The Andaman is Waiting For You
The Andaman is Waiting For You
Ross Island
About Ross Island
Ross Island is a prominent landmass in the Ross Sea near Antarctica, notable for its dramatic volcanic landscape and historical significance. Discovered by Sir James Clark Ross in 1841, the island spans approximately 2,460 square kilometers and hosts four volcanoes, including Mount Erebus, one of the world's most active volcanoes. The island is historically important due to its association with early Antarctic explorers like Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton, whose expedition huts still stand as preserved heritage sites. Ross Island is a hub for scientific research, with the United States' McMurdo Station and New Zealand's Scott Base facilitating studies in glaciology, geology, atmospheric sciences, and biology. The island's harsh climate, with extreme cold and strong winds, supports wildlife such as Adelie penguins, seals, and skuas. Access is primarily by air, with sea routes open during the summer. Protected under the Antarctic Treaty System, Ross Island is dedicated to scientific research and environmental conservation, making it a critical location for understanding Antarctica's unique environment.
Highlights – Ross Island
Ross Island, located in the Ross Sea near Antarctica, is renowned for its striking volcanic features, including Mount Erebus, one of the world's most active volcanoes. Discovered in 1841 by Sir James Clark Ross, the island covers around 2,460 square kilometers and serves as a historical landmark with preserved expedition huts from early explorers like Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton. It is a central hub for scientific research, hosting the United States' McMurdo Station and New Zealand's Scott Base, where studies in various fields such as glaciology and biology are conducted. Despite its harsh climate, Ross Island supports wildlife, including Adelie penguins and seals. The island is accessible mainly by air and is protected under the Antarctic Treaty System, emphasizing its role in scientific exploration and environmental conservation.
How to Reach Ross Island
Reaching Ross Island in the Ross Sea near Antarctica involves careful planning and coordination. Most travelers start their journey in Christchurch, New Zealand, the primary gateway for flights to Ross Island, where the United States Antarctic Program operates flights to McMurdo Station. Occasionally, flights may also depart from Hobart, Australia. Upon arrival, aircraft land on ice runways such as Williams Field or Pegasus Field. Alternatively, access by sea is possible during the Antarctic summer when icebreaker ships clear a path through the ice, allowing research and supply vessels to reach McMurdo Station. All travel requires compliance with the Antarctic Treaty System, including obtaining necessary permits and adhering to environmental protocols. For tourists, specialized tour operators offer cruises and guided expeditions, although these are costly and require advance booking.
What to expect at Ross Island
At Ross Island, visitors can expect a unique and challenging environment characterized by extreme cold, strong winds, and stunning volcanic landscapes, including the active Mount Erebus. The island is a hub of scientific activity, with research stations like the United States' McMurdo Station and New Zealand's Scott Base, where scientists conduct studies in fields such as glaciology, geology, and biology. Historical sites, including the preserved huts of early explorers like Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton, offer a glimpse into the island's exploration heritage. Wildlife, such as Adelie penguins, seals, and skuas, can be observed despite the harsh conditions. Access is primarily by air, landing on ice runways, or by sea during the summer months with the aid of icebreaker ships. Visitors must adhere to strict environmental protocols under the Antarctic Treaty System to preserve the pristine environment.
Places nearby Ross Island
Nearby Ross Island, several notable locations contribute to the region's significance and allure. To the south lies the expansive Ross Ice Shelf, one of the largest ice shelves in the world, providing a critical area for glaciological research. West of Ross Island, the Dry Valleys present a stark, ice-free landscape that offers unique geological and ecological insights, often compared to the surface of Mars due to its extreme conditions. Further north, Cape Royds hosts the historic hut of Ernest Shackleton's 1907-1909 expedition and a thriving Adelie penguin colony. Cape Evans, closer to McMurdo Station, houses Robert Falcon Scott's Terra Nova hut from his ill-fated 1910-1913 expedition. Additionally, Beaufort Island, northeast of Ross Island, serves as another important ecological site, home to diverse bird species and seal populations. These locations, each with their unique features and historical significance, form a fascinating and diverse region around Ross Island.
Frequently Asked Questions – Ross Island
Like the rest of Andaman, Radhanagar Beach is safe. People are seen wearing beach attire and relaxing and minding their own business. Guards and life-guards are present between sunrise and sunset to ensure safety. When it comes to crocodiles, safety nets are installed at the beach area and people are allowed to swim within its boundaries. The net is large and does not reduce the fun element.
No, there is no entry fee to visit Ross Island
There is no particular dress code to follow. Tourists can wear shorts and bathing suits on the beach. But appropriate dressing is required while exploring the local markets. It might invite unnecessary stares.
The beach is open between sunrise and sunset. It is usually crowded between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. To experience the best of Radhanagar Beach, it is ideal to get to the beach early in the morning. Here, sunsets are more beautiful but it is less crowded during sunrise.