Since 1991, Aurora Expeditions has believed in a simple idea: that travel to the world’s most extraordinary places should take care of our planet and give back to the communities that welcome us to their lands.
We are proud to share our 2025 Impact Report, our second comprehensive review of the company’s purpose, vision, and values. This report acts as a checkpoint on our journey, sharing how this belief has guided our decisions, partnerships, and practices over the past two years, and how it continues to shape the business we are building for the future.
The year ahead will see us deepen our scientific and community collaborations. With the arrival of our third ship, the Douglas Mawson, and expeditions now across all seven continents, we remain committed to ensuring that our growth never comes at the expense of our planet.
Sustainability Highlights
We offer our ships as mobile research platforms
Aurora Expeditions’ ships often double as mobile research platforms, supporting vital scientific work across the polar regions.
Onboard the Greg Mortimer, Oceanites conducted penguin colony counts to inform conservation strategies, while the Friedlaender Lab collected minimally invasive samples from humpback and minke whales to study their health. Meanwhile, Reef Life Survey scientists explored shallow Antarctic reefs from the Sylvia Earle, documenting unusual icefish, sea stars, and other marine life.
FY25 saw 4,716 passengers
So, we funded the planting of 4,716 units of marine life and prevented 4,716 kilograms of plastic waste from entering the ocean. This initiative goes beyond conservation, to actively rebuild what has been lost due to human activity and climate change.
Funding to protect the places we love
On-the-ground conservation Adventure
In 2025, we joined international nonprofit Travel Conservation Fund (ATCF). Our membership funds projects that protect endangered species and fragile habitats, preserve cultural heritage and support Indigenous communities. Being part of this network allows us to pool resources with other adventure organisations, to help protect the things that make our destinations so extraordinary. A$30,000 donated.
Protecting one of Australia’s most remote ecosystems
The Macquarie Island Conservation Foundation supports science, research, management, student projects and outreach to advance conservation on Macquarie Island. A$20,000 donated.
Championing Hope Spots
Led by oceanographer and explorer Dr Sylvia Earle, Mission Blue advocates for the protection of Hope Spots - critical areas of ocean that are home to rare or threatened species, unique ecosystems, migration corridors, spawning grounds or significant cultural sites. A$60,000 donated.
Protecting the legacy of explorers
The Mawson’s Huts Foundation is dedicated to conserving the historic huts at Cape Denison, East Antarctica, which was the main base for the 1911– 1914 Australasian Antarctic Expedition
led by Sir Douglas Mawson. These huts are recognised as the birthplace of Australia’s Antarctic heritage. As a principal sponsor, we are proud to protect this legacy of human endeavour,
courage, science and discovery. A$30,000 donated.
Petitioning for the future of our planet, aboard our second climate voyage
Our second climate-focused voyage, The BIG ACE (Bears Ice Glaciers Arctic Climate Expedition) brought together scientists, artists, youth leaders, filmmakers, and educators under one mission: to give voice to the voiceless and inspire the world to protect the Arctic. Ambassadors witnessed glaciers scarred by meltwater, ancient ice towers collapsing, rain replacing snowfall, and exposed earth where there was once ice.
Voyage highlights:
- 98 climate ambassadors aged 9-90, from 25 countries
- Created and launched the Arctic Resolution: a petition to protect the Arctic Ocean from surface to seafloor
- Found microplastics in both surface and in-water samples, including snow collected from pack ice at 81.6°N
- Celebrated Dr. Sylvia Earle’s 90th birthday, honouring her lifelong legacy of ocean conservation
Introducing our new Eco- Expedition Parka
Outdoor gear is often made with synthetic materials, chemical treatments and packaging, with long-lasting environmental impacts. We partnered with Certified B Corp™, XTM Performance, to launch the Eco-Expedition Parka, proving that high performance and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Key Features:
- Outer shell made from 100% recycled PET bottles
- PFAS-free, water-repellent coating (PFAS are harmful ‘forever chemicals’ commonly found in waterproof gear that pose risks to ecosystems and human health)
- Built to last, with reinforced construction
- Gender-specific fits
- Safety features like reflective patches for visibility in polar conditions
- 100% landfill-free packaging
Our Diverse Team
We are explorers of the world and explorers from the world. Aurora Expeditions remains committed to creating opportunities and leadership pathways for people of all genders and from all walks of life.
Revisit Our First Impact Report
You can also explore our previous 2022–2023 Impact Report, which marked our first comprehensive review of our purpose, values and sustainability commitments, and outlined the initiatives that shaped our early impact journey.