Australia-owned Aurora Expeditions, a specialist in small-group adventure voyages to some of the planet’s wildest and most remote regions, is inviting travelers to join a bolder Antarctic season. New this year, Spirit of Antarctica itineraries expand their active options to include polar snorkeling, kayaking among ice floes and icebergs, and—for experienced climbers—guided crossings of seldom-traversed terrain. Several departures also offer optional ice-camping nights under a clear, star-filled sky; instead of basic tents, campers receive thermal camping gear designed for extreme cold.
For snorkelers, Aurora provides advanced dry suits, gloves and hoods—some suits even include small fans to help distribute body heat—so participants can safely explore the underwater world. Beneath the surface, snorkelers may encounter vivid marine life: colorful fish, giant sea stars, rainbow-hued corals, nudibranchs and agile, diving penguins. For those seeking a more intense rush, a Polar Plunge option is available; guests who choose it are pulled from the water immediately by expedition staff in Zodiacs and escorted to the onboard sauna to warm up.
Experienced climbers have opportunities to bring crampons and ice axes for guided journeys across remote, largely un-hiked stretches of Antarctica. These programs are led by professional expedition leaders who prioritize safety while opening access to dramatic landscapes and unique photographic moments. Kayaking excursions let small groups paddle between ice features, offering silent, close-up encounters with ice formations and marine wildlife under careful supervision.
The Spirit of Antarctica voyages accommodate a range of activity levels, combining on-board comforts with immersive shore and sea experiences. Typical voyages run 12 days and include opportunities for guided shore visits, wildlife observation, and the specialized adventure options described above. Pricing starts at $10,290 per person for a shared cabin, and selected departures are available in November.
Aurora Expeditions emphasizes expert guidance, small group sizes and environmentally conscious practices to minimize impact on fragile polar environments. Guests benefit from experienced naturalists and expedition staff who provide interpretation of wildlife, geology and the broader polar ecosystem while ensuring activities are conducted responsibly.
Whether you seek the silence and scale of Antarctic landscapes, close encounters with marine wildlife, or adrenaline-fueled activities like polar snorkeling and ice camping, these itineraries are designed to combine safety, education and unforgettable adventure in one of the world’s last truly wild places.