It’s hard to put into words just how deeply moving and unforgettable our experience with Aurora Expeditions was. My best friend and I joined their 12-day voyage to Antarctica and the Weddell Sea aboard the beautiful Sylvia Earle in late March into early April. It was the tail end of the Antarctic season, and honestly, we were very nervous about storms, crossing the Drake Passage and bad weather. Having just completed the voyage, I think the late season made it even more magical and I feel lucky we chose this departure. The landscape was otherworldly—snow covered mountains, icebergs glowing in soft light, dramatic skies, and a stillness I’ll never forget.But the real gift of traveling this late in the season? The humpback whales. We were completely surrounded by them—"whale soup" everywhere we turned, there were flukes, fins, and gentle giants surfacing close to the zodiacs. One afternoon, we sat in still water with half a dozen whales circling us, feeding and diving, completely unbothered by our presence. In fact some came close to our kayaks to check us out. One whale came so close I was able to smell his breath (!). It was humbling, awe-inspiring, and something I’ll carry with me forever.I also had the incredible opportunity to join the paddling program, and it was hands down one of the highlights of the trip. Gliding silently through the icy waters in an inflatable kayak, flanked by icebergs and curious penguins, was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The paddling guides were phenomenal—skilled, patient, and clearly passionate about what they do. Their calm confidence made me feel completely safe, even as we explored some truly remote and wild places.The Sylvia Earle herself is a dream of a ship—elegant, eco-conscious with every aspect, and perfectly designed for polar adventure. The food was beyond outstanding: fresh, creative, full of variety, and nourishing after long, exhilarating days. From hearty breakfasts to beautifully plated dinners, I was genuinely impressed (and a little spoiled!). Oh and not to forget the incredible Indian dishes prepared by the Prem, sooo good. Oh—and yes, I did the Polar Plunge! It was freezing, hilarious, and surprisingly energizing. Luckily, I could warm up afterward in the heated outdoor pool and jacuzzis on Deck 7, which offered the most surreal views—mountains, icebergs, and the open sea as far as the eye could see. The entire Aurora team, from the expedition crew to the hospitality staff, were absolutely top-notch. Warm, welcoming, and so clearly passionate about what they do. You can feel the deep respect they have for the polar regions, and it’s contagious.I came back changed—grateful, grounded, and more in love with our planet than ever before. If you’re considering going to Antarctica, I can’t recommend Aurora Expeditions and the Sylvia Earle enough. It’s more than a trip. It’s a soul-stirring adventure, and I feel so lucky to have been a part of it.
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Aurora Expeditions is an Australian-owned adventure company specialising in small group expedition-style travel to polar regions and other wild and remote places. We offer travellers the chance to have an intimate experience in these regions with its small ships and flexible, innovative itineraries. With a history of pushing the boundaries of expedition travel, Aurora Expeditions is proud to have pioneered a number of activities such as scuba diving and climbing in Antarctica. The majority of voyages now offer adventure options such as mountain climbing, sea kayaking, photography and camping in various locations; while Aurora's expert naturalists, historians, staff and crew help to unlock the wonders of these special places.See more
