The Ross Sea
Enter one of Antarctica’s most remote marine regions and search for a safe route among immense ice and historic coastlines.
POLAR TRAVEL TRIBEROSS SEA GRAND EXPEDITION
Ross Sea and East Antarctica from New Zealand
Sail round trip from New Zealand to the sub-Antarctic islands, Macquarie Island, the Ross Sea and East Antarctic coast, combining heroic-age history, Adélie penguins, monumental ice and rare high-latitude access.
About 25 days Typical durationJanuary–February Travel seasonDunedin round trip Start and finish
Trip Overview
- Duration
- About 25 days
- Season
- January–February
- Voyage style
- Round-trip long-range expedition
This round-trip voyage reaches far beyond the Antarctic Peninsula into the Ross Sea, a region shaped by enormous ice shelves, exceptional wildlife and some of the best-known journeys of the heroic age.
Sea ice may block planned sites or open unexpected alternatives, so the route is best understood as an expedition framework rather than a fixed sequence of guaranteed ports.
Why This Route
Heroic-Age Heritage
When conditions and permits allow, approach sites associated with Scott, Shackleton, Borchgrevink and early Antarctic science.
Sub-Antarctic Islands
Begin and end through wildlife-rich island ecosystems that form a natural bridge between New Zealand and Antarctica.
Adélie Penguin Country
Look for Adélie penguins, seals, Antarctic seabirds and possible emperor penguins or Ross Sea killer whales.
Route Map
Dunedin → New Zealand Subantarctic Islands → Macquarie Island → Ross Sea → McMurdo Sound → East Antarctic coast → Dunedin
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 1–3
Dunedin and the Subantarctic Islands
Embark in Dunedin and sail towards New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands. Weather may permit walks among rata forest, seabird colonies and sea-lion habitat, providing a rich ecological introduction before the vessel turns towards the Antarctic ice.
Days 4–7
Macquarie Island and the Southern Ocean
Explore Macquarie Island if permission, swell and wind permit, looking for royal, king and rockhopper penguins as well as elephant seals. Continue south across the Antarctic Convergence with lectures on Ross Sea history, ice navigation and wildlife.
Days 8–12
Entering the Ross Sea
Cross the Antarctic Circle and navigate between pack ice and immense icebergs. Naturalists scan for Adélie and emperor penguins, Weddell seals, killer whales and Antarctic petrels while the bridge uses current ice information to shape the approach.
Days 13–18
Ross Sea and McMurdo Sound Region
Use the strongest weather and ice windows to explore Ross Island, Victoria Land, McMurdo Sound or other reachable shores. Historic huts may be considered only when access, permits and conservation rules align; Zodiac cruises and wildlife sites provide alternatives.
Days 19–21
East Antarctic Coast
Continue through the outer Ross Sea and East Antarctic sector, searching for ice-shelf views, penguin habitat, seals and safe Zodiac exploration. The captain and expedition team reassess every day against distance, satellite ice information and weather.
Days 22–25
Return to Dunedin
Cross the Southern Ocean northbound with expedition recaps, specialist lectures and albatross watching from the decks. The final arrival in Dunedin may move with sea and ice conditions, so onward plans need a generous buffer.
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
- Dunedin
Who This Journey Suits
- Travellers drawn to Ross Sea history and wildlife
- Guests able to spend more than three weeks at sea
What You May See
- Adélie penguins
- Possible emperor penguins
- Seals and killer whales
- Sub-Antarctic seabirds
- Ross Ice Shelf
- McMurdo Sound
- Macquarie Island
- East Antarctic pack ice
Physical Activity & Sea Conditions
- Moderate; repeated Zodiac transfers and uneven historic-site landings may be involved.
- Multiple Southern Ocean crossings and heavy sea ice can change timing, sites and the overall route.
Before You Book
- Historic huts are never guaranteed
- Book flexible flights after the voyage
- Expect more sea days than on a Peninsula 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 Ross Sea and East Antarctica?
Tell us your preferred travel window, cabin style and priorities. We will help you compare suitable departures and expedition ships.