ho hasn’t dreamt of visiting Antarctica? It’s the most remote spot in the world, where nature rules and humans look on in awe, enthralled by majestic mountains and the sight of breaching whales, thrilled to have a front-row seat to watch penguins waddle about their business.
In this world, AE Expeditions (part of Aurora Expeditions) is the authority. A pioneering company launched in Australia, it has been making dreams come true for the adventurous for more than 32 years, taking them off-piste to places where few have ever ventured.
Travel to Antarctica with AE Expeditions and you’ll be following in the footsteps of the world’s greatest explorers on one of two purpose-built new expedition ships, the Greg Mortimer or the Sylvia Earle, each built to sail the ice-strewn waters of the White Continent in safety and comfort.
It’s hard to think of a more ideal base camp from which to learn, discover and explore this magical landscape. These small ships hold a maximum of just 132 expeditioners and boast lots of open deck ideal for viewing the wildlife.
The vessels’ revolutionary X-Bow® – an inverted bow design – not only cuts through the ocean waves, smoothing the ride over the Drake Passage, the notoriously turbulent 600-mile stretch of water that separates Argentina and Antarctica, but also reduces fuel consumption.
It’s one of many sustainability initiatives that have contributed to AE Expeditions being certified 100 per cent climate neutral by the carbon finance company South Pole.
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Pole position
Towering icebergs are just the beginning
Accompanying travellers every step of the way is a team of world-class expedition leaders, experts in everything from marine biology and geology to history and photography, each passionate about telling their story. While crossing the Drake, they will host in-depth lectures on the environment and the wildlife that calls this frozen world home. At other times, you’ll find them out on deck looking for albatrosses, petrels and other seabirds swooping and gliding around the ship, as well as cetaceans swimming below. As Antarctica itself hoves into view, the real adventure begins.
Whether you want to explore for two weeks or three, delve deep into the Antarctic Peninsula, venture across the Antarctic Circle to the Weddell Sea, or finish your Southern Ocean campaign by visiting South Georgia, the Falklands and the South Sandwich Islands, AE Expeditions has a cruise to suit you. Its upcoming season even includes nine-night expeditions that fly passengers over the Drake – for those short on time or concerned about the sea crossing.
No matter which adventure you choose, be prepared for a life-changing experience – waking up surrounded by vast snowy landscapes and towering icebergs; navigating through narrow channels; and seeing penguins porpoising and hitching rides on passing icebergs. The journey is certainly unforgettable but nothing beats the moment you step ashore in this untamed environment.
You’ll join the expedition team in inflatable Zodiacs – and cruise around the cliffs, getting up close to giant icebergs and landing in picturesque coves where thousands of chinstrap, gentoo and Adélie penguins have made their rookeries (passengers must stay five metres away and be patient – the birds don’t always read the memo). You’ll see lumbering elephant seals and fur seals and, if conditions permit, hike up snowy ridges. Just remember to stop now and then to take in the grandeur of it all. With so few passengers on its ships, AE Expeditions ensures everyone gets plenty of time on land.
*Terms and conditions: Offer is only valid on new bookings and must be booked and deposited by 31 October 2023. Prices are correct as at 5 September 2023, and subject to availability at time of booking and capacity controlled. Offer can be withdrawn at any time and not redeemable for cash. ^Pay No Solo Supplement: for a single-person booking (usual solo supplement is 50%). Valid on select Antarctica 2023/24 voyages. Eligible on all cabin types EXCLUDING Captain’s Suite, Junior Suites or Triple share cabins. This offer is not combinable with any other discounts (except Loyalty & in-market savings of up to 20% off). +Air Credit: Applicable on all Antarctica 2023/24 2024 voyages. Air credit of US$2,000pp for Antarctica expeditions will be applied to the booking as a discounted amount; airfares must be booked independently. The offer is not combinable with No Solo Supplement offer and is available until sold out. Normal booking terms and conditions apply. To confirm your booking, a completed booking form and a non-refundable deposit of $2,500pp in the booking currency is required within 7 days of reserved berth/s. View our full Terms and Conditions on our website.
SPONSORED CONTENT
Explore one of the most unspoilt places on Earth with our Choose Your Adventure Sale. With two enticing offers to choose from – Air Credit offer or No Single Supplements, your adventure of a lifetime is just a choice away.
Receive a US$2,000 per person air credit towards your airfare on all Antarctica 2023-24 expeditions, plus save up to 20%* off. Quote promo code: STAIRCREDIT
Or, Solo travellers pay no solo supplement on select Antarctica 2023-24 expeditions, plus save up to 20% off*. Quote promo code: STSOLO23
For more information and to book your awe-inspiring Antarctica adventure, contact your preferred travel advisor or AE Expeditions on 0808 189 2005 or visit aexpeditions.co.uk
Where adventure comes as standard
But that’s just for starters. With AE Expeditions, you can also kayak or paddle amid bergy bits, snowshoe up mountains and, after spending a night ashore under canvas, perhaps be woken by a curious penguin. Brave souls can take the polar plunge and even go snorkelling and scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters with expert polar diving guides. Drysuits, gloves, snorkels – everything is provided, so there’s no need to lug your own gear to the ends of the Earth.
Rest assured, travelling with AE Expeditions is casual. Boots can be borrowed on board and everyone gets a complimentary waterproof expedition jacket, which is theirs to take home, leaving passengers room to pack all their woollies, gloves, hats, scarves and thermals. Airport transfers and selected alcoholic and soft drinks with lunch and dinner are also included.
The trips are flexible too. In this challenging environment, itineraries are dictated by wind and ice and can change in a heartbeat. But that’s the nature of adventure – and with AE Expeditions steering the ship, you know you’re in safe hands.
Antarctic wonders
Sail through a frozen world and see for yourself the wildlife that calls
it home
Close encounters
All equipment is included so you can explore by
sea and land
Embrace your inner Francis Drake as you explore untamed lands, scuba dive in polar seas and even befriend some penguins – welcome to the ends of the Earth
Remember to
stop and take in the grandeur
of it all
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