Traverser le passage de Drake : à quoi s'attendre

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The Drake Passage separates Cape Horn from the South Shetland Islands off the Antarctic Peninsula. It is the shortest sea route to Antarctica, at roughly 1,000 km (about 600 miles) wide, according to Britannica, and it has a reputation.

Why it can be rough

The Antarctic Circumpolar Current flows through the passage, and there is no land at this latitude to slow wind and swell. Conditions range from calm ("Drake Lake") to big seas ("Drake Shake"), and no one can predict which you will get when booking.

How long it takes

On most ships from Ushuaia, the crossing takes roughly two days each way, depending on the ship and the weather.

Coping with seasickness

• Talk to your doctor before the trip about medication options and start them as advised, usually before symptoms appear.
• Cabins lower down and nearer the middle of the ship tend to move less.
• Fresh air, looking at the horizon, and light, regular meals help many people.
• The ship's doctor can help on board.

Life on board during the crossing

• Keep one hand for the ship: use handrails on stairs and in corridors, especially in swell.
• Secure your cabin: put loose items in drawers before you go out, and close cupboard doors.
• Doors and decks: the crew may close outer decks in heavy weather. Follow announcements.
• Meals: dining rooms may switch to simpler service when it's rough.

Wildlife, landmarks and sea days

Sea days are not wasted. They are good for seabirds, including several albatross species and petrels gliding behind the ship, and sometimes whales. Watch for the first icebergs, and for the Antarctic Convergence, where water temperature drops noticeably. Expedition staff often announce it.

What staff do during sea days

Expect mandatory briefings on IAATO guidelines and Zodiac safety, biosecurity vacuuming of your gear, and lectures on history, glaciology and wildlife. Some ships also do kit fittings for loaned boots and parkas.

Choosing a cabin with the Drake in mind

• Lower decks and midship cabins generally move less than high forward ones.
• A window or porthole helps some people with motion sickness, because they can see the horizon.
• Ask operators whether the ship has stabilisers, which reduce roll.

Timing your arrival home

Bad weather can slow the crossing, so ships may adjust the schedule to arrive back in Ushuaia on time. That can mean leaving Antarctica earlier. Don't book tight onward flights on disembarkation day.

Is the Drake a reason not to go?

For most people, no. Many travellers say the crossing is part of the experience. If you know you get badly seasick, a fly-cruise is the main way to avoid it, though weather delays can affect its flights.

Fly-cruise options

If you're worried about the crossing, some operators offer fly-cruise itineraries. These fly across the Drake from Punta Arenas in Chile to King George Island in the South Shetlands, then embark there. Fly-cruises save sea days, but flights depend on the weather, so delays are common. They are usually more expensive per day and carry fewer passengers. Some itineraries combine flying one way with sailing the other. Weigh the cost, the risk of weather delays and how much you value the Drake as part of the experience. Many travellers come to appreciate the seabird watching and lectures on sea days.

Every crossing is different, so pack for both calm and rough seas.

Use the sea days to prepare

The Drake crossing is when staff prepare you for landings, so it's worth arriving at the briefings rested. Read the Antarctic Treaty's general guidelines for visitors beforehand: keep at least 5 m from wildlife on land, give animals right of way, never use flash near them, and take nothing away. Check your outer layers, boots and bags for seeds, soil and grit, because they will be inspected and vacuumed before you go ashore. If you're feeling well, take time on deck as you approach the South Shetland Islands. It's often the first view of glaciers and ice.

Checklist

• Talk to your doctor about seasickness medication before departure.
• Choose a cabin low and midships if you're prone to motion sickness.
• Pack ginger, acupressure bands or other remedies you trust.
• Hold handrails and follow crew advice in rough seas.
• Check your insurance covers delays and medical evacuation.

FAQ

Can the ship turn back because of weather?

Captains may slow down, change course or wait out storms for safety. Schedules adapt rather than being cancelled outright.

Will I be stuck in my cabin?

On rough days, some people prefer resting in their cabins. Lectures and meals usually continue for those who feel fine.

Are seasickness patches available on board?

Ships' doctors usually carry seasickness remedies, but bring your own, as advised by your doctor.

How rough can it get?

Conditions vary widely. Expedition ships are designed for these waters, and crews are experienced in handling them.

Read your travel insurance terms on medical evacuation and trip delay: EKTA (partner). Flights to Ushuaia or Punta Arenas: Search flights (partner).