Overview
Crossing the Drake Passage on your trip to Antarctica.
Stretching from Tierra del Fuego to the Antarctic Peninsula, the Drake Passage is a traveller’s gateway to Antarctica. Crossing the narrowest stretch of sea surrounding the seventh continent, expedition ships built for these rough and remote waters ferry eager adventurers to the earth’s most jealously guarded natural wonder. Scanning the horizon, you’re likely to see a wide variety of bird, whale, and dolphin species, including varieties of albatross and petrels, playful hourglass dolphins, or even the mighty blue whale in its natural habitat.
Departing Ushuaia at the foot of Argentina, the Drake Passage crossing typically takes 48 hours, depending on weather conditions. This part of an Antarctic journey is all about marine life, attracted to the passage’s plankton-rich waters. With the guidance of your expedition team, you’ll learn about how this unique eco-system flourishes through dramatic seasonal changes. Keep your eyes peeled for pods of baleen whales, or their toothed cousins including the sperm whale.
Modern explorer vessels are built for navigating the Drake Passage’s infamously choppy seas, but conditions can still be unpredictable and may require last-minute changes to your itinerary. The best and calmest time of year to cross the Drake Passage is during the southern summer, between November and March—the only practical season for Antarctica travel. You might be lucky, but pack seasickness medications just in case, along with clothes for a wide variety of weather conditions, including strong winds and rain.
Temperatures, even on Antarctica’s fringes, rarely go above 0°C (32°F). November offers superb iceberg viewing before the near 24-hour sunlight of December and January arrives, while February and March are ideal for whale-watching.
To minimize stress during your trip, consider booking a couple of nights in Ushuaia before embarking. This gives you a buffer against any flight or connection mishaps. You can devote any spare time to exploring Tierra del Fuego, a spectacular untouched wilderness on Ushuaia’s doorstep that’s sure to whet your appetite for the polar adventure to come.
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Discover Antarctica: Drake, Shetlands & Peninsula
Antarctica, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Patagonia, and UshuaiaVenture into the icy embrace of Antarctica, where colossal icebergs and curious wildlife await. As you glide through pristine waters, encounters with penguins and seals await you.
11 days
From US$12,725/p.p.
Request a Quote
Air, Land & Sea to Antarctica
Punta Arenas, Antarctica, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, and South Shetland IslandsFly from Chile to Antarctica on this small group adventure, cruising past icebergs and penguins while exploring the remote beauty of the White Continent by zodiac.
8 days
From US$19,552/p.p.
Request a Quote
Classic Antarctica: Journey to the Circle
Antarctica, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, and South Shetland IslandsDare to sail the icy waters to Antarctica's Circle? Witness breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife while forging unforgettable connections with fellow adventurers.
14 days
From US$16,544/p.p.
Request a Quote
Antarctica Express Cruise: Fly the Drake
Punta Arenas, Antarctica, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, and South Shetland IslandsSmall group Argentina and Antarctica air-cruise, sailing from Tierra del Fuego across the Drake to wild Antarctic shores and penguin colonies.
6 days
From US$8,449/p.p.
Request a Quote
Antarctic Explorer: The 7th Continent Cruise
Antarctica, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Patagonia, and UshuaiaEmbark on an unforgettable expedition through Earth’s last great wilderness. Sail from Ushuaia to Antarctica to explore icy channels and penguin rookeries.
11 daysPlease Inquire
Request a Quote
Don't see the
perfect trip idea?
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Turn your travel dreams into reality with Goway. Our customized vacations take travellers to all corners of the world.
Discover Antarctica: Drake, Shetlands & Peninsula
Antarctica, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Patagonia, and UshuaiaVenture into the icy embrace of Antarctica, where colossal icebergs and curious wildlife await. As you glide through pristine waters, encounters with penguins and seals await you.
11 days
From US$12,725/p.p.
Request a Quote
Air, Land & Sea to Antarctica
Punta Arenas, Antarctica, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, and South Shetland IslandsFly from Chile to Antarctica on this small group adventure, cruising past icebergs and penguins while exploring the remote beauty of the White Continent by zodiac.
8 days
From US$19,552/p.p.
Request a Quote
Classic Antarctica: Journey to the Circle
Antarctica, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, and South Shetland IslandsDare to sail the icy waters to Antarctica's Circle? Witness breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife while forging unforgettable connections with fellow adventurers.
14 days
From US$16,544/p.p.
Request a Quote
Antarctica Express Cruise: Fly the Drake
Punta Arenas, Antarctica, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, and South Shetland IslandsSmall group Argentina and Antarctica air-cruise, sailing from Tierra del Fuego across the Drake to wild Antarctic shores and penguin colonies.
6 days
From US$8,449/p.p.
Request a Quote
Antarctic Explorer: The 7th Continent Cruise
Antarctica, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Patagonia, and UshuaiaEmbark on an unforgettable expedition through Earth’s last great wilderness. Sail from Ushuaia to Antarctica to explore icy channels and penguin rookeries.
11 daysPlease Inquire
Request a Quote
Don't see the
perfect trip idea?
Request a custom quote.
Turn your travel dreams into reality with Goway. Our customized vacations take travellers to all corners of the world.
What do the experts say?
Antarctica feels like visiting another planet; endless white landscapes, towering icebergs, and wildlife thriving in one of Earth’s harshest environments. It’s pure, untouched beauty that humbles you.
While there are no cultural festivals, witnessing the penguin chick hatching season (December–January) is a natural spectacle that feels like a celebration of life.
What I loved most about visiting Antarctica is how pristine and untouched it still is. The landscape's calm and peacefulness are truly unlike anywhere else, and being surrounded by unspoiled wildlife made the experience unforgettable.
Humpback Whales
Expedition Vessel
Southern Giant Petrel
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ExcellentBased on 5,245 ReviewsAthul Ajay was our travel agent and he was excellent from the beginning to the end of planning our trip. Great at communicating and replying back too. Sabrina GaffoglioIsabella Luu made the arrangements for our trip to Scotland and all aspects of the trip and stay were excellent. Our assistance at the airports were very good as all were alerted to our needs. Our ride services were excellent. Isabella was always available to answer any questions that we had in a knowledgable and prompt manner, which is always very important to me.Audrey HenryHad an excellent tour of Australia, thanks to our travel specialist Katie Stephenson. She was patient as we kept modifying our plans. Got support from Goway and Katie when there was a need to rebook a tour midway through, all handled easily by Goway.Ron PrestonWe went on a highly customized comprehensive (though quick tour) of England and a bit of Scotland through Goway. Ingrid Aird did an amazing job of planning and arranging every detail with her deep experience, insight, thoughtfulness and creativity, tuning into the needs of each traveler; and she did so even though our decision to travel was rather spontaneous and last minute! Our family had the best time! We look forward to working with Ingrid and Goway again!Vilja BreilingWe used Goway to put together an itinerary for East Africa , and Zanzibar . Everything was great and went smoothly DawnI can't tell you enough how much I love to work with Callie. She is a life saver and I love how attentive she is. Every time I give her an itinerary for a client- she really knocks it out of the park with the proposal. If there are any issues- she is on it right away. Her work ethic is outstanding.Michelle LabarcaI had the pleasure of working with Amelia on a booking for a family of 4 to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. She executed everything perfectly, was attentive to needs and the family was over the top happy with their vacation. She was quick to answer questions and provide helpful feedback. Highly recommended!Jessie WilliamsWe were trying to navigate Swiss Travel Center to book a 10 day train trip through Switzerland. It was exactly what we wanted but navigating their site was extremely difficult for us. Goway Travel picked up on our plight and put us in contact with Jacqueline Fagooli, one of their agents. From there on everything was so smooth. Their efficiency, communication, and thoroughness were beyond our expectations. The trip was fabulous and kudos to Jacqueline and Goway for their help in making it so.Carolyn McCormackThe destination specialist I've worked with (Kim Rawlings) has provided exceptional service. She is very knowledgeable of her region and everything they have to offer. She is very prompt in her communication and follow-up. She listens and is very attentive to my client's needs and wants. Kim's personality makes one feel like they've known each other for years.
If GoWay had a customer service model, Kim is it.T. Jackson, Tribe Trek TravelWe had a wonderful and amazing two weeks in North-West Scotland. Shoutout to Jacqueline at Goway Toronto and the driver/guides with Rabbie's minibus tours (Stefan and Willie). Well-chosen hotels and no worries with dietary requirements; every detail was taken care of. Thank you!
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