Despite its reputation, crossing this unpredictable water body can be an unforgettable 48-hour affair. These days, with the finest equipment, safety procedures, experienced crew members and polar-ready ships, the Drake Passage can be a remarkable part of one's polar voyage—not dangerous.
How rough is the Drake Passage on a cruise ship?
Some days the water will be surprisingly calm, others will present your Antarctica cruise with sizable swells. Winds and low pressure fronts flying circles around Antarctica can coalesce into a wild ride on the Drake. If you're prone to seasickness, it's a good idea to see your doctor before you sail the Drake Passage.
Do ships still use the Drake Passage?
Today, modern ships can cross the Drake Passage and its waves very reliably, as they handle the swells better and have much more advanced navigation systems. However, the Drake Passage may well also be calm, which some people refer to as the 'Drake Lake'.
How big are the waves in the Drake Passage?
The Drake passage is known for its waves, in fact the waves can be up to 60 feet tall! In addition to these massive swells, it is also home to some incredible winds and ocean currents. Even though it's a very remote part of our world, there are still thousands of people who make their way through it every year.
Why is Drake Passage waters so rough?
The Drake Passage, the body of water between Cape Horn in South America and the South Shetland Islands in Antarctica, is where the Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern seas converge, and because the currents here meet no resistance from any nearby landmass, they're some of the choppiest waters in the world.
Why is the Drake Passage so scary?
In short, the Drake Passage is infamous for having insanely large swells that cause ships to rock side to side constantly, and quite drastically. It's pretty terrifying to watch, and at some points it also feels very scary.
How deep is the water at Drake Passage?
The passage is incredibly deep.Its average depth is 11,150 feet, although the ocean floor is thought to reach depths of up to 15,700 feet near the passage's southern and northern boundaries.
What is the roughest ocean on Earth?
The Black Sea is home to some of the roughest waters in the world. Strong currents and unpredictable storms make it a treacherous place for ships. And, with an average depth of over 2 miles, it's also one of the deepest seas on Earth.
How many cruise ships have sunk in the Drake Passage?
Why is Drake Passage so rough?
With no land surrounding the latitudes of the Drake Passage to break it's flow, combined with strong winds and unpredictable weather, Drake Passage sea sickness is often an inevitability. The Drake Passage can experience up to 15m swells and winds reaching Beaufort scale 10 (hurricanes are scale 12) at its peak.
What is the roughest ocean in the world?
Black SeaThe Black Sea is home to some of the roughest waters in the world. Strong currents and unpredictable storms make it a treacherous place for ships. And, with an average depth of over 2 miles, it's also one of the deepest seas on Earth.
How deep is the water in the Drake Passage?
15,748′Drake Passage / Max depthThe passage is incredibly deep.Its average depth is 11,150 feet, although the ocean floor is thought to reach depths of up to 15,700 feet near the passage's southern and northern boundaries.
Why is the water so rough in the Drake Passage?
The Drake Passage, the body of water between Cape Horn in South America and the South Shetland Islands in Antarctica, is where the Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern seas converge, and because the currents here meet no resistance from any nearby landmass, they're some of the choppiest waters in the world.
How do I survive the Drake Passage?
Dealing with the Drake PassageYou can help to minimise the effects of sea sickness with a few basic techniques: Staying hydrated is key, as is avoiding drinking alcohol. Eat light, regular meals. Stay active by going for a walk around the ship or venturing up to the deck.
Which cruises have the roughest seas?
- Expect Rougher Caribbean Seas in the North and East. …
- Alaska Cruises Can Be Bumpy in the Gulf of Alaska. …
- Bermuda and the Bahamas Are a Bit Less Sheltered Than the Caribbean. …
- The Drake Passage on the Way to Antarctica Is Notoriously Intense. …
- You'll Find Some Rough Waters in the South China Sea and Elsewhere. …
- Australia. …
- Africa.
What is the best medicine for Drake Passage?
One of the most effective and popular seasick preventatives is the transdermal scopolamine patches, which you stick behind your ear about four hours before you think you'll need them. The patches last three days and release medication gradually that works its way out of your system over that time.
Why does the Drake Passage so rough?
The Drake Passage, the body of water between Cape Horn in South America and the South Shetland Islands in Antarctica, is where the Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern seas converge, and because the currents here meet no resistance from any nearby landmass, they're some of the choppiest waters in the world.