Travel Blog - Antarctica, Arctic and more | AE Expeditions™

Destinations
Antarctica

Antarctic Peninsula

Antarctic Peninsula

An Antarctic Peninsula expedition is the classic way to experience the white continent and the first taste of Antarctica for most expeditioners.

Explore Antarctic Peninsula

Falkland~Malvinas Islands

Falkland~Malvinas Islands

Islas Malvinas to the Argentines and the Falkland Islands to the British, these islands are teeming with dramatic history and unique wildlife, making it a popular stop for travellers on their way to Antarctica.

Explore Falkland~Malvinas Islands

South Georgia

South Georgia

The fascinating history, unparalleled abundance of wildlife and dramatic scenery make South Georgia Island a popular stop for travellers on their way to Antarctica, or travellers visiting the nearby Falkland Islands.

Explore South Georgia

Antarctic Circle

Antarctic Circle

On an Antarctic Circle expedition, embrace the spirit of adventure as you navigate narrow channels full of pack ice and breathtaking ice sculptures, allowing nature to dictate your itinerary.

Explore Antarctic Circle

Weddell Sea

Weddell Sea

Visit part of Antarctica that few get to experience on an expedition that pushes below the Antarctic Circle. Embrace the spirit of exploration as you attempt to forge a path through the ice-choked Weddell Sea.

Explore Weddell Sea

Ross Sea & East Antarctica

Ross Sea & East Antarctica

Navigate the icy realms of the Ross Sea, Commonwealth Bay, and the enigmatic coast of East Antarctica.

Explore Ross Sea & East Antarctica

Subantarctic Islands

Subantarctic Islands

Discover a realm where towering cliffs plunge into icy waters, where colonies of penguins thrive, and where rare flora blankets the rugged terrain.

Explore Subantarctic Islands

Antarctica Overview

Antarctica Overview

Antarctica’s magnitude is impossible to convey, you just have to experience it for yourself. Join us on an expedition and let Antarctica redefine your sense of wonder.

Explore Antarctica Overview

The Arctic

Svalbard

Svalbard

Embark on a Svalbard cruise to experience an adventure of a lifetime in this pristine polar wilderness. Svalbard offers encounters with diverse wildlife in their natural environment, and breathtaking Arctic landscapes.

Explore Svalbard

Norway

Norway

Embark on an Aurora Expeditions Norway cruise and experience the majestic fjords and the Norwegian coast on an adventure of a lifetime.

Explore Norway

Iceland

Iceland

Embark on an Aurora Expeditions cruise for a true Icelandic adventure. Our Iceland tours are for explorers that have a sense of adventure and want to experience everything the “Land of Fire and Ice” has to offer.

Explore Iceland

Greenland

Greenland

Embark on a cruise adventure to the remote coastal regions of Greenland, where you will experience a pristine natural environment that is uniquely Arctic.

Explore Greenland

Northwest Passage

Northwest Passage

Travel in the footsteps of daring explorers, get acquainted with the region’s wildlife and connect with the Indigenous locals whose ancestors have hunted and fished the region for thousands of years.

Explore Northwest Passage

Arctic Overview

Arctic Overview

The great sweep of the Arctic encompasses the northernmost latitudes on earth. Discover this breathtaking region with Aurora Expeditions.

Explore Arctic Overview

Europe

Atlantic Coast

Atlantic Coast

Sail the Atlantic Coast – from the Netherlands’ flower-filled fields to Morocco’s exotic medinas, and everywhere in between.

Explore Atlantic Coast

The Mediterranean

The Mediterranean

Immersive, educating, and engaging, our voyages weave a tale of Europe’s most impressive coastline – affectionately known to all who sail on her as ‘The Med’.

Explore The Mediterranean

Scotland

Scotland

Follow in the footsteps of the Celtic forefathers along Scotland’s magnificent northern coastline, filled with history, incredible wildlife and geological marvels.

Explore Scotland

British Isles & Ireland

British Isles & Ireland

Sail the British Isles and Ireland—from Scotland’s rugged Highlands to Ireland’s lively pubs, and everywhere in between.

Explore British Isles & Ireland

Oceania & Asia

Indonesia & Borneo

Indonesia & Borneo

Soak in vibrant cultures and unparalleled natural beauty, from the hidden gems of Indonesia’s coastlines to Borneo’s verdant jungles.

Explore Indonesia & Borneo

Australia

Australia

Discover historical bays and spectacular scenery as you forge lasting memories of this wild, remarkable land.

Explore Australia

The Americas

Costa Rica

Costa Rica

Hike through tropical rainforests, witness spectacular underwater panoramas, and kayak amongst acrobatic dolphins. For an activity-packed expedition cruise in the tropics, it’s hard to beat a voyage in Costa Rica.

Explore Costa Rica

Patagonia

Patagonia

Venture to the heart of the Patagonian wilderness for incredible moments of discovery. With expert guides who live and work in Patagonia, our expeditions and treks offer a deep connection to this wild and untamed land.

Explore Patagonia

Panama

Panama

Join us on our Costa Rica & The Panama Canal voyage for a guaranteed daylight crossing of this legendary passage, from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea.

Explore Panama
Expeditions
Polar Expeditions

Polar Expeditions

Our Polar Expeditions prioritise the experience over the itinerary, travelling off the beaten path to explore the unexpected. Every voyage is different, guided by weather conditions, tides, ice and our team’s deep knowledge.

Explore Polar Expeditions

Discovery Expeditions

Discovery Expeditions

Discovery Expeditions take you to the heart of nature and are jam-packed with excursions, guided hikes led by your experienced Expedition Team and unique activities designed to enrich your experience.

Explore Discovery Expeditions

Special Expeditions

All-inclusive Activity Expeditions

All-inclusive Activity Expeditions

Get into the heart of the action, with a suite of all-inclusive activities. Paddle, camp, snowshoe, kayak and snorkel to experience Antarctica from a different perspective.

Explore All-inclusive Activity Expeditions

The BIG ACE

The BIG ACE

BIG ACE - the Bears, Ice, Glaciers, Arctic Climate Expedition 2025 hosted by Dr. Sylvia Earle. A call to all changemakers to use their own voice to spur action to safeguard the planet for future generations.

Explore The BIG ACE

New Scientist Discovery Tours

New Scientist Discovery Tours

In partnership with Aurora Expeditions, New Scientist Discovery Tours is setting sail to provide breathtaking and illuminating travel experiences that combine natural surroundings with a focus on science and discovery.

Explore New Scientist Discovery Tours

Greenland Solar Eclipse Expedition

Greenland Solar Eclipse Expedition

Experience the magic of a total solar eclipse! Sail through stunning arctic landscapes as we position ourselves for the celestial spectacle.

Explore Greenland Solar Eclipse Expedition

Northern Lights Explorer

Northern Lights Explorer

Embark on a small ship expedition cruise that takes you deep into the Arctic, to iconic destinations such as Greenland, Iceland and Norway, where you'll sail in search of the majestic aurora borealis.

Explore Northern Lights Explorer

Women’s-Only Voyage

Women’s-Only Voyage

This expedition is crafted for adventurous women who share a passion for exploration and a desire to connect with like-minded travellers.

Explore Women’s-Only Voyage

Photography Expeditions

Photography Expeditions

Embark on our Photography Expeditions where you’ll capture the world’s wonders, alongside some of the finest photographers on the planet.

Explore Photography Expeditions

Expedition Add-on Tours

Expedition Add-on Tours

The natural beauty, diverse culture, tantalising cuisine, rich traditions and history are just some of the wonderful experiences you’ll encounter on your travels. Extend your adventure in vibrant cities, charming towns and breathtaking remote locations.

Explore Expedition Add-on Tours

Small Ship Cruises

Small Ship Cruises

Embark on a Small Ship Cruise and experience a medley of culture, traditions and history as you travel beyond the ordinary, discovering the hidden gems and untold narratives that make each destination unique.

Explore Small Ship Cruises
Ships
Why Small Ships?

Why Small Ships?

Our new fleet of purpose-built ships redefines the expedition and cruising experience, with a maximum of 130 passengers onboard our Expeditions and 154 passengers on our Small Ship Cruises.

Explore Why Small Ships?

The X-Bow

The X-Bow

Have you heard about the ULSTEIN X-BOW? As one of the core custom-design features of Aurora Expedition’s three purpose-built expedition ships, the X-BOW is set to redefine expedition cruising.

Explore The X-Bow

Sustainability

Sustainability

The A-Z of sustainability features in our purpose-built expedition ships.

Explore Sustainability

The Greg Mortimer

The Greg Mortimer

Purpose-built for expeditions to the most remote places on earth. We drew on centuries of collective experience to map out the Greg Mortimer: purpose-built for expeditions to the wildest and most remote places on earth.

Explore The Greg Mortimer

The Sylvia Earle

The Sylvia Earle

A floating ambassador for the planet. On the Sylvia Earle, connect with like-minded travellers in a meaningful way on perspective-altering voyages to some of the most remote, unique and spectacular places on the planet.

Explore The Sylvia Earle

The Douglas Mawson

The Douglas Mawson

Adventure has a new name. Setting sail in 2025, our new state-of-the-art ship, the Douglas Mawson, is the last in a line of purpose-built vessels that have redefined small ship expedition cruising.

Explore The Douglas Mawson
Activities
Camping

Camping

Camping in Antarctica offers you the unique opportunity to roll out your sleeping mat and wriggle into your thermal sleeping bag for a night out on the ice – no camping experience necessary!

Explore Camping

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing

Explore Antarctica with ease. Snowshoeing lets you reach stunning vantage points and untouched landscapes led by our expert guides

Explore Snowshoeing

Ski & Snowboard

Ski & Snowboard

Experience the ultimate Antarctic adventure and carve fresh tracks in the world’s most remote landscapes with Ski/Snowboard Touring.

Explore Ski & Snowboard

Trek & Climb

Alpine Trekking & Climbing

Alpine Trekking & Climbing

Pioneering Antarctic Peninsula climbs for over a decade, our expert-guided expeditions offer unforgettable alpine and ice-climbing adventures.

Explore Alpine Trekking & Climbing

Shackleton's Crossing

Shackleton's Crossing

Follow in Shackleton’s footsteps on a challenging three-day trek across South Georgia’s glaciated and mountainous terrain—an unforgettable adventure for experienced trekkers.

Explore Shackleton's Crossing

Kayak & Paddle

Sea Kayaking

Sea Kayaking

Kayak around brash ice and near icebergs of all shapes and sizes, absorbing the majestic scenery as it unfolds before you.

Explore Sea Kayaking

Paddling

Paddling

The thrill of paddling through wild, remote regions like Antarctica, Costa Rica, and Scotland’s isles brings you even closer to the adventure.

Explore Paddling

Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Stand-Up Paddleboard over vibrant coral reefs or glide peacefully beneath the canopy of lush rainforests.

Explore Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Snorkel & Scuba

Polar Snorkelling

Polar Snorkelling

Snorkel through crystal clear waters and discover the amazing mobility and speed of penguins, marvel at beautifully sculpted icebergs below the water and witness marine life!

Explore Polar Snorkelling

Tropical Snorkelling

Tropical Snorkelling

Snorkel among a kaleidoscope of coral reefs brimming with brightly-coloured tropical fish and perhaps swim with curious sea lions.

Explore Tropical Snorkelling

Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving

Dive into extraordinary underwater worlds, from Antarctica’s icy depths to Costa Rica’s vibrant reefs and historic wrecks.

Explore Scuba Diving

Polar Plunge

Polar Plunge

Brave expeditioners can take a leap into the icy polar waters, creating an unforgettable, invigorating experience that connects them deeply with the environment around them.

Explore Polar Plunge

Your Choice Experiences

Cultural Enrichment

Cultural Enrichment

Explore the culturally fascinating, from Salvador Dali’s eccentric mausoleum to the complexities of Londonderry’s ‘Troubles’, and the hilltop village whose century old traditions have crafted the world’s most popular perfumes.

Explore Cultural Enrichment

Past & Present

Past & Present

Exploring Europe is akin to flipping through the pages of history, where each chapter unfolds in real time before your eyes.

Explore Past & Present

Immersive Travel

Immersive Travel

Unlock the secrets of our day’s destination, as we dig deeper, peel back the layers and reveal hidden treasures and untold stories.

Explore Immersive Travel

Arts & Artisans

Arts & Artisans

Whether you are an art aficionado or simply captivated by the beauty of art, our curated experiences at galleries, architectural wonders and artisan workshops will entice your curiosity.

Explore Arts & Artisans

Locally Guided Walks

Locally Guided Walks

No one knows their hometown like a local. Our ‘Your Choice’ excursions are guided by local experts, ensuring every experience is authentic and insightful.

Explore Locally Guided Walks

Local Flavors

Local Flavors

Whether it is mint tea in Marrakech, a limoncello on the Amalfi Coast, or a paella in Valencia, rest assured your tastebuds will be tantalised.

Explore Local Flavors

UNESCO

UNESCO

Whether exploring Athen’s Acropolis, Granada’s Alhambra, Italy’s Cinque Terre or the medina of Marrakech, we ask you to join us in preserving the world’s most treasured sites.

Explore UNESCO
Offers
Antarctica

Antarctica

Take advantage of our exclusive Antarctica cruise deals for the best value on an unforgettable expedition. Journey further, experience more, and explore the white continent like never before.

Explore Antarctica

Arctic

Arctic

Enjoy our exclusive Arctic offers and explore Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland, and beyond with more time off-ship, immersive activities, and expert-led adventures.

Explore Arctic

Solo Travel

Solo Travel

Experience the freedom of solo travel like never before, set off on your own terms, discovering the world’s most remote and breathtaking destinations.

Explore Solo Travel

Last Minute

Last Minute

Take advantage of our last-minute Arctic cruise deals and set sail to immerse yourself in some of the planet’s most remote and breathtaking landscapes.

Explore Last Minute

Loyalty Program

Loyalty Program

We want to recognise our loyal customers with exclusive rewards and discounts on future voyages as you continue your journey with us.

Explore Loyalty Program

Small Ship Cruise

Small Ship Cruise

Embark on a Small Ship Cruise and experience a medley of culture, traditions and history as you travel beyond the ordinary, discovering the hidden gems that make each destination unique. Get in early to enjoy Early Bird savings!

Explore Small Ship Cruise
Why AE Expeditions
About Us

About Us

Authentic expeditions, expert guides, and small ships designed for adventure. We take you deeper into the wild, with more time off the ship and a lasting commitment to sustainability.

Explore About Us

Our Team

Our Team

Passionate, knowledgeable, and deeply experienced, our team brings each destination to life through guided excursions, engaging presentations, and first-hand storytelling.

Explore Our Team

Special Guests

Special Guests

Our Special Guests Program brings onboard experts from a range of fields to enrich your expedition with unique insights, deepening your connection to the places, wildlife, and cultures you encounter.

Explore Special Guests

Sustainability

Responsible Travel

Responsible Travel

Our Sustainability Commitment: Protect the World's Wild Places. Founded by legendary mountaineer Greg Mortimer and wife Margaret Mortimer, Aurora Expeditions has been dedicated to sustainability since its inception.

Explore Responsible Travel

Ship Sustainability Features

Ship Sustainability Features

The A-Z of sustainability features in our purpose-built expedition ships.

Explore Ship Sustainability Features

Certified B Corporation™

Certified B Corporation™

Read about our journey, and dedication to rigorous standards of verified performance, accountability and transparency, aligning with the values of the global B Corp movement.

Explore Certified B Corporation™

Impact Report

Impact Report

Our Impact Report reflects our commitment to transparency, accountability, and tracking our progress. We hope it offers insight into Aurora Expeditions and our sustainability journey.

Explore Impact Report

Citizen Science Program

Citizen Science Program

Our Citizen Science Program offers a unique opportunity to engage with experts, contribute to scientific research, and deepen your connection to nature while making a positive impact on the planet.

Explore Citizen Science Program
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Find your next trip

Antarctic Peninsula

Falkland~Malvinas Islands

South Georgia

Antarctic Circle

Weddell Sea

Ross Sea & East Antarctica

Subantarctic Islands

Antarctica Overview

Svalbard

Norway

Iceland

Greenland

Northwest Passage

Arctic Overview

Atlantic Coast

The Mediterranean

Scotland

British Isles & Ireland

Indonesia & Borneo

Australia

Costa Rica

Patagonia

Panama

Polar Expeditions

Discovery Expeditions

All-inclusive Activity Expeditions

The BIG ACE

New Scientist Discovery Tours

Greenland Solar Eclipse Expedition

Northern Lights Explorer

Women’s-Only Voyage

Photography Expeditions

Expedition Add-on Tours

Small Ship Cruises

Why Small Ships?

The X-Bow

Sustainability

The Greg Mortimer

The Sylvia Earle

The Douglas Mawson

Camping

Snowshoeing

Ski & Snowboard

Alpine Trekking & Climbing

Shackleton's Crossing

Sea Kayaking

Paddling

Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Polar Snorkelling

Tropical Snorkelling

Scuba Diving

Polar Plunge

Cultural Enrichment

Past & Present

Immersive Travel

Arts & Artisans

Locally Guided Walks

Local Flavors

UNESCO

Antarctica

Arctic

Solo Travel

Last Minute

Loyalty Program

Small Ship Cruise

About Us

Our Team

Special Guests

Responsible Travel

Ship Sustainability Features

Certified B Corporation™

Impact Report

Citizen Science Program

Blog