Sylvia Earle
Launched in Autumn 2022, this state-of-the-art ship honours the highly accomplished marine biologist and oceanographer, Sylvia Earle.
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About Aurora Expeditions
- Registered in Sydney, Australia
- Operated in Antarctica since 1992
- One of the early pioneers of polar travel
- Number of ships: 2
- Length of partnership with Swoop: Since 2015
What our customers think about Aurora Expeditions
Review:
What makes Aurora Expeditions special?
- Founded by Greg Mortimer, one of Australia’s most famous mountaineers, Aurora Expeditions’ pioneering spirit of adventure still burns brightly today
- The company's conscious decision to limit the number of guests to only 135 passengers on a ship large enough to accommodate 180 reflects their commitment to delivering the best experience over commercial gain. The staff to guest ratio is also one of the lowest in the business
- Alongside a polished and quality product, Aurora deliver excellent value for money. You certainly get a lot of bang for your buck and the included add-ons are generous
- Aurora offers a wider choice of optional adventure activities than almost any other Antarctic operator, making them the perfect choice for active travellers. They remain unique by offering polar snorkelling, which they pioneered
- It's immediately obvious when stepping on board an Aurora ship that all the staff are passionate about their job. From the hugely experienced expedition team to the incredible personnel who look after the hotel side, you couldn’t be in better hands
- After receiving hundreds of glowing reviews over the years from Swoop customers who have travelled with Aurora, we’ve got full confidence that they'll look after you
The strength of the Swoop-Aurora partnership pivots around our shared commitment to ensuring that every one of our travellers experiences the very best of Antarctica. We also enjoy Aurora’s Aussie roots (unless we’re talking about cricket!).
Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Antarctica
Fun facts about Aurora Expeditions
- Alex Mudd, our Head of Swoop Antarctica, has worked with Aurora since 2007
- Aurora was the first operator to launch an X-bow ship in Antarctic waters, the Greg Mortimer. Since then, a number of other operators have followed suit
- In August 2022, Expedition Leader Howard Whelan positioned the Greg Mortimer so guests onboard could see a volcano eruption at night. Now that's spontaneous!
Aurora Expeditions' ships
Greg Mortimer
With its eye-catching X-Bow design and state-of-the-art onboard technology, the Greg Mortimer is unquestionably redefining the future look of polar expedition ships.
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Swoop says
Swoop has had 16 staff members travel with Aurora over the years, giving us a more detailed understanding of their operational competency and uniqueness than any other agent.
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Meet the Aurora Expeditions team
The outstanding calibre of Aurora’s onboard expedition staff remains one of their superpowers. The company has an outstanding stable of team members.
- Aurora’s expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:8 is low and ensures everyone has access to plenty of 1-2-1 interaction
- The company attracts an international staff, but the backbone of their expedition team is typically Australian, which makes for a fun atmosphere
Introducing a few key members you might meet on your voyage:
Howard Whelan
- Expedition Leader
- Senior Polar Tourism Guide and Fellow of the Explorer’s Club
- Part of the Aurora Expeditions team since the company's launch two decades ago
- One of the first people to walk the 4000km Pacific Crest Trail from Canada to Mexico
- Cameraman on the first Australian ascent of Mount Everest
- Led the Antarctic filming expeditions that culminated in the Oscar-winning animation Happy Feet
Dr Roger Kirkwood
- Expedition Leader & Naturalist
- First travelled to Antarctica as a krill research assistant in 1984 on an Australian marine science expedition
- Returned nine more times to study zooplankton, seals, penguins and albatrosses
- Spent a year beside an emperor penguin colony 60km (37.3 miles) from Mawson Station and did his PhD on emperor penguin foraging ecology
- Published more than 100 research and public articles, as well as four books
Nina Gallo
- Historian
- Spent four years at university studying everything from literature and politics to science and Chinese medicine
- Worked as a canyoning guide and climbing instructor in the Blue Mountains, a first aider and volunteer manager on events in the Simpson Desert, and a guide and lecturer in Antarctica
- Has travelled to far northern Canada, the Himalayas, the Alps and deserts in America and Australia
- Authored Antarctica, which was published by Australian Geographic in September 2020
What our customers think of Aurora's guides
Review:
Swoop offers the following Aurora trips
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
4.6 out of 5
Antarctic Peninsula Explorer
Explore the White Continent aboard one of the polar fleet's newest additions, a state-of-the-art expedition vessel combining adventure with comfort. As well as being limited to only 130 passengers, there’s a wide range of optional activities on this classic Antarctic…
- 12-15 Days
- $11,395
4.6 out of 5
Discover South Georgia, Antarctica and Falklands
This voyage takes in the wildlife-rich wonders of South Georgia and the Falklands, as well as the dramatic landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula. You’ll travel on board one of the most exciting new polar ships with spacious cabins, state-of-the-art technology…
- 19-25 Days
- $20,595
4.3 out of 5
Crossing the Antarctic Circle
Spend 6 full days exploring Antarctica with the Polar Circle at 66 degrees south as your most southerly objective, on board one of the most exciting new vessels. A maximum of just 130 passengers, with spacious cabins, state-of-the-art technology and…
- 13-14 Days
- $15,995
This fantastic trip covers all the must-see highlights of an extended Antarctic expedition. With 21 nights aboard, venture far south past vast icebergs to cross the Antarctic Circle before taking in the wildlife paradise of South Georgia's jaw-dropping king penguin…
- 23 Days
- $30,295
4.3 out of 5
Antarctic Fly & Sail Combination
A rare and popular voyage which flies to Antarctica in just two hours, then sails back across the Drake Passage, maximising both expediency and experience. Spend 5 to 7 days exploring Antarctica on a small, purpose-built expedition ship, with kayaking…
- 9-13 Days
- $15,895
4.3 out of 5
Fly & Cruise the Antarctic Peninsula
For maximum time in Antarctica with flights both ways, this trip really stands out. An extended fly & cruise voyage spending eight full days actually in Antarctica onboard a small, state-of-the-art expedition ship. Optional kayaking & polar…
- 12 Days
- $24,595
