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Thank you for joining Aurora Expeditions on our Taste of Antarctica expedition.
Behold the stunning landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and icy waters of the Antarctic Peninsula. This unforgettable journey offers the perfect introduction to one of the most remote and beautiful regions on Earth, where every moment is filled with wonder and discovery. Sail across the famed Drake Passage to and from Antarctica, admiring spectacular seabirds and approaching the ice as the explorers of old did: by sea.
Highlights
• Observe extraordinary wildlife including fast-growing penguin chicks leaving their nest and learning to swim
• Search for orca and minke whales in the icy bays
• Spot leopard seals resting on ice floes from our Zodiacs
• Join the exclusive polar plunge club and jump into the beautiful Antarctic waters
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Day 1 Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia, where you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred with your fellow expeditioners to your assigned pre-voyage hotel. If you are already in Ushuaia, we ask you to make your way to your hotel. Check-in is from 3.00 pm. This afternoon, visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk in the hotel lobby, between 3.00 pm and 7.00 pm, to collect your luggage tags, and confirm if you wish to join our Lake Escondido pre-embarkation tour tomorrow. Our team will confirm details regarding your embarkation day, answer any questions and provide you with information on where to dine or purchase last minute items.Expeditioners arriving after 7.00 pm will find a welcome pack waiting for them at check-in. We ask you to visit our hospitality desk tomorrow between 8.00 am – 10.00 am.
The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.
Assigned accommodation: To be advised
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Day 2 Embarkation
This morning, enjoy breakfast and check-out. Please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. Take your cabin luggage to hotel reception, prior to, or at check-out. Your luggage will be stored and transferred directly to the port for clearance, to be placed in your cabin ahead of your arrival on board. Please keep any valuables or personal items with you throughout the day.Those wishing to join our Lake Escondido tour today, please meet in the hotel lobby at 8.45 am. This tour offers us an unforgettable panoramic drive through big valleys of glacial origin, evergreen and deciduous forests, waterfalls and rivers, in the vastness of the Andes Mountain Range. We will leave Ushuaia city to the northeast of Tierra del Fuego, driving through peat bog valleys to reach Garibaldi Pass, only accessible by a winding road that will take us to a panoramic point. From here we will have amazing panoramic views of Lake Escondido and, if weather conditions allow, of Fagnano Lake. We will start our descent towards the northeast to reach Fagnano Lake’s shore where we will visit a local ranch. After appreciating the landscape, you will have the chance to enjoy the typical Fuegian Lamb barbecue. Enjoy some free time there before returning to Ushuaia for ship embarkation.
Alternatively, enjoy your day at leisure and meet at your hotel lobby or from the meeting point at the parking lot near the pier (details will be given by our ground staff at the hotel), to be transferred to the pier for embarkation.
Once onboard, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin before our important mandatory briefings. As the ship pulls away from port, we’ll gather on the deck to commence our adventure with spectacular views over Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego.
This evening, get to know your fellow expeditioners and friendly expedition team and crew at a welcome dinner to celebrate the start of a thrilling adventure to Antarctica.
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Day 3-4 Drake Passage crossing
Settle into your stateroom and make yourself comfortable! The onboard gym, wellbeing centre and well-equipped library are yours to discover, and your expedition team will offer a series of presentations on Antarctica’s history, wildlife and environment to help enrich your experience. You will also be invited to collect your Muck Boots and attend important briefings on biosecurity, wildlife-watching guidelines and Zodiac safety, in preparation for your first landing in Antarctica.On day four the excitement is palpable as you near the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, with everyone converging on the observation decks to spot their first iceberg. Now that you’re south of the Antarctic Convergence the ocean takes on a whole new character, as you’re surrounded by porpoising penguins and dramatic icebergs. The memory of your first iceberg sighting is likely to remain with you for a lifetime. Time and weather permitting, we may attempt our first Antarctic landing in the late afternoon.
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Days 5-7 Antarctic Peninsula
It is almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience that will stay with you forever.Once we arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are ours to explore, and we have a host of choices available to us. Because we are so far south, we will experience approximately 18-24 hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as you wish.
Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities.
We generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. You will want to rug up before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to land, where you can visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and explore some of our favourite spots along the peninsula.
While ashore we aim to stretch our legs, wandering along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. If you have chosen an optional activity, you will have the option to do participate in the activity whenever conditions allow, and of course keen polar plungers will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters - conditions permitting! The polar plunge can take place at any time during the voyage, so listen out for the announcement from the expedition team and get ready for the most exhilarating dip of your life!
In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding. This is a great time to enjoy the observation lounge or make your way to the bridge (open at the captain’s discretion) for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendour. Listen out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve into sea. Take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of the pristine paradise of the splendid white continent.
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Days 8-9 Drake Passage Crossing
Enjoy a final morning landing in the South Shetland Islands before we re-enter the Drake Passage for our return journey to South America.With lectures and film presentations to complete our Antarctic experience, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the Southern Ocean and the life that calls it home. There is time for reflection and discussion about what we have seen and experienced. We hope you become ambassadors for Antarctica telling your family, friends and colleagues about your journey to this magical place, advocating for its conservation and preservation so that they might one day visit the region to experience what you have been lucky to see and do here.
As we approach the tip of South America, our Captain may sail close to legendary Cape Horn, weather and time permitting.
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Day 10 Disembark in Ushuaia
During the early morning, we cruise up the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia, where we will be free to disembark around 8.00 am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers as we all continue our onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature.Upon disembarkation, for those continuing their travels in the region, transportation to the hotel will be arranged exclusively for guests who have booked their accommodations through Aurora or for those staying in downtown areas near the port. Expeditioners departing on flights prior to 12.30 pm will be directly transferred to Ushuaia Airport, those with flights after 12.30 pm will have the opportunity to explore Ushuaia before an afternoon airport transfer, and the transfer procedures and details will be communicated onboard before disembarkation.
Note: At the conclusion of the voyage, we do not recommend booking flights departing Ushuaia prior to 12.00 pm on the day of disembarkation in case there are delays.
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Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.
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09 February, 2027 to 18 February, 2027
Deck: 3
Cabin size: 22.57m² (242.9ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Porthole window
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 3
Cabin size: 15.37m² - 15.97m² (165.4ft² - 171.9ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Porthole window
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 7
Cabin size: 13.97m² - 16.17m² (150.4ft² - 174.1ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite
French balcony
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 4 & 6
Cabin and balcony combined size: 21.07m² - 26.77m² (226.8ft² - 288.2ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Private balcony
Full size window
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 4 & 6
Cabin and balcony combined size: 21.07m² - 26.77m² (226.8ft² - 288.2ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Private balcony
Full size window
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 3
Cabin size: 9.85m² (106ft²)
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Porthole window
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 4 & 6
Cabin and balcony combined size: 21.07m² - 26.77m² (226.8ft² - 288.2ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Private balcony
Full size window
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 3 & 7
Cabin size: 10.97m² - 15.18m² (118.1ft² - 163.4ft²)
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Porthole window
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 4 & 6
Cabin and balcony combined size: 27.77m² - 36.27m² (298.9ft² - 390.4ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite (wheelchair accessible)
Private balcony
Full size window
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 7
Cabin and balcony combined size: 41.47m² - 41.87m² (446.4ft² - 450.7ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Private balcony
Full size window
Separate lounge area
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 4
Cabin and balcony combined size: 45.22m² (486.7ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Private balcony
Full size window
Separate lounge area
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
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11 March, 2027 to 20 March, 2027
Private Bathroom. There are six Aurora Stateroom Triple cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms. *Please note the Aurora Stateroom Triple cabins are only available on certain departures
Private Bathroom. The Greg Mortimer features eight Aurora Stateroom Twin cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms, perfect for adventurers who are looking for a comfortable base that's close to the action.
Private Bathroom
Cabin & balcony combined size: 20.9m2 - 24.8m2
We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Our 14 Balcony Stateroom – C cabins are our most economical, fitted with all the necessities and comfortable for up to 2 people. These cabins are scattered throughout Deck 4 and 6.
Private Bathroom
Cabin & balcony combined size: 23.6m2 - 24.8 m2
We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Our 21 Balcony Stateroom – B Cabins are our standard cabin, many fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups. These cabins are located at the fore and aft of Deck 4 and 6.
Private Bathroom
Cabin & balcony combined size: 24.1m2 - 31.3m2
We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Our 23 Balcony Stateroom – A cabins are our premium cabin, and the most abundant on board. These cabins are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 and 6 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator.
Private Bathroom
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Greg Mortimer's two Balcony Suites are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.
Located on Deck 4, the Balcony Suites feature private balconies, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.
These will sell out quickly!
Private Bathroom
The Greg Mortimer's four Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage points on Deck 7. When you aren't enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites' separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony.
Private Bathroom
The largest of all our rooms, the Greg Mortimer's singular Captain's Suite will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, you'll need to get in early to secure this suite.
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Douglas Mawson
Douglas Mawson
Vessel Type: Small Ship Expedition
Passenger Capacity: 154
Lenght: 104.4 m
Built: 2025
Setting sail in 2025, the Douglas Mawson is the latest addition to Aurora Expeditions’ fleet of purpose-built small ships, designed for global discovery and adventure in comfort. Named after the pioneering Australian geologist and explorer, this state-of-the-art vessel combines cutting-edge technology with elegant design, featuring the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW® for smoother sailing and enhanced sustainability. With space for up to 154 guests (130 on expedition voyages), it offers an intimate and environmentally conscious cruising experience. Multiple observation areas, a heated pool, Jacuzzis, and a sauna ensure guests enjoy both exploration and relaxation in equal measure.
On board, passengers can delve deeper into their destinations through engaging lectures in the theatre, hands-on learning in the Citizen Science Centre, and peaceful moments in the library or observation lounge. Dining is relaxed and sociable, with open seating, hearty cuisine, and complimentary beverages with dinner. Accommodation options range from luxurious suites with private balconies to well-appointed solo staterooms, catering to every traveller’s style and comfort. Whether navigating the polar regions or exploring the British Isles and Mediterranean, the Douglas Mawson delivers the perfect balance of adventure, discovery, and refined small-ship luxury.
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Greg Mortimer
Greg Mortimer
Vessel Type: Expedition
Length: 104 metres
Passenger Capacity: 132
Built: 2019
Purpose-built for polar expeditions, the Greg Mortimer combines over 25 years of expedition experience with cutting-edge nautical design. With a capacity of just 132 passengers, the ship offers an intimate, comfortable base for exploring the world’s most remote regions while maintaining a focus on multiple landings, flexible itineraries, and a family-like atmosphere.
Designed with the revolutionary ULSTEIN X-BOW™, the ship handles rough seas with ease, offering a smoother ride and lower environmental impact. Hydraulic viewing platforms on Deck 5 provide unobstructed views of wildlife, while dedicated Zodiac launching areas make landings fast and efficient. The ship carries 15 Zodiacs for up to three daily excursions.
For adventurers, a spacious activity platform supports kayaking, climbing, diving and more, with quick gear access via the mudroom and drying areas. The ship is also Polar Code 6 compliant and features advanced safety systems, including backup propulsion and a fully equipped medical centre.
Onboard comforts include large observation decks, a 180° lounge, open bridge policy, and a well-stocked library. Enjoy family-style meals with complimentary drinks, and relax at the Wellness Centre with a gym, spa, sauna, and massage services. Daily expert-led lectures enrich your journey with insights into nature, wildlife, and local cultures.
The Greg Mortimer offers a modern, safe, and environmentally conscious way to explore the polar regions – with all the comfort and spirit of true adventure.
Sea Kayaking. From $1,866 NZD
Snorkelling. From $933 NZD
Paddling. From $870 NZD
