Aurora Expeditions is marking 35 years of expedition travel, reflecting on a series of milestones that have taken the Australian-founded company from early Antarctic voyages to a global operation spanning seven continents.
Founded in Sydney in 1991 by Greg and Margaret Mortimer, the company joined the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators that same year before operating its first Antarctic expedition in 1992.
Over the following decades, Aurora introduced a number of new expedition experiences, including ice camping and kayaking on the Antarctic Peninsula in 1994, its first Arctic expedition in 1997 and diving in Antarctica in 1998.
In 2001, it operated a passenger expedition retracing Shackleton’s route across South Georgia. More recent developments have included flights to Antarctica from 2012 and polar snorkelling from 2016.
In 2019, Greg Mortimer became the first passenger vessel to feature the Ulstein X-BOW, followed by Sylvia Earle in 2022 and Douglas Mawson in 2025.
Aurora became a Certified B Corporation in 2024 and launched its Ocean Regeneration model in 2025, with a focus on decarbonisation and regeneration.
The company now operates 73 itineraries across 26 countries and all seven continents.
Michael Alscher, Aurora Expeditions Co-owner, said future growth would remain focused on preserving the company’s original approach to small-group exploration.
“On any given day now, anywhere in the world, there are 500 people on our ships. That’s pretty incredible when you think about it,” Mr Alscher said.
“But what matters most is giving those people an experience that helps them understand why these places are so special – and why they need to be protected.”
Aurora has also released a 35th anniversary video featuring its founders, past expeditioners, long-time supporters and members of the business reflecting on the company’s history and future.
