The '''Southern Ocean''' is the expanse of ocean surrounding Antarctica. Although not a widely familiar name (due to the lack of any permanent population, and the term's relatively recent introduction), it identifies a region that is distinct in many ways from the more hospitable Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans to the north. The Southern Ocean is formally defined as the waters south of 60°latitude, but is often broadened to include the waters containing various '''Subantarctic Islands''' south of 45°, islands with a distinctly ''Southern'' climate and geography (i.e. cold and rugged).

Antarctic islands

These islands within the Antarctic continental shelf are governed by the Antarctic Treaty.

  • Antarctica
  • Antarctic Peninsula area

  • South Orkney Islands
  • South Shetland Islands
  • Peter I Island
  • Ross Sea area

  • Ballenny Islands
  • Scott Island
  • Subantarctic islands

    Southern Atlantic Ocean

  • Falkland Islands (United Kingdom)
  • South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (United Kingdom)
  • *South Georgia Island and the former whaling station of Grytviken
  • *South Sandwich Islands
  • Bouvet Island (Norway)
  • Southern Indian Ocean

  • Marion Island of the Prince Edward Islands (South Africa)
  • French Southern and Antarctic Lands (France)
  • *Crozet Islands
  • *Kerguelen Archipelago
  • Heard Island and McDonald Islands (Australia)
  • Southern Pacific Ocean

  • Macquarie Island (Australia)
  • Sub-Antarctic Islands (New Zealand)
  • *Auckland Islands
  • *Bounty Island
  • *Campbell Island
  • *The Antipodies
  • *The Snares
  • Cities

    Stanley (Falkland Islands)

    Other destinations

    Understand

    Talk

    Get in

    Visiting this area of the world generally requires careful planning and preparation. There are few, if any, permanent human inhabitants on these islands. Those that do inhabit this area of the world are often scientists and weather observers. Access to these destinations generally requires mounting an expedition. You may need permission to visit these desinations as many are wildlife sanctuaries or have unique environments. Special environmental conditions may be imposed. Travel is normally by ship as there are few landing strips for aircraft and most of the islands are beyond the range of helicopters.

    Get around

    See

    Subantarctic scenery

    Itineraries

    Do

    Eat

    Drink

    Stay safe

    The environment is extreme, with latitudes called the roaring forties, filthy fifties and screaming sixties for good reason. Storms sweeping off Antarctica, unobstructed by any land, bring cold strong winds, rain or snow and rough seas to the region. This part of the world is the preserve of deep sea fishing ships (not boats), warships on fisheries patrols, oceanographic research ships, round-the-world yachts and the occasional icebreaker on its way to Antarctica. If you get into trouble, you must be prepared to rescue yourself, as emergency rescue services may be thousands of miles and several days away.

    Get out