Ice Bergs

Drake Passage Cruise

Cross the world's most formidable body of water
Starting at:
Per Person
$ 4,995

Highlights

  • Earn bragging rights crossing a famously tempestuous stretch of ocean
  • Experience the mounting excitement of arguably the most heraldic approach to the White Continent
  • Delight in the awe-inspiring roughness of a “Drake Shake” crossing—or the relative tranquility of the “Drake Lake!”
  • Spy marine wildlife and often the first icebergs of your Antarctica trip
  • Get front-row seats to an amazing slice of geography, where the South Atlantic, the South Pacific, and the Southern Ocean all merge together within the mighty surge of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current

The majority of visitors to Antarctica embark on ship from Ushuaia, Argentina, which means they traverse one of the world’s most fabled seaways: the legendary Drake Passage, separating Tierra del Fuego from the Antarctic archipelago of the South Shetlands. It’s an absolute rite of passage (if you’ll pardon the pun) to experience a Drake Passage crossing, given this briny portal linking the Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern oceans—and raked by the circumpolar current of the West Wind Drift—smacks of centuries of maritime lore and high-seas adventure.

While long-ago sailors rightfully feared the often-ferocious winds and waves, modern-day Drake Passage cruises are actually quite safe. Some certainly experience seasickness crossing the Drake Passage, but there are good onboard treatments for such reactions, and meanwhile cruise ships are able to bypass or wait out bad storms. Many passengers who’ve heard horror stories of tumultuous “Drake Shake” conditions instead find themselves enjoying placid “Drake Lake” seas, and either way this mythic ocean road commonly rewards with glimpses of whales, pinnipeds, seabirds, and—as one proceeds ever southward—icebergs.

Penguins on the ice Ice shelf in Drake Passage

Antarctica Cruises Crossing The Drake Passage

Prepare for an epic adventure across the legendary Drake Passage. A journey of anticipation, breathtaking views, and unforgettable moments awaits.

Up to 40% savings

Antarctic Explorer: Discovering The 7th Continent

Length: 11 Day / 10 Night
Ships: Ocean Explorer, World Explorer
$ 10,940 - $ 25,675
Per Person
Up to 32% savings

In-Depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition

Length: 23 Day / 22 Night
Ships: MS Fram
$ 20,606 - $ 40,598
Per Person

South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

Length: 10 Day / 9 Night
Ships: Ocean Albatros, Ocean Victory
$ 8,095 - $ 28,195
Per Person

Antarctica - Basecamp

Length: 13 Day / 12 Night
Ships: Hondius, Plancius, Ortelius
$ 9,700 - $ 17,150
Per Person
Up to 41% savings

Antarctic Circle Expedition

Length: 18 Day / 17 Night
Ships: MS Roald Amundsen
$ 13,219 - $ 21,283
Per Person
Up to 30% savings

Classic Antarctica

Length: 10 Day / 9 Night
Ships: MV Ushuaia
$ 5,690 - $ 13,690
Per Person
Up to 15% savings

Spirit of Antarctica

Length: 12 Day / 11 Night
Ships: Sylvia Earle
$ 13,766 - $ 28,216
Per Person
Up to 46% savings

Highlights of Antarctica

Length: 12 Day / 11 Night
Ships: MS Fridtjof Nansen, MS Roald Amundsen
$ 8,385 - $ 18,456
Per Person

Prime Season Antarctica

Length: 9 Day / 8 Night
Ships: Ocean Victory
$ 7,895 - $ 13,295
Per Person

Antarctica - Elephant Island - Weddell Sea - Polar Circle

Length: 15 Day / 14 Night
Ships: Plancius
$ 10,500 - $ 16,650
Per Person

Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer

Length: 11 Day / 10 Night
Ships: Ocean Endeavour
$ 8,200 - $ 12,199
Per Person
Up to 25% savings

Spirit of Antarctica featuring the Chilean Fjords

Length: 13 Day / 12 Night
Ships: Sylvia Earle
$ 11,021 - $ 22,646
Per Person
Up to 16% savings

Celebrating Antarctica (12D)

Length: 12 Day / 11 Night
Ships: Seaventure
$ 11,020 - $ 19,590
Per Person
Up to 26% savings

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica: Explorers and Kings

Length: 20 Day / 19 Night
Ships: Ocean Explorer
$ 25,871 - $ 41,098
Per Person

Antarctica - Polar Circle - Whale Watching

Length: 12 Day / 11 Night
Ships: Plancius
$ 9,450 - $ 11,200
Per Person

Drake Passage Map

FAQ About Sailing The Drake Passage

What are Drake Passage cruises?

Drake Passage cruises are voyages that traverse the notorious stretch of water between South America’s southernmost tip and the Antarctic Peninsula. These cruises offer an unforgettable adventure, allowing travelers to experience the unique marine ecosystem and dramatic landscapes of the region.

What can I expect during a Drake Passage cruise?

During a Drake Passage cruise, you can expect breathtaking views, encounters with seabirds, including albatrosses and petrels, and the possibility of spotting whales. You’ll experience the thrill of crossing the legendary Drake Passage while enjoying onboard amenities and educational programs.

How long does a typical Drake Passage cruise last?

The crossing itself takes around 2 days, but a typical Drake Passage cruise lasts around 10-12 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.

Are Drake Passage cruises suitable for people prone to seasickness?

The Drake Passage is known for its rough seas, and some travelers may experience seasickness. However, modern expedition ships are equipped with stabilizers to minimize the impact of rough waters. It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for preventive measures.

When is the best time to go on a Drake Passage cruise?

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.

Drake Passage Cruise Ships

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.

Le Commandant Charcot

16-30 Days, 5 Itineraries
245 Guests, Luxury
$ 27,290 - $ 92,230
Per Person

Le Boréal

12 Days, 1 Itineraries
264 Guests, Luxury
$ 13,130 - $ 38,750
Per Person

Le Lyrial

12 Days, 1 Itineraries
244 Guests, Luxury
$ 15,220 - $ 40,330
Per Person

L’Austral

12 Days, 1 Itineraries
264 Guests, Luxury
$ 13,130 - $ 38,750
Per Person
Up to 51% savings

Ultramarine

12-23 Days, 5 Itineraries
199 Guests, Luxury
$ 12,004 - $ 53,937
Per Person
Up to 26% savings

Ocean Explorer

8-20 Days, 7 Itineraries
138 Guests, Luxury
$ 14,531 - $ 49,495
Per Person
Up to 40% savings

World Explorer

8-18 Days, 4 Itineraries
172 Guests, Luxury
$ 10,940 - $ 46,495
Per Person
Up to 50% savings

MS Fridtjof Nansen

12-19 Days, 3 Itineraries
530 Guests, Luxury
$ 8,385 - $ 18,456
Per Person
Up to 49% savings

MS Roald Amundsen

12-18 Days, 5 Itineraries
532 Guests, Luxury
$ 9,015 - $ 21,283
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Douglas Mawson

22-34 Days, 4 Itineraries
154 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 21,756 - $ 62,726
Per Person
Up to 25% savings

Sylvia Earle

12-23 Days, 14 Itineraries
132 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 10,046 - $ 56,521
Per Person

Magellan Explorer

6-20 Days, 6 Itineraries
96 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 6,795 - $ 38,995
Per Person
Up to 40% savings

Sea Spirit

12-23 Days, 7 Itineraries
114 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 10,095 - $ 43,995
Per Person

Ocean Albatros

9-19 Days, 10 Itineraries
169 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 8,095 - $ 47,195
Per Person
Up to 21% savings

Seaventure

11-21 Days, 12 Itineraries
164 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 10,450 - $ 40,135
Per Person
Up to 20% savings

Greg Mortimer

9-24 Days, 14 Itineraries
132 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 12,236 - $ 56,436
Per Person

Ocean Victory

9-19 Days, 7 Itineraries
189 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 7,895 - $ 43,395
Per Person
Up to 43% savings

MS Fram

22-23 Days, 3 Itineraries
318 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 14,963 - $ 40,598
Per Person
Up to 26% savings

Ocean Endeavour

11-23 Days, 7 Itineraries
200 Guests, Mid-Range
$ 7,400 - $ 30,240
Per Person

MS Expedition

11-22 Days, 5 Itineraries
134 Guests, Authentic
$ 6,299 - $ 33,999
Per Person
Up to 50% savings

Hondius

10-23 Days, 6 Itineraries
170 Guests, Authentic
$ 8,650 - $ 31,000
Per Person
Up to 31% savings

MV Ushuaia

10-22 Days, 5 Itineraries
90 Guests, Authentic
$ 5,690 - $ 20,390
Per Person

Ocean Nova

6-10 Days, 4 Itineraries
72 Guests, Authentic
$ 4,995 - $ 26,395
Per Person
Up to 41% savings

Plancius

11-21 Days, 8 Itineraries
108 Guests, Authentic
$ 6,050 - $ 24,400
Per Person

Ortelius

11-28 Days, 8 Itineraries
108 Guests, Authentic
$ 7,700 - $ 39,000
Per Person