Valerie

My love of travel started at 17; I was working at a small local travel agency stamping brochures and realised I wanted to experience the destinations for myself! This curiosity sparked a career spanning over three decades in the travel industry during which I have explored some of the world’s most remote and fascinating locations.

Outside of Swoop, I love connecting with nature, photography, exploring new places, and sharing my passion for wildlife and conservation with others.

1. Hearing a noise and looking down from the deck to see 20 humpback whales appearing out of nowhere, putting on an incredible feeding frenzy show
2. Taking in the magical scenery, where every direction looked like a postcard
3. Cruising into the active submerged crater of Deception Island and doing a polar plunge from the steaming black sand beach
4. Hearing the mysterious and otherworldly sound of icebergs calving – an echo that stays with you
5. Camping on the 7th Continent under the stars, experiencing snow and rain all in one unforgettable night

With more than three decades of travel industry experience and a personal passion for Antarctica, I am dedicated to helping travellers plan the trip of a lifetime. I know the ships, itineraries, and landscapes inside out and love matching people with the perfect adventure. I take pride in sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm to ensure every customer experiences the wonder of Antarctica.