Aurora Expeditions announces 2028–29 Antarctic season

Four new itineraries include a sailing with wildlife filmmakers and conservationists and an expedition cruise during peak whale-watching season.

Kayakers in front of the Aurora Expeditions ship Sylvia Earle in Antarctica
(Photo: Aurora Expeditions)

Is visiting Antarctica on your bucket list? Aurora Expeditions just unveiled its 2028–29 Antarctic season, which features 37 voyages and four new itineraries. The season is on sale now, and travelers can get savings of up to 25% on select voyages booked and deposited by January 31, 2027.

The 2028–29 season includes expeditions ranging from eight to 23 days aboard Aurora’s three purpose-built small ships: Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle, and Douglas Mawson. For all departures aboard Greg Mortimer, a new Buenos Aires round-trip gateway includes pre-voyage accommodations, charter flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, and transfers. The season also features 10 fly voyages and 16 departures of 11 days or less for travelers who are shorter on time.

Showshoers in Antarctica with Aurora Expeditions
A new active itinerary includes opportunities for snowshoeing (Photo: Aurora Expeditions)

On the new itinerary Antarctica: Behind the Lens — Documentary Series, guests will explore Antarctica alongside renowned wildlife filmmakers, storytellers, and ocean conservation advocates. Presentations, behind-the-scenes stories, and shared exploration will give travelers insights into wildlife filmmaking and ocean conservation while observing Antarctica’s landscapes and wildlife.

New itinerary The Edge of Wild Frontiers: South Georgia & Falkland Islands takes travelers to two of the Southern Ocean’s legendary wildlife sanctuaries in search of king, macaroni, rockhopper, Magellanic, and gentoo penguins; albatross colonies; and elephant and fur seals. Active travelers will appreciate the new South Georgia & Antarctica Active: All Inclusive Activities trip, which includes paddling among icebergs, snorkeling in Antarctic waters, snowshoeing,  and an overnight camping experience on the ice (subject to conditions).

A whale tail in Antarctica
The new “Gentle Giants” itinerary sets sail during peak whale-watching season (Photo: Aurora Expeditions)

In 2029, new itinerary Gentle Giants of the Antarctic: A Whale’s Tale will depart during peak whale-watching season. Expert naturalists and marine biologists will offer insights about whale behavior and migration via Zodiac excursions, wildlife encounters, and informative presentations.

“Antarctica remains at the heart of Aurora Expeditions, and this season is about creating even more meaningful ways for travelers to experience it,” says Justin Ewin, Aurora Expeditions’ global head of product. “From exploring alongside the people behind landmark wildlife and conservation documentaries to discovering South Georgia through immersive activities, these new voyages bring fresh perspectives to destinations we’ve explored for more than 35 years.”

The 2028–29 season will also include returning favorites like Spirit of Antarctica, a quintessential introduction to Antarctica that includes crossing the Drake Passage, and Patagonia & Chilean Fjords, a sailing through southern Chile’s dramatic waterways. On all itineraries, Aurora’s purpose-built small ships carry no more than 130 expeditioners, supported by an approximate 1:7 Expedition Team-to-expeditioner ratio.

TourScoop takeaway: More opportunities to visit the White Continent are always a good thing. And we love the expert insight that will be provided on several of the new itineraries.

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Beth Luberecki writes about travel, business, and lifestyle topics. Her work has appeared in publications including The Washington Post, USA TODAY, FamilyVacationist.com, and The Indianapolis Star. The Florida-based writer shares her travels on her website bethluberecki.com and on Instagram at @bethluberecki and @findingfloridafun.