If you are looking for luxurious accommodation, AE Expeditions (part of Aurora Expeditions) is not for you. This company is all about luxury of experience, especially if you love the outdoors, travelling in the company of an experienced, enthusiastic expedition team including naturalists, historians and geologists. Trekking, camping in Antarctica, scuba diving in polar ice, sea kayaking, ski touring, polar snorkelling, snowshoeing, climbing and rock climbing are on offer (at an extra charge), using your expedition ship as a base in Antarctica and the Arctic.

AE Expeditions offer the innovative 'fly and sail' Antarctica programme, which enables you to fly the Drake Passage in one direction, reducing your total travel time. You can also enjoy immersive itineraries taking you even further off the beaten track, including venturing beyond the Antarctic Circle and traversing the legendary Northwest Passage. An Arctic adventure or an Antarctica expedition cruise with AE Expeditions offers a truly enriching experience.

In 2019 the company took delivery of a completely new ship, named after its founder, the 130-guest Greg Mortimer, with a cutting edge design using patented X-BOW technology to minimise the movement of the ship by eliminating the slamming that results from head seas, as well as reducing noise and vibrations, and enabling the master to maintain speed. This will also result in reduced emissions. A sister ship, the Sylvia Earle, joined the fleet in 2021, and in 2025 a third ship, the Douglas Mawson will set sail, featuring the latest in marine technology to ensure sustainable exploration in total comfort.

Sustainability

In 2024, AE Expeditions announced they had become a Certified B Corporation™ or 'B Corp' which displays their commitment to a holistic approach to sustainability. To become a certified B Corp company, a comprehensive assessment evaluates the business across 5 five key impact areas: Governance, Workers, Community, Customers and Environment.

AE Expeditions are one of only two B Corp tour operators taking guests to the Arctic and Antarctica and are proud to be pioneers in creating deeper and more sustainable travel to these precious environments. Not only does this certification cement their dedication to the places in which they sail, but also displays their commitment to their staff and customers.

Some of the positive changes from AE Expedition's B Corp journey include: launching their first Impact Report which holds them accountable to their sustainability efforts and future goals; enhancing their climate programmes; expanding volunteering efforts; and establishing ongoing initiatives with local communities.