Overview
Why choose Aurora for an active expedition?
Aurora Expeditions was founded in 1991 by mountaineer Greg Mortimer, and that adventure DNA still runs through the line today. Its ships carry well under 150 guests and use a distinctive Ulstein X-Bow hull design for a smoother ride through polar seas, while an expedition team of geologists, marine biologists and mountaineers leads daily excursions rather than simply narrating from the bridge. The line built its reputation on hands-on activities — sea kayaking, snorkeling in polar waters, and optional hiking and climbing add-ons — that go a step further than the standard Zodiac-cruise-and-landing format most expedition lines offer.
Who it’s best for
- Active travelers who want hiking, kayaking and Zodiac landings, not just scenery from the deck
- Polar first-timers who want a small ship and an expert expedition team
- Adventure couples and solo travelers
- Guests prioritizing expedition substance over ship amenities
Popular ships
Greg Mortimer
The line’s flagship, named for its founder, with the signature X-Bow hull and a spacious observation platform for wildlife viewing.
Sylvia Earle
A sister ship named for the pioneering oceanographer, carrying the same active, small-group expedition format.
Douglas Mawson
The newest X-Bow expedition ship, built for polar voyages as well as small-ship cruises in warmer regions.
Cabin recommendations
Best value
Balcony Staterooms on the lower decks are comfortable and well-priced, given how much time is spent off-ship on excursions.
More space
Choose a Junior Suite or Captain’s Suite if you want a separate sitting area for longer polar itineraries.
Solo travelers
Ask about dedicated single-occupancy cabins; availability is limited and they can reduce the cost of sailing alone.
Dining
Included dining in a single open-seating restaurant with fresh, internationally inspired menus, plus a casual bistro for lighter meals between excursions. The focus stays on flexibility around the day’s activities rather than formal dining rituals.
Entertainment
Daily Zodiac landings, sea kayaking, and (on select sailings) snorkeling or citizen-science projects with the onboard expedition team headline every day, followed by evening recap talks and wildlife briefings. There’s no production entertainment — the wildlife and landscape are the show.
What’s included
- Daily Zodiac excursions and expedition team lectures
- Optional sea kayaking and snorkeling on select voyages
- Parka or expedition jacket to keep on select voyages
- Citizen-science program participation
- Gratuities included on many sailings
Aurora Expeditions FAQs
No — while the line leans more active than most expedition brands, activities are optional and scaled to different fitness levels, with the expedition team adjusting excursions for every guest.
A distinctive inverted bow design that cuts through waves rather than slamming against them, giving Aurora’s ships a notably smoother ride through the Drake Passage and other rough polar crossings.
Primarily Antarctica and the Arctic, with additional voyages to the Pacific islands, Japan and other remote destinations that suit its small, purpose-built ships.