Drake Passage (Antarctica)

Drake Passage (aka Sea of Hoces) is the body of water located between Cape Horn (mainland South America) and Livingston Island (part of South Shetland Islands, Antarctica). This sea way connects the Atlantic Ocean (via Scotia Sea) with the Pacific Ocean.

Drake Passage has length of over 500 ml (800 km). Along with the Magellan Strait and the Beagle Channel, these are the only navigable sea ways (passages) around South America. However, most large-sized commercial (cargo shipping) vessels operate on itineraries via Drake Passage or Strait of Magellan. Due to Beagle Channel's strong winds, sail ships with around South America itineraries use the Drake Passage.

The Antarctic Circumpolar Current carries a huge volume of water (about 600 times the Amazon River's flow) through the Drake Passage and around the continent of Antarctica.

Cruise ships passing the Drake Passage are among the best/most unique options to enjoy wildlife watching (whales, dolphins, penguins, seabirds).

The following map shows Drake Passage's location and major ports included in most cruise itineraries to the Antarctic Peninsula.