Find trip

Ross Sea Cruises & East Antarctica Cruises

Navigate the icy realms of the Ross Sea, Commonwealth Bay, and the enigmatic coast of East Antarctica.

Embark on an odyssey that follows in the footsteps of legends like Scott, Shackleton, and Mawson. In this remote and seldom-travelled region, prepare to uncover the secrets of history hidden within the iconic huts of explorers past. Brace yourself for tales of extraordinary endurance against the harshest elements, and bear witness to the breathtaking majesty of Antarctic ice shelves that seem to defy belief.

But that’s just the beginning. Be entranced by the graceful flight of wandering albatross, revel in the playful antics of sea lion harems and yellow-eyed penguins, and if you’re lucky, spot orcas and emperor penguins amidst the vast expanse of pack ice. Your adventure of a lifetime awaits!

Why Join a Ross Sea & East Antarctica Cruise with Aurora Expeditions?

Wildlife Encounters

The Ross Sea and East Antarctica are remote yet teeming with life, offering a wildlife haven in one of Earth’s most extreme environments.

Adélie penguins nest in vast coastal colonies, with the world’s largest at Cape Adare, while emperor penguins breed on the sea ice, making sightings rare but unforgettable. Seals are abundant, from Weddell and Crabeater seals to the sleek leopard seal, an apex predator that preys on penguins and other seals. The surrounding waters host humpbacks, fin whales, and Antarctic minke whales, while orcas occasionally hunt in the icy depths. Above, albatrosses, petrels, skuas, and fulmars soar. 

Unique Experiences

Aurora Expeditions’ Ross Sea & East Antarctica voyages offer an unforgettable journey into one of the most remote and pristine regions on Earth.

Explore towering icebergs and pristine sea ice on thrilling Zodiac cruises, watching for seals lounging on ice floes and penguins darting through the water. Step ashore at legendary sites such as Cape Evans or Cape Royds, where historic explorers' huts remain frozen in time, and embark on guided hikes offering panoramic views of the icy wilderness.

Natural Beauty

The Ross Sea and East Antarctica are among the most untouched and awe-inspiring regions on Earth. Towering icebergs, expansive ice shelves, and vast stretches of sea ice define this pristine wilderness, where the Antarctic ice sheet meets the Southern Ocean. The towering peaks of the Transantarctic Mountains form a dramatic backdrop, creating an otherworldly landscape that few have the privilege to witness.

These remote frontiers offer an unmatched combination of natural beauty and historical significance. They remain a place of scientific discovery and adventure, where the spirit of exploration endures, and the untouched grandeur of Antarctica continues to inspire.

Adventure to Antarctica &
Save up to US$6,500pp*

Ross Sea Cruises FAQs