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East Antarctica View Cruises

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TRAVELLING TO East Antarctica

 

East Antarctica may take some effort to reach, but these longer expeditions explore some of the least visited, wildest and most historically significant regions of the White Continent. Only a few East Antarctica and Ross Sea expedition cruises depart each year from Australia and New Zealand.

These intense journeys usually span 25-30 nights in the peak Austral summer months of January and February, with the season limited due to sea ice accessibility.

However, this extended cruise is more than worth the effort as you follow in the footsteps of famed explorers like Robert Falcon Scott and Sir Ernest Shackleton. This region of Antarctica is far less visited than the Antarctic Peninsula and offers a more remote wilderness than many can imagine - some of the largest seabird colonies, historic huts dating back to the Heroic Age, and isolated glacial landscapes await. Plus, whales, seals, and the epic Commonwealth Bay and Ross Sea Shelf mean that each day will bring completely unique scenery and adventures.

Many East Antarctica cruises also visit Australia and New Zealand’s Sub-Antarctic Islands, known for their endemic species, biodiversity, and unique landscapes.

The haunting beauty of East Antarctica will stay with you forever, long after you become one of the few to venture into the icy oasis.

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East Antarctica may take some effort to reach, but these longer expeditions explore some of the least visited, wildest and most historically significant regions of the White Continent. Only a few East Antarctica and Ross Sea expedition cruises depart each year from Australia and New Zealand.

These intense journeys usually span 25-30 nights in the peak Austral summer months of January and February, with the season limited due to sea ice accessibility.

However, this extended cruise is more than worth the effort as you follow in the footsteps of famed explorers like Robert Falcon Scott and Sir Ernest Shackleton. This region of Antarctica is far less visited than the Antarctic Peninsula and offers a more remote wilderness than many can imagine - some of the largest seabird colonies, historic huts dating back to the Heroic Age, and isolated glacial landscapes await. Plus, whales, seals, and the epic Commonwealth Bay and Ross Sea Shelf mean that each day will bring completely unique scenery and adventures.

Many East Antarctica cruises also visit Australia and New Zealand’s Sub-Antarctic Islands, known for their endemic species, biodiversity, and unique landscapes.

The haunting beauty of East Antarctica will stay with you forever, long after you become one of the few to venture into the icy oasis.

[ Read Less ]

WHY TRAVEL WITH CHIMU ADVENTURES

  • With over 20 years of experience, Chimu are true polar specialists. Almost every Chimu team member has travelled extensively in Antarctica and South America, with strong first-knowledge to help make your trip the best it can be. 

  • We have inspected and continue to thoroughly research each individual vessel we work with, selecting only small ships with strong environmental, safety, and ethical credentials.

  • We know all things polar by heart and will work with you to determine which ship and itinerary is best suited. We'll find the perfect expedition for your interests, travel dates, and budget. 

  • From your initial enquiry until your trip ends, you'll be assigned a personal Destination Specialist who can look after everything you need, including your Antarctic cruise, international flights, and any pre or post travel in South America. 

East Antarctica CRUISES

Group of tourists at the Geographic South Pole
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Map of South Pole and Emperors tour with White Desert
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8 Days

South Pole & Emperors

Antarctica, South Pole

Start: Cape Town, South Africa

Finish: Cape Town, South Africa

Departures: 09 Dec 2025 16 Dec 2025 23 Dec 2025 13 Jan 2026 20 Jan 2026 01 Dec 2026 08 Dec 2026 15 Dec 2026 22 Dec 2026 29 Dec 2026 05 Jan 2027 12 Jan 2027 19 Jan 2027 26 Jan 2027 More x

Penguins and Elephant Seals on Macquarie Island, Sub Antarctic Islands
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East Antarctica cruise itinerary map from New Zealand to Antarctica return
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22 Days

Ross Sea Expedition 2027

New Zealand, Sub Antarctic Islands, Ross Sea, East Antarctica, Antarctica

Ship: Le Soleal

Start: Dunedin, New Zealand

Finish: Dunedin, New Zealand

Departures: 25 Jan 2027 More x

New Zealand fur seals with Snares Penguins in background behind rocky shore covered in kelp
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East Antarctica cruise itinerary map from New Zealand to Antarctica
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LAST CABINS
22 Days

Ross Sea Expedition 2026

Sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand & Antarctica

Ship: Le Soleal

Start: Dunedin, New Zealand

Finish: Dunedin, New Zealand

Departures: 26 Jan 2026 More x

Tourist hiking in Antarctica
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Map of The Greatest Day tour with White Desert
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1 Days

The Greatest Day

Antarctica

Start: Cape Town, South Africa

Finish: Cape Town, South Africa

Departures: 02 Dec 2025 09 Dec 2025 16 Dec 2025 06 Jan 2026 20 Jan 2026 27 Jan 2026 08 Dec 2026 15 Dec 2026 05 Jan 2027 12 Jan 2027 More x

Emperor penguins in Antarctica
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Map of Early Emperors tour with White Desert
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6 Days

Early Emperors

Antarctica

Start: Cape Town, South Africa

Finish: Cape Town, South Africa

Departures: 20 Nov 2025 26 Nov 2025 19 Nov 2026 25 Nov 2026 More x

East Antarctica REVIEWS

All Chimu Adventures' clients are given the opportunity to review their trip once they return home. These reviews are administered by a third party and as such are unfiltered by Chimu Adventures.

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