Aurora Expeditions (fleet), a renowned Australian-owned adventure travel company celebrated for its immersive and responsible exploration, has unveiled its highly anticipated Antarctica 2025-2026 season, poised to be its most adventurous yet. This exciting season encompasses a total of 32 voyages spread across three purpose-built small ships: Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle, and the newly introduced Douglas Mawson/fka Ocean Discoverer.
Building upon its popular itineraries such as Antarctic Explorer and Spirit of Antarctica, this season introduces eight new routes that span across diverse regions, including East Antarctica, the Ross Sea, New Zealand Subantarctic Islands, and a captivating circumnavigation of Tasmania. What's more, two additional departure ports in Hobart Tasmania, and Dunedin New Zealand, have been added, thereby expanding the horizons for Antarctic enthusiasts.
A hallmark of this season is the array of adventure options available, allowing travelers to tailor their experiences according to their preferences. From the 'Fly the Drake' voyages to the all-inclusive activity voyages, guests are offered a myriad of choices to suit their thirst for exploration. Furthermore, the introduction of 36 single berths on the Douglas Mawson aims to accommodate the growing segment of solo travelers seeking Antarctic adventures.
Among the standout expeditions are Mawson’s Antarctica, which retraces the historic voyage of Sir Douglas Mawson's Australasian Antarctic Expedition (AAE) and delves into the remote beauty of East Antarctica. The Ross Sea Odyssey offers a journey back to the heroic age of Antarctic exploration, featuring encounters with diverse wildlife and extraordinary tales of human endeavor.
For those seeking an immersive experience, the Subantarctic Discovery voyage provides an opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity of Australia and New Zealand's subantarctic islands. Meanwhile, the Epic Antarctica: Crossing the 7th Continent expedition invites pioneers and history enthusiasts to embark on an epic journey that encompasses the wonders of the Ross Sea and the Antarctic Peninsula.
In addition, the Antarctica Active (All Inclusive Activities) voyages promise travelers a deeper engagement with the Antarctic environment, offering activities such as paddling among icebergs, snowshoe hikes, and even overnight camping on the ice.
Last but not least, the Coastal Tasmania: Untamed Wilderness expedition offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation, allowing guests to explore Tasmania's pristine landscapes by day and retreat to their floating base camp each night.