I couldn’t find the right forum to post this in, but I’m interested to see if anyone has been to Antarctica via the Drake Passage?
I’ve been seeing lots of TikToks lately of people’s experiences in the Drake Passage, and frankly, as someone who’s always dreamed of visiting Antarctica, I’m kind of terrified now
Is it just as bad as what everyone makes it out to be? Does motion sickness medication really help?
If you, or someone you know, has crossed the Drake Passage, I’d love to hear your experences!
Also, keen to hear how your trip to Antarctica was in general!
I would also love to go to Antarctica one day! And have also heard the ship journey is not for the faint hearted.
My uncle and a friend of mine have both done the trip, and both told me it gets pretty rough and there is a lot of rolling around and difficulty sleeping (and of course the sea sickness). I’m not sure if they took motion sickness meds and if it helped, but both also said it was 100% worth it and they are so glad they did it. I’m not sure you can do much to completely avoid the symptoms of the rough seas, but it’s all part of the journey and experience and usually in life the uncomfortable experiences are the most worthwhile!
I think the Drake Passage is one of the bet examples of ‘The Journey is the Adventure!’
A buddy and I were all booked to go before the big lockdown a few years ago and it’s slipped down my bucket since, so while I didn’t actually take the trip, I did lots of research etc.
The crossing can be challenging, but bear in mind that the crew steering your ship do this multiple times a week without incident. Apparently staying near a window if you can, and looking outside can help as long as the sight of the sea doesn’t freak you out.
Don’t eat too much heavy food, light frequent snacks are better! And medication doesn’t do any harm.
It will be worth it though, especially if you catch sight of whales
The Drake Passage is a deadly confluence of two oceans, resulting in a tumultuous body of water that can leave even the most experienced sea captains reaching for the nearest barf bag.
Gravol is known to help but lying down motionless on your cabin bed is the only remedy.
If you really want to avoid it, I recommend Quark Expeditions Antarctic Express. Instead of sailing the passage you can skip it by flying from Chile to a private runway on King George Island(Antarctica) and then catching a zodiac to the ship.
