Should You Cross the Drake Passage By Ship? Here are Ten Reasons Why

Crossing the Drake is a rite of passage

When people return from Antarctica, they tell the story of their Drake Passage crossing, almost the same way some mothers describe childbirth or distance runners tell of their first big race.

Beyond the bragging rights, those who have crossed the Drake know they have completed something difficult and special—a feat that results in lifelong dividends. In crossing the Drake Passage, you will have journeyed across one of the planet’s roughest sections of ocean, followed by the awesome reward of experiences in Antarctica.

Sailing the Drake Passage is tribute paid to Antarctica

Not everyone has the mettle to pay that price. Few travelers visit Antarctica—only about 40,000 each year. That’s an exclusive club, and the Drake is the main mental obstacle to greater visitation. Crossing the Drake is a self-selecting filter—if it were easy, everyone would do it.

Crossing the Drake Passage deepens your appreciation for the first explorers

Most Antarctic expeditions include a historian. During the 45 to 50 hours of a typical Drake Passage crossing, to Antarctica, you can attend lectures about the voyages led by Scott, Bird, Amundsen, and Shackleton. These learnings, and the journey itself, heighten your sense of connection to Antarctica’s pioneering explorers.

Crossing the Drake Passage adds to the sense of adventure

Those who choose to cross the Drake Passage by ship are aware of the challenge ahead. They tend to be adventurers who revel in Antarctica’s purity, wildness, and remoteness.

For these intrepid travelers, leaving the Beagle Channel and heading south into open ocean is thrilling.

Sailing across the Drake builds camaraderie

By making this journey together, you’ll develop bonds of friendship with your fellow travelers and the expedition team. You’ll also appreciate the hard work of the crew and “hotel” employees who maintain the cabins and provide your meals on board your cruise to Antarctica.

Crossing the Drake heightens anticipation

Regardless of the sea conditions, you’ll be looking forward to reaching the continent. Often, cruises include contests; passengers try to guess the timing of the first iceberg sighting. On other cruises, the contests include whale spotting and sea bird identification. Each sighting adds to the picture of what’s to come.

Crossing the Drake Passage by ship lowers risk and increases options

The ships that sail from Ushuaia to Antarctica generally embark on time. The aircraft that fly over the Drake may or may not leave as scheduled. In rare cases, those flights are canceled altogether, because winds and visibility make flying too risky.

Since air-cruise operations began in 2003:

• Approximately 82% Left on Time
• Another 14% Operated One Day Early or One Day Late
• Roughly 3% Flew With a Delay of Two Days
• Less Than 1% Operated Three Days Late
• Approximately 1% Were Cancelled (i.e. could not operate by 2 PM on Day 4)

During flight delays to Antarctica, travelers are expected to remain “on call” and ready to leave for the airport at a moment’s notice.  For many, this can feel like house arrest. The experience can be made worse by watching the length of stay in Antarctica shrink with each passing minute.

If you’re bringing a lot of gear or equipment with you to Antarctica, crossing the Drake Passage by ship may be your only option. Flights across the Drake have a per-passenger luggage limit of 20 kilograms (44 pounds) that cannot be exceeded if the plane is full. Excess baggage must be stored and cannot be brought on the flight even for an additional fee. If you’re bringing a lot of camera gear or diving equipment, you may not be able to stay under the weight limit.

Crossing the Drake by sea gives you time to earn your sea legs

After sailing to Antarctica, you’ll be used to the movement of the ship. Once wobbly legs will have adapted, leaving you more comfortable and confident. You’ll be better prepared for Zodiac excursions and for the return journey.

Sailing across the Drake allows you to complete your training before arrival, maximizing your experience in Antarctica

Each ship in Antarctica is required to provide safety training. On expedition cruises, you’ll also receive training on the outdoor adventure activities, such as kayaking, camping, snowshoeing, and mountaineering. Birding and photography lessons are also offered. Gear checks and preparations are completed. You may even be able to participate in “citizen science” activities such as collecting air and water samples, wildlife surveys, and whale fluke identifications.

By crossing the Drake by boat, you’ll have time for questions and follow-up. You’ll also have a more thorough understanding of what is required to protect Antarctica—the responsibilities of visitors and the work of researchers. Doing all this during the crossing is preferable to doing so while in Antarctica; your time in the Antarctic is better spent on excursions.

Crossing the Drake Passage by sea increases your odds of spotting wildlife

Most expedition teams include professional biologists—experts on whales, seals, and seabirds. They’ll likely offer lectures during your crossing to Antarctica, helping you know how to identify wildlife, and increasing your knowledge of each species.

Along with the ship’s officers and the expedition leader, the biologists will be on the lookout for whales, dolphins, and sea birds—many of which you won’t find easily once you’re closer to the continent. It’s common to see fin and humpback whales during the crossing. Orcas and dolphins are also common. Albatrosses, petrels, and other long-distance fliers often follow the ships through the passage.

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