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, setting sail 27 January 2022.
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 in to the Wild Antarctica expedition, setting sail 15 February 2022.
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, setting sail 14 March 2022.
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, setting sail 16 April 2022.
May: Stand-up Paddleboard in Scotland
Why May? The summer season has begun with long daylight hours and good weather.
Experienced paddlers can explore Scotland’s waters on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP). Spot birds perched on the rocky, jagged cliffs, crumbling stone buildings still standing on the rolling green hills and picturesque villages as you paddle by.
SUPs have greater flexibility and manoeuvrability, which grants greater access to discover the wild isles of Scotland watching for dolphins, seals and seabirds.
Explore endlessly on the Wild Scotland expedition, setting sail 26 May 2022.
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, setting sail 19 or 29 June 2022.
July: Experience traditional life in Russian Far East
Why July? One must visit the Russian Far East in the middle of summer when the temperature goes from freezing to mild!
Discover this region of immense natural beauty and fascinating human history. At Tymlat village, Koryak reindeer herders warmly greet us with a traditional cultural performance of dance and game that ultimately includes those of us who wish to take part.
Continue to Provideniya, ‘Gateway to the Arctic’, is Chukotka’s administrative centre where we visit a fascinating museum and enjoy a traditional Yupik dance performance. Get a glimpse of life in one of Kamchatka’s more remote coastal villages as they welcome you with song, dance and stories of their life.
Experience rich culture on the Kamchatka & Chukotka expedition, setting sail 6 July 2022.
August: Rock climb in Greenland
Why August? It’s best to visit Greenland in the bright and balmy summer.
Explore the remote and rugged summits of East Greenland, scaling sheer granite cliffs and glacial remnants in pursuit of breathtaking views of Scoresbysund’s ice-filled fjords.
Experienced climbers will relish the chance to explore up and along the rarely-scaled peaks that dominate the landscape. And when you reach the top? A view that few people on earth will ever lay eyes on!
So strap on your climbing shoes, clip on your carabiners and join us for an incredible climbing adventure.
Take the climb on the Greenland Odyssey expedition, setting sail 10 August 2022.
September: Snorkel in Raja Ampat
Why September? The weather is beautiful all year round, but September is best for snorkelers and divers and to spot manta rays.
Snorkel in warm tropical waters among the world’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems in Raja Ampat. Snorkel through the colourful shallow reefs in Numamuran Strait, where the jungle meets the reef, and where we search for branching corals, boulder coral colonies, and cushion stars.
At the southern end of Roon Island, snorkellers might see Hawksbill and green turtles, barracuda and surgeonfish, and where a Japanese Zero fighter aircraft, a relic from World War II rests on a shallow coral slope. Dive into the clear, blue waters and enjoy the remarkable marine wildlife and stunning scenery.
Dip your toe in the Raja Ampat & West Papua Islands expedition, setting sail 21 September 2022.
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 setting sail 21 October 2022, check out the Shackleton’s Crossing Form.
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, setting sail 27 November 2022.
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 (Argentina Return), setting off on 1, 11 and 21 December 2022*
*Please note there is good availability for the Patagonia treks.