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About Us
About Aurora Expeditions
From the start, Aurora Expeditions was destined to be different. Co-founders Greg and Margaret Mortimer had a passion for adventure, exploring wild places and sharing the experience with friends and in 1991, Aurora Expeditions, named in honour of Sir Douglas Mawson’s ship, was born.
Their aim was simple – to take small groups of travellers on voyages of discovery to inspiring regions, thereby creating lifelong ambassadors for the preservation and protection of these sacred places. More than three decades later, that pioneering spirit burns just as brightly, as does our preference for small-group, personal expeditions.
Less people means more solitude and greater flexibility if tides, currents, ice or weather dictate a schedule change. And because we have fewer people to ferry ashore, we often make more landings.
We make the most of our size advantage to create intimate expeditions varying in length from 8 to 30 days. Simply choose the region you’d like to explore, the amount of time you’ve got and what activities you enjoy. Focus on one destination or combine back-to-back trips for the ‘Ultimate Adventure’.
You’ll be accompanied by an Expedition Team that we believe are the world’s best. Remote area specialists, their onboard lectures entertain and expand your knowledge.
We are proud to be a Certified B Corporation™️, with an ongoing commitment to protect the world’s wild places and become the global leader in sustainable expedition travel.
Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning for another thrilling adventure, our original goals remain unchanged. Explore wild places that stir the soul, create ambassadors for the planet, offer personal attention on unforgettable expeditions and welcome new friends into the Aurora Expeditions’ family.
Aurora Expeditions' Pioneering History
1991
Aurora Expeditions is established by Greg and Margaret Mortimer and is one of the first operators to become a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO)
1992
First Antarctic Expedition
1994
First to introduce ice camping and kayaking on the Antarctic Peninsula
1995
First commercial climbing expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula
1997
First Arctic Expedition
1998
First diving trip to the Antarctic Peninsula
2001
First passenger expedition to retrace Shackleton’s footsteps
2003
One of the first operators to join the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO)
2005
First British Isles expedition
2012
Introduced trips with flights to Antarctica
2016
Introduced polar snorkelling in the Arctic
2019
Launch of the Greg Mortimer, the first passenger vessel to feature the Ulstein X-BOW®
2020
First time being named ‘World’s Leading Polar Operator’ in the World Travel Awards
2021
Became a certified 100% Carbon Neutral company
2022
Launch of our second purpose-build ship, the Sylvia Earle, honouring inspiring Women in conservation
2023
Named ‘World’s Best Expedition Cruise Line’ in the World Cruise Awards and hosted the inaugural Antarctic Climate Expedition (ACE)
2024
Became a Certified B Corporation™️