Drake Passage

ocean · Antarctica · extreme weather · exploration

Connects two oceans. The Drake Passage links the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, sitting between the tip of South America and Antarctica. Ships traveling between these oceans must brave these waters rather than going all the way around continents.

Named after a pirate. The passage is named after Sir Francis Drake, a 16th-century English explorer and privateer who sailed these dangerous waters. Even back then, sailors knew this was one of the scariest places to navigate.

Brutally rough waves. The Drake Passage is famous for having some of the biggest, meanest waves on the planet because cold water from Antarctica mixes with warmer ocean currents. Waves here can tower 30 feet or higher, making it one of the most treacherous sea routes ever.

Historic sailing route. Explorers and sailors have crossed the Drake Passage for centuries to reach new lands and explore Antarctica. Today, scientists use this passage to study ocean currents and climate patterns that affect the whole world.

Gateway to Antarctica. The Drake Passage is the main water gateway to Antarctica, and most expeditions exploring that frozen continent must cross it. The passage separates the coldest, most remote continent from the rest of the world.