The Drake Passage

Between the base of South America and Antarctica’s South Shetland Islands flows a 600-mile-wide stretch of water where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet. This powerful convergence of seas is in the middle of the shortest route to the bottom of Earth. If you’re prone to seasickness, you will meet with it here.

For at least two days without sight of land, you will endure the strongest ocean currents in the world, galeforce winds, and waves that can reach as high as 60 feet. “Are we there yet?” Not quite.

Unless you have military clearance, scientific expertise, strong wings, or the last name Bezos or Musk, the Drake is a required route and rite of passage for anyone with their headlamps aimed at the frozen bottom of Earth.

Curiously, this massive confluence can shift without warning from the calm, flat rippling waters called the “Drake Lake” to its ferocious twin, the “Drake Shake,” a turbulent ride that assaults ships and seafarers from all sides.

But upon reaching the Antarctic Peninsula, you’re met by a wonderland: sparkling glaciers, boisterous birds waddling in tuxes, and the euphoric sight of solid ground. Plow forward despite the ice in your eyelashes there’s much to discover.

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