Ready for a holiday but not sure where to go? Reignite your sense of adventure each month of the year with our Ultimate 2022 Bucket List.
January: Zodiac Cruise in the Antarctic Peninsula
Why January? Sightings of penguin chicks and seal pups are most common.
Start the year off exploring a world of glittering glaciers and breathtaking icebergs, Zodiac cruising in the Antarctic Peninsula. Manned by an experienced driver, all you have to do is hold tight and feel the exhilaration of the fresh air as we cruise across the water.
We pride ourselves on being able to bring you closer to some of the incredible scenery and wildlife that make the region so unique. While our ships are small enough to manoeuvre through the icy waters, we can take you one step further into hidden ice-speckled bays and quiet landing zones. These inflatable boats are perfect for exploring the coastlines in Antarctica, giving you the chance to see the world from a completely new point of view.
Experience all this and more on the Antarctic Explorer expedition.
February: SCUBA Diving in Antarctica
Why February? Sea ice has retreated to maximum level which allows for the most diving opportunities.
In 1998, Aurora Expeditions offered the world-first commercial dive trip to Antarctica, and we’ve built on our polar experience ever since. In Antarctica, we bring you the exciting and unique chance to get a closer look at the amazing marine life of our polar regions.
With numerous diving opportunities on your expedition, Antarctic diving reveals a world of ice, where glaciers, gigantic icebergs and a unique blend of marine life greet us, making for a very special experience.
Our team of skilled dive guides over 20 years’ diving experience and provide divers with detailed briefings and best practice procedures to ensure a safe diving experience.
Dive into the Wild Antarctica expedition.
March: Sail across the Drake Passage
Why March? Most other ships have left the scene and whales are peaking in numbers.
If you are looking for a truly intimate journey to Antarctica, there is no better option than cruising the Drake Passage with its great significance to the history of polar exploration. Stretching from the bottom tip of South America to just north of the Antarctic Peninsula, this is one of the most dramatic, unforgettable crossings you could hope to experience.
Follow in the steps of the first polar pioneers and complete this Antarctic right of passage, just know it is not for the faint-hearted!
Up for a challenge? Check out the Antarctic Complete expedition.
April: Hike in the rainforests of Costa Rica
Why April? Last month of the dry season with plenty of sunny days and warm weather.
Boasting over 100 species of mammals, 184 species of birds and a plethora of diverse flora, Manuel Antonio National Park is a paradise for wildlife lovers. Costa Rica’s star attractions - two and three toed sloths, white-faced monkeys and toucans can all be found on hikes that weave through the park. Hiking trails snake their way through the parkland offering access to its rainforest, waterfalls and remote white sand beaches.
Walk along the soft-sand beach or follow a trail through the rainforest parallel to the beach to reach Playa Manuel Antonio, which is the most popular beach inside the park. It’s a short, deep crescent of white sand backed by lush rainforest. There are numerous clearly-marked hiking trails to choose from, offering excellent opportunities to spot various species of monkeys, sloths, agoutis, armadillos and coatis.
See it for yourself on the Costa Rica and The Panama Canal expedition.
May: Explore Scotland by Zodiac
Why May? The summer season brings long daylight hours and milder weather—ideal for exploring Scotland’s rugged coastlines.
Step aboard a Zodiac and discover Scotland’s wild isles from the water. Cruise past dramatic sea cliffs where seabirds nest in their thousands, glide by ancient ruins perched on emerald-green hillsides, and get a unique perspective of remote, picturesque villages.
Zodiacs offer flexibility and close access to shorelines, giving you the chance to spot dolphins, seals, and seabirds as you weave through hidden coves and sea stacks.
Uncover the wild beauty of the Scottish Isles on our Wild Scotland expedition.
June: Kayak in Svalbard
Why June? Visit during high summer where the ice flow melts and we can cruise right around the island.
The experience of sea kayaking in the humbling wilderness of Svalbard’s archipelago is guaranteed to stir your soul. Paddle between brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes, skim past resting walrus and bearded seals, or drift quietly as you watch wildlife unobtrusively, absorbing the majestic scenery.
Led by experienced guides, paddling in small groups allows us the opportunity to paddle between ice floes as well as allowing easy and intimate access to beautiful coastlines.
Get paddling on the Svalbard Odyssey expedition.
July: Hike Across Arctic Tundra
Why July? Arctic summer is in full swing—expect long days, blooming tundra, and thriving wildlife.
Step ashore and stretch your legs on guided hikes through Svalbard or Greenland’s rugged wilderness. Wander across mossy tundra dotted with wildflowers, explore ancient Inuit sites, and take in sweeping views of fjords and glaciers under the midnight sun.
With expert guides leading the way, these hikes offer a chance to connect with the Arctic landscape at a slower pace—perfect for photography, wildlife spotting, and quiet reflection.
Experience the rhythm of the north on our Jewels of the Arctic expedition.
August: Explore Greenland's Colourful Villages
Why August? Warmer weather and clear conditions make it the ideal time to explore Greenland’s remote communities.
In August, immerse yourself in Greenlandic culture with visits to traditional coastal villages nestled among dramatic fjords. Wander through colourful homes, meet local artists and craftspeople, and learn about the Inuit way of life that has endured for generations.
These community visits offer a powerful perspective on life in the Arctic and are a rewarding complement to the region’s natural wonders.
Get to know the human side of the Arctic on our Jewels of the Arctic expedition.
September: Chase the Northern Lights in Iceland and East Greenland
Why September? The nights are dark enough for the aurora, but the days are still long enough to explore.
September marks the start of aurora season, offering some of the best chances to witness the dazzling Northern Lights dancing across Arctic skies. With minimal light pollution and clear autumn nights, our remote anchorages in East Greenland and Iceland provide the perfect setting for unforgettable aurora sightings.
Wrap up warm, head out on deck, and watch nature’s most mesmerising light show unfold above the polar landscape.
Experience the magic of the aurora on our Northern Lights Explorer voyage.
October: Retrace Shackleton’s footsteps in South Georgia
Why October? The early summer season holds bountiful sea ice where many species come to shore to start nesting.
Since March 2001, Aurora Expeditions have offered the chance for a small band of adventurous souls to attempt to repeat the epic 1916 crossing of Sir Ernest Shackleton, Frank Worsley and Tom Crean, and trek for up to three days across South Georgia from King Haakon Bay to Stromness. The trek is from King Haakon Bay to Fortuna Bay. The final walk from Fortuna Bay to Stromness is with the rest of the passengers on the expedition
South Georgia offers a spectacular yet extreme mountain environment, which must be approached with great caution. This trip is suitable for persons with alpine trekking or mountaineering experience as it traverses glaciated and mountainous terrain. We offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the chance to delve deep into some of the world’s most rugged and remote terrain.
Cross the unknown on the South Georgia & Antarctic Odyssey expedition.
November: Bird watch in the Falklands-Malvinas
Why November? The best time for long, clear days and lots of wildlife watching.
Spend time in the Falklands~Malvinas to discover the fascinating history of the islands and encounter the spectacular birdlife found there. The Falklands~Malvinas comprises two large islands (East and West Falkland), with over 700 islands scattered off the coast.
These beautifully barren islands are true wildlife havens, where you could photograph nesting black-browed albatross and spot elusive macaroni penguins. Let your inner twitcher come alive as you keep watch from zodiac excursions twice a day.
Use the binoculars onboard the Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula expedition.
December: Trek in Patagonia
Why December? An ideal time to trek with 18 hours of daylight.
Our trek will take you to the wilderness of Chile and Argentina, home to world-famous national parks, pale blue glacial lakes, curious wildlife and mesmerising glaciers.
In small groups, and accompanied by our naturalist and expert guide, you will experience the best of Patagonia: eagles and condors will put on a show gliding above soaring ice-tipped peaks, native orchids and songbirds will complement your walks through pristine beech forests, you will get up-close with iceberg-calving glaciers and peaceful grazing guanacos will welcome you as you walk through the pampas.
Get moving on the Patagonia Discovery Trek.
