The voyage - with scientists, academics, students and journalists aboard - would host exhibitions, symposiums and lectures from climate change scientists on the work of the polar research vessel, said spokesman Zolile Nqayi in a statement.
The voyage set off from Cape Town at 13:00 on Saturday.
The exhibitions and lectures would also highlight the various scientific activities undertaken by the department and its partners in Antarctica and the Southern Oceans.
In December the SA Agulhas would make its final voyage to Antarctica before retirement.
The Agulhas - which has been in service for 33 years - would be replace by a new vessel under construction in Finland.
"She served us very well," said Dr Monde Mayekiso, deputy director general of oceans and coasts.
Apart from her research and supply work, the Agulhus also helped to rescue the Magdalena Oldendorff, which became stuck in thick ice in June 2002. Read the full report here.
Source: News24.com, Johannesburg.
