Overview
Aurora Expeditions is an Australian adventure company specializing in small group expedition-style travel to Polar Regions and other wild and remote places. A world leader in polar cruising, Aurora Expeditions is a family owned and operated company that offers their travelers the chance to have an intimate experience in these regions with their flexible, innovative itineraries.
On some voyages, mountain climbing, sea kayaking, photography and scuba diving options are available and Aurora Expeditions' expert naturalists, historians, staff and crew help to unlock the wonders of these special places. Deeply committed to education and preservation of the environment, Aurora Expeditions' owners, Greg Mortimer and Margaret Werner, are veterans of almost three decades of Antarctic research, private Antarctic mountaineering expeditions and polar travel.
Greg Mortimer OAM, Aurora Expeditions' co founder, originally trained as a geologist and was one of the first two Australians to climb Mt. Everest, and the first Australian to climb K2, the world's second highest mountain. Greg was also one of the first two Australians to climb Mt. Vinson Massif, the highest mountain in Antarctica. Greg has personally led over 80 voyages and Antarctica is his abiding passion. Greg believes that passengers return as ambassadors to ensure the Polar Regions are looked after for the future.
Aurora Expeditions staff and crew remain devoted to ensuring that the Polar Regions are preserved for future generations. Their continued involvement with IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) and AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators) helps them to fulfill this mandate and is another important reason for choosing to travel with Aurora Expeditions.
Aurora Expeditions' Impact on Preserving the Environment
Aurora Expeditions believes that travel to remote destinations can create lifelong ambassadors for environmental protection. Sensitivity to environmental considerations is a core part of Aurora Expeditions’ culture and the staff has a unique ability to share their love and respect of nature with passengers. Aurora Expeditions takes every opportunity to explain the fragile ecosystems encountered. Aurora has been a leader in responsible tourism since the company's inception in 1992. They were the first Australian member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and Aurora Expeditions’ co-founder Greg Mortimer is actively involved with its Executive Committee. The Association deals with all aspects of Antarctic tourism, but its most important charter is responsible environmental practices.
Giving Back to the Environment
To help reduce impact, Aurora Expeditions' passengers are fully briefed on environmental guidelines and the scientific reasons behind them.
Experienced guides demonstrate how to observe wildlife in ways that cause minimum impact.
Excellent guide to passenger ratio means the environmental education continues on shore.
In addition, through company donations and funds from Aurora Expeditions’ VIP Club (passengers who have made three or more journeys with Aurora), they give grants to scientists to research topics where activities may have an impact. For example: - Aurora Expeditions has donated money to an Albatross conservation project researching bycatch of seabirds in fisheries.
- Aurora Expeditions helped fund Aurora naturalist Dr. Gary Miller's participation in an important meeting in Brazil for the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (SCAR). Dr Gary conducts research on South Polar Skuas.
- Aurora Expeditions is supporting important research by Leanne Gillespie, a past Aurora Expeditions passenger. As part of her Masters degree, Leanne will investigate the effectiveness of Virkon boot disinfection in avoiding potential translocation of diseases in Antarctica.
- Aurora Expeditions will be taking four workmen down to the Mawson's Huts Historic Site to complete important restoration work.
- In the High Arctic, Aurora Expeditions is an active participant in the 'Clean Up Svalbard' campaign.
- Aurora Expeditions regularly provides transport aboard ships for scientific researchers and equipment.
Select on Impact
How do you know if you are traveling with a company that's promoting low impact expeditions?
It's worth remembering to check some important factors when choosing a tour operator: - Environment friendly logos, partnerships and advertising does not ensure a travel company practices low impact travel. Ask questions about how your travel company implements low impact actions.
- Check the group size of your cruise. Small group sizes can minimize environmental impact.
- Ask someone who has traveled with a company what the guides did to ensure a low impact on the environment and wildlife.
- Ask the company if educational programs are in place for their passengers that encourage environmentally conscious habits.
- Ask for printed information on low impact practices and operations.
Travel & Industry Awards
- Outside Magazine - Trip of the Year
- National Geographic Traveler - Tours of a Lifetime
Affiliations
- IAATO - International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators
- AECO - Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators
Payments Accepted
- American Express
- MasterCard
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- Personal Checks
- Wire Transfer
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Reservation Policy
Final payment for your voyage is due 90 days before your departure. If this balance is not paid by the due date, Aurora Expeditions will regard the booking as cancelled.
Cancellation Policy
If it becomes necessary to cancel your holiday, you must notify Aurora Expeditions immediately in writing. Cancellation will take effect upon receipt by Aurora Expeditions of your written notice. If cancellation takes place more than 90 days prior to departure, $500 per person will be payable by you. If cancellation takes place less than 90 days prior to departure, you will be required to pay the full cost of the trip.
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