A True Continental Traverse
Follow Antarctica’s Pacific-facing coast across multiple seas rather than returning along the same route.
POLAR TRAVEL TRIBECROSS THE ANTARCTIC PACIFIC SECTOR
Antarctic Semi-Circumnavigation: Ushuaia to Hobart
Cross from Ushuaia to Hobart through the Antarctic Peninsula, Bellingshausen and Amundsen Seas, the Ross Sea and Macquarie Island on an exceptionally rare expedition along Antarctica’s Pacific-facing coast.
About 31 days Typical durationJanuary–February Travel seasonUshuaia to Hobart Start and finish
Trip Overview
- Duration
- About 31 days
- Season
- January–February
- Voyage style
- Antarctic semi-circumnavigation
This rare semi-circumnavigation links the familiar waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula with the remote Bellingshausen, Amundsen and Ross Seas before crossing the Southern Ocean to Tasmania.
The vast distance, shifting pack ice and absence of conventional ports mean that landings and even major route sectors depend on safe progress, weather, permits and the captain’s expedition decisions.
Why This Route
Remote West Antarctic Waters
Enter the seldom-visited Bellingshausen and Amundsen Seas, where ice shelves and pack ice shape every decision.
Ross Sea Exploration
Seek wildlife, monumental ice and historic locations in one of Antarctica’s most storied expedition regions.
Macquarie Island
Conclude the high-latitude section with a possible wildlife landing among penguins and seals before reaching Hobart.
Route Map
Ushuaia → Antarctic Peninsula → Bellingshausen Sea → Amundsen Sea → Ross Sea → Macquarie Island → Hobart
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 1–4
Ushuaia to the Antarctic Peninsula
Sail through the Beagle Channel and cross the Drake Passage while preparing for landings and biosecurity procedures. On arrival, the team uses local conditions for penguin-colony visits, Zodiac cruising, glacier views and wildlife observation.
Days 5–9
Peninsula and South of the Circle
Explore the western Peninsula before pushing south beyond the Antarctic Circle. Ice, visibility and wind determine the navigable channels, while possible activities include snow walks, whale watching, historic sites and Zodiac cruises.
Days 10–16
Bellingshausen and Amundsen Seas
Enter remote West Antarctic waters where ice shelves, islands and pack ice dominate the horizon. Satellite ice information guides progress, and days may combine ship-based observation, lectures, Zodiac operations or opportunistic landings.
Days 17–23
Ross Sea
Round Marie Byrd Land and enter the Ross Sea, seeking safe access to ice-shelf scenery, wildlife sites and possible heroic-age locations. Adélie and emperor penguins, seals, Antarctic petrels and killer whales are important potential sightings.
Days 24–27
North to Macquarie Island
Leave the Antarctic coast and cross back into the sub-Antarctic. If permits, wind and swell allow, land on Macquarie Island to observe king, royal and rockhopper penguins, elephant seals and fur seals.
Days 28–31
Arrival in Hobart
Continue towards Tasmania with expedition recaps, photo sharing and seabird watching. Sail up the Derwent River to Hobart, completing a major crossing of Antarctica’s Pacific sector; retain flexibility around onward flights.
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
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Aurora ExpeditionsSylvia Earle
Modern small expedition ship
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PONANTLe Commandant Charcot
PC2 polar exploration vessel
Ask about this ship →PLANNING NOTES
Plan This Journey
- Departure
- Ushuaia
- Arrival
- Hobart
Who This Journey Suits
- Experienced expedition travellers seeking a rare grand voyage
- Guests comfortable with a month-long and highly flexible itinerary
What You May See
- Penguins
- Seals
- Whales and killer whales
- Albatrosses and petrels
- Antarctic Peninsula
- Bellingshausen and Amundsen Seas
- Ross Sea
- Macquarie Island
Physical Activity & Sea Conditions
- Moderate; the voyage is long and activity days may follow many consecutive sea days.
- Drake Passage, Southern Ocean swell and heavy pack ice can substantially alter progress and planned sectors.
Before You Book
- No specific landing or historic site is guaranteed
- Select a comfortable cabin for a month at sea
- Keep flexible international travel after Hobart
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 to cross Antarctica’s Pacific sector?
Tell us your preferred travel window, cabin style and priorities. We will help you compare suitable departures and expedition ships.