What the Drake Passage is

The Drake Passage is a stretch of water about 800 km wide between Cape Horn (Chile) and the South Shetland Islands (Antarctica). Here the waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Southern Oceans meet. The currents are unrestricted by land anywhere — hence the waves and wind.

Until departure from Ushuaia, the passage isn't felt: the Beagle Channel is sheltered by mountains. Drake starts right after Cape Horn — about 6–8 hours after leaving port.

How long the crossing takes

From Ushuaia to the first Antarctic islands — about 2 days (48 hours). Round trip — 4 days out of the total cruise length.

"Drake Lake" and "Drake Shake"

Among polar travelers two terms circulate:

Drake Lake — when the passage is calm, waves 1–2 meters, the ship moves almost like on a lake. Statistically this is about 50–60% of all crossings.

Drake Shake — a storm, waves 4–10 meters, the ship rolls, walking the corridors is hard. Happens less often but is remembered forever.

During a storm expedition ships don't stop — they're designed precisely for these conditions.

Do people get seasick in the Drake

From our tourists' experience, most handle Drake better than they expected. The difference in storminess between November and February is minimal — Drake weather is unpredictable in any month. Main advice: start taking pills or applying patches before entering the open ocean, not when you're already seasick.

According to operator data, about 30% of passengers experience mild seasickness, 10–15% — severe. Most feel normal by the end of the first day when the body adapts.

Practical tips from guides:

  • Scopolamine patch behind the ear — apply several hours before entering Drake, not at the moment of rocking
  • Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) — pills, cause drowsiness
  • Cabin in the middle part of the ship and closer to the waterline — less rocking amplitude
  • The horizon — fix your gaze on the horizon outside, don't look at the screen
  • Lie down horizontally at the first signs of discomfort

What to do for 2 days in Drake

All serious operators organize lectures on board: ornithologists tell about albatrosses (visible from the deck), glaciologists explain what's ahead, historians — about the Antarctic expeditions of Shackleton and Amundsen.

Fly or sail — the "Fly & Cruise" option

Some operators offer a flight from Punta Arenas (Chile) directly to the South Shetlands — bypassing Drake. This cuts 4 days from the trip, but costs significantly more.

For those who fear the rocking or are short on time — fly. For those who want the full experience and are ready to spend 4 days on the crossing — sail. Crossing Drake is already part of the adventure: albatrosses, lectures, anticipation. Most of our tourists later say they're glad they sailed.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Drake Passage dangerous? Modern expedition ships are designed for Drake. Tragedies are extremely rare. Discomfort — yes; real danger — no, in good weather.

Best month for calm Drake? Statistically November and March are somewhat calmer than January. But no one gives guarantees.

What if I'm afraid of open water? That's normal. Most Antarctic tourists go out into open ocean for the first time. The ship is big, the crew experienced, and in 2 days you're in Antarctica.