Drake Passage: Should You Sail Across or Fly?

Many consider crossing the Drake Passage by boat as legendary as visiting Antarctica itself. Stretching around 600 miles (965 km) between South America’s Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, the passage marks the point where the Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern oceans converge. The result is one of the world’s most unpredictable stretches of water, known to some as the “Drake Shake.”

Whether you choose to sail across or fly over the Drake Passage depends on the type of Antarctic adventure you’re seeking. Fortunately, expedition cruise providers like Silversea offer both options. 

Cruising the Drake Passage

Some consider sailing the Drake Passage a rite of passage. The crossing typically takes around two days, giving guests time to fully transition from the modern world into one of the planet’s last true wildernesses. As the ship heads south, seabirds such as wandering albatrosses, giant petrels and cape petrels begin to appear, while whales are occasionally spotted feeding in the nutrient-rich waters. Onboard expedition experts deliver lectures on Antarctic wildlife, history, geology and conservation, helping guests prepare for the days of exploration ahead.  

Silversea’s classic Antarctica expeditions aboard ships such as Silver Cloud and Silver Wind typically sail from Puerto Williams in Chile. Once over the Drake Passage, they spend the remainder of the trip exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. Longer itineraries continue to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, offering encounters with king penguin colonies and elephant seals, and visiting historic sites linked to Ernest Shackleton’s expeditions.  

Many seasoned polar travelers argue that sailing both directions provides a gradual appreciation of Antarctica’s increasing remoteness, making the first sight of towering icebergs even more dramatic.

Flying over the Drake

Not everyone dreams of rough seas. For travelers prone to seasickness or those with limited time, Silversea’s Antarctica Fly Cruise is a popular alternative. Instead of spending two days crossing the Southern Ocean, guests fly directly from southern Chile to King George Island in Antarctica, where they board their expedition ship. The flight takes approximately two hours, allowing travelers to begin Zodiac excursions and wildlife encounters almost immediately.  

Because the Drake Passage is bypassed entirely, fly-cruise itineraries can be significantly shorter while still delivering an authentic Antarctic experience. Guests spend more of their holiday exploring glaciers, penguin colonies, seals and whales, rather than at sea.

Silversea’s new southern gateway

The Cormorant at 55 South, a new luxury hotel in Puerto Williams, is a major enhancement to Silversea’s Antarctica program. Located in the southernmost town on Earth, the hotel is purpose-built for expedition guests who get to enjoy a comfortable stay overlooking the Beagle Channel before continuing south. Seamless transfers and private charter flights are arranged as part of the experience.  

The addition of the hotel reflects Silversea’s goal of making Antarctic travel as effortless as possible while introducing visitors to one of Patagonia’s most remote communities.

Will you sail across the Drake Passage or fly?

If you’ve always dreamed of experiencing one of the world’s most famous ocean crossings, sailing the Drake Passage is an unforgettable part of the adventure. The changing seas, abundant birdlife, and growing anticipation can feel integral to the journey. However, if your priority is maximizing time on the White Continent or avoiding rough seas, Silversea’s Fly Cruise program provides a remarkably efficient and luxurious alternative. 

Contact Darby’s Destinations to compare options and design your Antarctica expedition cruise itinerary.