The Drake Passage doesn't care how well you handled that ferry in Greece. It's open water between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula, and on a rough day it finds anyone who didn't plan ahead. The good news is that the remedies are cheap, well understood, and mostly sorted with one visit to your doctor before you fly.
This guide covers one thing: what to take. If you want to know what the crossing itself feels like, I've written about what it's actually like crossing the Drake Passage. For the non-medical side (cabin location, where to look, what to eat), see Drake Shake vs Drake Lake.
Quick Answer
For most travelers, the strongest option for the Drake is a prescription scopolamine patch, applied well before you sail. If you'd rather skip the prescription, meclizine (Bonine, Dramamine Less Drowsy) is the go-to over-the-counter choice. Ginger and wristbands are fine as extras, but don't rely on them alone. There's no pharmacy at sea, so sort out your plan with your doctor before you leave home.
The Drake Seasickness Kit, at a Glance
6 Essentials
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Prescription
1. Scopolamine Patch (Transderm Scōp)
The one you'll see behind the most ears on board
This is the remedy you'll see on more expedition ships than any other. It's a small patch worn behind the ear, and one patch covers roughly one crossing. The CDC notes it's slightly less sedating than the common antihistamine pills, which matters if you'd like to be awake for the first albatross.
| When to apply | At least 4 hours before sailing, per the label. Many travelers put it on the night before. |
| How long it lasts | Up to 3 days per patch |
| Common side effects | Dry mouth, drowsiness, blurry vision |
| Not for everyone | Including some people with glaucoma. Your doctor will check. |
Wash your hands after touching the patch. A trace in your eye can dilate your pupil for hours, which is an alarming thing to discover in a cabin mirror.
Over the Counter
2. Meclizine (Bonine, Dramamine Less Drowsy)
The easiest to buy, the easiest to live with
One 25–50 mg dose can cover you for up to a day, and it's generally less drowsy than the original Dramamine formula. Take it an hour or two before the swell picks up. Pills work much better as prevention than as rescue.
- Best for: travelers who want a no-prescription option, or a backup to the patch that their doctor has approved.
- Tip: the chewable versions help if you can't face swallowing a tablet mid-swell.
Over the Counter
3. Dimenhydrinate (Original Dramamine)
It works, but you'll feel it
Dimenhydrinate is noticeably more sedating than meclizine, and a dose lasts about 8 hours, so you'll need more of them. Some travelers like it for exactly that reason and sleep through the worst of the Drake. If you'd rather be out on deck, go with meclizine or the patch.
Worried about the Drake? Ship size, cabin position and route all change how the crossing feels, and some itineraries skip it entirely.
Plan My Antarctica Trip
Onboard Backup
4. The Ship's Doctor
A safety net, not a plan
Expedition ships sailing to Antarctica typically carry a doctor, and the medical center usually stocks seasickness medication, including stronger prescription options like promethazine. Don't count on it as your plan. On a rough day there's a queue, and once you're already sick, remedies work far less well.
Drug-Free Device
5. Reliefband
No drowsiness, adjustable as the sea changes
Reliefband is an FDA-cleared wrist device that sends a mild electrical pulse to the underside of the wrist. It doesn't make anyone drowsy, and you can turn it up or down as conditions change. It costs more than the rest of this kit combined, and results vary from person to person.
- Best for: travelers who can't take the medications, or who want something to wear alongside them.
- Charge it first: bring the cable and test it at home, not in Ushuaia.
Natural Extras
6. Ginger & Acupressure Bands
Pack them for comfort, not as your only defense
Ginger chews and elastic acupressure bands like Sea-Band are cheap, light and harmless, so plenty of people pack both. Be realistic about them, though. The CDC describes the evidence for ginger as weak and contradictory, and lab trials found acupressure bands no better than placebo.
- Ginger chews: useful for settling the stomach between meals.
- Electrolyte packets: not a remedy, but they help you recover after a rough night.
Drake Passage Seasickness Remedies: Quick Reference
Timing and duration are based on the Transderm Scōp label and CDC guidance. Your doctor's instructions come first.
| Remedy | How to Get It | Start It | Lasts | Drowsiness |
|---|
| Scopolamine patch | Prescription | 4+ hrs before | Up to 72 hrs | Low–moderate |
| Meclizine | Over the counter | 1–2 hrs before | Up to 24 hrs | Moderate |
| Dimenhydrinate | Over the counter | 1–2 hrs before | About 8 hrs | High |
| Promethazine | Prescription / ship's doctor | As directed | About 15 hrs | Highest |
| Reliefband | Buy, no prescription | Any time | While worn | None |
| Ginger / Sea-Band | Buy | Any time | While used | None |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the scopolamine patch and meclizine together?
Some doctors do prescribe a combination for very rough crossings, but both cause drowsiness and dry mouth. Don't stack them unless your doctor has said so.
Do I need one patch or two?
One patch lasts up to three days, which usually covers a single Drake crossing. Most itineraries cross twice, so ask your doctor to prescribe at least two, plus a spare in case one falls off.
What if I start feeling sick before I've taken anything?
Take your remedy right away and ask the ship's doctor for help if it doesn't settle. Pills are much less effective once you're vomiting, which is why the patch or an early dose matters.
Can I avoid the Drake altogether?
Yes. A fly-cruise flies you over the Drake to King George Island and starts the cruise there. Flights depend on the weather, though, so pack your kit anyway.
A Note on Medical Advice
Everything here is general travel information, not medical advice. Check with your doctor before combining medications, and remember that alcohol makes every one of these more sedating. For the rest of your bag, see our Antarctica packing guide.
Some ships handle the Drake far better than others. We can match you to the right ship, cabin and route, including fly-cruise options that skip the crossing entirely.
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