Table Of Content
The Drake Passage is not just about the living wonders; it’s also a showcase of unique geological formations. As you approach the Antarctic Peninsula, icebergs of all shapes and sizes start appearing, each a floating sculpture crafted by the forces of nature. Penguins are another highlight, though most species, like the Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, are primarily spotted on the nearby Antarctic islands rather than in the passage itself.
of the most iconic wildlife species you can see on an expedition cruise
Each traveler through the Drake Passage bears a personal responsibility to respect and protect the environment. This includes following guidelines for responsible tourism, reducing waste, and being mindful of one’s impact on the fragile ecosystems encountered. Monitoring these changes is crucial for understanding the broader impacts of climate change on global ocean systems. This interaction is a valuable component of the cruise experience, deepening passengers’ understanding and appreciation of the Drake Passage and Antarctica. A typical day might start with a briefing about the day’s weather and potential wildlife sightings, followed by meals in dining rooms that offer panoramic views of the passing scenery. This area is crucial for scientists studying climate change, marine biology, and oceanography.
Drake Passage Cruise Ships
The best time for Drake Passage cruises is during the Antarctic summer months from November to March when wildlife is abundant, and the weather is relatively milder. This period offers the best chances for wildlife encounters and safe navigation across the passage. The crossing itself takes around 2 days, but a typical Drake Passage cruise lasts around days, with the duration varying depending on the specific itinerary and activities offered.
Antarctica Direct: Sail & Fly the Drake Passage Itinerary
"If you've seen any videos in the last two days or so, we all know that they had some weather mishaps—I think deck 12 got flooded," said a TikToker at the time in a video about the cruise. "I saw a video of one of the rooms getting flooded and that wasn't even a really, really bad storm and it started flooding." From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises). Antarctica was connected to South America during a period of time known as the Eocene Epoch, which lasted from 56 to almost 40 million years ago. As the years passed and the planet’s landmasses changed shape, Antarctica separated from South America and made way for a large oceanic current that soon encircled it.
Wildlife Spotting and Scenic Views
This 8- or 11-day Antarctic air cruise aboard the 138-guest Ocean Explorer or 172-passenger World Explorer flies above the Drake Passage before exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. A group charter flight between King George Island and Puerto Natales, Chile is required on this trip’s itinerary; see this trip’s Exclusions. There is a strict luggage limit of one or two checked bags weighing up to 51 lbs (23 kg) combined, and one carry-on bag weighing up to 17 lbs (7 kg) plus a personal item that can be stowed under the seat. Children under the age of 18 are eligible for $500 off the double occupancy rate.
For modern travelers, crossing the Drake Passage continues this tradition of exploration, fulfilling a deep-seated curiosity about the natural world. The journey through the Drake Passage offers a unique opportunity to promote environmental and cultural awareness. Understanding the region’s fragility and its importance to global ecosystems can inspire a commitment to conservation and respect for diverse cultures.
The Drake Passage and Antarctic Circumpolar Current
This team of experts leads presentations throughout the crossing that will help prepare you for your polar immersion once you land in Antarctica. Within the Drake Passage are a series of enchanting islands and photogenic icebergs that glisten with radiant light. Sailing between each of these destinations during the middle of a sunny day is one of the best things about a voyage through this remote area of the world. While the scenery is incredible and ripe with photogenic moments, it's important to prepare yourself for unexpected weather conditions that could occur throughout your journey.
Of course please get advice from your doctor or pharmacistfirst before you leave. The unsettling sense of fear that rough waters create, however, is probably the worst part for some passengers. A set of elevators and six rooms were reportedly impacted by the minor flooding, which has already been dealt with. "This is where the Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern seas all meet, resulting and what can be some of the choppiest waters in the world."
How to Cruise Antarctica Without Sailing the Drake Passage - TravelAge West
How to Cruise Antarctica Without Sailing the Drake Passage.
Posted: Thu, 01 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
What are Drake Passage cruises?
Along with the Magellan Strait and the Beagle Channel, these are the only navigable sea ways (passages) around South America. However, most large-sized commercial (cargo shipping) vessels operate on itineraries via Drake Passage or Strait of Magellan. Due to Beagle Channel's strong winds, sailships with around South America itineraries use the Drake Passage. Generally, it is believed that the best month to visit Antarctica is in January when the Drake Passage seas are typically calmer, but the waterway remains unpredictable regardless of the month. In late November, a 62-year-old American passenger on a Viking cruise ship was killed when a rogue wave smashed through a window, sending broken glass flying. "The Antarctica season is very short, only a few months, and the Drake is notorious for its waves being unpredictable," Abbamonte said.
There's not a definitive time that's better or worse for crossing the Drake Passage. Some sources say the beginning and end of the summer season can have stronger winds and rougher seas, so this would typically be in November and March. I've also read that December and January can be calmer months for the crossing. The unpredictability of crossing the Drake Passage is that you might get lucky and experience the Drake Lake when it's weirdly calm and almost smooth as glass.
The Drake Passage connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans at the point where the Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern seas converge. The 600-mile-wide waterway sits between Cape Horn, the southernmost headland of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in Southern Chile, to 100 miles north of the Antarctic Peninsula at the South Shetland Islands. The Drake Passage is regarded as one of the world's most dangerous bodies of water to navigate. Though named for the famous 16th-century English explorer Sir Francis Drake during his circumnavigation of the globe between 1577 and 1580, Drake never actually sailed the Drake Passage. With a little sea lore, some history, and a few fun facts, here is our guide to sailing the Drake Passage. Blogger Candice Gaukel Andrews wrote about a trip across the passage in 2015, writing that she woke up one night to waves hitting the ship "as if I were riding a bucking horse in a rodeo."
However, this also means that it is vulnerable to impacts from climate change, pollution, and human activities. The unique experience of enjoying a meal while surrounded by the pristine wilderness of the Drake Passage is truly memorable. This natural spectacle, where the sun barely sets, creates prolonged periods of daylight, offering more opportunities for wildlife viewing and experiencing the ethereal beauty of the Antarctic environment.
For many, it also enhances the appreciation of arriving in the serene and pristine environment of Antarctica. As a key gateway to Antarctica, the Drake Passage holds a special place in the context of global environmental conservation. The experiences and lessons learned in this remote part of the world often translate into a greater understanding and commitment to environmental stewardship among those who travel through it. These international agreements set forth principles for the protection of the Antarctic environment, including the Drake Passage. They regulate tourism, scientific research, and fishing activities, aiming to preserve the region’s ecological integrity. The Drake Passage is part of a delicate and unique ecosystem, highly sensitive to environmental changes.
Modern cruise ships offer a variety of amenities, including comfortable cabins, dining options, and recreational facilities. From the majestic whales to the soaring seabirds, and from the colossal icebergs to the midnight sun, the passage offers a parade of unforgettable experiences. It’s a testament to the beauty and resilience of nature, offering a profound and moving experience that stays with travelers long after their journey ends.
No comments:
Post a Comment