inspire a lifelong connection to the natural world.
Go Beyond with AE Expeditions | Meet our Expedition Team
The AE Expeditions Difference
Positive Impact Travel
New Small Purpose-Built Ships
Education & Enrichment
More Time Off Ship
World-Leading Activity Program
Expert Guides
AE Expeditions (part of Aurora Expeditions) was founded in 1991 by Greg and Margaret Mortimer, two passionate explorers with a vision to take small groups of travellers on transformative journeys to the world’s most remote regions. Named after Sir Douglas Mawson’s historic ship, Aurora was built on the belief that immersive, personal expeditions create lifelong ambassadors for the protection of these pristine environments.
More than three decades later, our pioneering spirit remains unchanged. Our purpose-built small ships offer greater flexibility, allowing us to navigate ice, tides, and weather with ease. Fewer travellers mean more opportunities for solitude, more time ashore, and the freedom to adapt to nature’s rhythms. With expeditions ranging from 8 to 30 days, you can focus on a single destination or combine voyages for the ultimate adventure.
As a Certified B Corporation™, we are committed to sustainability and protecting the world’s wild places. Join us in exploring these extraordinary landscapes while helping to preserve them for future generations.
A True Spirit of Adventure
For over 33 years, Aurora Expeditions has been taking small groups of intrepid travellers to some of the most remote places on Earth. Our pioneering spirit means we embrace the unexpected—whether that’s stopping for breaching whales, exploring a new landing site, or adjusting our itinerary to make the most of a wildlife encounter.
No matter where we are, we encourage a true sense of exploration, from guided hikes across the tundra in search of an arctic fox to Zodiac cruising alongside towering icebergs.
Small Groups & Expert Guides
Traveling in small groups allows for a more immersive experience, ensuring every expeditioner can join landings, Zodiac cruises, and optional activities like kayaking or diving. With a staff-to-passenger ratio of approximately 1:7, you’ll enjoy more one-on-one time with our expert guides—many of whom are world leaders in their fields. Passionate about sharing their knowledge, our expedition specialists will enrich your journey with fascinating insights, bringing the landscapes, wildlife, and history of each destination to life.
A Welcoming Onboard Experience
From the moment you step aboard, our approachable expedition team and friendly atmosphere make you feel at home. Whether you’re swapping stories at the bar, dining in relaxed groups, or dashing to the deck in your pyjamas for a polar bear sighting, our small-ship camaraderie fosters a welcoming environment.
Solo travellers are also warmly welcomed—our stateroom-sharing service helps avoid single supplements, or you can take advantage of special offers for your own cabin.
More Value, More Freedom
Our expeditions include what most would consider extras—from a polar jacket and flights for our Fly/Sail Antarctic program to pre- and post-voyage accommodation in select locations.
We also offer flexibility, ensuring every trip is maximised for adventure. If weather or sea ice shifts our plans, we always have alternatives lined up, allowing you to make the most of your time in these extraordinary environments.
See What the Experts Say
Frequently Asked Questions about AE Expeditions
Do you provide polar expedition jackets?
Yes. Each passenger travelling on all our polar voyages will receive a complimentary polar expedition jacket to wear during your expedition and take home after your trip.
How often do we get off the ship?
We aim to get off the ship as much as possible to experience the destinations up close. Twice per day is common but more if weather, daylight hours and itinerary allow. Duration of the landings vary from site to site but at the height of the peak season, cruise operators must stick to timings allocated by authorities.
How fit do I need to be to travel on an expedition?
To make the most of our voyages, you should be in good general health and able to walk reasonable distances, sometimes over uneven terrain. However, if you have problems walking on rough ground, you can enjoy the scenery closer to shore. Should you have any physical limitations please notify us well in advance of your departure, but this should not discourage you participating.
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance, including medical evacuation cover, is mandatory for all Aurora Expeditions’ voyages. We advise you have insurance for voyage cancellation to ensure you will be covered financially if you are forced to cancel your voyage due to circumstances beyond your control. It is in your best interest to read carefully the General Terms & Conditions on your booking form.
What currency do you accept on board?
The onboard currency is US dollars. All your onboard purchases including bar, laundry, ship shop, internet, and massages are charged to your shipboard account and settled by credit card or cash (US dollars only) at the end of the voyage.