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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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$19,558/p.p.
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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$12,656/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$16,454/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$8,458/p.p.
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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 days
From US$21,374/p.p.
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.
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$19,558/p.p.
Request a Quote
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$12,656/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$16,454/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$8,458/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 days
From US$21,374/p.p.
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 5,321 ReviewsSuzzette and her team provided exceptional support throughout our year‑long planning process for our Bali group. Despite multiple changes, updates, and last‑minute cancellations, she remained organized, responsive, and solution‑focused. Asia Trails Indonesia delivered a seamless experience from arrival to departure, and our guides, Dayu and Adit, were outstanding; prompt, knowledgeable, and attentive to every detail. The coordination across multiple departure cities, the curated excursions, and the overall flow of the itinerary were executed beautifully. My group thoroughly enjoyed the trip and is already asking about returning. I highly recommend Suzzette as a group coordinator for her professionalism, dedication, and high‑quality service.Anchored Memories TravelMike K. graciously provided us with a perfect itinerary, offering us flexible high quality options for our trip. We added in a few complex details and he maneuvered around them creating smooth transitions. Planning an overseas 11 day trip can be overwhelming and Mike made everything feel easy. I highly recommend!Amy ChallgrenGoway staff was available to us throughout our entire trip to Costa Rica. Their involvement was seamless and surprisingly smooth between them and all of our hotels and tours. We have been totally impressed with their involvement with our travel agent and their complete resolution of the only problem we had during the 2 different international trips that we have taken.Diana McCroryThank you to Goway for a great and enjoyable 7 day tour in China, for our Canadian group of 14! Very special thanks to the local guides in Shanghai, Xi’an and Beijing ( Richard, Richard and James) who were second to none! Each was a knowledgeable ambassador for their home city, working hard to ensure our enjoyment and comfort, and to showcase the beauty of each area and its current and historical sites. They very kindly and patiently assisted everyone, and especially accommodated 2 of our group who encountered unexpected wellness challenges. The local bus drivers for our group were experts too, keeping us on time and safe on the roads and highways. Hotels were beautiful, welcoming, well located and appointed, quiet, comfortable and clean. Additional travel arrangements by air and high speed train went off without a hitch. KATHLEEN LLOYDThis was the first time we used Goway Travel and Brooke Theron was absolutely the best to deal with. Our safari in Africa was fabulous and we were able to have all four questions answered before we left. It was a trip to remember and we would recommend both Brooke and Goway to other who are looking for a great experience. Thanks Brooke and Goway.Joyce RobinsonWe decided to go to France for 3 weeks in September and knew we needed help planning the trip (we made this decision in August so a very short time frame. We had traveled with Goway a few years ago and were hoping they could help. Our specialist, Farnaz Bagheri, was fantastic, she listened to what we wanted to do and where we wanted to go. She literally arranged everything with her French partners. The guides and drivers were wonderful the accommodations were excellent. Communication was easy from the first discussion to the time we got home. Farnaz planned for us an exceptional trip in a very short time frame. Promise next trip we will contact Goway much earlier. Thanks againSue BlakeOur experience was amazing! The booking process went great. We just had to pack our clothes and everything else was taken care of thanks to Goway Travel… Lori Mezzomo!!! Lori was fantastic. Everything from flights to transfers to excursions was perfect! Can’t wait to go back and i would definitely use Goway Travel again!!!Marie IdolMaria Spitman provided exemplary service to us! Her expertise, attention to detail, timely replies and kindness were unmatched. We will definitely recommend her to others who we know are considering travel to Asia. Alice StaniforthMichael Keon and his crew did a fine job coordinating our trip to Turkey. His contact in Turkey, Mr. Omer was in contact with us almost daily reminding us of our schedule and pick up info. He was terrific. Very informative and insightful guides. And large comfortable vehicles on every trip. Awesome trip. Tom and Sharon Tom and Sharon, Toronto, Canada We loved the trip itinerary and everything was organized so well! Lori was always very responsive and answered our questions promptly. Thank you for an amazing trip!Jelena Poprzen
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