Only a few people experience the remoteness of the Ross Sea region in Antarctica. Covered in sea ice for most of the year, this voyage travels during the small window of opportunity to enjoy its many wildlife highlights including whale and penguin watching.
With navigation restricted by impenetrable pack ice, travel to the Ross Sea region is only possible during two months each austral summer. Wildlife is abundant during these brief summer months, including Adélie and emperor penguin, south polar skua, snow petrel, southern fulmar and many more species of bird. Both whales and seals abound here at this time too, and they can be seen feeding in the rich waters around the ice edge.
The Ross Sea region has some of the most fascinating human history on the continent. If conditions allow, you may visit Borchgrevink’s Hut at Cape Adare, Shackleton’s Hut at Cape Royds, Mawson's Huts at Cape Denison, Scott’s Huts at Cape Evans and Hut Point — all truly unique experiences that bring the history of Antarctica to life.
Lying like stepping stones to the Antarctic continent are the little-known Subantarctic Islands. This expedition includes The Snares, Auckland, Macquarie and Campbell Island. These islands break your journey, but more importantly, they help prepare you for what lies ahead, for these islands are part of the amazing and dynamic Southern Ocean ecosystem of which Antarctica is at the very heart.
You may also like to consider our Birding Expedition Down Under, which focuses on the Subantarctic Islands and Chatham Islands.
Typical Itinerary
Day1: Arrive in Queenstown
Arrive at Queenstown. This evening, meet your fellow adventurers and enjoy dinner together at the hotel.
Accommodation: Local hotel, 1-night
Day2: Transfer to Port of Bluff & embark on Heritage Adventurer
This morning, transfer to Port of Bluff to embark on your ship before it sets sail for The Snares Islands. Your adventure begins!
Today, enjoy a Zodiac cruise at North East Island of Snares. In the sheltered bays, you should see the endemic Snares crested penguin, Snares Island tomtit and fernbirds. Hundreds of thousands of sooty shearwaters nest on The Snares and Buller’s albatross breed here from early January. You also have the opportunity to view the forests of large tree daisy (Olearia lyallii).
Day4: Auckland Islands
Today, the plan is to land at Sandy Bay, one of three breeding areas in the Auckland Islands for the Hooker’s or New Zealand sea lion, a rare member of the pinniped family. During your day ashore, there are several walking options and time to sit and enjoy the wildlife. Birds you're likely to encounter include southern royal albatross, northern giant petrel, Auckland Island shag, Auckland Island flightless teal, Auckland Island banded dotterel, Auckland Island tomtit, red-crowned parakeet and yellow-eyed penguin.
Day5: Day at sea
Spend today at sea, sailing towards Macquarie Island.
Days6-7: Macquarie Island
Explore Macquarie Island, the only place in the world where the majestic royal penguin breeds, with its distinctive yellow-orange plumes on the top of its head. Three other penguin species also breed here, the king, gentoo and rockhopper. You’ll be immersed in a tumult of chattering, chick feedings, territorial disputes, petty pilfering and courtship displays. This all happens amongst the hundreds of southern elephant seals lolling on the beaches and dunes.
Days8-10: Days at sea
Spend these days at sea, sailing towards the Ross Sea.
Days11-22: Ross Sea
Due to the unpredictable nature of ice and weather conditions, your Captain and Expedition Leader will assess daily conditions and take advantage of every opportunity for landings and Zodiac cruises. The programme emphasises wildlife viewing, key scientific bases and historic sites, and the spectacular scenery of coastal terrain, glaciers and icebergs. Whilst specific landings cannot be guaranteed, we hope to visit the following locations: Cape Adare, Cape Hallett, Franklin Island, Possession Islands, Ross Ice Shelf, Ross Island and Terra Nova Bay.
Days23-25: Days at sea
Spend these days at sea, sailing towards Campbell Island.
Day26: Campbell Island
Today, you drop anchor in Perseverance Harbour and explore on foot. Here you can find a now abandoned New Zealand meteorological station, Campbell Island shags, penguins, fur seals and rare Hooker’s sea lions. Enjoy a walk to the hilltop breeding sites of the southern royal albatross, over 6,000 pairs of which breed on Campbell Island. These magnificent birds have the largest wingspan in the world.
Day27: Day at sea
Spend today at sea, sailing back to the Port of Bluff.
Day28: Disembark
After breakfast, disembark in the Port of Bluff and transfer to Invercargill or Queenstown for your onward travel arrangements.
Please note: Exact itinerary and duration will depend on your departure date and local conditions.
Key info
Duration and price excluding international flights: 28 daysfrom £25,500 pp
The Ross Sea is the southernmost sea on Earth and one of the most pristine environments in the world. The landscape is varied and unique, with key aspects including the Ross Ice Shelf and over 4,000 kilometres of coastline. There is an array of fascinating wildlife with 11 bird species, five seal species and 12 whales species.
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The Heritage Adventurer was purpose-built in Finland in 1991 for polar & Pacific voyages. Her impressive pedigree includes having navigated the most northern and southern regions, as well as crossing both the North-west and the North-east Passages, and we are delighted to include her to our fleet of vessels.
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