Thai cave rescue hero Dr. Richard Harris OAM joins Aurora Expeditions’ Antarctic voyages as Special Guest
World-renowned cave diver and specialist anesthetist to join expeditioners in Antarctica, including Aurora’s polar dive program.
Aurora Expeditions has announced that Dr. Richard “Harry” Harris OAM, the Australian cave diver and specialist anesthetist known globally for his critical role in the 2018 Tham Luang cave rescue, will join two upcoming Antarctic expeditions as a Special Guest.
Dr. Harris will travel on Across the Antarctic Circle, departing February 28, 2027, and Antarctica Complete, departing February 1, 2028, where he will share firsthand insights from more than 30 years of cave-diving, technical diving, exploration and rescue experience through Aurora Expeditions’ onboard enrichment program.
As one of Australia’s most respected technical divers, Dr. Harris will also contribute his expertise to Aurora Expeditions’ polar dive program, offering participating expeditioners a rare opportunity to learn from a world-leading diver in one of the planet’s most remote and remarkable marine environments.
His onboard talks will draw on the extraordinary 2018 operation that saved 12 boys and their soccer coach from the flooded Tham Luang cave system in Chiang Rai, Thailand, as well as the broader lessons in resilience, leadership and decision-making under pressure.
Aurora Expeditions’ polar dive program is one of the company’s signature adventure activities in Antarctica, available to qualified divers. The program gives expeditioners the opportunity to experience Antarctica below the surface, exploring an underwater world of sculptural ice formations, marine life and remarkable polar conditions through guided small-group dives.
Aurora Expeditions Dive Operations Manager, Catherine Buckland, said Dr. Harris’ involvement 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,” said Buckland.
“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 caliber join these voyages will add another layer of depth to the experience.”
Dr. Harris said he was looking forward to joining Aurora Expeditions and 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!” said Dr. Harris.
“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.”
Voyage details:
Across the Antarctic Circle
28 February – 12 March 2027 | 13 days | Aboard Greg Mortimer
Venturing below the Antarctic Circle, this expedition offers expeditioners the chance to explore dramatic ice-clad landscapes, Zodiac cruise through secluded bays and quiet coves, and look for whales, penguins and seals among spectacular icebergs.
Antarctica Complete
1 February – 23 February 2028 | 23 days | Aboard Sylvia Earle
Bringing together the Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Circle, South Georgia and the Falklands-Malvinas, this comprehensive journey combines extraordinary wildlife encounters, remote landing sites and some of the most storied landscapes in polar exploration.
(Thai cave rescue hero Dr. Richard Harris OAM joins Aurora Expeditions’ Antarctic voyages as Special Guest)
