The Aurora Difference
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Season & campaign assets
Below are the latest trip notes, maps, marketing assets and images for each season and current promotion. The trip notes reflect any rescheduled departure dates, so please download and update these on your websites to make sure you have correct voyage and trek details. There is also promotional material to help you inspire your clients to travel with us, including social media tiles and customisable flyers.
Resources & sales tools
From the latest Voyage Calendar to information about Fly/Sail & Sail/Fly luggage allowances, we have all the resources you need to inform and inspire your clients. Use our comprehensive collection of sales tools to learn more about Aurora Expeditions and grow your business.
Gaby Pilson
Naturalist & Glaciologist
Gaby is an experienced expedition guide and self-proclaimed nerd with a Master’s in Outdoor Education. She fell in love with the natural world after a series of injuries prevented her from playing competitive ice hockey at her high school in the Adirondacks, so her teacher introduced her to ice climbing instead and she was instantly hooked. She spent the rest of winter ice climbing and spring rock climbing, before finding a job at a local gear store so she could stay and climb through summer.
At university, Gaby got heavily involved in her university’s outdoor program and gained numerous certifications in outdoor education, which led to her landing her first guiding job in Alaska. Onboard, Gaby loves teaching people about glaciers, weather and Earth sciences. She claims to find most subjects to be interesting – we encourage you to test this on your expedition!
Zhongyuan Chen
Naturalist
Chen is an experienced interpreter and language expert with a passion for nature and 28 Antarctic expeditions under his belt so far. After graduating with Bachelor’s Degree in English Language and Literature alongside a Master’s Degree in Organisational Behaviour, Chen gained experience working as a quality engineer, translator and interpreter in the aviation industry.
Chen’s passion for interpretation led him to pursue advanced qualifications in the UK, obtaining another Master’s Degree in Interpreting and Translating in 2017. Working as an Expedition Interpreter, Chen embraces the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse himself in the beauty of nature, sharing this joy with fellow expeditioners. Chen enriches each expedition with his knowledge and professionalism, leaving a lasting impact on fellow adventurers.
Aviaaja Scluter
Naturalist
Aviaaja has almost 20 years’ experience as a Polar Guide under her belt. Raised in Nuuk, Greenland, Aviaaja grew up hearing stories and legends about her homeland, which contributed to her fascination with history and culture. Longing to explore the world, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish Language and Culture combined with Anthropology and Tourism. After her first taste of guiding while living in South America, she returned home in 2014 and found work as a Polar Guide – since then she has spent every Arctic season on expedition ships, land-based adventures and helicopter tours. Since her first visit to Antarctica 2016, she has spent over 400 nights camping on the continent and visited incredible places like the South Pole, South Georgia and the Ross Sea. Aviaaja feels privileged helping to open expeditioners’ minds to local histories, nature and cultures on polar expeditions.
Marcos Goldin
Naturalist
Marcos’ journey to becoming a Polar Guide began as a child exploring the stunning landscapes of Patagonia, fostering a deep connection with nature by diving, spearfishing, skiing and climbing. Seeking a better understanding of the places he cherished, he pursued a degree in Geology.
After working as a Reservoir Geologist, he decided to follow his calling and become a Wilderness & Outdoor Guide, leading trips in the mountains of Patagonia. He eventually settled in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, and started guiding on Antarctic expeditions. Marcos enjoys researching and learning about the places we visit and passing his knowledge on to expeditioners. Polar Guiding is the perfect avenue for him to share his enthusiasm and knowledge of the outdoors in nature’s own classroom – he has a rare talent for bringing geology to life and making it accessible to everyone!
Joselyn Fenstermacher
Naturalist
Part outdoor experiential educator and part field biologist, Joselyn began her global education and travel feats at the age of 13. Since then, she has studied field biology in Tanzania and Ecuador, monitored brown bears in Alaska, worked with endangered birds in the forests of Hawaii, taught rock climbing and backpacking in North Carolina, surveyed rare plants in Texas, been employed as a chef and boat driver in the Adirondacks of New York, worked as a biologist and interpretive ranger at a variety of U.S. National Parks, trained in helicopter operations over Maui and deployed as a wildland firefighter in the western United States.
After earning a Master’s degree in Botany, this eclectic background helped her land a job working in support of the US Antarctic Program at McMurdo Station. She went on to spend several seasons on the ice, including two winters at the South Pole where she for a time, the world’s most southerly farmer! After volunteering to give several local tours for both the station community as well as visiting expedition cruise ships, it was a natural step to join the ship-based expedition world as a way to merge her passion for education and desire to experience more of Antarctica - and really the rest of the globe.
When not somewhere far afield with expedition work, back in the U.S, Joselyn spends most of her time in the Big Bend region of far western Texas where she enjoys guiding, botanising, and watching and listening to life go by in the Chihuahuan Desert from the porch of her off-grid, fancy camping home.
Joselyn is passionate about learning more about the world around her, and sharing that passion with others-- hoping to inspire a broader appreciation for, and understanding of, the fascinating world we live in.
Ian McCarthy
Naturalist
Ian has worked as a wildlife filmmaker for over 30 years, mostly for the BBC Natural History Unit based in Bristol. In that time, he’s filmed on many of the big David Attenborough series such as Life In The Freezer, Planet Earth, Blue Planet and Frozen Planet and have won a BAFTA for Life In The Freezer and two prime time EMMYs for Blue Planet and Human Planet.
During that time, Ian has lived, worked and camped for long periods in remote wildernesses, from northern and eastern Greenland, Ellesmere Island, the Antarctic Peninsula, Siberia and the Subantarctic islands of South Georgia and Marion Island.
He’s swum with huge brown bears in British Columbia and been chased by a musk ox in Greenland. He has howled with wolves in Montana, snorkelled with thousands of sockeye salmon in the icy rivers of Alaska and walked through a mine field in Afghanistan.
Ten years ago Ian moved to Cornwall with his wife Anne and opened The Wild Studio, Cornwall where they exhibit and sell Ian’s panoramic wildlife pictures.
“I try to capture the sense of space and grandeur in a landscape and yet bring a feeling of intimacy with the wild creatures that I photograph. My films and photographs come from a lifelong love affair with the natural world. But as the wild places come under increasing threat, I’m constantly reminded how fragile nature is, and with that comes a new wonder for its ephemeral beauty which I do my best to bring to my images“.
Linda Steutel
Naturalist
Linda is an is an experienced Doctor, specialising in Emergency, Aviation and Wilderness Medicine, who has discovered the secret to being balanced and happy. For her, it’s alternating her medical career with expedition guiding! Linda’s lifelong passion for the outdoors, nature and meeting people from different cultures has seen her travel and work in different countries around the world. Eventually her adventurous spirit led her to the polar regions, working as a physician on expedition cruise ships. After working in remote and wild destinations, Linda was inspired to pursue a career in guiding, to satisfy her passion for nature while inspiring people to become ambassadors for these regions. After completing a three-year International Wilderness Guide course, she has guided in European Alps, Pyrenees, Canadian Rocky Mountains, the polar regions and counting!
Jonathan Chester
Naturalist
Jonathan’s passion for nature and the great outdoors stems from adventures roaming the bushlands of Adelaide Hills in Australia as a young man. His extensive knowledge of polar history, geography and ecology, combined with firsthand experience and expertise garnered during the writing of his many books on polar subjects.
Jonathan has had many experiences scuba diving, hiking and rock climbing which led to scaling
the faces of the legendary Mount Arapiles and Moonarie to mountaineering in New Zealand. Then spending the next decade “living to climb”, from the world’s highest peaks to more remote mountains, then shifting to decades of polar expeditions and adventures in Antarctica.
Cape Dennison, Commonwealth Bay, East Antarctica, where Douglas Mawson’s built his famous Huts in 1911.
Advice: “Be Flexible!”The weather and ice conditions can vary greatly, often going from one extreme to the other changing plans, activities, or destinations. All part of the adventure of Antarctica!
Kelsey Camacho
Naturalist
A writer, historian and our resident Svalbard expert, Kelsey loves listening to stories as much as she enjoys telling them. After moving to Svalbard from the United States, Kelsey immersed herself in books about the remote Norwegian archipelago, to better understand its landscapes and history so she could share what she learnt with visitors. In particular, she was enamoured with the stories of the early explorers and the diverse dreams people have sought in the Arctic over the years. Guiding fits Kelsey like a glove – she thrives on helping expeditioners appreciate the pristine places Aurora visits, and pinpointing their moments of awe when they encounter iconic wildlife for the first time in the wild.
Heather Chrystie
Naturalist & Ecologist
A wise teacher once told Heather that she should study the subject she enjoyed most, which inspired her complete a Bachelor of Science in Physical Geography. This led to a rewarding career in natural history that has taken her all over the globe. After spending 10 years guiding polar bear trips in Canada and five years in Iceland leading expeditions, she now feels completely at home in the Arctic and considers herself a “polar bear nerd”. She has also guided in the Canadian Rockies, the Swiss Alps and the UK, ran an organic vegetable farm, taught English and worked as an Environmental Consultant. Onboard, she draws on her extensive and diverse experience to inspire and engage expeditioners. When she’s not working on expedition cruise ships, she enjoys skiing, and has joined month-long skiing expeditions in both the Himalayas and Iceland.
Graeme Snow
Naturalist
Graeme was working in electronic engineering and IT when he landed a job at the Australian Antarctic Division and fell in love with the great white continent. After 20 years of service, he sought a chance to explore beyond the Australian sector on Antarctic expeditions. With 30 years' experience living and working in the polar regions, including guiding on over 100 expeditions, Graeme has a unique blend of knowledge and experience that is hard to match. His favourite destination is Greenland, for its immense scale and the fact that it is so far from the usual tourist trail.
Graeme loves life at sea as there is always the chance of something unexpected happening and thrives on passing on all he’s learnt from fellow researchers. He believes that the more you understand an environment, the more you can appreciate it. On expeditions, he encourages expeditioners to sit quietly and take the time to watch everything going on around them, so they can remember the experience that much better.
Dr Annette Scheffer
Naturalist
Annette is a marine biologist who specialises in whales, penguins and open ocean ecosystems. She holds a PhD in behavioural ecology of king penguins at the Subantarctic islands of South Georgia, Kerguelen and Crozet, and has worked on protected areas for macaroni penguins with the British Antarctic Survey, BirdLife International and CNRS France.
Annette has 15 years of experience as a whale watching guide and advisor for underwater film and photography teams in the Azores and Patagonia. As a guest lecturer for marine biology and sustainability with Heidelberg University in Germany, Annette now regularly takes students to the Azores for first-hand experience of the open ocean and to gain close experience with whales and dolphins, sharks, manta rays and seabirds.
Besides her work as a scientist and lecturer, Annette is collaborating with international education institutions to pass on her passion for the oceans and raise awareness of the fragility of the sea and its inhabitants.
Annette currently lives between Cambridge (UK), Heidelberg (Germany) and the Azores, where she works on sustainable fisheries, whale foraging behaviour and educating the next generation.
Dani Abras
Naturalist & Marine Biologist
What began as an 8-year-old with a love for whales and dolphins led Dani to dedicate her life to the research and conservation of marine life. Born and raised in Brazil, she graduated with a degree in Marine Biology and a Master's degree in Biological Oceanography before diving into whale research for the next 12 years. After specialising in the study of Humpback Whales’ migratory dynamics of between Antarctica and Brazil, Dani felt inspired go beyond her expectations and share her knowledge.
She began work as a full-time Expedition Guide and Naturalist on ships all over the world, journeying from the warm tropics to the icy polar regions. What she loves about expedition travel is how every voyage is unique and there is always a possibility of something remarkable happening anytime, day or night.
Dr Ben Maddison
Naturalist & Historian
Avid historian and climber, Ben’s love of history began during his high school years. His passion for history led to an MA in Social and Industrial history and a PHD in Australian history. For many years, Ben was an academic specialising in polar, colonial and working class history in the History Department at the University of Wollongong, New South Wales.
An active researcher, Ben is published extensively in Australian and international historical journals. His book Class and Colonialism in Antarctic Exploration, 1750– 1920 (Pickering & Chatto, 2014) is a study of Antarctic exploration ‘from below’, focusing on the sailors, sealers, whalers, cooks, mechanics, engineers, stokers and radio operators, who were all necessary in bringing the upperclass 'hero explorers' to the continent and supporting their expeditions. He is currently writing A History of the Southern Ocean (forthcoming, Routledge 2018), gazing out on his subject matter from Bruny Island, Tasmania, where he lives.
When not writing, Ben engages in his other lifelong passions for exploring wild places. Ben has pioneered climbs in Tasmania, Victoria, NSW, Greenland and North Wales and he is currently developing new rock climbing routes in the Bruny Island area.
Alasdair McGregor
Naturalist & Historian
Alasdair is a Sydney-based painter, writer and historian, who has enjoyed a love of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean spanning more than 30 years.
Alasdair’s contact with the region began on the 1983 Heard Island Expedition – his first big adventure – in which he played a supporting role in the second only ascent of 3000-metre Big Ben, the active volcano that dominates the island. Two voyages with the Australian Antarctic Division's Humanities Program followed in the next couple of years.
In the late 1990s, Alasdair was the artist and photographer for two Mawson’s Huts Foundation summer conservation expeditions to Cape Denison, then in 1999 Alasdair staged Mawson’s Antarctica: A view from the huts, a major exhibition of his Antarctic paintings and photographs. In 2000, Alasdair curated the Australian High Commission to Canada's photographic exhibition, '… that sweep of savage splendour': A Century of Australians in Antarctica.
Alasdair has published three books with Antarctic themes: Mawson’s Huts: An Antarctic Expedition Journal (1999); Antarctica: that sweep of savage splendour (collected writings – editor 2011); and a biography of the renowned polar photographer Frank Hurley: A photographer’s life (2004). His other books include Grand Obsessions: The life and work of Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin, winner of the 2011 National Biography Award.
Away from Antarctica, Alasdair writes regularly for Australian Geographic and his research and creative interests range over architecture and design, natural history, and the history of exploration.
Alasdair has worked as a lecturer on tourist voyages to Antarctica since 2005, and has been a keen member of Aurora Expeditions’ Antarctic expedition team since 2012.
Nina Gallo
Naturalist & Historian
A professional adventure guide and intermittent resident of the Blue Mountains, Nina has been drawn to the polar regions since her first otherworldly experience of the midnight sun in 2002. Since then she has spent time in far northern Canada, the Himalayas, the Alps and deserts in America and Australia, always seeking out quiet, wild corners to explore. These experiences have instilled in her a deep respect for the balance of systems in the natural world.
Nina spent four years at university studying everything from literature and politics to science, Chinese medicine, psychology and French before graduating with a BA and an appreciation for good storytelling. She also trained as an outdoor guide, getting most excited about roped adventures, rescues and wilderness first aid.
Nina has worked as a canyoning guide and climbing instructor in the Blue Mountains, first aider and volunteer manager on events in the Simpson Desert, and as a guide and lecturer in Antarctica. She feels immensely privileged to travel to these places and shares her passions for the natural world, human stories and adventure with all the wonderful people she meets.
Nina is the author of Antarctica, published by Australian Geographic in September 2020.
Jack Alscher
Naturalist & Historian
Jack’s passion for the wilderness was sparked during an Aurora Expeditions Scotland voyage, which explored the Hebrides and Orkney and Shetland Islands. Further travels through the spectacular fjords of Norway, Svalbard in the High Arctic, and to the ecological wonder of the Galápagos Islands only reaffirmed his passion for the ocean and wild places. A keen outdoor enthusiast, Jack trekked to Nepal’s Everest Base Camp at 14. In addition to trekking, he also counts competing in ocean swims, surfing, stand-up paddle-boarding and backcountry skiing among his hobbies.
Jack has worked alongside our Product Team since 2013, helping with the onboard development of new vessels, while spending as much time as he can at sea as part of our experienced Expedition Team. Jack is always eager to explore, experience new adventures and share his love of remote places. During an expedition, Jack loves being at the mercy of Mother Nature, and never knowing what the next moment will bring or when the next wildlife encounter will be. The ice may come in or wind may pick up, forcing the team to adapt to ‘Plan B’, ‘Plan C’ or even ‘Plan D’ on a single morning, so you never know what incredible experience is in store.
On expeditions, he encourages expeditioners to look up from their cameras and take in special moments to develop a connection to these places and make the memories of them all the more special.
Carol Knott
Historian
Carol’s passion for archaeology began with rescue excavations of medieval English towns, ports, churches and castles. After receiving a Masters degree in Archaeology and History from the University of Glasgow, she continued this work with investigation of some of the great medieval abbeys, palaces and gardens of England. In 1988 she returned to her native Scotland, and since then has lived and worked amongst the windswept islands of the Outer Hebrides, with field researches focused on ‘the archaeology of survival’ - the study of remote communities and deserted places.
Until 2012, Carol also worked for the National Trust for Scotland as archaeologist for St Kilda, helping to understand and preserve the unique heritage of this World Heritage site.
She also travels worldwide and in the polar regions as a guide and lecturer on expedition ships, including to Svalbard, Greenland and extensively to Antarctica, where she has found a second home under canvas on the ice cap.
Jeff Nagel
Firearms and Polar Bear Safety Director & Historian
Whether he’s on white-water rafting adventures in the American West or skiing the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, guiding outdoors has always felt natural to Jeff. He maintains the highest level of safety in the Arctic as a Firearms Master for polar bears. Jeff thrives off the demand for constant vigilance and counts his binoculars as being a more important tool than even his rifle. He is honoured to take expeditioners right to the heart of nature in the polar regions, to help them gain a truly new perspective. After a lifetime of work in different outdoor industries, he still loves learning from and exploring with fellow Expedition Team members.
His favourite destination is Svalbard, specifically a fjord named Hornsund. This fjord has everything from bird cliffs to magnificent glaciers to towering mountain peaks and is a hot spot for polar bear sightings in southern Svalbard.
On expeditions, Jeff likes to offer this advice: "Get out on deck! I know it’s a lovely ship but get outside! The scenery, the wildlife, what you came here for is outside of those doors."
Haining Wang 王海宁
Mandarin Speaking Expedition Guide (探险队员/讲师)
Haining hails from China but has grown up in many places. He loves outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking, and enjoys reading adventure stories since childhood.
He joined Chinese Antarctica Research Expedition (CHINARE) in 2004 and stayed at Zhongshan station (69°22’S) for one winter season and two summer seasons doing science research. His science projects include Upper Atmosphere Research, Geomagnetic and Sea Ice research. During the Antarctic winter days, he enjoyed observing emperor penguins, Weddell seals and skuas as well as camping and hiking in Larsemann Hills. He then got E.E. Master’s degree and joined multinational companies to pursue a business career.
He is a world traveller and particularly loves glaciers and the aurora borealis. Since 2016, Haining began to work part-time as a polar guide in Antarctica and Arctic regions. Haining has a publishing workshop focusing on polar books translation and publishing. He also provides consulting services to local tour agencies.
Haining is joining Aurora Expeditions' new ship, M/V Greg Mortimer during its maiden season in Antarctica in a role of a cultural guide to assist our Mandarin speaking guests in discovering the wonders of the Frozen Continent.
王海宁，探险队员。海宁来自中国大陆，在多个城市生活。从小喜爱各类户外活动包括徒步，皮划艇以及阅读探险故事。2004年加入中国南极考察队，在南纬69度的中山站连度过一个冬季两个夏季进行科学考察，独立负责高空大气物理观测，并参与地磁观测和海冰观测。在南极冬天的日子里，海宁的业余爱好是观察帝企鹅，威德尔海豹和贼鸥，并热衷于在拉斯曼丘陵地带进行露营和徒步探险。在取得电子工程硕士之后，他加入国际公司追寻商业职业发展。海宁一直热爱环球旅行，尤其热爱冰川和极光。从2016年起，他开始成为南极和北极的极地向导。2018年初海宁拥有自己的专注极地书籍引进与翻译的图书工作室，并为国内的旅行公司提供极地咨询顾问。
Fiona Wardle
Photography Guide
Fiona finds immense joy in combining her love for nature and photography, sharing this passion with others to create truly unforgettable experiences. One of her proudest accomplishments is being shortlisted for Wildlife Photographer of the Year— an honour that fuels her drive to push creative boundaries. Additionally, Fiona serves as an ambassador for Girls Who Click, a role that allows her to inspire young women in photography and conservation.
A passionate educator, Fiona aims to cultivate a deep appreciation for the natural world, hoping to instill her skills and enthusiasm in others. Among her most memorable travel experiences was her journey to the Ross Sea, one of the planet’s most remote and untouched regions. Immersed in pristine wilderness and surrounded by incredible wildlife, Fiona also had the privilege to explore historically significant sites, making it an adventure she will never forget.
Scott Portelli
Photography Guide
Scott Portelli is an international award-winning wildlife, nature and underwater photographer. He’s a member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) and is regarded as a leading professional in his field. Scott has spent thousands of hours in remote locations across the globe filming and photographing nature, wildlife, the underwater environment and wild places.
Scott has spent over a decade working in the polar regions with a focus on Antarctica, the Subantarctic and Artic regions, producing a unique portfolio of fine art photography that showcases the intricate environment and its intriguing inhabitants. Working in extreme conditions, Scott’s photography provides a rarely seen glimpse above and below the surface in some of the harshest places on the planet.
As a professional nature, wildlife, underwater and aerial photographer, Scott spends a lot of time travelling the world to remote destinations in search of some of the most amazing creatures on the planet. For Scott, it is about the journey, bringing an idea to life by capturing a moment in time or by evoking an emotion. Each image has a unique story that is usually a very intimate moment that Scott may have shared with the subject.
“To create interesting concepts, it sometimes involves me immersing myself in an environment in order to research the location, subject matter and what opportunities may present themselves. I once spent two months on the back of a snow mobile in Baffin Island, Canadian Arctic in minus 37 degrees just to do a reconnaissance of the region for a series of photos I wanted to produce. In the end, I love what I do and I love sharing the natural world through photography.”
Scott was awarded at the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year in London in 2016, announced National Winner of the Sony World Photography Awards 2016 and Winner at Travel Photographer of the Year 2015. More recently, he was awarded winner in the Animal Behaviour Category at the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year ANZANG 2017, winner in the Underwater Category of the Asferico International Nature Photography Awards 2018 and runner up in the Behaviour Category at Underwater Photographer of the Year 2019. His conservation documentary also took out two awards at the prestigious French Underwater Film Festival in Marseille.
Scott's other notable awards include:
- 3rd Prize - National Geographic Travel Photo Contest - Nature Category 2019
- Winner - 13th Annual Black & White Spider Awards 2018
- Highly Honoured - Nature's Best, Windland Smith Rice International Awards 2018
- Winner - Sony World Photography Awards 2016
An accredited licensed RPAS/UAV Pilot, Scott has worked on aerial projects for some of Australia’s most sought-after tourism destinations.
Scott runs photography workshops and lectures to show enthusiasts and experts alike the best way to get the most out of their photography. On his Polar tours he specialises in Nature & Wildlife photography bringing the best tips and techniques for photographing in challenging locations.
Scott Portelli will be a special guest photographer on our Antarctica: Through the Lens voyage, departing 25 January 2027.
Stas Zakharov
Photography Guide
Stas' biggest professional and personal accomplishment is designing and leading sailing yacht expeditions to Chukotka and Wrangel island and snorkelling with leopard seal in Antarctica. His polar expedition career was inspired by a need to be able to explore the world from every angle.
Pia Harboure
Photography Guide
As a child growing up in the 80s, Pia was fascinated by film and the power of images. Today, she still loves the role photography can play in creating awareness and inspiring social change. She asked for her first camera at age 9, started taking photography classes in high school and went on to study a degree in Audio-Visual Production and Photography. After graduating, Pia started her global education, travelling everywhere from Patagonia to Sri Lanka to the polar regions, working as a portrait and documentary photographer.
She has spent the last decade sharing the technical and creative photographic tips she has learned with travellers. For the past five years, she has tilted her practice to more collaborative and sustainable projects in areas of human rights issues, working for NGOs like UNICEF.
Grant Thomas
Photography Guide
Grant was inspired to start his photography career after a childhood spent watching David Attenborough documentaries and exploring the outdoors with my parents, which then evolved into an obsession with travel and photography. He loves to share his knowledge and experience of photography, as well as stories of travel and animals.
Jamie Lafferty
Photography Guide
With a passion for exploring the world and capturing its beauty through his lens, Jamie is a talented Writer and Photographer hailing from Scotland. He has visited all seven continents and over 50 countries, and earned the 2020 Consumer Travel Writer of the Year award. Jamie’s work has been featured in prestigious publications including the New York Times, Sunday Times, Guardian, National Geographic Traveller, Outside and Financial Times. He has journeyed to Antarctica eight times, spent a week in Svalbard while a horror film was being shot, and has stories to tell from just about everywhere in between. His favourite destination so far is South Georgia for its extraordinary history and unpredictable nature.
Always funny and invariably poignant, make time hear some of Jamie’s tales on your expedition, and learn a trick or two on capturing your best photos in his photography lectures.
Adrian Wlodarczyk
Photography Guide
Adrian is a world-renowned action and adventure photographer who specialises in photographing the wildlife and landscapes of the polar regions while being immersed in the planet’s most precious and provocative environments. His commercial work has been used by a host of travel, sport, lifestyle and expedition publications across the globe, and he has consistently worked with the athletes on the World Surf Tour and UCI World Cycling events.
Adrian is committed to assisting others develop the confidence to succeed at their passions through his high-performance strategy consulting company. He is currently working on a book that will explores the inner journey to fulfilling your full potential.
When not working, you can find Adrian watching a Liverpool Football Club match, sailing a yacht to an undisclosed destination, swimming laps or trying to discover which tequila accompanies the world’s best fish taco.
John McGroary
Storyteller Host
A proud native of County Donegal, John McGroary was born and raised in the pocket of Northwest Ireland, which borders Northern Ireland. His ‘former life’ as a member of An Garda Siochana – that’s the Irish Police Force to you and me, places him in full stead for a spot of storytelling. Having spent his life within 20 kilometers of the Northern Ireland border, John's recollections of his youth during the “Troubles” and the transformations in his homeland, since that time, lend a personal connection to his captivating stories.
A qualified guide and mountain leader, eight years ago John’s passion for his country, and particularly its wild, unspoiled extremities, led him to start his own touring and hiking company. An outdoorsman at heart, his award-winning tours encompass mountain hikes in his beloved hills of County Donegal. John's passion for all things Irish breathe life into tales of his country's past, present, and future as he shares legends, myths, and stories throughout our journey.
Mirjana Svagusha
Storyteller Host
Mirjana is a storyteller with a passion for uncovering the hidden layers of history, culture, and human experience. As the voice behind The Storyteller Croatia, she brings places to life through engaging narratives that connect past and present.
With years of experience as a guide and heritage interpreter, Mirjana transforms every journey into a story worth remembering. She specializes in storytelling that is intelligent, captivating, and deeply rooted in historical accuracy. Whether exploring ancient ruins, medieval fortresses, or the everyday lives of past generations, her approach is always about creating a meaningful connection between the listener and the world around them.
As a storyteller host on this boat trip, Mirjana invites you to experience the Adriatic through tales of sailors, merchants, conquerors, and ordinary people who shaped these shores. Expect stories that are insightful, unexpected, and filled with the spirit of the places you’ll visit.
Kenneth Park
Storyteller Host
A consummate storyteller, Kenneth W Park is a dynamic addition to our Exploration Voyage Team. His natural ‘joie de vivre’ and lifelong motto ‘Life is a grand tour so make the most of it’ has driven him to explore over 150 countries, while his diverse studies in fine arts, history, museum studies, political science and international relations have gifted him a varied career as presenter, curator, tour leader and fundraiser.
Kenneth has a passion for exploring new destinations and finding new perspectives on beloved landmarks and cultural treasures. His journeys in the Mediterranean have seen him traverse the region, gifting him an in-depth knowledge of both its iconic sites and secret spots.
Kenneth brings a wealth of experience and an infectious enjoyment to exploring Europe. His enthusiasm for good food and engaging conversation makes him an ideal host for our voyages, The Riviera’s: A Mediterranean Masterpiece, and A Mediterranean Feast.
Paul Woodadge
Storyteller Host
Paul Woodadge is a historian, author, battlefield guide and host of his own YouTube channel WW2TV - a resource of over 1700 interviews and presentations about the Second World War. As a young man Paul was a regular visitor to the D-Day beaches and battlefields, having been told stories of the invasion by his Great Uncle Cyril Rand who landed on Sword Beach on D-Day as an officer in the Royal Ulster Rifles. After many visits, Paul then moved to Normandy in 2001 and began a battlefield guiding company.
He has written two military history books and is currently working on a third about the US VIII Corps and the battle of La Haye-du-Puits and. He is a regular guest on podcasts including Someone Talked! - From the National DDay Memorial in Bedford, Virginia, What's The Scuttlebutt and the WW2 podcast with James Holland and Al Murray. In 2025 will be appearing as a “talking head” in the forthcoming WW2 Documentary series produced by Tom Hanks, and in the past has consulted on history programmes by The History Channel, Discovery and the BBC. He has spoken at conferences and festivals, including the We Have Ways Fest, The Society of Military History and the Peace in Europe conference and is regularly cited by fellow historians in their books on WW2 and especially Normandy.
Dympna Quill
Storyteller Host
Dympna studied History and French at University College Cork before spending a year teaching in France. Upon returning to Ireland while working as a secondary school teacher she dedicated many years to educating and inspiring teenagers in the rich history of Ireland and the World. After completing a Master of Education (MEd) she transitioned to third level where she now works with aspiring history teachers in the Education Department at University College Cork.
A passionate traveller, Dympna has explored the history and Culture of the USA, China and Europe including England, Scotland and Wales. Her love for storytelling led her to begin leading walking tours of Youghal, the historic heritage town where she now lives. She delights in sharing captivating tales of Walter Raleigh, Robert Boyle and Oliver Cromwell’s time there.
In 2012 Dympna qualified as a National Tourist Guide and is a proud member of the Approved Tourist Guides of Ireland. Whether in the classroom or as a National Tourist Guide, she brings history and culture to life with engaging and entertaining stories.
Join Dympna for an adventure filled with fascinating and amusing historical and cultural insights!
Cosima Carnegie
Storyteller Host
Cosima Carnegie is an ancient historian, writer and presenter who is incredibly passionate about reimagining the ancient world for a modern audience. She has spent over 5 years working in the field of classics and history outreach, striving to make the field of classics more accessible and engaging by bringing to life archaeology, history and mythology. She recently completed her masters in Classics at the University of Cambridge.
She has amassed thousands of followers and subscribers across Instagram, TikTok, and Substack and hosts a variety of immersive in-person events—ranging from interactive workshops to modern symposiums—that bring people together, fostering a deeper connection not only with the ancient world but also with one another. On Substack, she publishes interviews and guest posts along with her own writing, connecting ancient stories to modern ones, sharing mythology, archaeological news and classical art. She also scripted, produced, and presented a tongue-in-cheek retelling of Homer’s Odyssey, filmed on location in Corfu.
All aspects of her work are fuelled by her love for the ancient world and her desire to share this love with as wide an audience as possible.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do more than one activity?
We strongly advise against selecting multiple activities as each is a dedicated activity for those with the relevant experience. To make the most of your time and money, we recommend selecting only one activity.
Can I touch the penguins?
Only if you're prepared to be put on trial in Penguin Court, where your case will be judged by a jury of squawking peers. Spoiler: They tend to side with the penguins. 🐧
How often do we get off the ship?
We aim to get off the ship as much as possible to experience the destinations up close. Twice per day is common but more if weather, daylight hours and itinerary allow. Duration of the landings vary from site to site but at the height of the peak season, cruise operators must stick to timings allocated by authorities.
Should I bring along my own walking poles?
Yes, it’s a good idea, especially if you have trouble walking over uneven ground. Some of our landings can be on slippery rocks or deep snow, and we may go for extended walks to see different parts of our landing point. We recommend the telescopic poles, with the optional snow-basket tips. You can purchase these poles in most outdoor stores.
What if I need to go to the toilet when ashore?
Our expedition team will instruct you with these types of rules on board. Generally we ask you to relieve yourself on board before going on a landing and if the necessity arises ashore, you will be driven back to the ship.
Will I see polar bears in Antarctica?
Only if they’ve taken a really wrong turn at the North Pole. Polar bears are strictly Arctic residents, so down here, you’ll have to settle for penguins in tuxedos instead of bears in parkas.
How does the camping work?
For our camping on the ice activity on select Antarctic expeditions, we choose a night that has good conditions. Typical departures are after dinner at approximately 10pm. Participants will be supplied with gear, including a warm sleeping bag and sleeping pad. It’s a unique experience to be immersed in the Antarctic wilderness that our expeditioners really enjoy. They will return to the ship before breakfast.
How cold is the water for the polar plunge?
Normally the water is just above 0°C or 30°F. It is an ice bath experience like no other!
Do you offer snorkelling and scuba diving in the polar regions?
We offer snorkelling on most of our Antarctica expeditions, while scuba diving is offered on select itineraries in both Antarctica and the Arctic.
What is the required experience for diving?
To participate in our polar diving activity, all divers must be trained, certified scuba divers with proof of certification as an Advanced Diver. In addition, it is extremely important that all participants have adequate training and experience in dry-suit diving. Recent diving experience and proof of a minimum of 30 logged dives using a dry-suit is required prior to joining the excursion. Find out more about about about scuba diving required experience.
What equipment is needed for diving?
We have compressors, tanks and weights onboard, but divers are asked to bring their own dry suit and all other gear.
How will I stay warm?
Your expedition team will advise you on the appropriate clothing to wear ashore and will provide you with a mat and thermal sleeping bag for your night out on the ice.
Is it safe?
Yes, we’ve taken hundreds of adventurous souls out overnight and our expert expedition team know where to find the best spots for your camping experience.
Will I sleep much?
Possibly not! Many passengers don’t camp out to sleep – they’re there to soak in the amazing surrounds, witness incredible vistas and enjoy the sounds of nearby penguin colonies and possibly even a calving glacier. We’ll do our best to make sure you get the chance for a cat nap the next day.
Will I get the chance to sleep under the stars?
Our camping trips take place in the middle of the Austral summer, and on the Antarctic Peninsula we’ll be experiencing almost 24 hours of daylight. This means that instead of a starry night, you’ll instead be treated to an extended sunset and sunrise as the sun briefly dips below the horizon, filling the sky with an endless palette of colours.
What should I bring?
Aurora Expeditions provides all the necessary equipment including a camping mat and thermal sleeping bag, so you only need to bring yourself. Please note: we don’t use tents for our camping experience. We believe that the experience is best enjoyed without blocking the amazing surrounds we’ve come to admire.
Is there an age limit?
Campers must be 8 or over.
How do I book?
Camping is subject to weather, time and operational conditions. Places are limited to 40 campers on a first-come first-served basis, so early booking is encouraged. This activity will only be offered on board if there is still availability at the time of embarkation. If you are interested in our camping activity, please contact our expert team.
There are 20 paces available and our guide to paddler ratio is 1:10 and we provide an accompanying safety Zodiac.
Kayakers must be 14 or over. Parent or Guardian’s signature is required for participants between 14 and 18 years old.
How often should I expect to paddle?
Sea kayaking is offered in place of regular shore excursions. We aim to paddle as often as possible. Depending on the voyage, we generally aim to paddle twice per day.
Can I carry anything in the kayak?
We will give you a drybag for extra clothing, binoculars and anything that needs to be kept dry. You should also carry a water bottle. We recommend bringing a waterproof camera or phone, or ensuring you have a good quality waterproof case.
If the weather changes during our outing we will head back to the ship and perhaps join a shore excursion. The ship’s captain, expedition leader and kayak guide always maintain close contact to ensure a safe paddling experience. We do not attempt to paddle too far away from the ship. The emphasis is on experiencing the destination rather than travelling long distances.
The kayaks are made with a hard plastic and are easily paddled in swell and conducting shore landings, and through small patches of brash ice. We manoeuvre around the larger ice chunks and floes.
Polar Regions:
Kayaking in the poles offers a unique wildlife viewing experience. In Antarctica, we have many opportunities to encounter penguins, seals and whales, and occasionally we may even spot leopard seals or orcas. In the Arctic, we’ll paddle under nesting bird colonies, past massive glaciers and around large icebergs, however we maintain a safe distance from polar bears and walruses. Our guides carry rifles and flare guns in the Arctic to ensure your safety against polar bears.
Temperate Regions:
Kayakers in wild temperate regions will have a unique wildlife experience, with possible encounters with seals and basking sharks. You will have the opportunity to view some of the largest sea bird colonies in the northern hemisphere.
Tropical Regions:
The superb wildlife-viewing opportunities are endless in the astonishingly biodiverse nature reserves we visit. Kayaks offer a unique opportunity to view marine and land mammals, coral reefs, tropical fish, sea birds and an astonishing range of rainforest birds. We will bring our snorkelling gear with us during our paddles and take advantage of any opportunities to view marine life up close.
In the unlikely event of a capsize, your experienced guide will assist by righting the kayak, stabilising it then pumping it out. Paddlers will re-enter with the guide’s help, or with a support Zodiac. With drysuits and warm clothing underneath you will be comfortable in cold water for up to half an hour. Note that the kayaks have separate compartments with bulkheads, which means they will float after a capsize.
No. Each kayaking place is for one person only. We value a program style that maintains participants through trip to maximise skill progression, group bonding and dynamics, and minimise wasted time with briefings and equipment tryouts.