Cruises to Antarctica, Arctic & Beyond
Beautiful natural destinations
Find yourself in connection with the natural world on an expedition cruise, and travel to remote coastlines where few others venture. Sail to the icy ramparts of Antarctica, avoid the crowds off the rugged Icelandic coast or explore the lush rainforests, turquoise waters and incredible biodiversity of Costa Rica.
With Aurora Expeditions, you can choose from a range of destinations that span the globe, each selected for their natural beauty, remarkable biodiversity, geological wonders and fascinating archaeological sites.
You are in good hands with our expert, international expedition team as you journey to some of the most remote corners of this planet, where polar bears roam across the sea ice in the Arctic, and ancient Neolithic and Viking sites stand sentry over the North Atlantic Ocean on the wild isles of Scotland.
FAQs
Aurora Expeditions’ voyages focus on providing passengers with immersive and educational experiences in remote and polar regions. Our expeditions prioritize:
- Encouraging a spirit of adventure through activities like hiking, kayaking, and even polar plunges;
- Observing and learning about the unique wildlife of these regions, including penguins, seals, whales, polar bears and diverse bird species;
- Offering insights into the local cultures and histories of destinations; and
- Exploring the natural beauty of polar areas, from rugged peaks to glaciers to icebergs, from the comfort of a small, purpose-built ship, a Zodiac or on a shore excursion with your knowledgeable Expedition Team.
The duration of Aurora Expeditions’ expeditions varied depending on the specific itinerary and destination. Generally, our expeditions last from about 10 to 20 days or more.
Whether it’s an adventure at sea or on land that makes you tick, we have a huge range of included and optional activities to help you make the most of your time in some of the most beautiful places on earth.
- We try to get you off the ship 2-3 times a day* to explore and get up close to the natural beauty and wildlife of the region on Zodiac cruises, shore landings or special activity programs.
- Observing polar wildlife like polar bears, penguins, whales, and seals in their natural habitats.
- Optional activities for adventure enthusiasts, such as kayaking, snorkeling and even scuba diving (on select voyages).
- Enriching presentations and lectures from experts in your Expedition Team on diverse subjects including the history, geology, and ecology of the region you’re in.
- Opportunities for photography enthusiasts to capture stunning landscapes and wildlife, with expert photography guides on hand to help improve your skills.
- The chance to take a daring dip into the icy waters of the polar regions, overseen by our expert expedition team.
- Our participative Citizen Science program includes seven projects that are designed to deepen your connection to the natural world and actively contribute to ongoing scientific research.
Our customers tend to be united by common interests in intrepid travel and seeking an adventure of a lifetime rather than by age and thus our expeditions suit passengers of any age provided that have a suitable level of fitness.
Our travellers have ranged from 8 to 92, so as long as you have a thirst for adventure, you’re welcome to join us in Antarctica. Any person under 18 years of age must travel with their legal guardian.
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 from participating. It is compulsory for each passenger to return a signed medical form their general practitioner.
For those who sign up for specific activities, such as kayaking, snowshoeing, and snorkelling, we require specific levels of fitness depending on the activity.
Yes, Aurora Expeditions always has a team of experienced expedition guides and experts onboard their voyages, referred to as the “Expedition Team“.
We have a world-class Expedition Team consisting of local and specialist guides. Each Expedition Team varies depending on the region and may include marine biologists, ornithologists, divemasters, geologists, historians, photographers, kayak guides, naturalists and many more. With a ratio of 1:7, our Expedition team is always ready to answer your questions and enhance your voyage.
Our dedicated Expedition Team is dedicated to making each voyage educational, adventurous, memorable, and safe.
One of the most captivating aspects of embarking on an expedition with Aurora Expeditions is the opportunity to witness an astonishing array of wildlife in some of the most remote and pristine corners of the Earth.
Antarctica hosts an impressive variety of creatures that have adapted to the harsh environment. Among them are eight enchanting species of penguins, six types of Antarctic seals, and the magnificent whales that migrate to these frigid waters during the summer months. Beneath the surface, you’ll find a mesmerizing world of marine biodiversity. From microscopic single-celled algae, the foundation of the Antarctic food chain, to the tiny but pivotal krill, the Antarctic ecosystem’s keystone species. Find out more about ‘what animals live in Antarctica’.
As you journey through the Arctic, you might find yourself in the presence of some of the world’s most iconic Arctic animals. Keep your eyes peeled for the awe-inspiring polar bear, a symbol of the Arctic’s wildness. Musk oxen, arctic foxes, arctic hares, and an incredible variety of birdlife also call this frigid expanse home. These resilient creatures have evolved to thrive in extreme conditions, making any encounter with them a truly extraordinary experience.
Each global destination promises its own unique wildlife experiences, making every Aurora Expedition a thrilling opportunity to discover the world’s natural wonders. The diversity of animals you’ll encounter varies depending on your chosen expedition. In Scotland, you may be enchanted by the rich birdlife. Journey to Patagonia, and you could encounter the charming guanaco. Venture to Costa Rica for the chance to spot a slow-moving sloth, amongst other fascinating creatures.
You can find detailed itineraries for each of our life-changing expeditions by exploring our website.
Whether you’re interested in the captivating landscapes of Antarctica, the Arctic’s breathtaking wonders, or any of our other incredible destinations, our website is your gateway to discovering the intricacies of each adventure. Our itineraries offer a glimpse into the exciting world of Aurora Expeditions, highlighting what awaits you on your next journey.
You can also download or order our most recent Antarctica brochure, or our Arctic & Global brochure, to discover our range of voyages and be inspired to take the leap into expedition travel.
Get in touch with our knowledgeable and friendly team, or reach out to your preferred travel agent, who will assist you with the guidance and insights you need to make your expedition with Aurora Expeditions an unforgettable experience.
Shipboard clothing is informal and casual. Jeans, jumpers, and long-sleeved shirts are ideal for indoors in the polar regions; however, be sure to keep your jacket close for unexpected wildlife sightings!
Some people like to take a nicer outfit for the captain’s welcome and farewell drinks, but formal clothing is not necessary.
Each passenger on our polar expeditions will receive an expedition jacket upon boarding. However, you’ll need to ensure you pack the correct cold and wet weather gear for your landings, including waterproof trousers and gloves.
View our suggested packing list which covers the types of layers and materials we recommend.
Aurora Expeditions has an ongoing commitment to responsible, respectful travel. As one of the first operators to become both IAATO and AECO members, we take our responsibility seriously.
Our vision is to be the global leader in sustainable expedition travel. We have an ongoing Sustainability in Action plan to ensure that we are taking real actions for the care of the planet and help us achieve this.
Some of our sustainability initiatives include:
- Supporting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
- Maintaining our 100% Climate Neutral certification
- Using new, state-of-the-art ships with sustainable technology and designs, including Ulstein’s X-BOW®
- Encouraging travellers to make informed choices and travel responsibly
- Honouring female conservationists
- Prioritising education and enrichment onboard, and participation in our Citizen Science Program
- Turning our expeditioners into lifelong ambassadors for the planet
We’re here to help. Contact us through our website by using the ‘Contact Us’ or ‘Request a Quote’ buttons or you can call us toll free at +1 833 826 5828.
Aurora Expeditions’ team will be able to provide you with more information about the expedition you’re interested in, answer any questions you may have, and help you with the booking process.
Alternatively, reach out to your preferred travel agent to complete your booking.
