For centuries, the Drake Passage has been one of the most feared and respected bodies of water on Earth. Just how dangerous is it?
Stretching approximately 800 kilometres (500 miles) between the southern tip of South America and the northernmost reaches of Antarctica, this legendary stretch of ocean is infamous for its unpredictable weather, towering waves, and powerful currents.
But what exactly has given the Drake Passage such a notorious reputation? And how safe is it today?
In the last decade, I have spent over three weeks on the Drake Passage and I am often faced with this question by potential travelers.
This page is my response.
My Personal Experience
Firstly, the Drake Passage is not dangerous for travelers wanting to visit Antarctica. Yes, it is a dangerous body of water, but weather forecasting systems are so accurate these days that ships can easily avoid the dangerous periods.
On my last sailing we were held in the Beagle channel for 36 hours as we waited for a storm to pass through.
The waves were exceeding 10m in height with hurricane force winds. Therefore, the captain made the decision to wait before crossing. This decision was shared by all the other operators.
Once the storm passed we headed across the Passage in 5m swells, which was a little unpleasant, but perfectly safe.
Even a good Drake crossing will usually see swells around 3 or 4 metres.
Why Is the Drake Passage So Rough?
The reason why the Drake Passage is so notoriously rough is to do with the currents.
The Drake Passage is the only natural oceanic gateway between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans at these latitudes.
With no significant landmass to break up the immense energy of the Southern Ocean, winds and currents can whip through unimpeded, creating some of the roughest seas in the world.
Historically, this treacherous stretch was the bane of sailors attempting to navigate between the Atlantic and Pacific before the construction of the Panama Canal.
Early explorers, whalers, and traders faced harrowing conditions, and many ships were lost to the ferocious storms that frequently swept through the passage.
Even today, the journey across the Drake remains often quite ‘bumpy’ for modern expedition vessels heading to Antarctica.
Several factors contribute to the Drake Passage’s legendary roughness:
- Unimpeded Winds: The passage lies within the "Furious Fifties," a band of powerful westerly winds that encircle the globe, generating constant storms and large swells.
- Powerful Currents: The Antarctic Circumpolar Current, the strongest ocean current on Earth, surges through the passage, moving approximately 140 million cubic metres of water per second.
- Variable Weather: Rapidly shifting weather patterns mean that conditions can change in a matter of hours, swinging from calm to chaotic without warning.
These elements combine to create conditions unlike anywhere else on Earth, where waves can regularly exceed 9 metres (30 feet) and winds can reach hurricane force.
The “Drake Shake” vs. The “Drake Lake”
Those who cross the passage often hear about its two extreme personalities:
The “Drake Shake” refers to the passage at its wildest, when high winds and towering waves make for a rollercoaster-like journey. During these crossings, even the most seasoned sailors can struggle with the relentless motion of the sea.
The “Drake Lake” is the passage at its calmest, when the waters are relatively smooth, and passengers enjoy a peaceful voyage. While less common, such conditions do occur, providing a much gentler introduction to Antarctica.
My own experience is usually somewhere in between. Most times I have crossed there has been a good deal of movement, but not enough to throw you out of the bed.
The Drake Lake is incredibly rare. I have crossed the drake 12 times and have never had swells under 2.5 metres. For more information on dealinhg with seasickness, see this page.
The unpredictability of the passage means that travellers never quite know what to expect until they set sail. For many people, including myself, this adds to the excitement.
Surviving the Crossing: Then and Now
In the age of wooden ships, crossing the Drake Passage was a formidable challenge.
Vessels were at the mercy of the elements, and many succumbed to the relentless waves and storms. Even well-equipped ships suffered heavy damage, and journeys could take weeks, or even months, to complete.
Today, modern Antarctic expedition vessels are designed with stabilisers, reinforced hulls, and state-of-the-art weather forecasting to ensure safe passage.
While passengers may still experience discomfort from the motion, the journey is no longer life-threatening—just an adventurous initiation into the world’s most remote wilderness.
The Legacy of the Drake Passage
The reputation of the Drake Passage endures not just because of its fearsome nature, but because of what lies beyond it.
For those who make the crossing, whether in relative calm or during a stormy passage, the reward is the chance to step foot on Antarctica—a continent of breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, and unparalleled adventure.
Many people also ask if the waters around the Antarctic Peninsula are dangerous. My answer is very similar to that of the Drake Passage.
Yes, there are icebergs everywhere, and shallow shoals, but navigational equipment and modern ship design essentially negates these dangers.
In many ways, the Drake Passage serves as a rite of passage for travellers. Facing its unpredictable waters adds to the sense of accomplishment upon arrival, reinforcing the feeling that reaching Antarctica is no ordinary journey.
The legend of the Drake Passage lives on, not as an insurmountable barrier, but as a thrilling challenge—a gateway to the most remote place on Earth.
