Sometimes referred to as ‘the heart of Antarctica', the Ross Sea region is the last great unspoiled part of the world's oceans. To date there has only been minimal exploitation, and to enter this region of Antarctica is a privilege, with only a few hundred people able to visit each year. The East Antarctic coastline is some of the most remote in the world and is locked under ice for most of the year. The rest of the time it is buffeted by strong katabatic winds coming off the polar ice cap.

Wildlife is abundant during these brief summer months and includes Adélie and Emperor penguins, South Polar Skuas, Snow Petrels, Southern Fulmars and many more species of bird. Both whales and seals abound here at this time and can be found feeding in the rich waters around the ice edge.

Sir James Clark Ross discovered the Ross Sea in 1841. Whales were hunted here in the 1920s and more recently there has been some commercial fishing for toothfish. The dynamic ecosystems that are unique to these regions are fragile and barely understood. It is a land of dramatic landscapes: photographers have attempted to capture it on film, artists to paint it, poets and writers to describe it. But to fully appreciate it, you must experience it yourself.

Sailing into the Ross Sea takes you further south into the continent than any other sea route. Immediately to the west of the Ross Sea is a region known as East Antarctica, discovered by the French explorer Dumont d'Urville in 1840. It was mapped in detail much later by the Australian Antarctic Expedition of 1911 to 1913 led by Sir Douglas Mawson. The region is often referred to as the ‘Home of the Blizzard.' It is in these two regions that the relics of the ‘heroic period' of Antarctic exploration can be seen and experienced. There are five historic huts and many other historic sites that bring this period of Antarctic history alive in a way that the many journals and books written about them can't. To 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 are truly unique experiences that brings this period of history to life.

Wild Earth Travel is owned and operated by expedition leaders with over 30 years' experience voyaging, leading and creating expeditions all over the globe.

• We Are Travellers. Our team of small ship cruise specialists is very well travelled. We have led small ship cruises all over the world and experienced the most unique and fascinating corners of the planet, and we love sharing our experiences with you!

• Unbiased Advice. Our team are all passionate expedition and small cruise ship travellers, and our knowledge and stories come from our own personal experiences, which we then use to match you with the best small ship options for you.

• Largest Choice Providers. Our collection of small ship cruises is constantly growing, we now feature over 1200 cruises aboard more than 80 small ships. Our insider knowledge of the industry means there is barely a ship or a destination worldwide that we haven't experienced.

• Convenience Matters. We offer you the ability to pay in the original currency of the ship operator, meaning that you won't pay more in currency buffers. You can be assured that you are in safe hands as our team of specialists guide you through the entire booking process.

• Personalised Service. As you prepare for your cruise, we will be in touch to ensure you have everything you need, from packing lists and suggested reading lists to pre- and post- transfers and accommodation. For some cruises, there may be the option to add on extra activities.

• We know this area! If you’re after a small ship cruise or an expedition ship cruise to the Ross Sea or East Antarctica region Wild Earth Travel can help you find a trip of a lifetime. We are ready to guide you through our range of different options with impartial advice so you can experience the very best of this unique destination.

If you'd like to learn about some of our other Ross Sea itineraries, please contact us. You may also be interested other Antarctic cruising destinations including the Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Circle or the Antarctic Peninsula.

Alaska • Antarctica • Antarctica Express • Asia • Asia River Cruises • Australia • British Isles • Canadian Arctic & Northwest Passage • Central America • Chatham Islands (New Zealand) • Classic Antarctica • Europe • Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Circle • Fiordland & Stewart Island (New Zealand) • French Polynesia • Galapagos Islands • Great America Waterways • Greenland & Iceland • India • Indian Ocean • Indonesia • Japan • Kimberley Coast (Australia) • New Zealand • North Pole • Norway • Patagonia • Ross Sea • Sailing Adventures • Scandinavia • South East Asia • South Pacific • Spitsbergen • Subantarctic Islands • Tasmania & South Australia • The Adriatic • The Arctic • The Mediterranean • USA • West Coast USA