Table Of Content
A larger ship is more stable and in some instances can bequicker, making the crossing more comfortable. However, landingssites in Antarctica are restricted to 100 people ashore at any onetime and to allow for this larger ships have to stagger landinggroups. Recently I embarked on an incredible journey to Antarctica, adestination that is so remote it felt like I'd stepped onto aplanet from a science fiction film.
MV Ushuaia
And always remember – embrace the journey as part of the experience of traveling to Antarctica. Port Drake Passage cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Drake Passage, Antarctica.
Drake Passage Cheat Sheet: Coping with Seasickness, Antarctica Weather and More
If the crossing is rough and your room becomes your sanctuarymake sure you're happy there. I was saved by a movie on demandsystem which provided blissful distraction so do check if this, oran alternative, is available. Our expedition cruising guide to Antarctica will tell youeverything you need to know, including when to visit, what to seeand how to get there. Our groups swapped activities, with two groups going ashore to visit a chinstrap penguin colony (we also saw a lot of gentoo penguins) while the other two groups were on Zodiac rides around the bay. During this time, we also had our “Boots Camp” to get fitted for our rubber boots that we use throughout the trip. The "Drake Express Expedition" consists of a 7-night roundtrip voyage from King George Island that avoids the notorious Drake Passage by offering charter flights to the Antarctic island.
A Journey of Discovery
These groups go ashore together, and the system of four-color groups works to allow people to prepare in the Mud Room and gather on shore for their excursions in an orderly fashion. Zodiacs (inflatable boats) are used to take passengers from the ship and to the shore, with people preparing and loading from the Mud Room at the bottom deck of the ship. The itineraries are set to begin on October 2025 and run through March 2026, with options ranging from seven to 18 nights. The majority of the sailings depart from Ushuaia, while some voyages are scheduled to embark from Punta Arenas, Chile. "No matter what side of the boat you're on, it was felt throughout the ship that clearly something bad had happened," passenger Beverly Spiker told ABC News. Other passengers noted the terrifying nature of the wave crash, describing flooding and broken windows, which can be seen in photos of the now-docked ship.
Drake Passage Cruises & Tours
Terrifying Video Shows Waves Hitting Cruise Going Through Drake Passage - Inside Edition
Terrifying Video Shows Waves Hitting Cruise Going Through Drake Passage.
Posted: Wed, 03 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
And even if you're the type who laughs at roller-coasters, there's a good chance the Drake's weather is going to test that cast-iron stomach of yours. Through the Drake Passage flows the west-to-east Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), encircling Antarctica. The ACC stretches over 20,000 km (12,400 miles), forming the world’s largest ocean current. In the Drake Passage, layers of cold seawater from the south and relatively warm seawater from the north collide to form powerful eddies.
A made-for-the-movies nightmare came true when a cruise ship was hit by a "rogue" wave leaving one passenger dead and four injured. You'll likely spot many kinds of albatross (wandering, black-browed, southern royal), petrel (Antarctic, giant southern petrel), shags, skuas, and gulls. If you’re prone to seasickness, it's a good idea to see your doctor before you sail the Drake Passage.
Polar Expedition Stories: My Trip to Antarctica Aboard ‘Ocean Endeavour'
This convergence not only marks the meeting of two oceans but also a point where the cold waters of the south blend with warmer northern waters, leading to rich marine biodiversity. Whether you’re a seasoned mariner or a curious Antarctica cruise traveler, this guide promises to enrich your voyage with its rich tapestry of stories, advice, and awe-inspiring sights. Rodrigo and Maxi have been on old-school vessels and seaworthy ships built specifically for the Drake Passage – and have witnessed all kinds of weather and conditions. They explained how the angle of the wind or waves can make the bow sink and pitch and how certain conditions will cause the captain to change course and shift between systems for a smoother ride. Spanish marine explorer Francisco de Hoces was also known to have sailed far enough south to see the end of South America in the early 1500s, giving the Spanish name "Mare de Hoces" (Hoces Sea) to the waterway.
How To Join An Expedition To Antarctica
It challenges, educates, and inspires, offering a unique perspective on the world and our place within it. Research conducted in this region helps scientists understand changes in Earth’s climate system, including the impact of global warming on polar regions. The Drake Passage is not just a path to Antarctica; it’s a crucial area for scientific research. Various research stations located on the Antarctic Peninsula and nearby islands conduct a range of studies in climatology, oceanography, glaciology, and biology.
To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link. Alex is Director of Sales & Marketing at Mundy Adventures, having worked with the company for 10 years and in travel for over 18 years. His most recent adventure was a cruise on Seabourn Venture and he has also sailed with Regent, Crystal, SeaDream, Tauck and Ponant. His favourite adventure destination is South America however he's also enjoyed adventures in Antarctica, the Western Mediterranean, Middle East, East Africa & Indian Ocean, India, Myanmar and South East Asia. When he’s not travelling he loves walking holidays; a favourite included a trek to Everest Base Camp. Just before dinner, we were sailing through the sunshine on an incredibly calm Drake Passage when we spotted pods of fin whales and humpback whales feeding.
Even if you're not prone to seasickness, you should take a few preventative measures for crossing the Drake Passage. It's possible that you could have the Drake Lake at one moment and the Drake Shake an hour later, so it's best to come prepared for your crossing. It's also helpful to take the advice of crew members who sail this route almost every week from late October or early November until March. The Drake Passage is the climatic zone where the weather transitions from the humid and subpolar conditions of Tierra del Fuego to the ice-covered polar regions of Antarctica. Antarctica became isolated after the split from South America, losing the southward flowing currents, and leaving it desolate and frozen. Other sources say there's no way to predict the best time to cross the gateway to Antarctica.
Some people also suggest staring at the horizon, but others advise not to look outside, so that's a personal call. Medications like Dramamine, Bonine and the Scopolamine transdermal patches (that sit behind your ear) are also effective in reducing motion sickness and seasickness. The patches typically last several days, but you need to apply them about four hours before you set sail. Of course, that may not be the worst thing if you're feeling the effects from the motion. You should also know that the patches can cause blurred vision or dry mouth and dry nose, so you must decide if the benefits outweigh the side effects.
Consult this month-by-month list covering everything from penguins to pack ice to help guide your travel timing. The National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship accommodating 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. She is fully stabilized, enabling her to navigate polar passages while providing comfort. Sandwiched between ice-mantled peaks and the frigid waters of the Beagle Channel, this is a fittingly wild place to be known as “El Fin del Mundo” or “The End of the World.” Transfer from the airport to your hotel.
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