The Drake Passage
The Earth's Most Treacherous Waters
At just 400 miles, the Drake Passage is the shortest crossing of Antarctica, a body of open sea located between the southernmost tip of South America and the northern tip of the mainland ‘White Continent’. Entirely comprised of open water with no land mass around at these latitudes, crossing Drake Passage is considered an integral part of the Antarctica adventure, and is a unique spot like no other in the world.
The Drake Passage, also known as 'Mar de Hoces', is one of the most notorious maritime passages on the planet. Characterised by strong winds, powerful currents, and some of the most severe weather conditions found anywhere on Earth. Despite its reputation, you should not be deterred, as usually the crossing is rather benign and surprisingly calm.
Named after the famous English explorer Sir Francis Drake, who ventured through its waters in the 16th century, this passage is infamous for its unpredictable weather, rough seas, and the critical role it plays in the global climate system.
The Best Time to Cross the Drake Passage
Contrary to commonly held belief, there is no time of year when the sea is calmer or less turbulent to make the crossing, but many subscribe to the opinion that the winds pick up toward the end of the season around March time, which can make the journey slightly more adventurous overall.
Where is the Drake Passage
The Drake Passage lies between Cape Horn in Chile and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica, spanning approximately 800 kilometers (500 miles) across. It connects the southwestern part of the Atlantic Ocean with the southeastern part of the Pacific Ocean and serves as the narrowest chokepoint of the Southern Ocean, the body of water encircling Antarctica.
The Southern Ocean and the Antarctic Circumpolar Current
One of the defining features of the Drake Passage is the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), the world's strongest and most voluminous ocean current, flowing from west to east and connecting the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. This current plays a crucial role in the global circulation of the oceans, helping to regulate Earth's climate by redistributing heat and influencing atmospheric patterns.
The passage of the ACC through the Drake Passage is unrestricted by any landmass, which allows the current to flow unobstructed at a high velocity. The narrowness of the Drake Passage forces the current into a bottleneck, accelerating the flow and contributing to the extremely rough seas for which the region is famous.
The Drake Passage Journey
Sailing through the Drake Passage is a rite of passage for many mariners, particularly those on expeditions to Antarctica. The conditions here are some of the most unpredictable and dangerous in the world, with waves that can reach heights of up to 15 meters (50 feet) or more, driven by the strong westerly winds known as the "Furious Fifties." The combination of these winds, the powerful currents, and the lack of significant landmasses to interrupt the flow of air and water makes for a volatile environment.
These rough waters have earned the Drake Passage a fearsome reputation. However, despite its challenges, the passage also offers moments of surreal beauty. The sight of albatrosses gliding effortlessly above the waves, the occasional appearance of whales breaching the surface, and the first glimpse of the icy expanse of Antarctica on the horizon make the journey through the Drake Passage unforgettable.
Drake Passage Wildlife
- Seabirds such as the wandering albatross, the Sooty Shearwater, the Southern Fulmar and several species of petrels.
- Whales - Humpbacks, Minke Whales, Fin and Orcas
- Leopard, Crabeater & Fur Seals
Ecological Importance
- The cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Drake Passage support a diverse array of marine life, including krill, which forms the foundation of the Antarctic food web. This abundance of krill attracts a variety of species, including seals, penguins, and whales, making the passage an important area for marine biodiversity.
- The waters of the Drake Passage also play a crucial role in the carbon cycle. The cold currents facilitate the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to regulate global carbon levels and mitigate climate change.
Today, the Drake Passage remains a significant route for scientific research vessels and tourist expeditions, and modern ships are better equipped to handle challenging conditions. Scientists monitor the passage to gain insights into the changing dynamics of the Southern Ocean and their potential impacts on global climate patterns. Read more about conservation in Antarctica.