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About Us

About AE Expeditions

From the start, AE Expeditions (part of Aurora Expeditions) was destined to be different. Co-founders Greg and Margaret Mortimer had a passion for adventure, exploring wild places and sharing the experience with friends and in 1991, AE Expeditions, named in honour of Sir Douglas Mawson’s ship, was born.

Their aim was simple – to take small groups of travellers on voyages of discovery to inspiring regions, thereby creating lifelong ambassadors for the preservation and protection of these sacred places. More than three decades later, that pioneering spirit burns just as brightly, as does our preference for small-group, personal expeditions.

Less people means more solitude and greater flexibility if tides, currents, ice or weather dictate a schedule change. And because we have fewer people to ferry ashore, we often make more landings.

We make the most of our size advantage to create intimate expeditions varying in length from 8 to 30 days. Simply choose the region you’d like to explore, the amount of time you’ve got and what activities you enjoy. Focus on one destination or combine back-to-back trips for the ‘Ultimate Adventure’.

You’ll be accompanied by an Expedition Team that we believe are the world’s best. Remote area specialists, their onboard lectures entertain and expand your knowledge.

We are proud to be a Certified B Corporation™️, with an ongoing commitment to protect the world’s wild places and become the global leader in sustainable expedition travel.

Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning for another thrilling adventure, our original goals remain unchanged. Explore wild places that stir the soul, create ambassadors for the planet, offer personal attention on unforgettable expeditions and welcome new friends into the AE Expeditions’ family.

AE Expeditions' Pioneering History

1991

Aurora Expeditions is established by Greg and Margaret Mortimer and is one of the first operators to become a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO)

1992

First Antarctic Expedition

1994

First to introduce ice camping and kayaking on the Antarctic Peninsula

1995

First commercial climbing expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula

1997

First Arctic Expedition

1998

First diving trip to the Antarctic Peninsula

2001

First passenger expedition to retrace Shackleton’s footsteps

2003

One of the first operators to join the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO)

2005

First British Isles expedition

2012

Introduced trips with flights to Antarctica

2016

Introduced polar snorkelling in the Arctic

2019

Launch of the Greg Mortimer, the first passenger vessel to feature the Ulstein X-BOW®

2020

First time being named ‘World’s Leading Polar Operator’ in the World Travel Awards

2021

Became a certified 100% Carbon Neutral company

2022

Launch of our second purpose-build ship, the Sylvia Earle, honouring inspiring Women in conservation

2023

Named ‘World’s Best Expedition Cruise Line’ in the World Cruise Awards and hosted the inaugural Antarctic Climate Expedition (ACE)

2024

Became a Certified B Corporation™️

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