The Ross Sea is located 320 kilometers from the South Pole and is known as one of Antarctica's most ecologically vital regions. This bay is rich in biodiversity and serves as a habitat for many marine species. Each year, approximately 200 visitors go to this destination to explore the environment, geological formations, and wildlife that this area has to offer.
Geographic Position
The Ross Sea is the southernmost sea on Earth, largely covered by the Ross Ice Shelf. It lies south and slightly east of New Zealand. It has an area of approximately 370,000 square miles (960,000 square kilometers) and is characterized by shallow marine regions, with depths mainly under 3,000 feet (900 meters).
It is located in a rift zone between East Antarctica and West Antarctica, which makes it a significant area of geological interest. The western margin is defined by the uplifted Transantarctic Mountains, which rise 2,000 to 4,000 meters high, while the eastern limit follows the boundary of various tectonic platelets that make up West Antarctica.
Ice Coverage and Climate
For most of the year, the Ross Sea is enveloped in pack ice. In summer, strong winds and relative warmth comes with melting ice. Temperatures can range as low as 0°F (approximately -40°F with wind chill), making it a challenging environment. February marks the warmest period, with average temperatures hovering between 0°C and 1°C, providing a more hospitable climate for travelers.
The Ross Sea Ice Shelf is Antarctica's largest ice shelf. (Cath Corpuz)
Ecosystem
The wildlife in the Ross Sea bears some similarities to those found on the Antarctic Peninsula. However, the Ross Sea boasts large colonies of Emperor Penguins on its coasts, a difference from the inland locations typically seen in the Peninsula.
Key Species
Visitors to the Ross Sea can expect to encounter a diverse range of species, including:
Emperor Penguins: The largest penguin species creates large colonies along the Ross Sea coasts and exhibits an extraordinary breeding behavior despite the Antarctic winter.
Orcas and Minke Whales: These marine mammals are frequently spotted in the nutrient-rich waters of the Ross Sea, with Orcas often seen in social pods hunting for seals, while Minke Whales feed on krill and fish.
Crabeater Seals: This speciesthrives in the cold waters of the Ross Sea, known for their great number and unique ability to filter krill through their teeth.
Adélie Penguins: Charming birds that breed in colonies along the coast, they are known for their energetic behavior and reliance on marine life for feeding.
Ross Seals: Characterized by their round bodies and white bellies, often resting on sea ice and diving deeply in search of squid and fish.
Seabirds: Ross Sea is a home to a variety of seabirds, including Antarctic Petrels and Snow Petrels, which thrive in the region's rocky shorelines.
Seasonal Variations in Wildlife Viewing
Summer months present the best opportunities for wildlife observation in the Ross Sea. As the ice melts, the area comes alive with activity. Many species, including whales and penguins, take advantage of the abundant food supply driven by summer plankton blooms. The optimal wildlife viewing period typically spans from late November to early March.
An Emperor Penguin stands with its chicks in a colony located near Cape Crozier on Ross Island, Antarctica. (Cath Corpuz)
Activities Available
Each expedition ship offers a unique range of activities tailored to your interests. Popular options include:
Zodiac Exploration: Navigate the icy waters to get a closer look at wildlife and ice formations.
Kayaking: Paddle through clear waters for a more intimate experience with the Antarctic landscape.
Walking on the Ross Ice Shelf: When weather conditions allow, guided walks on this colossal ice platform are unforgettable.
The Ross Sea is an incredible place that gives tourists the opportunity to see some of Antarctica's finest scenery and diverse species. If Antarctica is calling you, now is the perfect time to go! Connect with one of our expert Trip Planners who are ready to help you design an unforgettable journey that suits your interests and preferences. We look forward to providing you with tailored advice on planning your adventure and exploring the various available expeditions.
Cruse ship was great. Fantastic food and service. Cruise itinary got changed so not what we expected, but not an major issue. Japan portion was great. Drivers/guides arranged by 80 Days were great. Hotels were mostly ok. Did not know that most hotels outside of major cities do not allow shoes to be worn in the hotel. again a minor inconvenience. Overall a great trip. Adventure Life communications were timely and much appreciated as far as changes/requests.
Peter Goff
2 days ago
We were a group of three that initiated our research by independently searching for the best agency to help us in the somewhat complex experience of traveling to the Galapagos. We chose adventure life because they were the most responsive in the website provided the most comprehensive overview of the trip. Their reviews were also very good.
Adventure, life splits up its booking process in two parts. First Jeff, the booking agent helped us decide which experience best suited are interests. We chose a small 14 to 16 group sized yacht. Once the booking was made with Jeff, we were handed off to Coleene, who oversaw the complex process of assembling all of the necessary documents and making sure we had everything we needed to make the trip go smoothly. The adventure, life website, then becomes your personal place of reference for all things related to your trip from door to door. It’s a lot of information to assemble, especially for three travelers, but the website makes it easy and Colleen‘s gentle reminders kept us on track. In all, from the beginning, we had four months from the time we started our research till the time we departed. We felt that was, a good amount of preparation time and don’t think it would be wise to do it in less than four months. Mostly because I think you have more options with that amount of time. There were others on our trip that took six months and more from the time they started planning.
The trip itself was outstanding. We ended up on an excellent yacht (Galapagos Angel II) with a great group of guests that we were able to connect with and put together a really nice google photos album to share.
Jed
1 week ago
Mary was very helpful. Quick to reply with helpful information and closure on arrangements.
Nicola Maxwell
1 week ago
Mary Curry and Elma are always so responsive and nice to deal with.