Australian cave diver and specialist anaesthetist Dr Richard “Harry” Harris OAM will sail two Aurora Expeditions Antarctic voyages as a special guest, contributing to the company’s onboard enrichment and polar dive programs.
Dr Harris, known globally for his role in the 2018 Tham Luang cave rescue in Thailand, will join two Aurora Expeditions departures: Across the Antarctic Circle in 2027 and Antarctica Complete in 2028 – now open for bookings.
He will draw on more than 30 years of cave-diving, technical diving, exploration and rescue experience in his onboard talks, including firsthand accounts of the operation that freed 12 boys and their soccer coach from the flooded Chiang Rai cave system.
As one of Australia’s most respected technical divers, he will also contribute to Aurora Expedition’s polar dive program, giving qualified divers the chance to learn from him in one of the world’s most remote marine environments.
Aurora’s polar dive program is one of its signature adventure activities in Antarctica, open to certified divers with guided small-group dives as an optional activity.
Aurora Expeditions Dive Operations Manager Catherine Buckland said Dr Harris would bring a unique perspective to both the onboard program and the dive experience.
“Harry is an extremely accomplished technical diver, with decades of experience exploring and operating in challenging underwater environments,” she said.
“His knowledge of diving and exploration, combined with his remarkable experiences as part of the Thai cave rescue, will offer expeditioners fascinating insights both onboard and within our dive community.
“Our polar dive program attracts passionate and experienced divers from around the world, and having someone of Harry’s calibre join these voyages will add another layer of depth to the experience.”
Dr Harris said he was looking forward to experiencing Antarctica for the first time.
“Antarctica has long been a destination that has fascinated me, and I’m excited to finally experience it with Aurora Expeditions. Truly a bucket list opportunity!” he said.
“Throughout my career, diving has taken me to some extraordinary places and introduced me to incredible people. I’m looking forward to sharing some of those experiences with fellow expeditioners and learning more about one of the most remarkable environments on Earth.”
The 13-day Across the Antarctic Circle itinerary sails from 28 February – 12 March 2027 aboard Greg Mortimer, venturing below the Antarctic Circle with Zodiac cruising through secluded bays and the chance to spot whales, penguins and seals among the icebergs.
The longer 23-day Antarctica Complete expedition runs 1–23 February 2028 aboard Sylvia Earle, combining the Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Circle, South Georgia and the Falklands, taking in remote landing sites and some of polar exploration’s most storied landscapes.
KARRYON UNPACKS: A recognisable Australian name is a ready-made selling point for Aurora Expedition’s high-value expedition product, particularly for the niche diving market and clients drawn to enrichment-led voyages. With departures in early 2027 and 2028 now available to book, there is a long runway to match the right adventure-minded travellers to these two specialty voyages.
