Where the mighty waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans collide
The Antarctic is undoubtedly a bucket-list destination, but the sometimes calm, sometimes volatile body of water known as the Drake Passage is the stuff of travel legend. Known to many as one of the roughest sea passages in the world, this icy expanse not only offers rare glimpses into the world of marine mammals but also allows you the time to come to terms with the sheer size and scale of the Antarctica region. Whether you want to scout the horizon for breaching humpback whales or take a deep breath of the fresh, icy air from the top deck, our Drake Passage cruises will undoubtedly be an unforgettable adventure.
There are very few places where you can completely switch off and be at one with the natural landscape surrounding you. Drake Passage is one of those places. Escape from the general racket of ship life and go to the boat's bow for a deep, lungful of fresh and icy Antarctic air. Please refrain from acting out Leo's 'King of the World' moment.
When you think of on-board activities, yoga may not be the first one that comes to mind, however, it’s one of the best ways to rejuvenate your soul and leave you feeling refreshed for the journey ahead. Take the time to participate in a class with a professional instructor and release any tension or stress you might be holding onto (you definitely don’t need that in the Antarctic).
If the weather is misbehaving during your journey through Drake Passage, there are still plenty of things to do on board to keep you entertained. That’s where the polar library comes in. With books on everything under the sun, including fascinating facts on your otherworldly destination, enrich your mind in preparation for the rest of your polar adventure.
You can’t go on an eye-opening, life-changing trip to the Antarctic without knowing the wanderlusters traveling with you. Crossing the Drake Passage is the perfect time to relax, drink, regale your shipmates with stories of your previous adventures, and get excited for the epic one you're about to go on.
If you think that just because there’s no land in sight, you won’t see any animals during your voyage across the notorious Drake Passage then perhaps you should think again. Drake Passage is full of animal life from high-flying albatross to breaching whales. The opportunity to photograph these creatures in all their Antarctic glory is a definite pinch-me moment you’ll remember for years to come.
Learn about Antarctica’s epic history from polar experts
It might seem like there's not much to do when crossing the Drake Passage, but the polar experts on board would say otherwise. Knowledgeable on all things Antarctica, including the region's history, geology, and biology, treat yourself to a presentation or lecture from the professionals who know it best so you know exactly what you're sailing into.
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Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer (Ocean Endeavour)
Julia · Traveled January 2024
My time on the Ocean Endeavor was amazing. Intrepid was professional and helpful from the time I booked until the time I disembarked. My trip to Antarctica has been indescribable and I am sad to leave. The staff was extremely knowledgeable, helpful, interesting and fun. I wish I had more time to get to know them, pick their brains and stay in Antarctica longer. I would highly recommend an Intrepid trip, especially to Antarctica, and in the future I would used Intrepid for other adventures.
Review submitted 06 Feb 2024
Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer (Ocean Endeavour)
Brandon · Traveled January 2024
100/10 - A life changing experience! A journey I now believe everyone should take in their life!
Review submitted 06 Feb 2024
Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer (Ocean Endeavour)
Lorine · Traveled January 2024
Antarctica is an amazing, remote and pristine continent. The presentations during sea times/days are excellent and cover a wide variety of topics. The equipment used is very satisfactory and one feels safe. Excellent experience!!
Review submitted 13 Feb 2024
Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer (Ocean Endeavour)
Anne Victoria · Traveled January 2024
Most definitely this is the trip of a lifetime. A magnificent mind – expanding, sensory delight-full, awareness-raising experience that no picture or review can begin to fully describe. You have to be there to experience being on the water in a kayak, crunching up the Everything is supported and organised brilliantly and efficiently, safely and joyfully by the team. The supporting talks add enormously to the experience and are always entertaining as well as educational. snowy slopes avoiding the penguin highways, taking the polar plunge into the Southern Ocean or just soaking it all in from the observation decks. Everything is supported and organised brilliantly and efficiently, safely and joyfully by the team. The supporting talks add enormously to the experience and are always entertaining as well as educational.
Review submitted 06 Feb 2024
Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer (Ocean Endeavour)
Steph · Traveled January 2024
This was a trip of a lifetime! No words truly describe the experience we had, but it was absolutely incredible and Antarctica is so special, it needs to be on your bucket list. The staff were amazing, so engaging with the guests and the whole operation ran so smoothly.
Review submitted 06 Feb 2024
Drake Passage travel FAQs
The Drake Passage is situated between Ushuaia, the southernmost tip of Argentina, and stretches to the top of the Antarctic Continental Shelf.
The passage itself is 1000km in length and takes about 36 hours to cross in good weather, and up to 48 hours if the water is choppy.
Despite its reputation of being one of the most treacherous water crossings in the world, crossing the Drake Passage isn't dangerous anymore.
While that may have been different for the region's first explorers centuries ago, new technology, safety procedures, and specialized equipment nowadays ensure a safe crossing.
If you're joining us on an Antarctica cruise, you'll cross the Drake Passage in order to get to Antarctica. It's often viewed as one of those 'bucket-list' things you simply have to do if you're traveling to the region.
While you can experience horrible weather conditions and rough waters anytime, summer is considered the best time to cross through the Drake Passage. This is because the weather is usually calmer and doesn't produce as many storms as in spring or autumn.
Traveling in either June, July, or August will theoretically give you the best chance of avoiding awful weather.
We are committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations.
We are always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.