The Drake Passage is a body of water that separates the Southern tip of South America and Antarctica. This passage is about 600miles and is known as the "roughest seas in the world." I've crossed this stretch of water nearly 55 times and I can attest to its power, the type of power that makes you feel small, vulnerable, and helpless; however it's not just a rough scary place. It is a stretch of water filled with beauty, life, and wonder. Do I have some photos of huge swells, overturned rooms, and the bow crashing into wave? Yes, but I'm not going to show them here. I want to showcase the Drake's beauty and wonder and hopefully ease some of those individuals who are so terrified of the Drake that it's preventing them from hopping on a ship to Antarctica. I would like to note that of the roughly 55 crossing, only 4 of them have been like the crazy videos you've seen on youtube; Most of the time its just a little welly and rocky but not terrible.
A beautiful sunrise headed down to Antarctica across the drake Taken from my iphone7
There is something really mesmerizing about watching an open ocean. No land in sight, just sky and sea, sometimes they seem to blend together into just a vast landscape of blue. The swell is continuous and is broken up only for the brief moment it hits the ship. Have you ever sat and watched the flames of a fire and got completely captivated by it? It's very similar to watching waves hit the ship. The deep, dark, blue-black water moves like a train, chugging towards you and smashes into vibrant bright turquoise as it slaps the sides of the ship. I can sit there all day and watch this, it is truly amazing.
The whitewash from the swell hitting the side of the ship *Taken on my iphone7
Although there is no land in sight for about 2 days, there is no lack of creatures to be seen, if you are around to look for them. The obvious and most easy to spot are the sea birds. Sea birds love following the ships. If you spend some time out on the stern outer deck you are bound to see some Albatross gliding through the air. The Wondering Albatross is often seen here in the Drake. With an average wing span of 10 feet they are a magnificent sight to see, even if you're not an avid birder!
There is also life out here other than birds. Marine Mammals can often be found surfacing. Closer to South America dolphins can be seen swimming in the wake of the ship. Whales are often spotted as well. Orca, Fin Whales, Sei Whales and Humpback whales are all whales I've spotted looking out over the open ocean. Your eyes get trained with what to look for. The blow of the whale is what you keep your eyes out for the most. You can even identify or narrow down which type of whale you are seeing just from their blow!
As we travel across the Drake Passage you eventually get to the Antarctic Convergence. The Antarctic Convergence is where the cool waters of Antarctica meet the warmer waters of the north. The temperature drops several degrees Celsius once across the convergence. This is not just a change in water temperature, but it's also a biological change. Often creatures who live on one side of the convergence stay on that side. You won't know exactly when you are crossing the convergence, there is no obvious line or visible change, but once across it you are technically in Antarctic waters! Welcome to Antarctica. Sometimes because of the change in temperatures, it can get foggy out near the convergence. Once across its time to keep your eyes out for icebergs!
An iceberg on the horizon on a calm Drake Day
Tabular Icebergs
Cloudy days make for beautiful contrast against the sea, sky, and ice
Crossing the Drake Passage is an incredible experience. Although it can show its strength and fury, often times it's a beautiful experience full of enchanting skies, dreamy swells, and lively creatures. Somedays can even be downright peaceful! Don't let the hype of the Drake Passage keep your from experiencing the majestic sites of the Southern Ocean and Antarctica. You may even find you enjoy your time at sea!
The infamous Drake Passage on a peaceful Drake day :)