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Embark on a journey through the Drake Passage, a realm where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans converge, creating a unique maritime adventure. This guide is your compass to navigate the storied waters that have captivated sailors and explorers for centuries. For many travelers, crossing the Drake Passage is the deal breaker to make this trip of a lifetime. Forget about the trip's expense and the time it takes to get there –about 48 hours in each direction (or more depending on the weather and the route decided by the captain) -- the Drake Passage can be intimidating. Cape Horn is the southernmost headland of the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago, located on Hornos Island in the Chilean Cabo de Hornos National Park. It is traditionally considered the southern extremity of South America and the place where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet.
Wildlife and Natural Wonders of the Drake Passage
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. The TikTok-famous nine-month cruise, which is Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise, set sail from Miami on December 10 and was about to make its way through the infamous Drake Passage as it headed over to Argentina. So far, nothing to worry about—unless you have heard of the Drake Passage before.
Do you have to cross the Drake Passage to get to Antarctica?
Cruises often collaborate with research organizations, contributing to ongoing scientific studies. Penguins are another highlight, though most species, like the Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, are primarily spotted on the nearby Antarctic islands rather than in the passage itself. Seabirds like the Wandering Albatross, with the longest wingspan of any bird, glide over the waters. These birds are specially adapted to the windy conditions, able to travel vast distances with minimal effort. The Drake Passage is a haven for an array of marine life, thanks to its nutrient-rich waters.
This Cruise Line Will Make Antarctica Trips Easier Next Year — Here's How - Travel + Leisure
This Cruise Line Will Make Antarctica Trips Easier Next Year — Here's How.
Posted: Fri, 08 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The Drake Lake on the Drake Passage
Gratuities for all departures of National Geographic Explorer, Orion, Endurance, Resolution, Sea Cloud, Jahan and Lord of the Glens. Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport to begin your journey homeward, or onward travel. Following disembarkation and Zodiac rides to shore, your flight departs the White Continent and returns to Puerto Natales where you overnight at the included group hotel. Experience the wild grandeur of the White Continent in a more efficient, expedient way, via a 2-hour flight between Antarctica and Chile.
For those of you who prefer oceanic adventures, what are some of the things you should expect on your Drake Passage cruise? For starters, you have the benefit of traveling with an operator with a full slate of onboard polar experts. This team of experts leads presentations throughout the crossing that will help prepare you for your polar immersion once you land in Antarctica. Given the strength and unpredictability of the weather, what exactly is the best way to experience the Drake Passage? Many travelers will choose a Drake Passage cruise while others prefer to fly over the fabled channel in favor of a less seafaring adventure. Experience unparalleled access to activities and adventure gear on this 12- to 14-day Antarctica air cruise aboard two modern polar ships designed for adventure, education and conservation.
Cruise ships are equipped with safety features and protocols, including lifeboats, safety drills, and experienced crew. Passengers should attend all safety briefings and adhere to the guidelines provided by the crew. The early 20th century saw the passage become a key route for Antarctic exploration. Explorers like Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott braved its treacherous waters to reach the Antarctic continent. Shackleton’s ill-fated Endurance expedition of 1914, which aimed to cross Antarctica via the South Pole, began with a challenging crossing of the Drake Passage. The story goes that after passing through the Strait of Magellan, Drake’s ship was pushed southward by a storm, revealing the open sea south of Tierra del Fuego and suggesting a possible maritime route.
Antarctica Direct: Sail & Fly the Drake Passage Itinerary
And then again, you may not be so lucky and end up with the Drake Shake, which can have varying degrees of "shake," as mentioned above. You may have mild swells of 12 feet, very little wind, and no oncoming storms to dodge en route to the South Shetland Islands. Then again, you could end up with 40-foot waves in the middle of a rain or snowstorm with gusty winds. Crossing the Drake Passage is unpredictable; you never know what conditions you will get. As you leave behind civilization and head into one of the most remote places on Earth, it can be a little unsettling not knowing what lies ahead on the Drake Passage. But then again, the intrigue and the uncertainty are also part of the excitement and the journey.
Out for Adventure on Our Antarctica Cruise on Ocean Victory
Documenting your journey is not just about capturing moments; it’s about creating a lasting legacy that celebrates and honors the natural world. After the journey, compiling your photos and notes into an album or digital presentation can be a rewarding way to relive the experience. This can also serve as a wonderful keepsake to share with others or to revisit in the future. When sharing, consider also discussing the environmental aspects and conservation efforts in the region, further educating your audience about this unique part of the world.
Discovered in January of 1616 by the Dutch captain Willem Schouten, it was named by him Kaap Hoorn, honoring his home port of Hoorn in Holland. The Cape marks the northern edge of the Drake Passage, the strait separating South America from Antarctica. Weather and sea conditions are notoriously changeable in the region, and consequently it was nearly 200 years before the Antarctic continent was discovered, less than 400 miles to the south of the Cape. "This is where the Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern seas all meet, resulting and what can be some of the choppiest waters in the world." It usually takes 2 or 3 days to cross the Drake Passage, and this is a great time to learn from your expert Antarctic naturalist guides. Through a series of fascinating talks and lectures, you'll begin to learn more about the remarkable wildlife and awe-inspiring geology of the Antarctic continent.
Step aboard our Drake Passage cruise ships and embark on a thrilling voyage, braving the elements to reach the pristine wonders of the White Continent. The crossing itself takes around 2 days, but a typical Drake Passage cruise lasts around days, with the duration varying depending on the specific itinerary and activities offered. This timeframe allows for ample exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding areas.
To minimize potential wave action consequences while onboard if you do choose to go on the cruise, try to book a cabin as close to the center (fulcrum) and as low as possible on the ship. The last place you want to be if wave action might pose a problem is in a cabin close to the front of the ship, which I commonly refer to as the diving board. "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.
This richness is largely due to the upwelling of deep, cold, nutrient-packed waters to the surface. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it was frequently traversed by explorers and whaling ships. Perhaps the most notable was Charles Darwin’s journey on the HMS Beagle in 1833, which played a key role in the development of his theory of evolution. For cruisers, this passage is not just a route but a destination in itself, promising an unforgettable experience filled with awe-inspiring natural phenomena and a deeper appreciation for our planet’s marine ecosystems. The crew also recommends keeping something on your stomach, such as a light breakfast or lunch – and staying hydrated.
It challenges, educates, and inspires, offering a unique perspective on the world and our place within it. Viewing it as an integral and thrilling part of the Antarctic journey adds to the sense of adventure. Sharing experiences with fellow passengers and crew can also enrich the experience. Crew members are experienced in these waters and prioritize passenger safety. As a key gateway to Antarctica, the Drake Passage holds a special place in the context of global environmental conservation. The experiences and lessons learned in this remote part of the world often translate into a greater understanding and commitment to environmental stewardship among those who travel through it.
Lindblad Launches Flights To Antarctica To Avoid Rough Drake's Passage - Forbes
Lindblad Launches Flights To Antarctica To Avoid Rough Drake's Passage.
Posted: Thu, 11 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
For those less bold but still adventurous, you can join a Zodiac cruise to explore the vicinity of icebergs and small inlets that few humans have reached. Crossing the Drake Passage, however you choose, promises an experience of a lifetime. The best time for Drake Passage cruises is during the Antarctic summer months from November to March when wildlife is abundant, and the weather is relatively milder. This period offers the best chances for wildlife encounters and safe navigation across the passage. Antarctica was connected to South America during a period of time known as the Eocene Epoch, which lasted from 56 to almost 40 million years ago.
But the Drake Passage isn't only infamous because of its rough waters—the wind can be a problem too. In the video, no other passenger is (obviously) on the deck, and the video poster is seen struggling to walk against the wind force. It was also very cold during the crossing—to the point that, in the same video, at one point hail starts to fall. For the safety of passengers, though, the cruise then proceeded to close Deck 5 through Deck 13 due to bad weather for all the duration of the Drake Passage, according to the video poster.
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