Thinking of a voyage to the Antarctic? Then you’ve probably heard of the Drake Passage, one of the world’s most famous sea routes. No Antarctica adventure is complete without crossing the formidable passage, which is thought to be one of the roughest sea passages in the world. Found between the southern tip of South America and the northernmost shores of Antarctica, a Drake Passage cruise has earned a reputation for both its challenging conditions and breathtaking beauty. So what can you expect from this unique and unforgettable crossing? Read on to find out…
So, what is the Drake Passage?
When you cross the Drake Passage, you’re traversing a body of water that’s fascinated adventurers, explorers, and travelers throughout history. Considered by many to be the gateway to the Antarctic, the Drake is located between Cape Horn in South America and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica. It’s the quickest sailing route to get to Antarctica, but the Drake Passage weather is known for being unpredictable. Named after the English explorer Sir Francis Drake, who is believed to have sailed through it in 1578, the passage is often stormy, with powerful winds and towering waves that create rough seas. It’s around 800 kilometers (500 miles) wide and serves as the meeting of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern oceans, making it one of the planet’s most exposed bodies of water. The Drake is known for having two extremes, either incredibly calm (nicknamed the Drake Lake) or impressively turbulent (known as the Drake Shake). With most people experiencing the Drake somewhere in between.
Why visit the Drake Passage on your Antarctic cruise?
Despite its reputation, crossing the Drake Passage is considered a rite of passage for those exploring Antarctica, and a unique introduction to the amazing frozen continent. Visiting this unforgettable part of the world is a bucket-list moment for many travelers, and cruising Drake Passage is a big part of an Antarctic adventure! Whether you experience the Drake Lake or Drake Shake, crossing the Drake Passage is an achievement like no other, which only a few people get to experience.
You’ll never forget crossing the Drake Passage with Swan Hellenic. Thanks to our modern ships and wonderful amenities, you’ll be navigating these waters in style and comfort. Our boutique ships are equipped with state-of-the-art stabilizers that significantly reduce the swaying motion of the ship, making the crossing much smoother than it used to be. In fact, on turbulent crossings, most guests get by just taking seasickness tablets. Plus, our ships are kitted out with the latest navigation and weather-tracking technology, which allows your experienced captain to choose the best routes and timing for your crossing. Thankfully, most people find their 'sea legs' quite quickly and get used to the motion of the sea.
Drake Passage info
Want to know more about this sea route? Here are some fascinating Drake facts…
- •You can expect temperatures ranging from about 41°F (5°C) in the north to 26°F (-3°C) in the south when you cross the Drake
- •The average depth of the Drake Passage is around 11,155 feet (3,400 meters)
- •The passage is part of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. Stretching over 20,000 km (12,400 miles), this is world’s largest ocean current, with about 100 million cubic meters of water flowing though it every second
- •Cold seawater from the south collides with warmer seawater from the north at the mixing zone called the Antarctic Convergence
- •The Drake Passage waves range from gentle 6.5-10ft (2-3 meter) swells, to 39-43 ft (12-13 meter) high waves!
- •Gale force winds and stormy seas leave some guests feeling . However, the passage !
Information and tips too help you enjoy the experience!
Thankfully, Swan Hellenic’s ships are designed to handle all types of waters, and your experienced crew have sailed the Drake Passage many times before. So you can rest easy knowing you’re in safe hands. When it comes to cruises and seasickness, even if you don’t usually experience motion sickness, the conditions of the Drake Passage can still take some getting used to. There’s no one best way to prevent seasickness on a cruise, but there are ways you can minimize the effects.
If you're prone to nausea, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about avoiding seasickness on a cruise before your trip. Generally, remedies such as tablets and patches work best if you take them before you notice symptoms of your cruise travel sickness coming on.
Medication is available on board your ship, although you may want to bring your preferred brand of seasickness treatments. Staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol, and trying to eat light, regular meals will help. When conditions make it possible, try to get some fresh air out on deck and look at the horizon too. And if you’re feeling queasy, laying down flat on your bed with your eyes closed can sometimes make you feel better. The best place on the vessel is midships lower decks, where the motion is somewhat less. You might also want to try wearing a sea-band wristband, which work by activating the pressure points that relieve nausea. And ginger might help settle your stomach if you start to feel cruise ship motion sickness. The good news is that seasickness passes very quickly, but if you still have concerns, speak to one of Swan Hellenic’s travel advisors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How rough is the Drake Passage?
The Drake Passage is known for its changing sea conditions, but every Drake Passage cruise is different. Stretching between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, the Drake Passage crosses the Southern Ocean, where weather can change quickly. Some Drake Passage cruises experience calm seas, often called “Drake Lake,” while other cruises through Drake Passage encounter rougher conditions known as “Drake Shake.”
Is it safe to cruise through the Drake Passage?
Traversing the Drake Passage can be challenging, but our cruise ships are well-equipped to handle the potentially harsh conditions. The route is safe, and our ships are equipped for what the weather may bring.
How long to cross the Drake Passage?
You can safely cross the Drake Passage on a Drake Passage cruise ship in around 48 hours. Most Drake Passage cruises sail from Ushuaia across the Southern Ocean to the South Shetland Islands, making the crossing an integral part of the voyage to Antarctica.
Is crossing the Drake Passage a bad experience?
You may experience some of the Drake Passage's swells and storms, but our well-equipped ships are designed to minimize the impact of the waves, and have advanced stabilization systems and GPS. So, while the crossing can be challenging, most travelers find it an exciting and memorable part of their Antarctic expedition!
What is the best time to cross the Drake Passage?
There is no guaranteed time of year when the Drake Passage will be calm, as the Southern Ocean is exposed to changing weather and storms throughout the Antarctic season. Most Drake Passage cruises and Antarctica cruise Drake Passage itineraries sail between late October and March, crossing from Ushuaia to the South Shetland Islands before reaching Antarctica.Every Drake Passage cruise is shaped by weather and sea conditions, and no two cruises through Drake Passage are exactly alike.
Is Antarctica too cold to visit?
While it's true Antarctica is a cold destination, our guests usually find the temperature there is all part of their unforgettable experience. Our cruise ships are equipped with advanced heating systems, which make your time on board cosy and comfortable. And wrapping up warm in your complimentary Swan Hellenic Expedition parka, and opting for waterproof, layered clothing will help you tackle the chilly Antarctic weather on excursions.
Are there whales and wildlife in the Drake Passage?
Yes, you may likely to see humpback, minke, and fin whales in the Drake Passage. Watch out for seabirds, such as albatrosses, petrels, and skuas too.
Can you avoid the Drake Passage to reach Antarctica?
Most expedition voyages to Antarctica travel through the Drake Passage, sailing from Ushuaia across the Southern Ocean to the South Shetland Islands. For many travelers, a Drake Passage cruise is an essential part of the Antarctic experience, connecting South America with one of the world’s most remote destinations. The crossing offers a deeper appreciation of the Southern Ocean before arriving in Antarctica.