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This timeframe allows for ample exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding areas. 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. Home to a diverse assortment of wildlife—Weddell and elephant seals; Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins—this island also has a human presence. Researchers from a wide range of countries, including the US, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil, call the various stations home.
Drake Passage: A note on Drake Passage Weather
Some people cope with sea sickness better than others but Irecommend you have some form of medication with you just in case.There are patches and tablets each with pros and cons. Popular onmy voyage was a patch placed behind the ear which lasts up to 3days and is apparently less likely to cause drowsiness thantablets. Ginger is also said to help (tea is good, or evenbiscuits!) and some recommend acupressure wrist bands. Tocomplicate matters most medications are better started prior to theonset of symptoms, but my blanket advice is take tablets with youand if you start to feel ill take them and sleep as much as youcan.
Ocean Endeavour
These include amenities such as a sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the polar landscape, a panoramic theater, and even the Tundra spa. While the wilderness of the Southern Ocean is the main attraction of this journey, relaxing onboard and enjoying some of the finer amenities (a massage, perhaps) add a different dimension to the polar expedition. You’ll get to know ice up close and personal—from icebergs the size of islands, bergy bits and near-vertical glaciers, to the fragile, nearly invisible layers that have just begun to freeze. One day, you might set out by kayak to encounter towering icebergs at water level; embark on a Zodiac excursion in search of seals and blue-eyed shags; or walk amid thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins.
More options for cruisers who hate the Drake: Demand grows for Antarctica flyover - Travel Weekly
More options for cruisers who hate the Drake: Demand grows for Antarctica flyover.
Posted: Mon, 12 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Adventure News
Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Originally a small fishing port, the town is nestled on the Last Hope Sound and boasts a stunning view of the sea surrounded by the Cerro Benitez Mountains—the gateway to Torres del Paine. Join this evening for dinner and a briefing on the following day’s activities. Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Antarctica cruises and trips to Antarctica, including even more ways to fly the Drake Passage. It's often viewed as one of those 'bucket-list' things you simply have to do if you're traveling to the region.
Our captain adjusted course to get us in a nice position to view these giants gently swimming around on each side of the ship. There were about a dozen in total blowing frequent spouts of mist above the shimmering waters of the Southern Ocean. During our first full day sailing, we had a few things to take care of ahead of our arrival to the peninsula. This included the IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) talk, which outlines the international rules for visiting the peninsula. There were also kayaking and snowshoeing orientations for cruisers who wish to take part in those activities, as well as a briefing on Zodiac procedures and safety.
The passage is also a haven for several species of seals, including the Leopard seal and the Antarctic fur seal. 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.
of the most iconic wildlife species you can see on an expedition cruise
Many cruises emphasize environmental education, teaching passengers about the fragile ecosystems of the Drake Passage and Antarctica. This may include information on conservation efforts and how individuals can contribute to preserving these pristine environments. A cruise through the Drake Passage is more than a passage from one continent to another; it’s a journey through a world of natural wonders. Given its ecological significance, the Drake Passage is subject to various international conservation efforts and regulations.
Antarctica & Patagonia Expedition Southbound
Smaller ships offer more intimate experiences and greater flexibility in itineraries, while larger vessels provide more amenities and stability in rough seas. Researching cruise lines, reading reviews, and possibly consulting with travel experts can help in making an informed decision. The modern era has seen the passage transform from a trade route to a pathway for scientific research and adventure tourism.
Day 2: Ushuaia Embark
It takes the average cruise ship about 48 hours to sail from one end of the Drake Passage to the other. This depends on the exact embarkation and destination point, of course, but the conditions of the Drake are also highly relevant. If you're joining us on an Antarctica cruise, you'll cross the Drake Passage in order to get to Antarctica.
Rodrigo, the resident Ornithologist (bird expert), has made the crossing more than 160 times. He also worked with the first company to bring tourism to Antarctica, Lindblad Expeditions. Another member of the team, Maxi, worked with his father on research ships to Antarctica. He told me one crossing took 18 days from the Antarctic Peninsula to Ushuaia, the port on the southernmost tip of Argentina. Usually a 2 day journey, although quicker in good weather, theDrake Passage can range from incredibly calm (imagine being gentlylulled to sleep) to, well, a lot worse. Swells from 1 metre tobetween 7 and 8, plus wind speed and direction all have an effect.To get an idea what you're up against check out PassageWeather.com to see the current, althoughchangeable, forecast.
Disembark and take a Zodiac to shore to board your 2-hour flight back to Puerto Natales where you overnight at the included group hotel. Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Explore the world’s last great wilderness in the company of top naturalists and the most experienced polar captains in Antarctica, with more than 55 years of expedition heritage. Hike amid magnificent mountains; see huge glaciers; and observe a parade of gentoo, Adélie and chinstrap penguins. Kayak in protected waters, paddling in the Antarctic stillness as penguins swim nearby. Kids and teens will learn about this exhilarating part of the world with the National Geographic Global Explorers family program.
The scenery was overwhelminglybeautiful and every preconceived highlight was surpassed. Penguins,albatross, whales, hunting leopard seals and incredible storiesfrom a heroic age combined to create a once in a lifetimeexperience. It was a great way to rejuvenate my body after all the air travel en route to the ship, and it also was the best time to enjoy the massage before things got really cranking with the activities once we reached Antarctica. These eddies, when combined with the strong winds and sometimes violent storms common to this area, can make the Drake Passage richly earn its reputation as one of Earth's roughest waterways. They also add, in relation to their ships, that they are well equipped, ice-strengthened, and have "stabilizers to assist in rough conditions," so there is no need to worry too much about safety. And as it always goes, make sure to listen for instructions and don’t go on the deck when it isn’t advised to do so.
Navigating these waters requires experienced captains, well-equipped vessels, and advanced navigational technology. Selecting the ideal cruise for your journey through the Drake Passage requires careful consideration. Key factors include the length of the trip, the size and type of ship, the amenities offered, and the focus of the voyage (wildlife watching, historical sites, scientific interest, etc.). Today, as cruisers traverse these same waters, they sail through a corridor of time, where each wave tells a story of bravery, tragedy, and triumph. The passage, with its turbulent waters and unforgiving weather, continues to command respect and awe, offering a timeless journey into the heart of maritime lore. Visit the Ship's Doctor .If all else fails (and you're really motion sick), you can visit the ship's doctor, get a shot of Dimenhydrinate, and sleep away the rest of the day.
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