A visit to Antarctica is on many travellers’ bucket lists. However an expedition to the icy southern continent comes with its personal set of challenges — and we don’t imply selecting which parka to pack. The Drake Passage, the physique of water between Cape Horn in South America and the South Shetland Islands in Antarctica, is the place the Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern seas converge, and since the currents right here meet no resistance from any close by landmass, they’re a number of the choppiest waters on the earth. For those who’re seasick, this may imply hassle — however if you wish to make it to Antarctica, you’ve gotta get via the Drake.
However is it actually all that dangerous? We requested 5 G Adventures staffers who’ve taken one in every of our Expedition journeys to Antarctica to share their experiences crossing the Drake.
How was the Drake Passage to your journey?
Hailey Connell, Artistic Manufacturing Supervisor
Rising up, my household canine was a Dalmatian named Drake. Earlier than the Toronto rapper, there was my Dalmatian — however earlier than my Dalmatian, there was the Drake Passage, the infamous physique of water stretching throughout 500 miles of unpredictable climate and challenges all who dare cross it. Working at G Adventures, you’re surrounded by fortunate individuals who had been priviliged to go to Antarctica.
The primary query requested upon return is often, ‘How was the Drake?’ After I boarded the ship, it was onerous to not discover the chained-down eating room furnishings and intensive slip-proof materials protecting nearly each floor. I had heard the tales and was prepared for a bumpy journey. Nonetheless, my expertise was, dare I say — enjoyable? I packed loads of Gravol however discovered Malbec labored higher. Whereas a few of my fellow passengers had been sequestered of their rooms, dizzied by movement illness patches, I used to be exploring the ship (whereas holding one hand free to seize a railing), having fun with scrumptious meals and wine, and waiting for whales and albatrosses.
I felt an immediate bond with fellow passengers and crew when crossing the Drake. Individuals had been affected in another way, however there was a way of comradery and pleasure — it was an journey in spite of everything! My recommendation: be ready for the worst, however don’t psych your self out. Actually float and preserve your eye on the prize — and the horizon — as a result of no matter how tough the passage, Antarctica is the final word reward.
Expertise it for your self on: Antarctica Basic in Depth
Lyndon File, Buyer Expertise Supervisor
Crossing the Drake passage is the value of entry for going to the Antarctic. The peace and serenity of the Antarctic is matched by the turbulence and drama of the Drake. They’re two sides of the identical coin: you don’t get one with out the opposite. The circumstances of the Drake are someplace between dangerous and terrifying, relying on the climate gods, However value each second.
Expertise it for your self on: Antarctica Basic
Leanne Greentree, Personal Teams, North America
To be utterly trustworthy, ours was actually clean crusing. They had been calling it the ‘Drake Lake’ as a result of we did not have any tough waters to cope with in any respect — each methods! We had been fortunate, however to be trustworthy, I hoped to expertise just a bit of what everybody was saying can be a wild journey. It did imply we might benefit from the ship and the lectures for the crossing, and never really feel ailing, which was an excellent factor.
Expertise it for your self on: Spirit of Shackleton
Kyle Jordan, Media Supervisor
The ocean was offended that day, my mates, like an previous man making an attempt to ship again soup in a deli. I felt like a moist soiled sock within the washer on a 36-hour spin cycle. I’ve by no means been one to fall ailing to movement illness, however this journey house can be a real check of that. Seventy-five p.c of my fellow passengers had been locked away of their respective cabins, simply ft from the security of their porcelain barf bag.
I’d hug my mattress — like a long-lost lover — at evening, in hopes I wouldn’t finish upon the ground. Moderately than stroll and maintain tight to the wall, I’d crawl on all fours to my desired vacation spot. The thought of presenting myself with dignity was a factor of the previous; this was about survival. It’s been a few years since my epic battle with the Drake, one I’ll keep in mind perpetually.
Expertise it for your self on: Quest for the Antarctic Circle
Paul Lai, Marine Operations Specialist
For those who go by the rule of thumb that it could possibly both be the ‘Drake Lake,’ or the ‘Drake Shake,’ my crossing was someplace in between. There was some rocking and rolling, however nothing too loopy. I medicated up on movement illness tablets and received numerous relaxation throughout these days on board. Reality be informed, my crossing the North Sea from Scotland to Norway was rather more turbulent, and that have made me lengthy for the great instances on the Drake!
Tough seas can catch you anyplace, and in my view the concern of a tough crossing on the Drake ought to by no means be a deterrent to any visitor contemplating making what’s more likely to be a as soon as in a lifetime journey to probably the most stunning continent.
Your Antarctica journey awaits
Able to cross the Drake Passage en path to Antarctica’s fabled icy frontier? Take a cruise via our Expedition excursions to Antarctica and cross your fingies for the Drake Lake or Drake Shake relying on what your coronary heart needs most.
Initially printed June 20, 2017.
