World's Clearest Water
Weddell Sea
Hugged by the Antarctic Peninsula and partially covered by the immense Filchner–Ronne Ice Shelf, this frigid sea is abundant with life.
HIGHLIGHTS
Desolate yet abundant, the Weddell Sea’s hidden treasures
From the deck of a ship, the Weddell Sea appears to be little more than immense icebergs and dense cover as you approach the Filchner–Ronne Ice Shelf, but it’s far from the true picture.
Orcas, humpbacks and minke whales dance beneath the surface
Leopard seals, crabeater seals and the local Weddell seal bask on ice floes
more than 100,000 pairs of Adélie penguins find home on the volcanic Paulet Island
When to go
What to expect in the Weddell Sea each month
With some of the world’s clearest waters, expect a plethora of sea life playing in the ocean as icebergs glide past on long summer days.
Although above the Antarctic Circle, the days in December still stretch well into the evening allowing more time to take in new life that births each spring in the Weddell Sea and on its islands. Young penguins are starting to appear within the colonies, with December visits offering a better glimpse of the chicks.
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Questions we hear most
FAQs about the Weddell Sea
Here are the questions we hear most — don't see yours? Contact our polar specialist and we'll help you out.
The Weddell Sea sits just east of the Antarctic Peninsula, with its approximate centre sitting at 73°S 45°W. Much of it does sit below the Antarctic Circle and is covered by the 430,000km2 Filchner–Ronne Ice Shelf.
While weather conditions in Antarctica, including the Weddell Sea, are unpredictable, the area is safe to visit on an expedition vessel. Ships can alter their itineraries if poor weather is forecast. Modern-day Antarctic cruise ships are equipped for the journey, and new technology makes travelling to the frozen continent safer each year.
On average, the Weddell Sea is about 500m deep, but does reach a maximum depth of about 5,150m.
By comparison, the Atlantic Ocean to the north has an average depth of about 3,650m with its deepest point sitting at 8,380m.
He tried, but wasn’t successful. His ship, Endurance, became trapped in pack ice while trying to complete the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition and ultimately sank in 1915. Fortunately, no one lost their life.
Talk with a specialist
A conversation, not a commitment
We help match you with the expedition style, comfort level and itinerary that suits you.