Days 3-4: Drake Passage The time has come to cross the Drake Passage, the legendary body of water named after English explorer Sir Francis Drake. If the conditions are right, enjoy some time out on deck to spot dolphins, orcas or perhaps albatross. These trips begin and end in either Ushuaia, Argentina or Punta Arenas, Chile. The notoriously rough Drake Passage — the body of water between Cape Horn, at the southern tip of South America, and Antarctica — will soon be easier than ever to cross. The experts from Seabourn Ventures share what is like to cross the Drake Passage during a voyage to Antarctica. It was an extremely stable and safe ship. In October, adventure cruise company Aurora Expeditions will launch a new, state-of-the-art ship, the Greg Mortimer. I'm sure there are clips on YouTube to show what a cruise ship is like on those seas. Drake Passage is perilous enough to cross by motorized boat, but no one has ever attempted to cross the passage in an “unassisted” vessel (no motor, no sails), until, that is, this last December.

I was on the Fram, nowhere near the Drake Passage, when it was hit by a Force 12 hurricane. Some people got sick, some got hurt, meals were replaced by sandwiches, but we came through it well.

We're often asked about the best time to cross the Drake Passage, the notoriously bumpy stretch of water that lies between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula, but in truth you can experience bad weather and rough seas at any time of year.You're better off basing your decision on the wildlife you want to see, the area of Antarctica you want to visit and how much money you want to spend. Skip trial 1 month free. By Lina Stock on October 4, ... this is not a good time to be crossing the Drake Passage from South America. The crossing takes two days by boat or two hours by plane. Find out why Close. But while the weather isn’t at its summery best yet, there are many positives to visiting in November. ... you’ll be among the first Antarctic cruise passengers to cross the Drake Passage and set foot on the untouched icy shores of the big White Continent.

The Antarctic Peninsula – an extension of the Andes – is the most popular landing spot as it is closest point to South America, but still separated by the notoriously rough, 1,000km-wide Drake Passage.

Most operators cruise a similar route – cross the Drake Passage, cruise several days (4-5) along the western shore of the Antarctic Peninsula, then return back through the Drake Passage. This option typically takes between 10 to 13 days in total. Working at G Adventures, you’re surrounded by lucky people who’ve had the privilege to visit Antarctica. When deciding where to go in Antarctica, the biggest issue is accessibility. And if a road trip through Patagonia is on your wish list then plan with abandon. / Best Time to Visit Antarctica: MONTH by MONTH Breakdown. Best Things To Do in South and Central America – OCTOBER Guide. Before the Toronto rapper, there was my Dalmatian — but before my Dalmatian, there was the Drake Passage, the notorious body of water that stretches across 500 miles of unpredictable weather and challenges all who dare cross it.