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Intimate Expeditions - the Aurora heritage
Antarctica | Oceania | South Georgia | Svalbard | European Arctic | Greenland | Iceland | Ireland | Scotland | Norway | Canada | Latin America | Caribbean | Patagonia & Chile | Falklands-Malvinas | Franz Josef Land | Costa Rica | Panama | Jan Mayen
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.
More than two decades later, that pioneering spirit burns just as brightly, as does Aurora Expeditions' preference for small-group, personal expeditions. At sea, all Aurora Expeditions are on ships of 60-passengers or less. Aurora is one of the only companies operating trips of this size. Fewer people means more solitude and greater flexibility if tides, currents, ice or weather dictate a schedule change. And because Aurora Expeditions has fewer people to ferry ashore, it can often make more landings.
Aurora Expeditions' treks in Patagonia are limited to 16 expeditioners or less. This ensures personal attention and a nice mix of people to share the adventure. Aurora Expeditions makes the most of its size advantage to create intimate expeditions varying in length from 10 to 24 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 Aurora believes are the world's best. Remote area specialists, their on- board lectures entertain and expand your knowledge. Whether you're joining Aurora for the first time or returning for another thrilling adventure, its original goals remain unchanged. Explore wild places that stir the soul, offer personal attention on unforgettable expeditions and welcome new friends into the Aurora family.
Why travel with Aurora Expeditions?
Small groups are best
At sea, Aurora Expeditions' high-latitude, expedition ship is small enough to go where others can't, often resulting in more landings. On land, Aurora's group size is limited to 16. Fewer people means a more personalised experience and a lasting camaraderie.
Consistently Aurora Expeditions.
Rather than book you onto another company's trip, Aurora Expeditions operate only its own expeditions, either on vessels that it charters, or working closely with local experts who share its ethos and style.
Aurora Expeditions' staff put you first
Your security, wellbeing and understanding of the places you visit are Aurora Expeditions' staff's priorities. Aurora's staff have a passion for sharing their knowledge and making everyone feel as if they are on the same team.
Enrichment through understanding
The more Aurora Expeditions' remote area specialists share their knowledge about the history and natural environments you encounter, the more rewarding the experience.
Environmental sensitivity
Aurora Expeditions' helped develop international environmental guidelines for the polar regions you visit, and consciously limits the number of people it takes to its destinations.
Flexibility and freedom
Aurora Expeditions stops for breaching whales! Enjoy your destinations in your own way, within the bounds of safety. Hike up a snow slope, take your time photographing wildlife, inspect historical huts or simply sit and admire the view.
Aurora Expeditions' spirit of adventure!
Photograph wind-plumes on Mt Everest, share the trail with gauchos, yak-herders or rarely-visited rainforest hunters. Scuba dive or snorkel with leopard seals, sea kayak with whales or enjoy a feast of tundra berries. Ponder ancient rock paintings or lift your spirits in a Buddhist monastery. No matter where in the world, Aurora Expeditions encourages a true sense of exploration.
Aurora Expeditions has fun
Aurora Expeditions loves what it does and believes that everyone involved, from expeditioners to staff, ship's crews to trekking teams, shares the same goal – the best expedition imaginable!
Many inclusions
Whether it's a stylish jacket and photo journal memento to keep, or gumboots to wear on our polar voyages; flights for our fly/sail Antarctic program; linking flights in Iceland, Alaska, Ecuador, Nepal and Africa or Everest heliflights, our inclusions are what most others would consider extras.
Environmental Stewardship
From Aurora's very first Antarctic voyage in 1992, it has been committed to environmentally responsible tourism practices. Founding Australian members of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), Aurora supports research, donates funds, and allocates resources to ensure it leaves places it visits as it found them – or better. As you travel with Aurora,it hopes you develop a deeper understanding of the natural forces shaping our world. By creating lifelong environmental ambassadors, Aurora aims to preserve the wild places for future generations.
If you're a solo traveller, welcome on board!
Aurora Expeditions welcomes many solo travellers on its trips, and their numbers are increasing each year. Maybe it's simply the nature of the expeditions, but Aurora understands what a big step it is for many to set off on their own. To address this, Aurora has developed its informal 'cabin-mate finding service' that matches solo travellers with a cabin mate of the same gender. And it has had great success so far! Aurora Expeditions' small groups and relaxed atmosphere make it easy to make new friends (and remember everyone's name!), and the inspiring destinations are a great conversation starter. Plus, by sharing a cabin you'll also avoid paying any extra 'single supplements'. You might arrive alone, but Aurora can guarantee that you'll go home with lifelong friends.
This brochure covers the regions and holiday types listed below. Click on the links to see more free travel brochures covering the regions and holiday types you are interested in.
- Active: Walk, Cycle, Sports
- Adventure
- Antarctica
- Antarctica & The Arctic
- Arctic & Antarctic Adventure
- Arctic & Antarctic Cruise
- Argentina
- Birdwatching
- Britain & Ireland
- Canada
- Canada & Alaska Cruises
- Canada Adventure
- Caribbean Cruise
- Central America
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Cruise
- Cuba & Caribbean
- DESTINATIONS
- Ecotourism
- Europe
- Europe Cruises
- Expedition Cruise
- Falkland Islands
- Iceland
- India & the subcontinent
- Ireland
- Latin America Adventure
- Latin America Cruise
- Latin America Cruises
- Mature Travellers Over 50s
- Nature
- North America
- Norway
- Panama
- Patagonia
- Photography
- Scandinavia
- Scotland
- South & Central America
- South America
- SPECIAL INTEREST
- The Arctic
- Wildlife