The Drake Passage - The World's Most Unforgettable Sea Crossing

From the tip of the South American continent to the northernmost shores of Antarctica: here’s where you’ll find the reputed roughest sea passage in the world. The Drake Passage is the stuff of legends, and crossing it is an experience some passengers on Antarctica cruises look forward to the most. There’s something exhilarating about experiencing the rolling Drake Passage waves aboard an ice-strengthened Antarctica expedition vessel.

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A Brief History of the Drake Passage

The Mar de Hoces, as the Drake Passage is known in Spanish, was first allegedly sailed in the early 1500s, when famous Spanish marine explorer Francisco de Hoces sailed south enough to see the end of the landmass that is South America. A few decades later a famous British explorer, admiral, and sea captain, by the name of Francis Drake, lost a ship to formidable southward winds whilst sailing the west coast.

This confirmed to him the existence of a convergence of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Drake was a legendary figure in British expansion and it is from him that the passage’s English name derives. The Spaniards, however, consider him a pirate (in their defence, Drake did have a penchant for capturing their treasure-filled ships) so most Spanish-language literature nowadays still refers to the Drake Passage by its original name.

What Is the Drake Passage: The Most Powerful Convergence of Seas

So, just where is the Drake Passage and why is it so frequently talked about? The Drake Passage stretches for just under 1,000km and is the spot where the Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern Seas converge, creating a roaring current mix that has the potential to make you regret that extra serve of pasta at supper. You have to cross it on almost all Antarctica voyages (although there are a few alternatives, such as flying from South America or cruising to East Antarctica from New Zealand). 

Why is Drake Passage so dangerous? The Drake Passage is so infamously rough from the fact that currents at this latitude meet no resistance from any landmass, anywhere on the planet. Coupled with the area’s propensity for high wind, a crossing of the Drake Passage can be quite the adventurous exploit. Luckily, expedition vessels nowadays are equipped with stabilizers to absorb much of the swaying and most Antarctica cruise ship passengers get by with just a sea sickness tablet and a few crackers. Even in the ship is moving, you'll be completely safe. Your captain and crew are extremely experienced in navigating this region and your expedition ship is purpose-built for the crossing. 

However, the passage’s inherent unpredictability means that it can, at times, also be eerily calm. Whether you experience a Drake Shake or Drake Lake, you can trust a Drake Passage cruise to be a highlight of your cruise to Antarctica. The chances for spectacular wildlife watching along the Drake are high, with hourglass dolphins, humpback whales and migrating albatross all making regular appearances.

Crossing the Drake Passage on an Antarctic cruise 

Hop aboard your expedition ship to Antarctica and one of the first things your crew will tell you is to keep that seaside sickness medication close at hand. The Drake Passage is the only part of the cruise which has the potential to cause ship passengers any grief (or excitement, depending on the adaptability of your nerves) as once you’re Antarctica, the seas are protected and sailing is very smooth. 

Sometimes, the crew get cheeky and play Michael Jackson’s ‘Rock With You’ to the usually small crowd of hardy guests who prefer to oohh and aaahhh to every splashing wave together in the observation deck. If you’re a seasoned traveler who’s been everywhere and seen everything, a Drake Passage crossing should definitely be at the top of your must-endure list. For adventure value alone, it’s absolutely priceless!

And while you’re at it, spare a thought for those poor souls who work on mega ships and tankers, those too wide to fit through the Panama Canal. They have to endure a whole voyage south, and a crossing along the Drake, every time they sign up for a gig. But many state there’s fierce competition among sailors. Between the construction of the canal and air-travel, few have the chance to experience ‘one of the most notorious sea crossing in the world’ and the Drake Passage is seen as a much coveted bucket-list experience for many.

And lucky you…on an Antarctica cruise…you get to do it twice!

Managing Seasickness on the Drake Passage 

If you're worried about seasickness, don't let it hold you back from a once-in-a-lifetime Antarctic adventure! There are lots of ways to look after yourself.

• If you're prone to nausea, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about medication before your trip. Generally, these work best if you take them before you feel seasick, so consider starting your medication while you're still in the Beagle Channel.
• Stay hydrated and limit your alcohol consumption. Light, bland meals can also help. 
• Fresh air can go a long way! If you feel up to it, head out onto the deck and take in some deep breaths of the beautiful air.
• Staring at the horizon can help when you're feeling sick. 
• Sometimes, ginger can help settle your stomach if you're starting to feel nauseous. 
• If you ever need assistance, each ship has an experienced onboard doctor who is well versed in managing seasickness. 

What to Do While on a Drake Passage Cruise to Antarctica

It takes two days to cross from Ushuaia to Antarctica, and this valuable time is usually spent getting acquainted with your fellow passengers and attending presentations aimed at educating you on everything Antarctica-related. From safety to history, geology, biology and all else in between. You’ll be asked to clean your outer clothing so you don’t introduce any biohazards to the pristine environment and given a list of do’s and don’ts which you must follow. You’ll also savour great food and wine, and warm up with hot cocoa, all the while enjoying a truly stupendous and very exciting experience.

The Drake Passage is also fantastic for bird watching, as you'll often see many beautiful pelagic birds, like albatross, following the back of the ship. 

There’s something about the slow – and yes, at times even uncomfortable – journey across the Drake Passage which is quite therapeutic. As you board your expedition ship, you won’t just be leaving Ushuaia behind, you’ll be leaving behind civilization as you know it. You’ll be heading forth towards the most desolate and spellbinding place you’ll ever see.

The excitement will slowly build among your group, the expectation will rise. The first dolphins, perhaps the first whale…until it’s the first iceberg and the first sight of land. It’s a magical, breath-taking, and cathartic experience that is simply lost when one flies over instead.

So hang in there! Thanks to the crossing of the Drake Passage, the remarkable fun of a trip to Antarctica starts way before you ever get there. If you have questions about crossing the Drake, please get in touch, as our passionate Destination Specialists have experienced it for themselves and can give first-hand tips. Or, for more information on cruises to Antarctica and current special offers please visit our Antarctica page.