Antarctic Peninsula Cruises
The Peninsula is the classic way to experience Antarctica. Some of the best wildlife and most dramatic scenery can be found in this part of the Frozen Continent.
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The Drake Passage: key points
- The Drake Passage typically takes around 48 hours to cross in an expedition cruise ship
- While some travellers fear a stormy Drake Shake, the vast majority experience a Drake Lake: fewer than one in four crossings tend to be rough
- Modern expedition cruise ships are equipped underwater stabilisers to give a smoother passage, while those with X-Bow hulls reduce wave motion even further
- Crossing the Drake is a great way to build Antarctic anticipation, with wildlife watching on deck, lectures from guides and spotting your first iceberg
- For travellers short on time or worried about their sea legs, Fly & Cruise trips skip the Drake Passage completely and fly direct to Antarctica to join a cruise ship
What our customers think of crossing the Drake Passage
Look for the patches you can put behind your ear for sea sickness. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2019
Sarah Gillett - Switzerland
Crossing the Drake Passage
What is the Drake Passage?
The Drake Passage is the stretch of water that lies between the tip of South America and the Antarctic Peninsula. The Southern Ocean’s powerful Antarctic Circumpolar Current has to squeeze through this narrow 500 mile (800 km) gap, creating the potential for strong winds and big waves.
Crossing the Drake offers great wildlife watching opportunities. Albatrosses, petrels, prions and other seabirds follow the ship, and there is the possibility of spotting whales and dolphins. Expedition guides give lectures through the crossing to prepare you for Antarctica – an arrival that’s heralded by spotting your first icebergs on the final stretch of the Drake.
Drake Shake or Drake Shake?
Travellers love to talk about (or worry about) how rough the Drake Passage can be. The famous Drake Shake happens when wind and waves combine to produce swells of 8 metres or more, which is more than enough to cause discomfort.
In fact, fewer than one in four crossings experience such conditions. The vast majority of travellers actually encounter a Drake Lake with small swells and soft winds. In such conditions, the Drake Passage is a truly wonderful place, watching albatrosses on the deck and building the excitement for your arrival in Antarctica.
Whatever the conditions, modern navigation systems allow the ship’s captain to plot the smoothest course across the Drake.
Swoop says
I love this part of the journey – it gives you time to build anticipation and learn about what you’ll be experiencing in Antarctica. Being out on deck, breathing in the cold air and sighting your first iceberg is absolutely magic.
Julie Ruston Antarctica Specialist
Seasickness on the Drake Passage
Seasickness can be a problem for some even on relatively calm seas, while others can happily walk the decks of a rolling ship. If you think you may be prone to seasickness, there are plenty of tablets, patches and wristbands available to reduce its effects. Take time before travelling to talk to a doctor or pharmacist to find the best option for you. All ships have an onboard doctor who will be able to help during the voyage.
During the Drake Passage, it’s important to stay hydrated and eat lightly. Rest also helps: seasickness tablets can cause drowsiness, so embracing the power nap can be a very useful option while at sea.
If sea sickness is a real problem, consider avoiding the Drake with a Fly and Cruise trip.
Choosing your ship
Modern expedition cruise ships are well equipped to tackle the Drake Passage. Almost all have underwater stabilisers toreduce the rocking and rolling on heavy seas. Those looking to take this further can consider a ship with a X-Bow design, which have hulls designed to better slice through the waves.
If you anticipate lots of cabin time due to seasickness concerns, booking one with floor to ceiling windows or a balcony, as enjoying a view to the horizon is helpful when dealing with lots of motion.
Can I avoid the Drake Passage?
Fly and Cruise
For those who are short on time or worried about their sea legs, it’s possible to bypass the Drake Passage entirely by flying direct to Antarctica. Fly & Cruise trips whisk you from Punta Arena in Chile to the South Shetland Islands in just two hours, where you’ll board your expedition cruise ship and be ready to spot your first penguin in no time.
Operational logistics means that Fly & Cruise trips cost slightly more than sailing across the Drake Passage, but they’re perfect for those who want to get straight into the action.
Our most popular Antarctic Peninsula cruises
Price Match Promise - We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip
From One to One Hundred
Swoop has catered for travellers of every group size. Whether you’re adventuring solo or bringing a group of over 100. We can help.
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Solos
- Working with over 30 different ships to find you the most solo-friendly ships, with the lowest single supplements, and the best solo deals available. Discover More
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2 - 5 people
- With over 100 collective years of Polar experience our team will help you find your perfect trip, so you’re on the right ship, in the right cabin, and at the right point of the season. Discover More
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6 - 80 people
- We’ve worked with all sizes of groups, from large families to small schools. Travelling with Swoop means you’ll be the best prepared customers on the voyage and you pay nothing extra for this service. Discover More
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Large Groups
- We are experienced charter consultants that can build tailored experiences for both part and full charters of vessels. Discover More
The Drake Passage: FAQs
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How long does it take to sail across the Drake Passage?
Under normal weather conditions, it takes around 48 hours to sail across the Drake Passage, though crossings can occasionally take longer. Your ship's captain will be constantly monitoring the wind and wave conditions to ensure you have the fastest (and smoothest) passage possible.
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How rough is the Drake Passage really?
The majority of Drake Passage crossings are smooth. As a general rule, fewer than one in four result in a 'Drake Shake' with big waves.
Almost all modern expedition cruise ships are equipped with underwater stabilisers to reduce the effects of the waves. Those with the most recent X-Bow design further smooth the ship's passage – although it should be noted that it is never possible to entirely counter the effects of a big sea.
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What will I do while crossing the Drake Passage?
The time spent crossing the Drake Passage is a brilliant way to build anticipation for Antarctica.
Wildlife watching begins the moment you start to cross the Drake, with albatrosses and other seabirds as your constant companions on the Southern Ocean. In addition, expedition guides give a series of lectures and talks during the crossing to prepare you for what you'll experience in Antarctica and get you even more excited for the 7th Continent. The two day crossing can pass surprisingly quickly: you certainly won't be bored.
On the return voyage, many people enjoy the slow crossing as a time to decompress and process their polar experience with newfound friends – as well as sorting through the thousands of photos they've taken during the trip.
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Can the ship's doctor help with seasickness?
Yes. The ship's doctor will have plenty of experience dealing with seasickness and may be able to prescribe you preventive drugs if necessary. In addition, they often give a briefing at the start of the voyage on the best ways to prevent and treat seasickness.
Please note that some specific drugs or other treatments like pressure patches may not be available on board. If you think you may be prone to seasickness, it's always best to consult your doctor before you travel and bring any treatments with you.
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Is there a best time of year to cross the Drake Passage?
Conditions on the Drake Passage are pretty constant throughout the Antarctic cruising season, so there is no 'best' time to cross it. This means you can concentrate on choosing your trip based on the other experiences you want to have, whether that’s focused on wildlife-watching, photography or adventure activities.
For more information see our page on the best time to visit Antarctica.
Discover more about Antarctic cruises
Fly & Cruise Antarctica
Fly & Cruise trips offer the best of Antarctica in one simple package: flying to the Peninsula in two hours to join an expedition cruise ship for a classic polar adventure.
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Antarctic Cruise Ships
We work with a range of different Antarctic vessels, with expertise across the entire polar fleet, to give you the best choice of ship, cabin and departure date.
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When to go to Antarctica
Choosing when to go to Antarctica is a key part of planning a cruise, with each month of the season offering a different side of the continent.
Discover MoreReady to plan your Antarctic adventure?
1
Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2
Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3
Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
With over 100 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
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