AE Expeditions
The Adventure Activity Experts
More than 30 years in the making, AE Expeditions (part of Aurora Expeditions) has a track record for pioneering discovery and adventure – and respectful travel is at the heart of our ethos. Whether you are a new expeditioner or someone who has travelled with us before; we say, ‘welcome to the AE family.’
With an Ice Class 6 rating, both the Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle can navigate places larger ships cannot go.
NEW! Joining the fleet in December 2025 is the Douglas Mawson, named after the Pioneering British-Australian expeditioner and geologist. This ship embodies Mawson’s pioneering spirit and is purpose-built for global discovery and off-ship adventures.
Everything is especially designed for exploring the great outdoors. Easy access from our best-in-the-business mudroom, Zodiac-loading platforms and innovative floating dock, means our expeditioners are whisked away on Zodiacs with our expert Expedition Team who lead activities from interpretive shore strolls, hikes, kayaking, snorkelling and paddling to diving, photography workshops, overnight camp outs and more.
Why Travel with AE Expeditions?
AE Expeditions is destined to be different. Our passion for adventure, exploring wild places and sharing the experience with friends burns brightly as it did 30 years ago, as does our preference for small-group, personal expeditions.
Each expedition is accompanied by an expert expedition team, with flexibility and freedom, a spirit of adventure and relaxed atmosphere for an interesting and educational experience.
- Small Groups and New Purpose Build Ships with no more than 130 passengers per voyage.
- Expert Guides and Education & Enrichment Programs
- World Leading Activity Program with a Spirit of Adventure with more time off-ship
- Sustainability in Action – we see expedition travel as a force for good, accelerating meaningful changes in our ongoing care for the planet.
Ask an advisor
Speak to a Silver Travel Advisor for advice on where to go, what to do and how to choose your perfect holiday.
Destinations
Key Destinations
Antarctica, the Arctic, Greenland, Subantarctic Islands, Iceland, Norway, England, Ireland, Scotland, Canada, Costa Rica, Panama, Patagonia, Cape Verde, the Canary Islands & Azores.
Expert Guides
Our highly acclaimed Expedition Specialists are some of the best in the business. Many are recognised world leaders in their respective fields, and they enthusiastically share their knowledge with all passengers to ensure that each moment you spend with us is interesting and educational.
Spirit of Adventure
No matter where we are, we encourage a true sense of exploration. Zodiac-cruise into a craggy cove to take a closer look at rockhopper penguins scaling a cliff or join a guided hike across the tundra in search of the elusive arctic fox. Plus, you can choose to be as adventurous as you like with our unrivalled array of optional activities.
Relaxed Onboard Atmosphere
Our Expedition Team will make every effort to ensure you feel right at home throughout your expedition. Whether that means sharing thrilling tales of adventure at the bar, dining in friendly groups in our open-seating dining room or heading to the observation deck for a midnight polar bear sighting, our small groups and warm camaraderie create a relaxed, informal atmosphere on board.
Included Extras
Whether it is an expedition jacket to keep, charter flights or pre-/post-voyage accommodation and gratuities, our inclusions are what most others would consider extras. For a full list of inclusions for each voyage, please view the itinerary page on our website.
Sustainability
We have an ongoing commitment to responsible, respectful travel. As founding members of IAATO and AECO, taking our responsibility seriously. We are curious and passionate. We care about reducing our footprint environmentally. We are taking real actions for the care of the planet and doing MORE to help make a positive impact.
Click here to read our 2022-2023 Impact Report, which marks the first comprehensive review of our company’s purpose, vision and values. In addition to outlining our commitment to sustainability and our vision to be the global leader in sustainable expedition travel, it also showcases the many initiatives we are involved in to care for our extraordinary planet.
Education & Enrichment
AE Expeditions is committed in creating a platform for exploration, discovery and knowledge; education and enrichment through lectures and briefings onboard and onshore; extensive resources in our onboard library; enhanced Participative Citizen Science Program; dedicated Citizen Science centre onboard Sylvia Earle; Women Conservation Champions Program and Creating ambassadors for the planet.
Small Ship Experience
We are one of the most intimate small ship offerings in our class for the polar regions.
We also recognise our responsibility to protect and preserve the remote places we travel to, and we are proud to be one of the few companies visiting Antarctica and the Arctic with under 150 passengers.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to responsible travel and our vision to be the global leader in sustainable expedition travel.
Special Offers
We regularly receive special offers and discounts from our travel partners.
For the latest offers and a bespoke quotation, speak to our Silver Travel Advisors on 0800 412 5678.
Ask an advisor
Speak to a Silver Travel Advisor for advice on where to go, what to do and how to choose your perfect holiday.
Most recent Reviews
Featured Articles
AE Expeditions
Silver Travel Advisor
AE Expeditions
