Small Groups

Travelling in small groups (average 132 passengers) means that, unlike on larger ships, you can join every excursion, getting into the environment and exploring via shore landings, Zodiac cruises, kayaking or diving. With a staff-to-passenger ratio of approx. 1:8, means more one-on-one time with your expedition team.

Expert Guides

Our highly acclaimed expedition specialists are some of the best in the business. Many are recognised world leaders in their fields, and they enthusiastically share their knowledge to ensure that each moment you spend with us is interesting and educational. And more than that, they just love being with people.

Flexibility & Freedom

We stop for breaching whales! Our itineraries are designed to be adaptable. If weather or sea ice blocks our way we have a Plan B, C and D! We're always on the lookout for new places to explore, and we're not afraid to adjust our schedule to make the most of unexpected wildlife displays.

Spirit of Adventure

No matter where we are, we encourage a true sense of exploration. Zodiac cruise into a craggy cove to take a closer look at rockhopper penguins scaling a cliff, or take a guided hike across the tundra in search of the elusive arctic fox. You can also choose from a large selection of optional activities to make the most of your adventure.

Relaxed Onboard Atmosphere

Our approachable expedition team will make every effort to ensure that you feel right at home. Whether that means sharing tales of adventure at the bar, dining in friendly groups or heading up to the bridge in your pyjamas for a polar bear sighting, our small groups and warm camaraderie create a relaxed, informal atmosphere on board.

Solo Travellers

This style of travel tends to attract like-minded people who love to connect with the natural world. Our small group ethos fosters an open, friendly environment, where making new connections is easy. We welcome solo travellers: avoid single supplements with our cabin-sharing service, or ask about special deals for your own room.

Our Experience

It's been more than 30 years since our co-founders, Greg and Margaret Mortimer started taking small groups of friends and keen travellers to Antarctica. Aboard small, ice-strengthened vessels, they took groups of intrepid explorers to places that few, if any, had been before, pioneering a long list of 'firsts' along the way.

Book with Confidence

You can book with confidence when you book with AE Expeditions. Our Deposit Protection Program for all new bookings will protect your funds and our enhanced and in-depth Health & Safety policies and practices ensures the safety and well-being of expeditioners, expedition staff and crew in association with COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

Added Extras

Whether it’s a polar jacket, flights for our Fly/Sail Antarctic program, pre/post voyage accommodation in South America or high Arctic activities in Longyearbyen, our inclusions are what most others would consider extras. For a full list of inclusions for each voyage, please see itinerary pages.

We want to recognise our customers who keep coming back to explore the world with us. Once you complete your first AE Expeditions voyage, you are automatically granted loyalty status. Enter as a Bronze Adventurer, and as you explore more of our voyages, you’ll move up to Silver and Gold status.

The AE Expeditions Loyalty Program rewards travellers with lots of benefits and perks, including all returning passengers with a  5% discount* on all future AE Expeditions voyages.  Your membership level never expires so we look forward to welcoming you back for many years to come!

BRONZE ADVENTURER

Complete one voyage and become a Bronze Adventurer

• 5% discount in addition to any running offer*
• Exclusive pre-release on new season launches
• On board credit of $100 USD per person
• A free glass of champagne / top shelf spirit

SILVER EXPLORER

Complete two voyages and become a Silver Explorer

• 5% discount in addition to any running offer with a minimum of 15% discount at all times*
• Exclusive pre-release on new season launches
• On board credit of $250 USD per person
• Free bottle of wine per person
• Free cabin upgrade (subject to availability)

GOLD PIONEER

Complete three voyages and become a Gold Pioneer

• 5% discount in addition to any running offer with a minimum of 15% discount at all times*
• Exclusive pre-release on new season launches
• On board credit of $500 USD per person
• Free bottle of wine per person
• Free cabin upgrade (subject to availability)

*TERMS & CONDITIONS

Loyalty Program valid as of 15th January 2019 onwards only for voyage bookings aboard our ships

Membership is free and automatically awarded after your first voyage with AE Expeditions. Membership will automatically be upgraded to higher levels after the qualifying number of voyages is reached. Qualifying voyages include all sailings aboard the  Greg Mortimer,  the  Sylvia Earle  & the  Polar Pioneer , as well as Patagonia Treks operated by AE Expeditions, and our Kimberley program. NOTE: For the purposes of rewards levels, multiple voyages marketed as a single voyage will count as one voyage only. Back to back voyages marketed as separate voyages will count as two separate voyages. Existing AE Expeditions VIP members will have their membership automatically transferred onto the new Loyalty Program when they book new voyages after the 15th January 2019. Prior bookings on the  Greg Mortimer  are subject to prior loyalty scheme rewards.

2Credit is non-refundable, and expires at the end of the booked voyage. 3Beverage choice is from a select range only. 4Complimentary upgrades subject to availability 30 days out from departure and may refer to a more spacious stateroom of the same category, or a higher category at the discretion of AE Expeditions. 

The loyalty program is subject to change and AE Expeditions reserves the right to change the loyalty program and any membership benefits from time to time without notice.

Normal booking  terms and conditions  apply.

For valid bookings from  14th January 2018 to 14th January 2019  – please refer to  prior loyalty program.