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Explorers in the Ice - Ross Sea Antarctica
Although I’ve been to the Peninsula many times, the opportunity to experience the Ross Sea and its historical sites for
Ross Sea blog
The Eight Albatrosses of Antarctica and the Sub-Antarctic
Whether you’re bound for Antarctica, the sub-Antarctic, or some combination of both, this entry will give you all the im
Ross Sea experiences
See the highlights you may experience:
Ross Sea wildlife
See the highlights you may experience:
Map of
Ross Sea cruise reviews
Gray Seal
The Gray Seal is cool
Read full review »Incredible Oceanwide
I loved every second. The ship, the crew, the expedition team, fellow travellers. To visit the expedition huts was a dream come true. The wildlife was incredible and the scenery awe inspiring. I'll be back!!
Breathtaking trip!
This Ross Sea trip was breathtaking beautiful! And we learned a lot during the lectures on board. Walking on the snow after a zodiac-ride, seeing the historic huts or wildlife, is great. Flying with helicopters
great once in a lifetime experience
A real expedition with a very nice and very competent Expedition Crew. Overwhelming experiences with nature and wild live. Great helicopter flights and extreme tasty food that made possible, that I got two kilo
Read full review »
Memorable Ross Sea Expedition
Celebrating my 7th continent in MV Ortelius with a very experienced and knowledgeable staff and crew made this 33-day expedition one of the top vacations of a lifetime!
Ross Sea FAQ
What is the Ross Sea voyage like?
The Ross Sea in Antarctica is one of the most remote places on Earth. Due to heavy pack-ice cover for the biggest part of the year it is off the beaten tourist track of Antarctica. Only the strongest ice-strengthened ships are able to penetrate this
Read more »What is the weather at Ross Sea like?
As the Ross Sea is under the direct influence of the harsh Antarctic continental climate, temperatures are on the average low, around 1ºC (34ºF). In February – March, at the end of the Austral summer, temperatures can even drop slight
Read more »What to wear at the Ross Sea trip?
As it can be cold in the Ross Sea warm clothing is essential. Waterproof trousers and jacket against wind, rain and salt spray coming into the zodiac. Furthermore thermal underwear, fleece jackets, warm gloves and a warm hat are essential. Rubber-boo
Read more »How do I get ashore at the Ross Sea?
There are no harbours in the Ross Sea. Landings are carried out by zodiac and helicopter.
Read more »Where is the Ross Sea Located and how big is it?
The Ross Sea is located between the Marie Bryd Land and Victoria Land in the Southern Ocean. This deep bay is part of the Antarctica region, and it is near the Amundsen Sea. During an expedition cruise to the Ross Sea, you will see several islands an
Read more »Who discovered the Ross Sea?
Captain James Clark Ross commanded the first two ships (HMS Erebus and HMS Terror) to enter the frigid waters of the Ross Sea. Though he did not succeed in his mission to reach the magnetic South Pole during this 1839 - 1843 expedition, he
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About
Ross Sea weather
While temperatures during the Antarctic winter months can drop as low as around -50°C, you can expect slightly more comfortable temperatures around -10°C - 0°C during your Ross Sea cruise.
If you’re wondering what clothing to bring, don’t worry, we have you covered. Follow this link and scroll about one third of the way down the page to get all sorts of clothing guidelines and tips.
Facts about the Ross Sea
- A colossal squid measuring longer than 10 metres and weighing almost 500 kilograms was found in the Ross Sea in 2007.
- All the islands found within the limits of the Ross Sea have been claimed by New Zealand, although most countries don’t bother to recognise the claims.
- The Ross Ice Shelf is the largest such shelf on Earth. At approximately 472,000 km2 it is roughly the size of Spain. It soars anywhere between 15 and 60 metres high and extends nearly 800 kilometres along the shoreline.
- The Ross Sea is named after Captain James Clark Ross who mapped the area in the 1841.
- Since the Ross Sea is the open waterway closest to the actual South Pole it has become the launching spot of many exploration expeditions that went on to journey inland.
- The Ross Ice Shelf was the mother to what was quite possibly the biggest iceberg ever. The iceberg broke off of the shelf in the year 2000, measuring 295 km at its longest point and 37 km at its widest. Altogether it boasted a surface area of about 11,000 km2.
- Wildlife flourishes despite the harsh cold of the waters. Some of the fish found in the Ross Sea have antifreeze in their veins to keep them from freezing solid.
Travel to the Ross Sea
Travel to the Ross Sea and experience one of the most pristine untouched landscapes left in the world. Your Ross Sea expedition will be full of activities that let you take in the rugged and clean beauty of the area – hike the shores of Antarctica, visiti historical sites from the Golden Age of Exploration like the huts of explorers Shackleton and Scott, and enjoy unique helicopter flights to the Dry Valleys and the Ross Ice Shelf.
Your Ross Sea trip will also introduce you to a surprising abundance of wildlife. Go bird watching on the lookout for albatrosses and Petrels. Cruise along the shores in a Zodiac and say hello to seals and a variety of whales. Your Ross Sea holiday even lets you take helicopter rides to gain the maximum of everything in this spectacular place.
