A Sail Tale

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Ocean crossings

Drake Passage to Antarctica

From Cape Horn across the Southern Ocean's roughest stretch to Antarctica: about 430 nm (800 km) to the South Shetlands, through circumpolar wind and swell.

8 episodes on the chart

Distance
about 430 nm (800 km) Cape Horn to South Shetlands; about 600-650 nm from Ushuaia or Puerto Williams to the Antarctic Peninsula
Typical duration
about 2 days for expedition ships; yachts commonly several days each way depending on weather
Season / best months
December to March is best; season roughly November to March
Prevailing winds
Westerlies (Roaring Forties / Furious Fifties) and Antarctic Circumpolar Current; frequent gales
Start / finish
Ushuaia or Puerto Williams via Cape Horn to South Shetland Islands / Antarctic Peninsula
Permits
Flag-state authorisation under the Antarctic Treaty; advance notification at least 6 months ahead; post-visit report within 3 months

The Drake Passage separates Cape Horn and Tierra del Fuego from the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. About 430 nm (800 km) wide from Cape Horn to the South Shetlands, it is the shortest crossing from Antarctica to another landmass. The Antarctic Circumpolar Current flows through it with no land in the way, which produces some of the most feared seas in the world. Waves over 12 m (40 ft) are reported.

Yachts typically leave from Ushuaia or Puerto Williams, in Chile, after clearing out and waiting for a weather window. The usual heading is about 140-150 degrees true, often towards Cape Shirreff on the northern South Shetlands; from Ushuaia or Puerto Williams to the Antarctic Peninsula is about 600-650 nm. Expedition ships take about two days each way; small yachts commonly take longer. The season is roughly November to March.

The passage itself is the challenge: fast-moving low-pressure systems, big seas and cold. Every Antarctic yacht expedition must be authorised by the skipper's flag state. Advance notification should start at least six months ahead, and a post-visit report is required.

Highlights

  • Rounding or passing Cape Horn
  • Crossing the Antarctic Convergence
  • Albatross, whales and penguins
  • Landfall among icebergs at the Antarctic Peninsula

Watch out for

  • Waves over 12 m (40 ft) are reported
  • Weather windows are short; leaving in the wrong window can be dangerous
  • Ice and poor charting near the Peninsula
  • Authorisation rules are strict; rescue is very distant

Episodes on this route 8

Crews on this route

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A summary for learning and dreaming, not for navigation. Rules, fees, seasons and security advice change: check current official sources before you go.

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