Marking 35 Years of Exploration

From the ice-laden landscapes of Antarctica and the Arctic to wild coastlines and biodiversity-rich regions beyond the poles, Aurora Expeditions continues to create immersive experiences for curious travellers who seek more than a holiday—they seek discovery.

To mark this milestone, we are celebrating in true Aurora style—with an anniversary offer of up to 35% off selected expeditions worldwide, inviting travellers to explore further, deeper, and more thoughtfully than ever before.

At the heart of Aurora’s story is co-founder Greg Mortimer—one of Australia’s most accomplished mountaineers and explorers. In 1984, Greg became one of the first Australians to summit Mount Everest, doing so without supplementary oxygen. He would go on to climb some of the world’s highest peaks, including K2 and Annapurna II, earning an Order of Australia (OAM) and multiple Australian Geographic Society Medals for his contributions to exploration. 

It was during a voyage to Antarctica that Greg & Margaret's passion for expedition cruising was ignited. Recognising the power of small, agile expeditions, they set out to create a company that would share these extraordinary experiences with like-minded adventurers—leading to Aurora’s first Antarctic voyage in 1991.

Aurora Expeditions was born from a simple but powerful idea: that small groups, guided by experts, could explore wild places in a way that was more meaningful, flexible, and responsible. Founded in 1991 by adventurers Greg and Margaret Mortimer, the company was named in honour of Sir Douglas Mawson’s legendary ship, Aurora—a fitting tribute to Australia’s rich history of exploration. 

From the beginning, Aurora was destined to be different. Rather than following rigid itineraries, the focus was on adaptability, curiosity, and deep connection with place. 35 years later, that pioneering spirit remains at the heart of every expedition.

More than three decades on, Aurora Expeditions continues to lead small groups to remote and breathtaking destinations across the globe—from the Antarctic Peninsula and the Arctic to Costa Rica and the rugged coastlines of the British Isles. Our activity program has expanded to include sea kayaking, polar snorkelling, scuba diving, alpine crossings, and even ice camping—experiences inspired by a true spirit of adventure.

Looking ahead, the recent arrival of our third ship, Douglas Mawson, marks an exciting new chapter. With increased capability and innovation, we remain committed to the same principles that have guided us for 35 years: curiosity, flexibility, and respect for the natural world. 

For 35 years, Aurora Expeditions has embraced the unexpected—pausing for breaching whales, discovering new landing sites, or adjusting plans to make the most of a rare wildlife encounter. Whether hiking across Arctic tundra in search of an arctic fox or Zodiac cruising alongside towering icebergs, every expedition is shaped by the moment. 

Whether you are joining us for the first time or returning for another unforgettable journey, our original goals remain unchanged: to explore wild places that stir the soul, create ambassadors for the planet, and welcome new friends into the Aurora Expeditions family.

Here’s to 35 years of exploration—and to the adventures still to come.

Aurora Expeditions is proud to be a Certified B Corporation™, reflecting an ongoing commitment to protect the world’s wild places and to lead the expedition travel industry toward a more sustainable future. This commitment is embedded in how we operate, where we travel, and how we engage guests as ambassadors for the planet.

From minimising environmental impact to supporting scientific research and conservation initiatives, our responsibility to these regions is as important as our desire to explore them.

Our preference for small-group expeditions is not just a philosophy—it is a practical advantage. Fewer guests means more flexibility when tides, ice, weather, or wildlife present unexpected opportunities. It means more landings, more time ashore, and more intimate experiences in places where solitude is part of the magic.

Aurora Expeditions offers voyages ranging from 8 to 30 days, designed to suit different travel styles and timeframes. Guests can focus on a single destination or combine back-to-back voyages for the ultimate adventure, tailoring their expedition to their interests, energy, and sense of curiosity.

Every Aurora voyage is led by an Expedition Team we believe are among the best in the world—remote area specialists whose knowledge, passion, and storytelling bring each destination to life. Their onboard lectures and onshore guidance deepen understanding, whether interpreting polar ecosystems, sharing cultural histories, or explaining the science shaping these fragile environments.

Combined with the industry-leading guide-to-guest ratio, this ensures personal attention, richer learning, and a stronger connection to the places we explore.