One of the biggest concerns for anyone planning an Antarctic expedition isn't the cold—it's the Drake Passage.
Questions like "Will I get seasick?", "How rough is the Drake?", and "Can I avoid it altogether?" are among the most common questions we hear from future guests.
The good news is that seasickness doesn't have to define your expedition. With the right preparation, most travelers cross the Drake comfortably, and for those who would rather skip it entirely, there is another option.
Here's everything you need to know before setting sail.
Why Does the Drake Passage Cause Seasickness?
The Drake Passage lies between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula, where the Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern Oceans meet.
Because there are no large landmasses to block the wind or ocean currents, waves can travel thousands of kilometers uninterrupted. Combined with strong westerly winds, this creates one of the most dynamic stretches of ocean in the world.
Sometimes the sea is calm, earning the nickname "Drake Lake."
Other times, larger swells create the famous "Drake Shake."
It's this constant movement that can trigger motion sickness in some travelers.
Will Everyone Get Seasick?
No.
Some people feel completely comfortable throughout the crossing, while others experience mild or moderate motion sickness during the first day before their bodies adapt.
Even people who have never been seasick before may feel the effects of the Southern Ocean, while experienced sailors occasionally experience discomfort too.
The important thing to remember is that seasickness is temporary.
Once you arrive in Antarctica, sailing conditions are often much calmer because the Antarctic Peninsula is protected by islands and sheltered bays.
How to Prepare Before Your Expedition
Preparing before departure can make a huge difference.
Start Motion Sickness Medication Early
If you plan to use seasickness tablets or patches, don't wait until you feel unwell.
Most medications work best when taken before the yacht leaves port.
Always follow your doctor's advice and the manufacturer's instructions.
Sleep Well Before Departure
Being tired makes motion sickness worse.
Getting a good night's sleep before boarding helps your body adapt more quickly to the movement of the yacht.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water before and during the crossing.
Dehydration can increase feelings of nausea and fatigue.
Eat Light Meals
Avoid overeating before departure.
Small, regular meals are usually much easier to tolerate than large heavy meals.
Many experienced sailors also recommend avoiding excessive alcohol before the crossing.
Tips During the Drake Crossing
Once you're at sea, a few simple habits can make the journey much more comfortable.
Spend Time Outside
Fresh air is one of the best natural remedies for motion sickness.
Standing on deck and looking toward the horizon helps your brain adjust to the yacht's movement.
Choose the Middle of the Yacht
The center of the vessel usually experiences less motion than the bow or stern.
If you begin feeling uncomfortable, spending time in this area often helps.
Keep Looking at the Horizon
Motion sickness happens because your inner ear and your eyes receive conflicting information.
Looking at the distant horizon helps synchronize these signals.
Don't Stay in Bed All Day
Although resting is helpful, staying in your cabin for the entire crossing often makes symptoms feel worse.
Most guests feel better after spending some time outside.
Sailing Yacht vs. Cruise Ship
People often assume that large cruise ships completely eliminate seasickness.
In reality, both large ships and sailing yachts move with the ocean.
Cruise ships are heavier and may feel more stable in moderate conditions, but no vessel is immune to the Southern Ocean.
A sailing yacht offers a much more connected experience.
You feel the rhythm of the sea, hear the wind in the sails, and become part of the crossing rather than simply watching it through a window.
Many guests who were initially nervous later describe crossing the Drake as one of the highlights of the entire expedition.
Can You Avoid the Drake Passage?
Absolutely.
At MoreTime Expeditions, we know that not everyone wants to spend several days crossing the Southern Ocean.
Instead of sailing across the Drake Passage, you'll board a charter flight from southern Chile and fly directly to King George Island in Antarctica.
From there, your adventure continues aboard one of our expedition sailing yachts.
You'll still experience Antarctica from the deck of a traditional schooner—sailing among glaciers, exploring remote bays, and encountering whales, seals, and penguins—but without crossing the Drake Passage.
It's an excellent choice for families with children, travelers who are particularly concerned about seasickness, or anyone who simply wants to maximize their time on the White Continent.
We've made Antarctica accessible to everyone—whether you dream of conquering the Drake or prefer to fly over it.
Is the Drake Passage Worth It?
Ask almost any sailor who has crossed it, and you'll probably hear the same answer:
Yes.
The Drake Passage is one of the world's great ocean crossings and an important part of Antarctic history.
Watching wandering albatrosses glide effortlessly above the waves, spotting your first iceberg on the horizon, and feeling the excitement of approaching the White Continent creates memories that stay with you forever.
For many travelers, crossing the Drake becomes a personal achievement.
For others, flying directly to Antarctica is the better choice.
Neither option is right or wrong.
The best expedition is simply the one that suits you.
Travel to Antarctica Your Way with MoreTime Expeditions
At MoreTime Expeditions, we believe every traveler should experience Antarctica in the way that feels right for them.
Whether you want to cross the legendary Drake Passage aboard a traditional sailing yacht or choose a Fly & Sail expedition that skips the crossing entirely, we'll help you find the perfect adventure.
Because the goal isn't to test your limits.
It's to experience one of the most extraordinary places on Earth in the way that lets you enjoy it most.