by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 1:45 PM ET, Thu September 17, 2026
Aurora Expeditions is gearing up for its 2026-27 Antarctic season, with 27 voyages aboard three ships traveling from the Antarctic Peninsula to the Ross Sea and East Antarctica.
The season’s voyages, ranging from nine to 34 days, will sail aboard Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle and Douglas Mawson. Each polar departure will carry a maximum of 130 travelers.
Research will be a major focus of the season, with 18 scientists participating in five projects across 11 voyages. The projects will cover whale ecology and health, penguin populations, wildlife disease, marine biodiversity and deep-sea exploration.
Researchers from organizations including the University of California, Santa Cruz, the University of Tasmania, WWF, Reef Life Survey and New Zealand’s Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa will conduct fieldwork aboard the ships. Scientists will also share their work with expeditioners through onboard presentations and other educational opportunities.
One project, Project ESCA, will use a specially developed deep-sea camera and attraction system during Aurora’s Epic Antarctica: Crossing the 7th Continent voyage in an attempt to observe the elusive colossal squid in its natural habitat.
The 2026-27 season also includes six Special Edition expeditions focused on photography, activities, science and women-only exploration.
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