The Drake Shake
The Drake Shake is a polar podcast hosted by Antarctic expedition guide Neill Drake. Drawing on more than a decade of guiding and over a thousand days on the ice, he shares practical advice and honest stories about travelling to Antarctica. Episodes cover choosing the right voyage, packing, crossing the Drake Passage, and what surprises first-time visitors most. Fellow guides and industry insiders also join to answer common traveler questions. The show is presented by Antarctica Travel Group and LetsGoPolar.com.
Episodes
Which extra activities in Antarctica are worth it?
Camping and Kayaking and Snowshoeing OH MY! In this week's episode we are joined by Rene Olson, a season camping guide in Antarctica to discuss all the activities that may be available on your voyage to Antarctica, and if they are worth it!
THE PENGUIN EPISODE! Everything you need to know about viewing penguins in Antarctica and South Georgia.
This episode is all about penguins! Ornithologist, bird nerd, and special guest Cherese joins us to cover everything you need to know about penguins in Antarctica. We talk about the different species you may encounter, including gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins, plus the best time to visit Antarctica for each stage of the breeding season. From courtship and nest building to egg laying, hatch
Do I need to book a ship with less than 100 passengers to get the most out of my Antarctic expedition?
We hear it over and over. "I want to book a ship less than 100 passengers so I can make as many landings as possible". But you'd be suprised to hear that that actually isn't the case anymore. And there is an entire other element to Antarctic expeditions that offer an even better experience than just making landings. In this episode, we will uncover what that is, and why you might not need to worry
How bad is the Drake passage? Does the ship really matter? THE DRAKE PASSAGE EPISODE!
The Drake Passage has a reputation and for good reason. It's that one thing that is lingering in the back of everyon'es minds when they begin to consider visiting. It's infamously known as the rougest waters in the world. It's the price you have to pay to visit Antarctica....but just how bad is it? Does the ship you take make a differece, and is it worth skipping?
On this episode of The Drake Shak
Breaking down the Arctic by destination. A general "overview" with a SPECIAL BONUS!
In this episode, veteran Arctic Expedition Guide Kevin Closs joins Neill and Nikki to break down each destination in the Arctic. We'll discuss which destination might suit who, when to visit, and what we might expect to see. Kevin is also a muscial artist and ends the episode with some of his Polar inspired songs. Be sure to listen to the end!
Polar Market Monthly Roundup
Our goal with this podcast is to not be a sales pitch... but sometimes, the deals are so good, we can't help but let you know about them. This week we are joined by Chelsea, who works in the office at ATG/Lets Go Polar, with some of the best deals available on the market right now.
The Drake shake LIVE FAQ Episode Recap! Live #1
Missed the very first live episode of the Drake Shake? That's ok, we forgive you! Here's a recap episode. In this episode, we'll answer questions from our viewers, questions submitted live, and you'll get to know more about our history as guides and passengers!
When is the "best" time to vist South Georgia?
If you're considering adding South Georgia and The Falkland islands to your itinerary, you may be wondering... when is the best time to visit? Is it the same as the best time to visit Antarctica? This week, we are joined by guest Joshua Peck, who was an expedition guide on The Hondius with Nikki, a native to The Falkland Islands, and previous employee of The South Georgia government. We'll break d
Checking in with Nikki from Quarantine after her trip on the MV Hondius during the Hantavirus voyage.
As many of you know, co-host Nikki was a guest onboard the M/V Hondius during the voyage that had the Hantavirus outbreak. At the time of recording this episode, Nikki had just arrived at the quarantine facility in Nebraska and we will discuss her time onboard. This episode is meant to clear up some false information and rumors, as well as see how Nikki is doing.
How to pick the right company for your Polar adventure!
Next up on the Polar Planning Roadmap - how to choose the right company! It's a factor that needs to be taken into consideration... but may not be as important as you think. In this episode, we talk about ways to help you decide which company may be right for you.
Understanding all the different Antarctica itineraries and which to choose
Without a doubt, the most overwhelming stage in planning your Antarctic adventure is choosing the right itinerary. While it may seem overly complicated...it's actually much less confusing than it appears! In this episode we break down the different itineraries and simplify them for you.
"Should I book with a travel agent, or book direct?" - Which is best for Antarctica and the Arctic
When you're planning your trip to Antarctica, you're probably wondering if you should book with a travel agent, or book directly with the company. In this episode we explain the differences and the benefits to both, and explore some myths about travel agents.
Booking Early Bird vs Last Minute - How to find the BEST deal!
Are you in the planning stages of booking your trip to Antarctica, and not sure if it's worth hopping on a deal now, or waiting until last minute? Don't worry, we will break down the advantages and disadvantages to both. We're joined by Sarah Scott with Freestyle Adventure Travel to discuss which may be best for you!
Is South Georgia Worth It?
One of the biggest decisions when planning a trip to Antarctica is whether to include South Georgia in your itinerary. It adds time, increases cost, and turns a standard expedition into a much bigger commitment, which leaves many travelers asking the same question - is it actually worth it?
In this episode, we break down the real differences between Antarctica-only trips and those that include Sou
When is the best time to visit Antarctica? - Broken down by month by expedition guides.
Are you planning a trip to Antarctica, and not sure when to go? This episode of the Drake Shake brings on guest Phil Hunter, and we will break down each part of the Antarctica season, which runs from November to March. You'll find out all the differences in wildlife viewings, what to expect with the weather, changes in landscape, and so much more! We'll also clear up some misconceptions and myths
The Drake Shake Launch Teaser
The Drake Shake Podcast will go live Thursday, March 12th, 2026. If you're interested in polar travel, but not sure where yo start, make sure to tune in. Be Sure to hit subscribe - available wherever you get your podcasts!
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