Ross Sea and Historic Huts
Seek safe access to the region associated with Scott, Shackleton and other heroic-age expeditions.
POLAR TRAVEL TRIBETHE EPIC PACIFIC-SECTOR CROSSING
Antarctic Semi-Circumnavigation: Dunedin to Ushuaia
Journey from Dunedin through the sub-Antarctic islands and Ross Sea, then follow the Amundsen and Bellingshausen Seas to the Antarctic Peninsula and Ushuaia on a month-long expedition across Antarctica’s Pacific sector.
About 34 days Typical durationJanuary–February Travel seasonDunedin to Ushuaia Start and finish
Trip Overview
- Duration
- About 34 days
- Season
- January–February
- Voyage style
- Antarctic semi-circumnavigation
This month-long voyage combines New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic ecosystems, the heroic-age history and wildlife of the Ross Sea, remote West Antarctic waters and the classic scenery of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Few passenger voyages connect so many sectors in one continuous journey; its success depends on safe ice navigation, weather windows, landing permissions and the distance achieved each day.
Why This Route
Amundsen and Bellingshausen Seas
Cross remote West Antarctic waters where ice shelves, pack ice and weather control the pace of travel.
Antarctic Peninsula Finale
Finish with flexible penguin landings, Zodiac cruising, glacier views and possible whale encounters.
A Rare Expedition Achievement
Connect New Zealand and South America across the Pacific-facing side of Antarctica in one continuous voyage.
Route Map
Dunedin → New Zealand Subantarctic Islands → Macquarie Island → Ross Sea → Amundsen Sea → Bellingshausen Sea → Antarctic Peninsula → Ushuaia
The map shows the main sailing direction. Actual landing sites are selected by the captain and expedition team according to weather, sea ice and safety conditions.
DAY BY DAY
Day by Day
A representative itinerary. The order of landings and cruising is adapted to local conditions.
Days 1–6
Dunedin and New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands
Embark in Dunedin and sail through Otago Harbour towards the sub-Antarctic islands. Weather may allow walks near rata forest, seabird colonies and sea-lion habitat while experts introduce Antarctic history, ecology and photography.
Days 7–12
Macquarie Island and South to the Ross Sea
Look for king, royal and rockhopper penguins, elephant seals and fur seals on Macquarie Island before crossing the Antarctic Convergence and Circle. Icebergs and pack ice signal the approach to the Ross Sea.
Days 13–18
Ross Sea Exploration
Use the best ice and weather windows around Ross Island, Victoria Land, McMurdo Sound or alternative Ross Sea shores. Adélie and emperor penguins, killer whales, seals, the Ross Ice Shelf and protected historic huts are possible objectives rather than guarantees.
Days 19–25
Amundsen and Bellingshausen Seas
Follow the coast past Marie Byrd Land through remote icebound waters. Progress depends strongly on pack ice, while the expedition team uses available windows for Zodiac operations, wildlife observation, landings or ship-based exploration and lectures.
Days 26–31
Antarctic Peninsula
Reach the Antarctic Peninsula for condition-led penguin-colony visits, snow walks and Zodiac cruises among glaciers and icebergs. Whales, seals and busy penguin pathways create a vivid contrast with the vast, sparsely visited coastline crossed earlier.
Days 32–34
Drake Passage to Ushuaia
Turn north through the South Shetland Islands and cross the Drake Passage. Expedition recaps put the scale of the Ross, Amundsen and Bellingshausen Seas into perspective before the ship enters the Beagle Channel and arrives in Ushuaia.
EXPEDITION SHIPS
Ships Commonly Found on This Route
Ship assignments vary by departure. These examples show the range of expedition styles available.
Aurora ExpeditionsGreg Mortimer
Modern X-BOW expedition ship
Ask about this ship →
Aurora ExpeditionsSylvia Earle
Modern small expedition ship
Ask about this ship →PLANNING NOTES
Plan This Journey
- Departure
- Dunedin
- Arrival
- Ushuaia
Who This Journey Suits
- Polar-history and wildlife enthusiasts seeking one grand voyage
- Guests able to commit more than a month and accept major itinerary changes
What You May See
- Adélie and possible emperor penguins
- Sub-Antarctic penguins
- Seals
- Whales and seabirds
- Ross Sea
- Amundsen Sea
- Bellingshausen Sea
- Antarctic Peninsula
Physical Activity & Sea Conditions
- Moderate; prolonged sea passages alternate with active Zodiac and landing days on uneven terrain.
- Southern Ocean swell and changing pack ice can alter route sectors, landing frequency and final timing.
Before You Book
- Every historic site and landing is condition-dependent
- Book flexible onward flights from Ushuaia
- A well-positioned cabin is valuable on a 34-day voyage
WHAT TO EXPECT
Inclusions and Exclusions
What Is Usually Included
- Shipboard accommodation and meals
- Scheduled landings and Zodiac cruising
- Expedition team lectures and guiding
- Loan of expedition boots on many ships
What Is Usually Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance and medical costs
- Optional adventure activities
- Gratuities and personal expenses
Important
- Final inclusions vary by operator and departure
- Activities depend on weather and ice
- Ask us to compare the exact terms before booking
PLAN THIS JOURNEY
Ready for the grand crossing to Ushuaia?
Tell us your preferred travel window, cabin style and priorities. We will help you compare suitable departures and expedition ships.