Sea Kayaking

One of the most exhilarating ways to experience Antarctica and the Arctic.

The experience of sea kayaking in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica or the European Arctic is guaranteed to stir your soul. Paddle between brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes, skim past penguin rookeries or under soaring bird cliffs, or drift quietly as you watch wildlife unobtrusively, absorbing the majestic scenery.

Led by experienced guides, paddling in small groups allows us the opportunity to paddle between ice floes, brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes as well as allowing easy and intimate access to beautiful coastlines.

‘Getting out amongst it’ is our philosophy, and that's exactly what we do. Once we reach our destination, we aim to kayak at least once a day, weather depending. If the opportunity arises we may go out twice, as the 24-hour daylight allows for some beautiful evening paddles under the midnight sun.

Photography Workshops

Our remote and wild destinations are a photographer's dream! 

All of our expeditions and itineraries offer fantastic photography experiences, however, on selected expeditions, we offer specialised photography programs and workshops. Whether it be sitting quietly in the middle of a penguin rookery, visiting quaint historic sites or enjoying the thrill of a breaching whale or a polar bear on pack ice, there is an overwhelming number of opportunities to snap to your heart’s content!

Catering to both amateurs and the more experienced photographers, our onboard team of photography guides deliver photography workshops and one-on-one instruction from the deck or Zodiacs and during landings. Expeditions are strictly limited to 54 passengers offering you an intimate, personal experience and more opportunities to get out amongst nature and wildlife.

Mountaineering

At the forefront of climbing exploration in the Antarctic Peninsula, Aurora Expeditions and our experienced guides have been leading trips to this remote climbing location for well over a decade. Having forged new routes on many of the continent’s magnificent peaks, we return year after year to share this spectacular continent and its climbing experiences with our guests.

Along the Antarctic Peninsula coastline, hundreds of peaks rise several thousand feet, snow-clad and beckoning eager adventure seekers. From ascents of alpine peaks to ice climbing, our program aims to give participants a taste of the region’s fantastic climbing opportunities.

During the voyage we offer climbs for the moderately fit, from easy ascents to more technical routes, ranging from 4 to 10 hours. We hope to make at least two one-day alpine ascents and attempt some ice climbing. Previous experience with crampons and ice axe is necessary and a surcharge applies.

Camping

One of our most popular activities, camping offers you the unique opportunity to roll out your sleeping mat and wriggle into your thermal sleeping bag for a night out on the ice - no camping experience necessary! Once you've settled in, prepare to witness the stunning beauty of the Antarctic night sky, as well as the sounds of ice cracking in the distance and wildlife carrying on their busy schedule around you. This is the activity for the ultimate bragging rights!

Polar Snorkelling

Discover the underwater world of Antarctica and the Arctic!

Witness wildlife and scenery unlike any other place on earth. Through crystal clear waters you'll discover the amazing mobility and speed of penguins entering and exiting from the ice, marvel at beautiful sculpted icebergs below the water and witness marine life such as crustaceans, isopods, starfish and nudibranchs!

With a longstanding tradition of pushing the boundaries, Aurora Expeditions launched our Antarctic snorkelling adventures in conjunction with our dive partners, Waterproof Expeditions, in 2014. In 2016 the activity has also been added to a range of our Arctic expeditions. This unique experience will allow passengers to see both destinations in a completely new dimension, witnessing wildlife and scenery unlike any other place on earth.

This latest innovative activity option is led by our expert polar diving guides from diving specialist Waterproof Expeditions, and utilises state of the art equipment including specially designed Waterproof© Snorkel-Drysuits, gloves, hood, fins, mask, and snorkel. Passengers will be provided with all of the training and equipment they need to experience Antarctica from this truly unique angle.

Passengers who take part will enjoy the opportunity to snorkel daily (weather dependent), taking delight in sheltered bays, off shore islands and secluded ship wrecks which make for spectacular wildlife viewing.

Skiing in Antarctica

Ski Touring offers keen adventurers a chance to take on some of the world’s most incredible slopes.  Experienced skiers will have the chance to enjoy day-trips to traverse across remote, snow-capped peaks to descend into pristine bays filled with floating bergs, penguin rookeries or even a breaching whale! Those interested in a multi-day ski adventure can opt to attempt Shackleton’s route across South Georgia.

From alpine bowls and crevassed glaciers, to long open slopes, join us to summit and ski a range of Antarctic landscapes, venturing to some amazing wild and remote corners. A spirit of adventure is a must. After all, when you strap on your skis, you’ll be exploring places where few have ever skied before!