Aurora Expeditions is an experiential travel company that runs cruises, expeditions and tours to all seven continents, with a focus on expeditions to Antarctica, and the Arctic. [1]
With a fleet of three purpose-built small ships[2], and a strong history of pioneering polar expedition travel, Aurora is known for taking passengers to remote and rarely visited destinations across the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, Svalbard, Greenland and beyond.[3]
In addition to core polar destinations, other remote destinations visited include Costa Rica, Indonesia & Iceland. From 2026, Aurora will also offers a range of small ship cruises, sailing to European destinations such as the British Isles, Mediterranean and Atlantic Coast. [4]
In 2024 Aurora Expeditions became a Certified B Corporation™, stating a commitment to sustainability and a vision to be the global leader in sustainable expedition travel.[5]
History
The company was founded in 1991 by the Australian climber Greg Mortimer and Margaret Mortimer.[6] It focuses on small groups of travelers. The company's main focus is cruises around Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic Islands. As well as cruising, the company also does Alpine Trekking and climbing,[7] Ski and Snowboard tours, Snorkelling and Scuba Diving.
In 1992 the company performed its first expedition to Antarctica.
In 1997 the company performed its first expedition to the Arctic.
In 2019 took delivery of its first ship, the Greg Mortimer. It was christened at a ceremony in Ushuaia, Argentina.[8]
In 2022 the company's second ship, the Sylvia Earle, departed on its inaugural cruise from Ushuaia, Argentina.[9]
Coronavirus Pandemic
In April 2020, the Greg Mortimer had an outbreak of COVID-19 on board, leading to it to be denied permission to dock in many South American ports.[10] 128 passengers and crew on board eventually tested positive. The ship was eventually given permission to dock in Uruguay, from where passengers were evacuated or admitted to hospital.[11] Many crew-members ended up being evacuated too, with more than half testing positive for the virus.[12]
Current Fleet
As of January 2020, Aurora Expeditions had two vessels in its fleet:
