Emperor Penguins, Ross Sea, Antarctica

Ross Sea Holidays

The Ross Sea was once the starting point for expeditions to the South Pole, and Shackleton and Scott’s huts are two of its main highlights.

The Ross Sea became the starting point for expeditions to the South Pole. Shackleton’s hut at Cape Royds and Scott’s hut at Cape Evans have become two of its main attractions for visitors on the Ross Sea cruises.

Getting to one of the windiest places on Earth, where Antarctica is at it most raw, is no easy feat. Given the remoteness of these regions there are very few expeditions and access is normally from either Australia or New Zealand. For a true epic voyage you can travel down from Ushuaia on the tip of South America to the Antarctic Peninsula passing though both Bellingshausen’s and Amundsen’s sea before arriving into the Ross Sea and ending your voyage in New Zealand or vice versa.

Emperor penguins, Antarctica
Weddell Sea, Antarctica

Find Emperor Penguins

Named after British explorer James Clark Ross who discovered this formidable ice shelf in 1841, the Ross Ice Shelf is the largest body of floating ice in the world. Visit this fascinating area to witness the huge scale of the ice sheet, spectacular scenery and a chance to visit emperor penguin colonies and early explorer huts.

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Group Walking, Ross Sea near Cape Evans, Antarctica
Group Walking, Ross Sea near Cape Evans, Antarctica

The Last Frontier

The Ross Sea and eastern Antarctica are among the most remote and challenging regions to reach, so only a handful of expeditions navigate there each year. With opportunities to learn about the fascinating history of the early explorers, the sheer scale of the ice shelves have to be seen to be believed. En-route, visit the wildlife rich sub-Antarctic islands like Macquarie to see royal penguins.

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Antarctica, Uncovered
Browse the Great White Continent

We have created and curated these voyage ideas to get you inspired. Browse through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure to Antarctica.

Experiences

Things to do, places to explore and moments to experience.

Scroll to discover some of our most remarkable travel experiences in Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, from diving to photographing busy penguin rookeries.

Emperor Penguins, Antarctica
Ross Sea

Navigate the Ross Sea

Sail through the remote ocean region that is home to emperor penguins, orca whales, and leopard seals, and see the largest floating body of ice in the world.

Trekking, Antarctica
Ross Sea

Snow Adventures in Antarctica

Try snowshoeing across the icy white plains of Antarctica, a challenging but exhilarating sport.

Polar Plunge, North Pole
Ross Sea

The Polar Plunge

Plunge in the icy Antarctic waters of Paradise Bay, a completely exhilarating (and somewhat bonkers) way to experience the cold continent.

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Diver, Antarctica
Ross Sea

Diving in Antarctic Waters

Don a dry suit and take a dip in the icy cold waters of Antarctica to dive or snorkel with curious penguins and marvel at the ice beneath the surface.

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Camping in Antarctica
Ross Sea

Camp near the South Pole

For a truly extraordinary and utterly unique experience, fly in to a specially constructed camp near the South Pole.

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Leopard seal, Antarctica
Ross Sea

Aperture on Cuverville Island

Head out on a photography tour on Cuverville Island, known for its deafeningly noisy penguin rookeries.

Ernest Shackleton's Grave, South Georgia
Ross Sea

Explorers of Antarctica

Learn the fascinating history of the early explorers, perhaps visiting both the iconic huts and graves (and snow tombs) of Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott.

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Kayaking, Icebergs, Antarctica
Ross Sea

Icy Water Kayaking

Navigate alongside icebergs in Wilhelmina Bay, looking out for curious penguins and whales, or embark on an overnight camping expedition.

World War 2 Gun Relic, Ordnance Point, Falkland Islands
Ross Sea

Falkland Battlefields

Explore the battlefields of the 1982 conflict.

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Adelie penguins, Antarctica
Ross Sea

Penguins of the Weddell Sea

Discover the clearest sea waters on earth, home to millions of penguins that include Adélies and emperors.

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King Penguins, Volunteer Point, Falkland Islands
Ross Sea

Photography in the Falklands

Make the most of the light clarity in the Falkland Islands, as it provides wonderful opportunities for photographers and artists.

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Gypsy Cove, Falkland Islands
Ross Sea

Walk on Gypsy Cove

Explore the stunning coastal paths and inland hills for magical sea views.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Sue Grimwood

The vast continent of Antarctica is Sue’s happy place. Immune to the pungent smell of penguin poo and the halitosis of elephant seals, she fell in love with its seemingly endless snowscapes, icebergs the size of stadiums and fascinating history of the explorers.

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