About Aurora Expeditions

  • Registered in Sydney, Australia
  • Operated in Antarctica since 1992
  • One of the early pioneers of polar travel
  • Number of ships: 2
  • Length of partnership with Swoop: Since 2015
Customer review background image

What our customers think about Aurora Expeditions

Amazing crew and support team. The crew onboard really made the trip. They went above and beyond to give us the best expedition experience at every operation. Read the full review

Travelled: October 2024

Natalie Gillespie - UK

Masters of their field! Genuine care and their energy and passion are contagious! They are as excited as we are! Linda, Jay are exceptional lecturers/naturalists. Bron /Tarn are great for alpine activities! Mario - good leader who has endless energy and smile. Read the full review

Travelled: October 2024

John Paul Lotuaco - Panama

Truly the most excellent, attentive, and professional organization I have ever traveled with. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

Charles Williams - USA

The expedition team were all dedicated and professional experts. They could not have done better or been more dedicated to making the expeditions all life-changing events. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

Charles Williams - USA

Go with Swoop and Aurora! Everything Swoop arranged worked perfectly, excellent communication and advice. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

Christopher John Oakley - UK

10/10 - Our staff, both the expedition team and ship staff, were outstanding. Nothing was overlooked. The attention to detail was second to none. The joy and positive attitude of staff each and every day was infectious. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

Julia Balogh - USA

10/10 - Aurora was amazing in all ways. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

Natalie DeNormandie - USA

Loved everyone! The naturalists were awesome and knowledgeable, the leaders were helpful and were conscientious about our safety and fun. The dining staff were wonderful and doting. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

Sylvia Caira - USA

Extremely impressed with Aurora, not just in terms of my enjoyment of the cruise and excursions which were awesome but also (and particularly) with how they seem to treat their staff (crew we encountered seemed pretty happy and were great - testament perhaps to how their employer treats them). Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

Louise Johnston - UK

Swoop and Aurora seem to have a very good partnership, focused on the experience and great customer response. Many of our questions were answered very quickly and helped to plan what turned out to be almost a full month of travel with before and after trips. Knowing exactly what to bring for clothing and expeditioning was very helpful. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

Michael Iezzi - USA

My tip for people planning an Antarctic trip? Go with Aurora. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2024

Bryce Malsbary - USA

Everyone was so upbeat, kind, open, and open to learn and teach about any topic discussed. It almost felt like they were just another person on the trip with us, rather that “being at work”. We were so happy with everyone that we met! Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Katie Hantke - USA

The itinerary, crew, expedition staff and everything that Aurora offered was outstanding. We also really appreciated the extra consciousness to the environment and wildlife, and loved learning about auroras mission and passion in keeping wild places wild. We will definitely do another expedition with them in the future. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Erica McCoy - USA

Hands down a brilliant company from start to finish. Loved all of the expedition team members - they were enthusiastic, friendly, at times very funny, knowledgeable, entertaining - all top class. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Donna Hicks - UK

WOW! They were all so incredible. I can't pick a favorite staff member as they all were kind, informed, and each had their own area of expertise. They made a wonderful team. I felt safe with each and every member, and felt free to ask any questions that I may have had. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Wendy Williamson - USA

Everyone was so nice and passionate about their work. Mario: I miss his morning wake-up calls. I was lucky to get a hug from him on my birthday! Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Vera Hui - USA

Excellent service and a company committed to doing right by the planet. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Annie Ferguson - UK

The new ship Sylvia Earle was outstanding, very comfortable in rough seas, service and food outstanding and we will consider another trip on that ship. The Expedition Staff were very friendly, professional and extremely experienced. Read the full review

Travelled: March 2023

John Youngblood - USA

Sylvia Earle can be very proud of her namesake. I felt safe on the vessel and appreciated that different women were honoured on the different ship levels. I took the time to read about each of them and to look at all the photos throughout the vessel. My cabin was excellent. Read the full review

Travelled: March 2023

Adelle Kopp-McKay - Canada

Greg Mortimer could not have been more delightful. Every part of the ship was beautifully designed and tastefully furnished. And our room was totally lovely, spacious and comfortable. We would choose this ship again. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2023

Violetta Gianaras - USA

Aurora was excellent in all ways, and I loved the sail/fly combination.

Travelled: February 2023

Pamela Morris - USA

Aurora Expeditions is an Australian company, and as an Australian I couldn't be prouder in what they have achieved and what they delivered on my trip.

Travelled: February 2023

Mary Hockaday - Australia

10/10 - The Sylvia Earle is beautiful, very comfortable and plenty roomy that you never feel crowded. The large picture windows are wonderful to keep an eye out, wherever you are on the ship. The Staff & Crew were friendly, upbeat and fabulous. We felt well taken care of. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Leah Rumbough - USA

Most memorable moment? The landscape, PENGUINS, Sylvia Earle, PENGUINS, seals, the ship team, PENGUINS, other guest we met, how welcome we felt on the ship, PENGUINS... Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Leslie Viens - USA

The vessel was excellent and the service levels from all staff were perfect. There was plenty to do, indeed the activities were relentless, hardly had time to use the library or the observation deck before we were off on another expedition, briefing, lecture or dinner with new friends. Aurora are very accomplished at what they do.

Travelled: January 2023

Rick Greer - UK

10 - Aurora was just what we wanted. On ship experience was great. Service, knowledge, captain, Expedition Team. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Susan Boehlke - USA

The Sylvia Earle was a lovely ship, it lived up to my expectations, the trip surpassed my expectations. The cabin was great, the food was amazing, the special nights were very memorable, meeting the Captain, his crew, all the expedition team was wonderful. I loved the Cocktail Hour! I would choose this ship again. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Mary Hockaday - Australia

The trip was absolutely fantastic! We had an amazing crew that jam-packed as many landings, activities, and zodiac cruises as possible into just 6 days on the peninsula. I enjoyed the citizen science and many lectures about Antarctic natural and human history. This is an experience that I will never forget! Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Maricela Alaniz - USA

I was looking for a casual, more science-oriented expedition cruise. Aurora Expeditions gave me exactly the experience I was looking for! Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Maricela Alaniz - USA

Aurora, the ship, the itinerary, the service, and the expedition team and lecturers were all excellent. Really outstanding. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Rebecca Klein - USA

It was the right combination of luxury and comfort and excellent expedition leaders and lecturers. We also appreciated Aurora's years of experience in Antartica. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Rebecca Klein - USA

The Greg Mortimer provided first class accommodations in my private cabin. There were fine dining choices, perhaps too many, as I was concerned about wasting food. Definitely would recommend this ship. Read the full review

Travelled: March 2022

Doris Sweet - USA

The Greg Mortimer was the perfect size ship for this adventure and the cabin was quite nice. Food was good but probably ate too much! Most important was the staff - they were absolutely wonderful. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2022

Tom Crowley - USA

The staff on the Greg Mortimer exceeded any expectations for the entirety of the trip with their desire to give us the best experience possible in every way, from caring for us, our comfort, our nutrition to our desire for fun, and to see the micro and macro fauna. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2022

Teresa Targosz - USA

The SS Greg Mortimer was a great ship - very new and offering wonderful amenities. The cabins were spacious and offering lovely views and a deck, the food was spectacular and the gym was great as well, top notch, I'd sail aboard again! Read the full review

Travelled: December 2021

Christopher Norton - USA

Overall the trip met our high expectations and we loved every minute. We would gladly take another trip with this provider and this crew as both overdelivered.

Travelled: January 2016

Samarra - Sydney

Review:

What makes Aurora Expeditions special?

  • Founded by Greg Mortimer, one of Australia’s most famous mountaineers, Aurora Expeditions’ pioneering spirit of adventure still burns brightly today 
  • The company's conscious decision to limit the number of guests to only 135 passengers on a ship large enough to accommodate 180 reflects their commitment to delivering the best experience over commercial gain. The staff to guest ratio is also one of the lowest in the business
  • Alongside a polished and quality product, Aurora deliver excellent value for money. You certainly get a lot of bang for your buck and the included add-ons are generous 
  • Aurora offers a wider choice of optional adventure activities than almost any other Antarctic operator, making them the perfect choice for active travellers. They remain unique by offering polar snorkelling, which they pioneered
  • It's immediately obvious when stepping on board an Aurora ship that all the staff are passionate about their job. From the hugely experienced expedition team to the incredible personnel who look after the hotel side, you couldn’t be in better hands
  • After receiving hundreds of glowing reviews over the years from Swoop customers who have travelled with Aurora, we’ve got full confidence that they'll look after you
Swoop Says background image

Alex says

The strength of the Swoop-Aurora partnership pivots around our shared commitment to ensuring that every one of our travellers experiences the very best of Antarctica. We also enjoy Aurora’s Aussie roots (unless we’re talking about cricket!).

Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Antarctica

Fun facts about Aurora Expeditions

  • Alex Mudd, our Head of Swoop Antarctica, has worked with Aurora since 2007
  • Aurora was the first operator to launch an X-bow ship in Antarctic waters, the Greg Mortimer. Since then, a number of other operators have followed suit
  • In August 2022, Expedition Leader Howard Whelan positioned the Greg Mortimer so guests onboard could see a volcano eruption at night. Now that's spontaneous!

Aurora Expeditions' ships

Sylvia Earle

Sylvia Earle, Antarctic vessel

Launched in Autumn 2022, this state-of-the-art ship honours the highly accomplished marine biologist and oceanographer, Sylvia Earle. 

Discover More

Greg Mortimer

Greg Mortimer Ship

With its eye-catching X-Bow design and state-of-the-art onboard technology, the Greg Mortimer is unquestionably redefining the future look of polar expedition ships.

Discover More
Swoop Says background image

Swoop says

Swoop has had 16 staff members travel with Aurora over the years, giving us a more detailed understanding of their operational competency and uniqueness than any other agent.

Why our customers love Swoop

The Antarctic Experts.
No Compromises

Depth Of Knowledge SVG

Our team has visited Antarctica over 150 times and has 100 collective years of polar experience, so from which trip is right for you to what shoes to bring - there’s no question we can’t answer.

Expert impartial advice at no extra cost

Expert Impartial Advice SVG

Choosing the right voyage is complicated, Swoop makes it easy. We offer no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships to find you the right trip, cabin, price - and we don’t charge a fee.

The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist

Ends Of The Earth SVG

We want to protect Antarctica for future generations - which is why we became a certified B Corp and set up our own conservation fund. So your adventures can be a force for good.

A full concierge service, unlike booking direct

With You SVG

We leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip and have over 6500 happy travellers to show for it. With a dedicated Antarctic co-ordinator & support throughout - you’re in safe hands.

Meet the Aurora Expeditions team

The outstanding calibre of Aurora’s onboard expedition staff remains one of their superpowers. The company has an outstanding stable of team members. 

  • Aurora’s expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:8 is low and ensures everyone has access to plenty of 1-2-1 interaction
  • The company attracts an international staff, but the backbone of their expedition team is typically Australian, which makes for a fun atmosphere

Introducing a few key members you might meet on your voyage:

Aurora Expeditions staff

Howard Whelan

  • Expedition Leader 
  • Senior Polar Tourism Guide and Fellow of the Explorer’s Club
  • Part of the Aurora Expeditions team since the company's launch two decades ago 
  • One of the first people to walk the 4000km Pacific Crest Trail from Canada to Mexico
  • Cameraman on the first Australian ascent of Mount Everest
  • Led the Antarctic filming expeditions that culminated in the Oscar-winning animation Happy Feet
Aurora Expedition Leader Howard Whelan

Dr Roger Kirkwood

  • Expedition Leader & Naturalist
  • First travelled to Antarctica as a krill research assistant in 1984 on an Australian marine science expedition
  • Returned nine more times to study zooplankton, seals, penguins and albatrosses
  • Spent a year beside an emperor penguin colony 60km (37.3 miles) from Mawson Station and did his PhD on emperor penguin foraging ecology
  • Published more than 100 research and public articles, as well as four books
Aurora Expeditions Roger Kirkwood

Nina Gallo

  • Historian
  • Spent four years at university studying everything from literature and politics to science and Chinese medicine 
  • Worked as a canyoning guide and climbing instructor in the Blue Mountains, a first aider and volunteer manager on events in the Simpson Desert, and a guide and lecturer in Antarctica
  • Has travelled to far northern Canada, the Himalayas, the Alps and deserts in America and Australia 
  • Authored Antarctica, which was published by Australian Geographic in September 2020
Historian Nina Gallo of AE Expeditions
Customer review background image

What our customers think of Aurora's guides

Amazing crew and support team. The crew onboard really made the trip. They went above and beyond to give us the best expedition experience at every operation. Read the full review

Travelled: October 2024

Natalie Gillespie - UK

Masters of their field! Genuine care and their energy and passion are contagious! They are as excited as we are! Linda, Jay are exceptional lecturers/naturalists. Bron /Tarn are great for alpine activities! Mario - good leader who has endless energy and smile. Read the full review

Travelled: October 2024

John Paul Lotuaco - Panama

Truly the most excellent, attentive, and professional organization I have ever traveled with. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

Charles Williams - USA

The expedition team were all dedicated and professional experts. They could not have done better or been more dedicated to making the expeditions all life-changing events. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

Charles Williams - USA

Go with Swoop and Aurora! Everything Swoop arranged worked perfectly, excellent communication and advice. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

Christopher John Oakley - UK

10/10 - Our staff, both the expedition team and ship staff, were outstanding. Nothing was overlooked. The attention to detail was second to none. The joy and positive attitude of staff each and every day was infectious. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

Julia Balogh - USA

10/10 - Aurora was amazing in all ways. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

Natalie DeNormandie - USA

Loved everyone! The naturalists were awesome and knowledgeable, the leaders were helpful and were conscientious about our safety and fun. The dining staff were wonderful and doting. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

Sylvia Caira - USA

Extremely impressed with Aurora, not just in terms of my enjoyment of the cruise and excursions which were awesome but also (and particularly) with how they seem to treat their staff (crew we encountered seemed pretty happy and were great - testament perhaps to how their employer treats them). Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

Louise Johnston - UK

Swoop and Aurora seem to have a very good partnership, focused on the experience and great customer response. Many of our questions were answered very quickly and helped to plan what turned out to be almost a full month of travel with before and after trips. Knowing exactly what to bring for clothing and expeditioning was very helpful. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

Michael Iezzi - USA

My tip for people planning an Antarctic trip? Go with Aurora. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2024

Bryce Malsbary - USA

Everyone was so upbeat, kind, open, and open to learn and teach about any topic discussed. It almost felt like they were just another person on the trip with us, rather that “being at work”. We were so happy with everyone that we met! Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Katie Hantke - USA

The itinerary, crew, expedition staff and everything that Aurora offered was outstanding. We also really appreciated the extra consciousness to the environment and wildlife, and loved learning about auroras mission and passion in keeping wild places wild. We will definitely do another expedition with them in the future. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Erica McCoy - USA

Hands down a brilliant company from start to finish. Loved all of the expedition team members - they were enthusiastic, friendly, at times very funny, knowledgeable, entertaining - all top class. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Donna Hicks - UK

WOW! They were all so incredible. I can't pick a favorite staff member as they all were kind, informed, and each had their own area of expertise. They made a wonderful team. I felt safe with each and every member, and felt free to ask any questions that I may have had. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Wendy Williamson - USA

Everyone was so nice and passionate about their work. Mario: I miss his morning wake-up calls. I was lucky to get a hug from him on my birthday! Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Vera Hui - USA

Excellent service and a company committed to doing right by the planet. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Annie Ferguson - UK

The new ship Sylvia Earle was outstanding, very comfortable in rough seas, service and food outstanding and we will consider another trip on that ship. The Expedition Staff were very friendly, professional and extremely experienced. Read the full review

Travelled: March 2023

John Youngblood - USA

Sylvia Earle can be very proud of her namesake. I felt safe on the vessel and appreciated that different women were honoured on the different ship levels. I took the time to read about each of them and to look at all the photos throughout the vessel. My cabin was excellent. Read the full review

Travelled: March 2023

Adelle Kopp-McKay - Canada

Greg Mortimer could not have been more delightful. Every part of the ship was beautifully designed and tastefully furnished. And our room was totally lovely, spacious and comfortable. We would choose this ship again. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2023

Violetta Gianaras - USA

Aurora was excellent in all ways, and I loved the sail/fly combination.

Travelled: February 2023

Pamela Morris - USA

Aurora Expeditions is an Australian company, and as an Australian I couldn't be prouder in what they have achieved and what they delivered on my trip.

Travelled: February 2023

Mary Hockaday - Australia

10/10 - The Sylvia Earle is beautiful, very comfortable and plenty roomy that you never feel crowded. The large picture windows are wonderful to keep an eye out, wherever you are on the ship. The Staff & Crew were friendly, upbeat and fabulous. We felt well taken care of. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Leah Rumbough - USA

Most memorable moment? The landscape, PENGUINS, Sylvia Earle, PENGUINS, seals, the ship team, PENGUINS, other guest we met, how welcome we felt on the ship, PENGUINS... Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Leslie Viens - USA

The vessel was excellent and the service levels from all staff were perfect. There was plenty to do, indeed the activities were relentless, hardly had time to use the library or the observation deck before we were off on another expedition, briefing, lecture or dinner with new friends. Aurora are very accomplished at what they do.

Travelled: January 2023

Rick Greer - UK

10 - Aurora was just what we wanted. On ship experience was great. Service, knowledge, captain, Expedition Team. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Susan Boehlke - USA

The Sylvia Earle was a lovely ship, it lived up to my expectations, the trip surpassed my expectations. The cabin was great, the food was amazing, the special nights were very memorable, meeting the Captain, his crew, all the expedition team was wonderful. I loved the Cocktail Hour! I would choose this ship again. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Mary Hockaday - Australia

The trip was absolutely fantastic! We had an amazing crew that jam-packed as many landings, activities, and zodiac cruises as possible into just 6 days on the peninsula. I enjoyed the citizen science and many lectures about Antarctic natural and human history. This is an experience that I will never forget! Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Maricela Alaniz - USA

I was looking for a casual, more science-oriented expedition cruise. Aurora Expeditions gave me exactly the experience I was looking for! Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Maricela Alaniz - USA

Aurora, the ship, the itinerary, the service, and the expedition team and lecturers were all excellent. Really outstanding. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Rebecca Klein - USA

It was the right combination of luxury and comfort and excellent expedition leaders and lecturers. We also appreciated Aurora's years of experience in Antartica. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Rebecca Klein - USA

The Greg Mortimer provided first class accommodations in my private cabin. There were fine dining choices, perhaps too many, as I was concerned about wasting food. Definitely would recommend this ship. Read the full review

Travelled: March 2022

Doris Sweet - USA

The Greg Mortimer was the perfect size ship for this adventure and the cabin was quite nice. Food was good but probably ate too much! Most important was the staff - they were absolutely wonderful. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2022

Tom Crowley - USA

The staff on the Greg Mortimer exceeded any expectations for the entirety of the trip with their desire to give us the best experience possible in every way, from caring for us, our comfort, our nutrition to our desire for fun, and to see the micro and macro fauna. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2022

Teresa Targosz - USA

The SS Greg Mortimer was a great ship - very new and offering wonderful amenities. The cabins were spacious and offering lovely views and a deck, the food was spectacular and the gym was great as well, top notch, I'd sail aboard again! Read the full review

Travelled: December 2021

Christopher Norton - USA

Overall the trip met our high expectations and we loved every minute. We would gladly take another trip with this provider and this crew as both overdelivered.

Travelled: January 2016

Samarra - Sydney

Review:

Swoop offers the following Aurora trips

Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.

Antarctic Peninsula Explorer

Explore the White Continent aboard one of the polar fleet's newest additions, a state-of-the-art expedition vessel combining adventure with comfort. As well as being limited to only 130 passengers, there’s a wide range of optional activities on this classic Antarctic…

  • 12-15 Days
  • $11,395
Discover South Georgia, Antarctica and Falklands

This voyage takes in the wildlife-rich wonders of South Georgia and the Falklands, as well as the dramatic landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula. You’ll travel on board one of the most exciting new polar ships with spacious cabins, state-of-the-art technology…

  • 19-25 Days
  • $20,595
Crossing the Antarctic Circle

Spend 6 full days exploring Antarctica with the Polar Circle at 66 degrees south as your most southerly objective, on board one of the most exciting new vessels. A maximum of just 130 passengers, with spacious cabins, state-of-the-art technology and…

  • 13-14 Days
  • $16,195
Immense Discovery: Falklands, South Georgia & the Peninsula

This fantastic trip covers all the must-see highlights of an extended Antarctic expedition. With 21 nights aboard, venture far south past vast icebergs to cross the Antarctic Circle before taking in the wildlife paradise of South Georgia's jaw-dropping king penguin…

  • 23 Days
  • $29,495
Antarctic Fly & Sail Combination

A rare and popular voyage which flies to Antarctica in just two hours, then sails back across the Drake Passage, maximising both expediency and experience. Spend 5 to 7 days exploring Antarctica on a small, purpose-built expedition ship, with kayaking…

  • 9-13 Days
  • $17,295
Fly & Cruise the Antarctic Peninsula

For maximum time in Antarctica with flights both ways, this trip really stands out. An extended fly & cruise voyage spending eight full days actually in Antarctica onboard a small, state-of-the-art expedition ship. Optional kayaking & polar…

  • 12 Days
  • $23,795