
AE Expeditions
AE Expeditions (part of Aurora Expeditions) was founded in 1991 by Greg and Margaret Mortimer, two passionate explorers with a vision to take small groups of travellers on transformative journeys to the world’s most remote regions. Named after Sir Douglas Mawson’s historic ship, Aurora was built on the belief that immersive, personal expeditions create lifelong ambassadors for the protection of these pristine environments.
More than three decades later, our pioneering spirit remains unchanged. Our purpose-built small ships offer greater flexibility, allowing us to navigate ice, tides, and weather with ease. Fewer travellers mean more opportunities for solitude, more time ashore, and the freedom to adapt to nature’s rhythms. With expeditions ranging from 8 to 30 days, you can focus on a single destination or combine voyages for the ultimate adventure.
As a Certified B Corporation™, we are committed to sustainability and protecting the world’s wild places. Join us in exploring these extraordinary landscapes while helping to preserve them for future generations.
An expedition is more than a big adventure, it's a journey that changes you. The most meaningful adventures are the ones that tread lightly, leaving the wild places we visit as pristine as we found them.
As a Certified B Corporation™ and proudly Carbon Neutral, we believe adventure and responsibility go hand in hand. Our small ships feature cutting-edge technology, and every voyage blends adventure, conservation and education, so you can explore the world while helping to protect it.
Go where few have gone. Come back changed, ready to share your story.
What to expect from AE Expeditions
The AE Expeditions Difference
Since our inception, we’ve remained true to our passion for exploring the world’s most remote and wild places, sharing these extraordinary experiences with like-minded travelers. Our small-group, personal expeditions allow for deeper connections—to nature, to our expert expedition team, and to your fellow expeditioners.
Guided by some of the world’s best remote area specialists, every journey is enriched with fascinating lectures and insights that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re embarking on your first expedition or returning for another adventure, our mission remains the same: to take you beyond the ordinary, offering immersive, unforgettable experiences that stir the soul and inspire a lifelong connection to the natural world.
A True Spirit of Adventure
For over 33 years, AE Expeditions has been taking small groups of intrepid travellers to some of the most remote places on Earth. Our pioneering spirit means we embrace the unexpected—whether that’s stopping for breaching whales, exploring a new landing site, or adjusting our itinerary to make the most of a wildlife encounter. No matter where we are, we encourage a true sense of exploration, from guided hikes across the tundra in search of an arctic fox to Zodiac cruising alongside towering icebergs.
Small Groups & Expert Guides
Traveling in small groups allows for a more immersive experience, ensuring every expeditioner can join landings, Zodiac cruises, and optional activities like kayaking or diving. With a staff-to-passenger ratio of approximately 1:7, you’ll enjoy more one-on-one time with our expert guides—many of whom are world leaders in their fields. Passionate about sharing their knowledge, our expedition specialists will enrich your journey with fascinating insights, bringing the landscapes, wildlife, and history of each destination to life.
A Welcoming Onboard Experience
From the moment you step aboard, our approachable expedition team and friendly atmosphere make you feel at home. Whether you’re swapping stories at the bar, dining in relaxed groups, or dashing to the deck in your pyjamas for a polar bear sighting, our small-ship camaraderie fosters a welcoming environment. Solo travellers are also warmly welcomed—our stateroom-sharing service helps avoid single supplements, or you can take advantage of special offers for your own cabin.
More Value, More Freedom
Our expeditions include what most would consider extras—from a polar jacket and flights for our Fly/Sail Antarctic program to pre- and post-voyage accommodation in select locations. We also offer flexibility, ensuring every trip is maximised for adventure. If weather or sea ice shifts our plans, we always have alternatives lined up, allowing you to make the most of your time in these extraordinary environments.
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)
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 Aurora 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 Douglas Mawson , as well as Patagonia Treks operated by Aurora Expeditions. For Bronze, Silver and Gold Loyalty members, receive an additional 5% discount to any in-market offers, up to a maximum of 30% off. For Silver and Gold Loyalty members, If there is no offer in-market, members will receive a maximum 15% discount.
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 Aurora Expeditions VIP members will have their membership automatically transferred onto the new Loyalty Program when they book new voyages after the 15th January 2019.
The loyalty program is subject to change and Aurora 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.
AE Expeditions Ships
Sylvia Earle
A floating ambassador for the planet.
On our small purpose-built ship, the Sylvia Earle, connect with like-minded travellers in a meaningful way on perspective-altering voyages to some of the most remote, unique and spectacular places on the planet. Featuring the Ulstein X-BOW® design, it cuts through the swell for a smoother transit through waves while minimising its environmental impact.