How to Experience Meaningful Travel in Antarctica and the Arctic

Sprawling, isolated, and pristine, Antarctica and the Arctic present breathtaking landscapes like few other locations on Earth, and traveling with Aurora Expeditions provides an extraordinary way to explore. With their monumental glaciers, vast ice fields, and captivating wildlife, you’ll find stunning photo opportunities at every turn. (Who wouldn’t want to snap a selfie with a penguin?) Yet, beneath the surface lies so much more: a realm that inspires the imagination and nourishes the soul unlike any other. All you need is the perfect guide.

With over thirty years of expertise in leading small-group adventures, Aurora Expeditions embodies a spirit of discovery, urging travelers to truly appreciate this awe-inspiring natural wonder. The Aurora expedition team boasts unparalleled knowledge, and skilled guides assist guests in exploring the region's wildlife, geology, climate, and history, facilitating 2–3 landings daily (weather permitting). Between Zodiac excursions, participants can engage in a tailored activity program featuring kayaking, diving, skiing, camping, and more. Here’s how to delve deeper on a unique journey to the polar regions.

Learn from the leading experts in the field

Focusing on education and enrichment, Aurora Expeditions’ itineraries include specialists in exploration, conservation, science, photography, and history to enrich guests’ journeys with their unique insights and research. Capture stunning images of polar bears or gentoo penguins with guidance from an award-winning wildlife photographer. Discover intriguing wildlife both on land and by zodiac in small groups, enjoying an expedition team to passenger ratio of 1:8. Attend regular lectures to learn about the regions you explore, gaining knowledge that will resonate with you for years to come.

Contribute by joining Citizen Science Programs

Aurora Expeditions journeys to some of the planet's most unique and remote locations, often challenging for scientists to access. Through their Citizen Science Program, travelers can contribute to valuable data collection and observations for the scientific community, while learning about critical issues like marine biodiversity and microplastics.

On most expeditions, a Citizen Science Coordinator will accompany the expedition team to introduce various projects throughout the voyage. Participate in seabird population surveys, measure phytoplankton from your zodiac, and engage in efforts to safeguard these vital environments.

Choose from a variety of immersive activities

Purpose-built vessels allow Aurora Expeditions to offer a top-tier, all-encompassing activities program alongside regular Zodiac excursions and shore landings for every traveler. Whether you want to kayak, hike, climb, ski, snorkel, or dive, their expert guides are ready to help you safely explore new horizons and share their passion for adventure with you.

Unroll your sleeping bag and camp on the ice of the Antarctic Peninsula, where you can hear the distant calls of penguins while the ice crackles around you. Paddle through ice floes and venture into secluded bays unreachable by Zodiac in the Arctic. Take on an exhilarating skiing or snowboarding expedition, even trying your hand at Shackleton’s legendary route across South Georgia.

Set off on a fresh expedition

Yearning for an Arctic adventure? Explore Canada’s iconic Northwest Passage on a 17-day expedition. This region has fascinated explorers for centuries—now you can retrace their steps into an untouched wilderness, engage with local Indigenous communities, and spot unique wildlife.

Traveling south, on the Antarctic Peninsula In Depth expedition, you can be among the first to visit Antarctica this new season. This 15-day journey in late austral spring is perfect for photographers looking for immaculate conditions. Active travelers will find ample opportunities for ski touring, snowshoeing, camping, and kayaking.

Aurora Expeditions has just unveiled its new 2024/2025 Antarctic season schedule. Featuring 25 departures to the White Continent with voyages lasting from 9 to 23 days, along with three exciting new itineraries, it’s the most extensive Antarctic program available yet. Book early to save up to 25 percent, because there’s no time like the present to plan your next adventure!