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$12,685/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$19,489/p.p.
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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$16,491/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$8,422/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 daysPlease Inquire
Request a Quote
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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$12,685/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$19,489/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$16,491/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$8,422/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 5,251 ReviewsVery nice!🥰😘💙❤️🇪🇸🇭🇷Andrea MarićWe recently traveled to Portugal and had the most wonderful experience. As our first venture overseas, we decided to search online for travel assistance. We happened across Goway Travel and are so glad we did!
Michael Keon, our Destination Specialist, is extremely proficient and knowledgeable in his profession. "Thorough" is an understatement. He assisted every step of the way from the moment we stepped on our flights, transfer arrangements, hotel accommodations, train travel and multiple tours/outings tailored to our specific needs/wish list.
He provided unparalleled guidance and support during the planning process and was always available to discuss any questions/concerns. His communications were always prompt and concise.
Without a doubt, our best trip to date...there will be no hesitation to contact Mr. Keon for future travels.
Joanna Lynn Mays
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Joanna MaysWhat made this experience great was Cedric Wai. Had a client going to Asia and this is Cedric's wheelhouse since he is from there.
Everything was wonderful. Everything went smoothly. The individual tours were wonderful and all the guides were exceptional. A lot of traveling-the flight was very good on Cathay Pacific would highly recommend their airline seats were comfortable and spaced well. Being on an airplane for 16 hours sucks in general, but other than being a little sore from being stuck in one place all was good.
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Our trip was to Fiji, New Zealand and Australia, from Aug 4-22, 2026. The way she planned and booked the trip makes the experience convenient and enjoyable. The flexibility of payment makes the decision faster and attractive. Everything we need to know including contacts were readily available within our travel documents itinerary.
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