About me
Life before Swoop
Life as a fisherman in Finland meant that I was free 8 months of every year, so I had time to dedicate to travel. Since leaving Finland, I have travelled even more - and even made it my career. My country total now stands at 163 of the world's 193 UN countries. It hasn't always been plain sailing: some time working as a researcher for the Bradt guide to South Sudan nearly got me shot. Happily, I survived and went on to forge a career in travel, working as a Tanzania, Kenya and Madagascar specialist, before returning to my much-loved snowy roots, the Arctic regions: areas of the world I know extremely well.
When I am not daydreaming about all things "ice", you'll find me with a hammer and chisel in my hands. Building my first house in my 20s gave me the woodworking bug and, consequently, I am never happier than when I am making a dusty mess!
My polar experience
In March 2016 I visited Antarctica for the first time on board the Vavilov, and in December 2016 I made my second voyage to Antarctica on the Ocean Adventurer. In June of 2016, I took a voyage that departed from Iceland, stopping at Jan Mayen a remote island in the North Arctic ocean, and ending at 81 degrees north in Svalbard, onboard the Sea Spirit. In 2017, I revisited Svalbard for the second time on board the Akademik Ioffe, this time circumnavigating the island. In early 2018, I took a 15-day voyage to the Falklands and South Georgia on the Polar Pioneer; circumnavigating South Georgia and walking in Shackleton’s footsteps. In August 2018, I sailed the Northwest passage onboard the Ocean Endeavour, experiencing for the first time, what it is like to be a guest onboard a larger 200 passenger vessel. In 2020, I sailed on the Hebridean Sky citizen science voyage, where I got married at Volunteer Point, Antarctica.
Additionally, I have been on board almost all of the expedition vessels that sail to the polar regions and lived on the Arctic circle for 13 years.
Day to day at Swoop
I joined Swoop in January 2016 as a polar specialist and have travelled to Antarctica and many parts of the Arctic. Much of my day is spent on the phone talking to clients about the nuances of the polar regions. Everything from which vessel to choose, when to go, and what it's actually like when you get there.
John Newby says
In 2020 I sailed on the Hebridean Sky citizen science voyage to Antarctica, where I got married at Volunteer Point!
Swoop Expert
Why I love Antarctica
Antarctica is massive and there is no real way of explaining this, you have to see it. The mountains, the icebergs, the whales and the glaciers. Really the only thing that's small in Antarctica is the krill.
Kayaking in Antarctica is awesome. Leaving my camera onboard the vessel and paddling my way past whales and huge icebergs was humbling and awing at the same time. To anyone thinking about kayaking, my advice would be to do it. You won't regret it.
For a long time, elephants were my favourite animal... now it's penguins. Cuverville Island is a fantastic place to watch them. I sat in a zodiac while 500 gentoo "rafted" around me, the GoPro video is fantastic.
Antarctica sparkles in the sun, is dramatic and moody when clouds shroud the mountains, and at any time of day, from late November to early March, it's my number one place in the world to be.
What our customers think of John
Definitely pleased with the advice of polar specialist John Newby, he listened to what we wanted, chatted over alternatives, and recommended absolutely the right trip for us. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2019
David Irwin - United Kingdom
Good choice for the size of the expedition cruise ship. Excellent throughout the whole progress. Thank you very much, John. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2019
Mei Mei Mai - United States Of America
John took the time to learn our hopes and expectations via email and telephone. Within days, we had a few choices presented with a ship and itinerary that met our goals. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2018
Terrie Mandina - United States Of America
John was a great help from day one, steering us toward the cruise that was best for us. Without his guidance, I doubt we would have found something so perfect for us.
Travelled: December 2017
Nick - Canada
John was fantastic. I really appreciate all he did to prepare for my trip.
Travelled: December 2017
Elizabeth - Utah
We initially started negotiations with another company recommended by a friend but quickly found that Swoop (or more precisely, John) was much more superior because of the vast on-site experience and knowledge about the ins-and-outs of the various operators and ships.
Travelled: November 2017
Marc - Florida
John, thanks for making me re-think my Antarctic trip. South Georgia was truly amazing and I can’t imagine that I was willing to miss it! Thank you all again!
Travelled: February 2017
Nadina - Canada
John made this very hard decision so much easier by reassuring me of the incredible experience awaiting me and explaining every detail of the trip beforehand. If it wasn’t for John, I seriously do not know if I would have had the courage to go on this trip alone.
Travelled: February 2017
Jeff - Arizona
In a word, it was sensational. Everything was terrific: the ship, the "hotel" and the expedition team. You (John) are greatly loved among multiple crew folks. And we share that enthusiasm for you because your natural joy is infectious.
Travelled: February 2017
Larry and Julie - California
Thanks to John, his diligence and attention to my needs were what I needed to decide that the trip of a lifetime was within my reach!
Travelled: January 2017
Nancy - Texas
Swoop, and John in particular, were fantastic. They did everything that was possible and made things very smooth and comfortable.
Travelled: December 2016
Sascha - Germany
Review:
Travel tips from my blog
Thinking about braving the ice cold waters?
Preparing for Antarctica? Here are my top five reads:
Want to know more about the history of Antarctica?
A little piece of Antarctica in Warwickshire
A list of top apps to travel to Antarctica with:
Food, it seems, can make or break the success of an expedition:
My photos & videos
Take a look at my footage of some of the most spectacular landing sites in South Georgia, capturing the abundant wildlife and majestic scenery.
Getting married by a penguin in Antarctica!
King penguins with lurking giant petrel
King penguins on the South Georgia coast
Reflections in still Antarctic waters
Gentoo pengin
Elephant seals and king peguins on the beaches of South Georgia
Fur seal pup, South Georgia
Next adventure
163 countries visitied... 30 countries left… and then there are territories too. It’s a lifetime's work, seeing the world, and I plan on travelling to as much of it as possible.
Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?
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Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
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We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
With over 100 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
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