What destinations does Aurora Expeditions sail to?

Aurora Expeditions is one of the world’s most respected adventure travel companies, specializing in small-ship expedition cruises to some of the planet’s most pristine and remote regions. Founded in 1991 by Greg and Margaret Mortimer, this Australian-based expedition company has carved a niche for authentic, environmentally responsible voyages that blend scientific exploration with awe-inspiring travel experiences. Whether it’s sailing through the icy waters of Antarctica, witnessing polar bears in the Arctic, or hiking in Patagonia’s wild terrain, Aurora Expeditions offers journeys designed to inspire a deep connection with nature.

With cutting-edge vessels like the Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle, Aurora’s itineraries combine comfort and innovation, featuring advanced technology that minimizes environmental impact while maximizing guest experience. The destinations covered by Aurora Expeditions span across Antarctica, the Arctic, South America, the British Isles, and Africa’s Atlantic Islands, providing opportunities to explore both polar extremes and subpolar wonders.

Let’s explore each of Aurora Expeditions’ breathtaking destinations in detail.

1. Antarctica – The White Continent

Antarctica is the crown jewel of Aurora Expeditions’ voyages. Known as the “Last Great Wilderness”, this icy continent offers travelers the chance to experience otherworldly beauty and abundant wildlife in one of the most isolated places on Earth.

Why Visit Antarctica with Aurora Expeditions

Aurora was among the pioneers of Antarctic expedition cruising, offering small-group experiences that emphasize exploration, education, and sustainability. Onboard naturalists, glaciologists, and historians lead enriching lectures that deepen guests’ understanding of this fragile ecosystem.

Top Antarctic Destinations

Antarctic Peninsula: The most accessible region of the continent, featuring dramatic mountain peaks, icebergs, and penguin colonies.
South Georgia: Known for its historic whaling stations and enormous king penguin colonies.
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas): A wildlife haven filled with albatrosses, sea lions, and rare bird species.
Weddell Sea: Famous for massive tabular icebergs and the legacy of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance expedition.
Ross Sea: For the most adventurous travelers, this remote region offers encounters with emperor penguins and Ross Island’s volcanic landscapes.

Activities in Antarctica

Aurora’s Antarctic cruises offer numerous ways to explore:

Zodiac excursions for close-up wildlife encounters
Sea kayaking amid icebergs
Polar plunges for the bold
Snowshoeing and hiking expeditions
Photography workshops guided by professionals

Every voyage to Antarctica with Aurora Expeditions emphasizes conservation, aiming to educate guests on preserving this delicate environment.

2. The Arctic – The Realm of the Polar Bear

Aurora Expeditions sails to multiple Arctic regions during the northern summer, each offering unique scenery and wildlife. The Arctic is a vast, diverse expanse that encompasses parts of several countries, and Aurora’s small-ship approach allows travelers to reach the heart of its icy wilderness.

Arctic Regions Visited by Aurora Expeditions

Svalbard (Spitsbergen): A Norwegian archipelago renowned for its polar bears, walruses, and Arctic foxes. Travelers can also spot reindeer and vast bird colonies on the cliffs.
Greenland: The world’s largest island boasts colossal fjords, towering icebergs, and vibrant Inuit communities. Aurora’s expeditions here combine natural beauty with cultural immersion.
Canadian High Arctic: A rugged region filled with history, including traces of Franklin’s lost expedition. Guests often see musk oxen, narwhals, and Arctic hare.
Franz Josef Land (Russia): This remote archipelago within the Russian Arctic National Park showcases glaciers, walruses, and seabird cliffs.

Activities in the Arctic

Aurora’s Arctic itineraries include:

Zodiac cruises through ice-filled fjords
Guided tundra hikes
Wildlife photography sessions
Birdwatching
Visits to Indigenous communities

Each Arctic voyage reveals the remarkable adaptability of life in one of Earth’s harshest environments and highlights the impact of climate change.

3. Patagonia and Chilean Fjords

Aurora Expeditions also explores Patagonia, one of the most dramatic and picturesque landscapes in the Southern Hemisphere. This region, shared by Chile and Argentina, offers a mesmerizing combination of towering peaks, glacial valleys, and windswept plains.

Highlights of Aurora’s Patagonia Itineraries

Torres del Paine National Park: Known for its granite spires and turquoise lakes, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a hiker’s paradise.
Chilean Fjords: Cruise through narrow channels framed by glaciers, waterfalls, and dense forests.
Cape Horn: The southernmost tip of South America, a legendary seafaring landmark often called the “End of the World.”
Beagle Channel: A scenic waterway surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pristine islands.

Experiences in Patagonia

Zodiac excursions through fjords and icefields
Wildlife watching (sea lions, dolphins, and condors)
Guided hikes through subpolar forests
Photography and birdwatching workshops

Patagonia serves as a natural bridge between Aurora’s Antarctic and South American itineraries, offering travelers a thrilling contrast between glacial and terrestrial ecosystems.

4. Costa Rica & Panama

Beyond polar regions, Aurora Expeditions ventures into tropical latitudes with journeys through Costa Rica and Panama. These expeditions focus on biodiversity, cultural heritage, and maritime exploration.

Key Highlights

Panama Canal Transit: Experience the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal aboard a small expedition ship.
Osa Peninsula (Costa Rica): One of the most biologically intense places on Earth, home to sloths, monkeys, and vibrant birdlife.
Corcovado National Park: A rainforest sanctuary offering guided hikes through rich ecosystems.
Coiba Island: A UNESCO-listed marine park teeming with coral reefs and marine life.

Activities

Snorkeling and diving
Kayaking in mangrove estuaries
Jungle hikes
Cultural interactions with Indigenous communities

These voyages provide an ideal mix of adventure and relaxation, revealing a different side of Aurora Expeditions’ global reach.

5. Scotland, Ireland & the British Isles

Aurora Expeditions also sails through the British Isles, offering immersive cultural and natural experiences. These voyages blend history, wildlife, and rugged coastlines.

Highlights

Scotland’s Hebrides Islands: Explore dramatic seascapes, ancient castles, and abundant birdlife, including puffins and gannets.
Orkney and Shetland Islands: Discover Viking history and unique geological formations.
Ireland’s West Coast: Visit remote islands and coastal towns steeped in folklore and tradition.

Activities

Zodiac landings on secluded beaches
Guided heritage tours and archaeological site visits
Birdwatching and coastal walks

These itineraries reveal that Aurora’s expeditions aren’t limited to icy poles—they also include temperate and cultural destinations rich in natural beauty.

6. Wild Islands of the Atlantic

Aurora’s expeditions also traverse Atlantic islands, combining volcanic landscapes and biodiversity hotspots. These destinations provide a bridge between continents and climates.

Featured Islands

Azores: A lush archipelago in the mid-Atlantic known for whale watching and geothermal wonders.
Canary Islands: Spain’s volcanic chain featuring unique ecosystems and Mount Teide’s dramatic summit.
Cape Verde: An island nation off Africa’s west coast, rich in Creole culture and music.
Madeira: Known for its gardens, cliffs, and subtropical climate.

Activities

Whale and dolphin watching
Volcanic hikes
Historical walking tours
Local cuisine tastings

These itineraries showcase the diversity of Aurora’s offerings beyond the polar extremes, appealing to adventurers seeking year-round exploration.

7. Global Ocean Voyages (Transits)

Aurora Expeditions also offers Ocean Voyages—longer journeys connecting major expedition regions. These repositioning cruises allow travelers to experience life at sea, with a focus on education, relaxation, and sustainability.

Examples of Ocean Voyages

Antarctica to Australia via the Southern Ocean
South America to Europe via the Atlantic Islands
Arctic to Antarctic seasonal transits

What to Expect

Guest lectures on oceanography, history, and wildlife
Marine life spotting (whales, dolphins, seabirds)
Open-bridge access and navigation sessions

For travelers who relish the rhythm of the open sea, these voyages offer reflection and insight into the interconnectedness of global ecosystems.

8. Alaska – America’s Final Frontier

Aurora Expeditions has expanded into Alaska, combining glacial scenery, Native heritage, and wildlife-rich fjords. Alaska’s coastal wilderness offers a natural complement to the company’s Arctic voyages.

Key Highlights

Glacier Bay National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with dynamic iceflows and abundant marine life.
Inside Passage: Cruise through narrow waterways surrounded by forested islands.
Sitka & Juneau: Historic ports blending Russian, Native, and American influences.

Activities

Kayaking through iceberg-filled bays
Wildlife spotting (bears, whales, eagles)
Guided hikes in temperate rainforests

Aurora’s Alaskan expeditions provide a North American gateway to wilderness exploration, offering the same small-ship intimacy and expert-led interpretation found in its polar programs.

9. The Kimberley Coast, Australia

Closer to home, Aurora Expeditions explores Australia’s Kimberley Coast, one of the world’s last great frontiers. This region is characterized by rugged cliffs, ancient Aboriginal rock art, and cascading waterfalls.

Highlights

Horizontal Falls: A natural phenomenon where tidal currents create surging waves between narrow gorges.
Montgomery Reef: Witness a massive reef emerge at low tide, revealing sea turtles and reef sharks.
King George Falls: Twin waterfalls plunging over red sandstone cliffs.
Aboriginal Heritage: Guided tours led by local custodians reveal millennia-old rock art sites.

Activities

Zodiac explorations through gorges
Hikes to ancient art sites
Birdwatching and photography
Educational talks on geology and Indigenous culture

The Kimberley voyages demonstrate Aurora’s commitment to connecting travelers with remote wilderness and cultural depth.

10. Subantarctic Islands

The Subantarctic Islands, scattered between New Zealand and Antarctica, are ecological treasure troves often overlooked by mainstream tourism. Aurora Expeditions visits these isolated outposts to reveal their ecological and historical significance.

Major Islands Visited

Macquarie Island (Australia): Home to massive penguin colonies and elephant seals.
Campbell, Snares, and Auckland Islands (New Zealand): UNESCO World Heritage Sites teeming with seabirds and endemic species.
Heard Island: A remote Australian territory with active volcano Big Ben.

Why Visit

These islands serve as breeding grounds for millions of seabirds and seals, offering rare opportunities for scientific discovery and photography.

Activities

Zodiac landings and wildlife observation
Expert-led ecology briefings
Ornithology and botany excursions

Aurora’s visits here underscore its dedication to ecological exploration and minimal-impact tourism.

11. Future and Emerging Destinations

As global conditions evolve, Aurora Expeditions continues to scout new frontiers for sustainable exploration. Future programs are expected to include:

West Africa’s coastal archipelagos
South Pacific Islands for coral reef research voyages
Expanded Arctic circuits through the Northwest Passage

By integrating scientific collaboration and responsible travel practices, Aurora ensures that each new voyage contributes to a greater understanding of Earth’s changing ecosystems.

12. Commitment to Sustainable Exploration

Aurora Expeditions stands out for its eco-conscious approach. Its ships employ cutting-edge technology, including the X-Bow design that reduces fuel consumption and enhances stability. The company also follows the IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) and AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators) guidelines to protect fragile environments.

Key Sustainability Practices

Carbon offset initiatives
Onboard scientific partnerships
Zero single-use plastic policy
Citizen science programs (guests can participate in real research)

Every destination is chosen with purpose: to educate, to inspire, and to preserve.

The World Through Aurora Expeditions’ Eyes

Aurora Expeditions isn’t just about travel—it’s about transformation. From the polar extremes of Antarctica and the Arctic to the tropical wonders of Central America and the rugged landscapes of Australia’s Kimberley, Aurora opens a window into the most pristine corners of our planet.

Travelers who choose Aurora aren’t just passengers—they become explorers, advocates, and stewards of Earth’s natural heritage. Each voyage delivers a profound encounter with nature’s raw power and delicate balance, reminding us of our shared responsibility to protect it.

In a world where over-tourism and environmental strain threaten biodiversity, Aurora Expeditions sets a gold standard for responsible exploration—where every journey leaves a light footprint and a lasting impression..