Category: Stories & Inspiration

Deep inside the Arctic Circle only 500 miles from the North Pole, yet easily accessible from Europe and with more polar bears than humans, Svalbard beckons the adventurer. Never one to turn down a challenge, Swoop’s very own Lauren headed to Svalbard to see what it has to offer and know more about the third region […]

In preparation for his trip to Antarctica, Swoop’s polar specialist John found himself swept up in more than mundane logistics and flight times; the intrigue of an English church, an Antarctica voyage, and Scott’s last ever journey had him captivated long before he left the UK. “Had we lived, I should have had a tale to tell of […]

A handful of Swoop’s customers choose to venture to both the Antarctic and to Patagonia on the same trip. Swoop only specialises in these two destinations and so is perfectly placed to offer the dream trip to someone looking for a double-adventure! We know both regions inside out and can tie two ends of an […]

In March 2016, John, one of Swoop’s resident Polar experts, took an expeditionary cruise to the White Continent. An abundance of icebergs, wildlife and a fair degree of feisty weather all made for an unforgettable Antarctic experience. Ushuaia – the Gateway to Antarctica Arriving in Ushuaia was probably one of the most exciting and equally underwhelming experiences […]

What was it like to visit Antarctica again? Antarctica is so magical that it always feels very special and a great privilege to be there. Two main things struck me this time: firstly just how different the same places can look under differing light conditions and at different times of the season. Secondly, the sheer […]

Erik Geerts contacted Swoop to help him arrange an Antarctic adventure for him and his daughter, Natascha. Our Antarctica expert, Alex set about tailor making a once-in-a-lifetime trip for them both. Little did Alex or Erik know that a Chilean strike at Santiago Airport on the day that they were due to travel could threaten […]

Whether you’re cruising in a vessel, photographing the unique wildlife or snowshoeing around its peninsular, Antarctica will be an unforgettable experience. But how best to prepare for your once in a lifetime trip? If you want to immerse yourself in the atmosphere, the history and the legend, why not do a bit of pre-trip reading […]

Bev & Owain recently returned from their Polar Circle voyage aboard the Akademik Ioffe.  Here they reflect on their experience which included getting extraordinarily close to a humpback whale. What was the highlight of your trip?  What was your most memorable wildlife moment? Favourite landing site/ zodiac excursion? The highlight was the whale-watching excursions.  We […]