AE Expeditions (part of Aurora Expeditions) is an award-winning Australian-owned expedition company with more than 33 years of experience. Founded by legendary Australian adventurer Greg Mortimer with a passion for endless adventure, AE Expeditions explores wild places by sharing small-ship intimate experiences with family and friends.

Pioneers in polar expeditions, we are truly committed to environmentally respectful travel that preserves the natural beauty mother nature possesses. We are 100% climate neutral and B-Corp certified, taking real action and care for the planet.

By taking guests on perspective-altering experiences, to some of the most remote and incredible places on the planet, we aim to create ambassadors for the protection of the planet via our expedition programs, education, enrichment, community engagement, and strategic partnerships.

Our vessels, the Greg Mortimer, the Sylvia Earle and the Douglas Mawson are small enough to go where others simply cannot. Designed in close consultation with our expedition team, we drew on centuries of collective experience to map out our ships: purpose-built for expeditions to the most remote places on earth.

With the revolutionary Ulstein X-Bow to cross oceans more comfortably, expansive observation decks, inviting communal areas and unsurpassed environmental credentials, our ships offer the perfect base camp for adventures at the outer limits of human exploration. Accommodating a maximum of 130 passengers per polar voyage, our fleet is redefining expedition cruising for the future.

Unlike a normal cruise, on an expedition no two voyages are the same, with our itineraries designed to be adaptable. If weather or sea ice blocks our way we have a plan B, C and D! We are always on the lookout for new places to explore and we’re not afraid to adjust our schedule to make the most of unexpected wildlife displays. 

Guests can choose from a range of destinations that span the globe, with voyages that sail to the icy ramparts of Antarctica, avoid the crowds off the rugged Icelandic coast or explore the lush rainforests, turquoise waters and incredible biodiversity of Costa Rica.

Guests are in expert hands as we journey to some of the most remote corners of this planet, where polar bears roam across the sea ice in the Arctic and Neolithic and Viking sites stand sentry over the North Atlantic Ocean on the wild isles of Scotland.

The real adventure though happens off-ship. Our expeditions are all about creating opportunities for guests to get off-ship to explore and connect with the most remarkable destinations we visit. While our ships are small enough to manoeuvre through the ice, sometimes you want to get up close and personal, which is why AE Expeditions takes their guests one step further with our Zodiac cruises. 

These inflatable ruggedised boats are perfect for cruising around Antarctica and the Arctic, allowing the chance to see the world from a different field of view. We invite guests to land ashore as much as possible and explore the beauty and remoteness of the destinations we travel to, whether they decide to go for a hike or sit on a beach and simply take everything in. 

This style of travel tends to attract like-minded people who love to connect with the natural world. Our small group ethos fosters an open, friendly environment, where making new connections is easy. We welcome solo travellers and allow an opportunity to avoid single supplements with our cabin-sharing service.

With an extremely comprehensive additional activity program, supported by the experienced and dedicated Expedition Team, each adventure is action-packed and immersed in the natural environment. Guests can add to their voyage activities such as kayaking, scuba diving, camping or even skiing to enhance their already incredible experience.

Our team of expert Expedition guides have always been motivated by sharing their knowledge and understanding of some of the most remote and unspoiled destinations in the world with our guests. Our highly acclaimed specialists are some of the best in the business, with many recognised as world leaders in their fields.

They enthusiastically share their knowledge to ensure that each moment spent with guests is interesting and educational. And more than that, they just love being with people. With a staff-to-passenger ratio of 1:7, guests gain plenty of one-on-one time with their team. When our guests disembark, we want them to be richer in their knowledge and understanding of our planet than they were when they stepped aboard. 

Finally, our inclusions are what most would consider extras. Whether it’s a specialised polar jacket that our guests retain, flights via our Fly/Sail Antarctic program, pre/post voyage accommodation in South America or high Arctic activities in Longyearbyen, AE Expeditions offers a comprehensive package. For a full list of inclusions for each voyage, please see our website. 

We invite you to ignite your curiosity, passion and care for the natural world onboard an AE Expeditions voyage soon.