Everything you need to know about cruising the Drake Passage

For many crossing the Drake Passage is the most hyped-up part of an Antarctica cruise… and not necessarily in a good way. The stretch of open sea is known for frequent rough seas to the point adventurers have dubbed it the “Drake Shake”. 

Unless you opt for a fly-cruise though, you will need to cross the Drake Passage to reach the Antarctic Peninsula if you’re sailing from South America. Here’s what you need to know about making the most of the journey.

What is the Drake Passage?

Located between the tip of South America and the Antarctic Peninsula, the Drake Passage is 800km of open water where the Atlantic and Pacific oceans meet. It’s named after Sir Francis Drake, an English explorer who was the second to complete a circumnavigation of the world.

While 800km seems wide, compared to the oceans on either side of it, it’s relatively narrow. The warmer waters in the north collide with cooler waters in the south creating powerful winds, while the strong Antarctic Circumpolar Current can create choppy conditions and large swells. They’re known to rock even the largest of boats.

Weather

We admit it; the days crossing the Drake will likely be the roughest of our journey. It’s where you’ll probably experience the largest swells and windiest days of your journey.

Although unpredictable throughout the year, the conditions, fortunately, are best during the Antarctic cruising season based on statistics.

Throughout the summer months, temperatures should hover between 2–6°C. Early in the season, in November and December, you’ll likely see icebergs passing by during your crossing. Later in the season, in February and March, you may experience slightly rougher seas in exchange for incredible whale watching opportunities.

Seasickness – how likely is it and what can you do

The Drake Shake does cause problems for quite a few Antarctica-bound passengers, so if you’re prone to seasickness, read on. 

Unless you experience a few days of the Drake Lake, you’re probably going to be in for a rocky ride. There are precautions you can take to try to prevent or alleviate symptoms. 

Health experts like the CDC, Everyday Heath,  Mayo Clinic recommends:

• Watching the horizon
• Keeping your head still
• Take antihistamines
• Get a prescription for scopolamine
• Eat and drink ginger-based items
• Stick to light meals
• Snack on apples
• Wear acupuncture bands 
• Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol
• Don’t smoke

Ship features – how ships are equipped to make the crossing smoother

Ship technology has sure come a long way since Shackleton’s first steps on the frozen continent. Modern expedition vessels come equipped with specially built bows, stabilisers, advanced weather forecasting systems and other features to try and make journeys across the Drake Passage as smooth as possible.

Shipboard stabilisers

Most ships are equipped with stabilisers to help keep journeys smooth in the Drake Passage and anywhere else they encounter rough waters.

There’s three main types of stabilisers:

• Fin stabilisers: Designed like underwater wings extending from the hull and angle themselves against the water to prevent rolling. These are most common in larger cruise ships.
• Gyroscopic stabilisers: A large, spinning disk that’s mounted inside of the ship that pushes back against rolling. These are more common in smaller ships and superyachts.
• Anti-rolling tanks: Tanks filled with water inside the ship work to counterbalance any rolling from swells.

Aurora’s X-Bow technology

Aurora Expeditions’s three expedition ships, Greg Mortimer, the Sylvia Earle and the Douglas Mawson, come equipped with the ULSTEIN X-BOW. It’s designed to reduce the impact of swells hitting the bow and minimise wave-induced vibrations.

The shape of the hull is also supposed to minimise ocean spray, so wildlife watchers and budding photographers should get less splash or mist on their binoculars or camera lenses.

What to do during the crossing

You’ll have two days at sea in each direction when you’re crossing the Drake Passage. With 800km of open ocean, there’s no land or islands to see on the horizon, but there is still plenty to do.

Birdwatchers can still find plenty of sea birds flying alongside the ship, diving for fish or travelling between the two continents. Similarly, wildlife hobbyists can spot whales and dusky dolphins swimming alongside the boat.

On the ship, there’s plenty going on at all times. The majority of Antarctica-bound expedition ships offer an extensive agenda with lectures, presentations and workshops. These are a great way to learn a bit more about the environment and wildlife in the destinations you’ll be visiting.

Luxury ships usually all have spas on board, so if you’re looking for the perfect time to get a massage or facial during your expedition, these are the perfect days to do it. After all, while you may not be at a beach resort, this is still your vacation, and you deserve to relax... As much as you possibly could on the Drake Passage.

Fly-the-Drake alternative

If you’re susceptible to seasickness or would like to avoid four full days at sea on your trip, then you may want to consider flying over the drake.

It’s not offered by all excursion companies, but ones that do visit King George's Island in the South Shetland Islands often give you the choice to skip the Drake altogether. You’ll then be able to either join the sailing at the initial departure point, likely Ushuaia or Puerto Arenas, or board a few days later. 

Compared to 48 hours at sea, the flights take just two or three hour