Should You Sail or Fly the Drake Passage – Or Both? Here are the Pros and Cons | Travel News

When Tim Johnson discusses trips to Antarctica, one thing always stands out: the Drake Passage has a way of intimidating travelers, especially those crossing it for the first time. And it’s no surprise. Stretching roughly 500 miles between the southern tip of South America and the Antarctic Peninsula, the Drake Passage is among the most tumultuous and treacherous bodies of water on Earth.

Tim likens the Drake to a garden hose turned on full blast, with someone’s thumb partially covering the nozzle. It’s a fitting analogy for the sheer force of the Drake—but on an oceanic scale. The Antarctic Circumpolar Current rushes unimpeded around the globe until it hits this narrow bottleneck between continents, creating chaos.

Those who have sailed the Drake divide their experiences into two categories: “Drake Shake,” characterized by massive seas and powerful winds, and the rarer “Drake Lake,” when the waters are unexpectedly calm. Over the course of seven trips to Antarctica, Tim has experienced both, though his journeys lean more toward the Shake. He recalls hurricane-strength winds and waves so large they’ve sent china crashing from dinner tables. These intense crossings have left a lasting impression on him.

Fortunately, modern cruise lines offer an alternative: avoiding the Drake altogether by flying directly to Antarctica. Recently, the “Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly” option has been introduced, allowing travelers to cross the Drake by sea in one direction and fly in the other.

“We’ve been planning this for a decade,” said Trey Byus, during the inaugural Sail and Fly trip aboard the National Geographic Explorer. “It’s about providing more choices.” Advances in weather technology have also played a key role, significantly reducing flight cancellation rates—from about 10–15% to just 2%, according to Byus. “We feel confident now.”

Should the traveler sail the Drake or fly over it? Packages of 8, 9 and 10 days are offered, with options to fly both ways or combine sailing and flying. Flights operate from Puerto Natales (Chile) to the airstrip at the Presidente Eduardo Frei Montalva Base on King George Island. Combinations of flight and navigation are also available.

Here are the pros and cons of flying to Antarctica:

Pros:

 

1. Save Time:
   For travelers short on time, flying is a major advantage. Traditional Antarctica cruises include two days crossing the Drake each way, with trips lasting at least 10–11 days. Flying both ways reduces the trip to just eight days, maximizing time on the White Continent.

2. Avoid Seasickness:
   Flying significantly reduces the chances of encountering rough waters. Even sailing the calmer Bransfield Strait near the Peninsula is relatively smooth. For those prone to seasickness, flying both ways is a compelling option.

3. Less Stress:
   If the thought of braving the Drake’s legendary turbulence deters travelers, flying provides peace of mind. No need to worry about rough seas ruining the experience.

4. Unique Experience at Frei Base:
   Flying through Frei Base offers a rare glimpse into Antarctic research life. Travelers can see the Chilean and Russian stations, spot the Russian Orthodox Church, and watch planes land on the unsealed runway—a memorable and unique aspect of the journey.
    

Cons:

 

1. Flight Uncertainty:
   While rare, flight cancellations due to weather remain a possibility. Antarctic flights are less predictable than standard routes.

2. Miss the Transition Time:
   Crossing the Drake allows time to mentally prepare for and reflect on the surreal experience of Antarctica. Flying skips this transitional period, which some find valuable.

3. Lose the Drake Experience:
   Sailing the Drake Passage is considered a rite of passage. Whether it’s the calm of Drake Lake or the exhilarating chaos of Drake Shake, the journey itself is an unforgettable part of the adventure. Tim, for instance, finds great joy in witnessing the raw power of this waterway and marvels at the capabilities of modern ships navigating through it.
    

Ultimately, the choice depends on travelers’ priorities. For those with limited time or concerns about seasickness, flying is an excellent alternative. However, for adventurous souls who wish to embrace the full Antarctic experience, sailing the Drake offers unmatched memories and maritime bragging rights.