Ross Sea Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Ross Sea, Antarctica with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay and more.


Introduction to Ross Sea

Ross Sea, located in the southernmost continent, Antarctica, is one of the most remote and pristine destinations on the planet. Its natural beauty, scenic views, and unique wildlife make it an ideal location for any adventure seeker or nature enthusiast.

In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with everything you need to plan your trip to Ross Sea, including the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Ross Sea

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Scott Polar Research Institute: This museum is dedicated to the history of polar exploration and research. It features exhibits on famous explorers like Robert Falcon Scott and Sir Ernest Shackleton.

  • Discovery Hut: Found on Hut Point Peninsula, this hut was used by Robert Falcon Scott and his team on their Discovery Expedition in 1901. It’s been preserved as a historic site for visitors.

  • McMurdo Station: This U.S research station serves as the logistics hub for travel to and from Ross Sea. Visitors can tour the facility and learn about the scientific research being conducted there.

Natural Attractions of Ross Sea: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Ross Ice Shelf: The world’s largest ice shelf, spanning over 487,000 square kilometres, is a breathtaking sight to see. Visitors can take guided tours onto the ice or can choose to fly over it on a helicopter tour.

  • Mt. Erebus: This active volcano, located on Ross Island, is one of the most iconic natural attractions in Ross Sea. Visitors can take a guided hike up to the summit to experience the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

  • Cape Adare: This historic site is home to a large colony of Adélie penguins and the oldest building in Antarctica, the Borchgrevink’s Hut. Visitors can take a guided tour and explore the historic site.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ross Sea

While there are no official bike paths in Ross Sea, there are many hiking trails that offer unique views of Ross Sea’s natural beauty. Some of the most popular hiking trails include:

  • Mt. Erebus Summit Trail: A guided hike that takes visitors to the summit of Mt. Erebus, which is the highest peak in Ross Sea.

  • Booth Island Trail: This trail leads hikers through gorgeous landscapes where they can observe the local wildlife including seals, penguins, and seabirds.

  • Satan’s Throne Trail: A challenging hike that takes visitors on a steep climb up an ice-covered mountain, rewarding them with incredible views of Ross Sea.

Best Things to Do in Ross Sea: Activities and Tours

  • Kayaking: Visitors can take guided kayaking tours to explore the pristine waters of Ross Sea, where they can observe a wide variety of wildlife such as seals, whales, and penguins.

  • Ice Caving: A unique experience that allows visitors to explore the breathtaking ice caves under the snow and ice of Ross Sea.

  • Helicopter Tours: Helicopter tours offer visitors the opportunity to see Ross Sea from above, giving them a perspective that few have seen.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ross Sea

Day Activity
1 Arrival in Ross Sea and check-in at your hotel
2-3 Guided hiking and wildlife watching tours
4 Visit McMurdo Station and learn about scientific research
5 Tour Cape Adare and Borchgrevink’s Hut
6-7 Kayaking, ice caving or helicopter tour
8 Departure from Ross Sea

Food and Drink Scene of Ross Sea

Must-Try Dishes

While there are no traditional cuisine or local dishes specific to Ross Sea. Tourists can have a taste of international cuisine at McMurdo Station.

Local Beverages

Visitors can enjoy a variety of hot drinks like coffee, tea, and cocoa to stay warm during their stay.

Where to Stay in Ross Sea: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • McMurdo Station Accommodations: Visitors can stay at the U.S research station, McMurdo where you can meet other scientists and researchers.

  • White Desert Accommodation: Luxury accommodations include Eco-domes and a cozy dining room. Visitors can take guided tours and participate in outdoor adventures.

What to Buy in Ross Sea: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

There are no marketplaces or shops in Ross Sea; however, visitors can buy souvenirs and keepsakes from the McMurdo Station Gift Shop.

Local Culture and Customs of Ross Sea

There are no indigenous people in Ross Sea. It is widely regarded as one of the least inhabited areas on earth. Visitors must respect the natural environment and wildlife and not litter in the area.

Best Time to Visit Ross Sea

The best time to visit Ross Sea is between December and February, during the Austral Summer, when the temperature is milder and daylight is longer.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ross Sea

Do:

  • Respect the wildlife and natural environment
  • Stay within designated trails and paths.
  • Take designated boats or helicopters for excursions
  • Dress in warm, layered clothing to protect against the cold

Don’t:

  • Litter or disturb the environment
  • Approach or touch the wildlife
  • Wander outside designated areas without a guide or ranger

Safety and Health

Safety in Ross Sea

Visitors must adhere to strict safety regulations and follow the instructions of their guides or rangers. Familiarize yourself with the location of emergency shelters, fuel depots, and other facilities.

Health in Ross Sea

It is advised that visitors get vaccinations for influenza and tetanus before arrival. They should also pack essential medication and first aid kits before embarking on their journey.

Getting to Ross Sea: Transportation Options and Logistics

There is no direct transportation to Ross Sea. Visitors can reach Ross Sea via flights from either Punta Arenas in Chile or Christchurch in New Zealand to McMurdo Station, the main logistics hub for transportation in and out of Ross Sea.

Airports Near Ross Sea

The nearest airport to Ross Sea is McMurdo Station, which serves as the main logistics hub for US science researches and tours.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach the Ross Sea region by boat or sea ferry. This option is seasonal, and only available during the Austral Summer season.

How to Get Around in Ross Sea

Visitors can hire snowmobiles, helicopters or take guided tours to explore Ross Sea. Any excursion to remote areas should be on designated paths and with an experienced guide.

Where to Go Next from Ross Sea: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are no other destinations in Ross Sea. Visitors can explore other regions of Antarctica or Southern Patagonia.

Conclusion

Ross Sea is one of the most remote, yet breathtaking destinations on earth. From unique wildlife to scenic views and outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone to explore. Planning a trip to Ross Sea requires careful preparation and adherence to safety regulations, but with the right mindset and preparation, it can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that visitors will never forget.

A tanker follows an icebreaker into Ross Sea A tanker follows an icebreaker into Ross Sea Chapel of the Snows Chapel of the Snows View over McMurdo Station View over McMurdo Station Summit craters of Mount Erebus Summit craters of Mount Erebus Blood Falls Blood Falls Iceberg B-15A in the Ross Sea Iceberg B-15A in the Ross Sea The bus runs to the pub but not the Pole The bus runs to the pub but not the Pole