Many travelers are seeking out new and unique experiences this year, and for some that means remote destinations and adventurous goals to achieve. Aurora Expeditions’ 2023 Ultimate Bucket List offers active adventure seekers a 12-month run down on the best wild places to visit and when. Their small ship expeditions combine respectful and immersive travel to destinations of supreme natural beauty in Antarctica, the Arctic and beyond.
For over 30 years, Aurora Expeditions’ expert Expedition Team has shared their knowledge and understanding of some of the wildest and most remote locations on our planet. Check out 5 of their top 2023 adventure and wildlife highlights from around the globe.
February | Exploring underwater in Antarctica
Be in awe of icebergs that extend beyond the reach of any human, and curious penguins, seals and whales that thrive in the ocean’s icy depths. February is one of the best times to experience Antarctica’s icy waters, as sea ice has retreated to the maximum level and a world of breathtaking ice is exposed.
April | Journey through the Panama Canal
With spectacular marine life and pristine rainforests with colorful plants, birds, monkeys and sloths, Costa Rica and Panama are a delight for active adventurers. Not to be outdone by the natural beauty is one of the world’s greatest engineering feats – the Panama Canal. See the wonders of the waterway during a guaranteed daylight crossing.
June | Hiking and bird watching in Iceland
Enjoy guided walks through some of Iceland’s most stunning terrain, across Arctic tundra, over sheer table mountains to jaw-dropping views of dramatic fjords. Be on the lookout for diverse birdlife that call the “Land of Ice and Fire” home. The lengthening summer days attract millions of migratory birds and rocky cliffs are alive with the cacophony of bird chatter from Atlantic puffins, northern Fulmars, black guillemots, little auks and Arctic terns.
August | Polar Bear spotting in the Arctic
August is one of the best times to spot the elusive polar bear, when they spend the long days prowling for food on ice sheets along the far northern coastlines. Arctic foxes start giving birth in July, so August is the best time to witness their fluffy pups, which are guaranteed to thaw the coldest heart! Arctic foxes are often found near polar bears, so keep a lookout for both of these beautiful animals.
November | Can’t-miss photography in South Georgia
A true haven for wildlife lovers, South Georgia’s local residents can make any photographer look like a pro. In November, King penguin rookeries are nearing their peak, young seal pups are raising their heads for the first time, and mighty male elephant seals may be spotted battling it out for supremacy. Whether you’re a smartphone aficionado or an SLR devotee, South Georgia is one for the bucket list.
Looking for even more adventure filled options? Download Aurora’s complete 2023 Ultimate Bucket List e-book. There’s never been a better time to start checking off your list.
Voyages with Aurora Expeditions
Backed by 30 years of expertise, Aurora Expeditions is all about adventure to the wildest and most extraordinary environments of the planet. They are 100% Climate Neutral and their revolutionary ships feature the Ulstein X-BOW® for a smoother and more fuel-efficient voyage. It’s all about adventure in small group sizes, with an average of 132 passengers on board and an extensive activity program. With 2-3 landings per day, you get more time off-ship and are supported by an industry leading guide-to-passenger ratio of 1:8. Everything is purposefully designed so that when you disembark, you will be richer in your knowledge and understanding of our planet than when you stepped onboard.
Find out more about Aurora Expeditions: aurora-expedition.com