Aurora Expeditions will carry active whale researchers on board select Antarctic voyages for the 2026-27 season, giving guests direct exposure to field science studying endangered whale species.
The line is the operational partner for a research programme run by the Ari Friedlaender lab at the University of California, Santa Cruz, in collaboration with WWF. Aurora Expeditions provides the ship access, equipment and facilities the researchers need to collect data on whale survival, migration, reproduction and health.
Researchers Chloe Lew and Emily Gregory from the Friedlaender lab will join guests on select voyages aboard Douglas Mawson, Aurora Expeditions’ newest purpose-built ship. Guests will attend onboard lectures and research briefings on satellite tagging and whale tracking, and can speak directly with the scientists about how the data is collected.
Three voyages carry the research programme
Antarctica Complete runs 17 December 2026 to 8 January 2027, 23 days, with guests attending exclusive lectures and Zodiac cruises alongside Friedlaender lab scientists and the chance to cross the Antarctic Circle, weather permitting. Fares start from AU$54,168 per person, twin share.
Antarctic Explorer Express runs 7 to 15 January 2027, nine days, flying across the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula. Guests gain insight into how whale research is conducted while researchers collect data on Antarctic whales. Fares start from AU$24,473 per person, twin share.
Antarctic Peninsula: Fly the Drake runs 13 to 22 January 2027, 10 days. Researchers on this voyage collect small biopsy samples and use drones to record whale behaviour and health while guests observe from the ship. Fares start from AU$31,984 per person, twin share.
A point of difference for expedition sales
For agents selling Antarctic expeditions, the research partnership gives these departures a distinct selling point beyond wildlife viewing and landscape, offering clients a more active connection to conservation work in the field.
