A guide to Antarctic travel
Extending almost 14 million km², the Antarctic ice sheet is the world's largest single mass of ice and is twice as big as Australia, with ice up to 2.5 miles thick in places. The…
Discover MoreSpecial Offers Available: Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
Expert impartial advice at no extra cost: no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships
The Antarctic Experts. No Compromises: there’s no question we can’t answer
The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist: so your adventures can be a force for good
A full concierge service, unlike booking direct: we leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip
Special Offers Available: Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
Expert impartial advice at no extra cost: no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships
The Antarctic Experts. No Compromises: there’s no question we can’t answer
The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist: so your adventures can be a force for good
A full concierge service, unlike booking direct: we leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip
Welcome to Swoop Antarctica. You're likely here because a trusted friend or family member thinks our adventures might be of interest, and they have confidence in us. Whether you've always longed to visit the white continent, or you're only just exploring the idea, discover how we can help you plan the trip of a lifetime...
When a world of sparkling ice castles, bustling penguin rookeries, expansive sunsets, and giant barnacled whales is beckoning, the question isn't 'why Antarctica', but when...
Experience the magic for yourself. Explore ice-choked waterways by zodiac boat as seals and penguins dart around you, step foot on snowy beaches and ascend marble slopes to breathtaking views, wake up to icebergs floating past your porthole. It's hard to do justice to the depth of the experience. It is a sensory awakening, an emotive reconnection with nature, and a reminder of the power and beauty of nature on a scale rarely witnessed.
Adventure is waiting, and it's more unforgettable and special than you could imagine. Now you just need to figure out what your adventure looks like...
Setting foot on continent number 7! This was on my bucket list for a long time and I wasn’t sure I would be able to achieve it. Awesome adventure! Read the full review
Travelled: January 2025
Robbie Asher - USA
What I would say to anyone is: you cannot really know what it is like until you are there. A few pictures and videos do not show you what it is like to be in that environment for hours looking at everything and feeling it. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2024
Martin Balinsky - USA
The wildlife we saw and history we learned was amazing, but it was the quiet moments when we could just sit and experience the otherworldly landscapes that truly stood out to us. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2024
Jonathan Carroll - USA
The sheer scale and remoteness of the continent. Tranquil and the fact that animals can survive and indeed flourish in such a harsh environment. The glaciers and geomorphology were inspirational. Read the full review
Travelled: March 2023
Andrew John Griffiths - UK
Each trip on land or on a zodiac offered us different views of the continent. We explored each landing site for 1 to 2 hours, and this included hikes and glaciers, visiting penguin colonies etc. The briefings on board the ship gave us a really good understanding of what we were visiting. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Isabella Kornas - UK
Just a thank you for one of the best, if not the best experience we have had. We travel extensively and this was one we will remember for the rest of our lives. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Robert Wenze - USA
Travelling to such a remote area of the planet made me realize that there is so much more to life than our way of life in human society. I gained a better appreciation for untouched nature and feel more inspired than ever to help conserve these wild places. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Maricela Alaniz - USA
A visit to Antarctica offers many “memorable moments”. I was “most” moved on several occasions when cruising on Zodiacs in the middle of pristine, majestic environments surrounded by water, mountains, snow, floating ice and penguins. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Erwin Perl - USA
Come with an open mind and heart, and take advantage of every opportunity to get to know Antarctica. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Mary Cunningham - USA
It’s hard to articulate feeling like you went back in time - ice ages ago - and are given this new lens on how to behave and appreciate as you grow and move on with the days you get on this planet. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Paolina Xocco - USA
My three most memorable zodiac cruises were seeing the most gorgeous ice I could ever imagine, having our staff give us an encounter with krill and watching the seal swimming not far from our boat, looking directly at us whenever his/her head came above the waterline. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Linda Nolte - USA
10 - It was so much more than "just a cruise." Activities were safe and allowed for participation regardless of your age, ability, etc. The educational aspects of the region, the wildlife, the history, the current processes in place to "manage" the area and preserve its unique wild state - everything was phenomenal !!! Read the full review
Travelled: November 2022
Shelley Springer - USA
10/10- Very hard to describe this experience as it still feels so surreal even now that I’m home. What an incredible experience for all of us crazy travellers looking for an out of this world adventure. The pure beauty and isolation of Antarctica was amazing, the wildlife was abundant, and the ship experience was too fun! This is a trip you’ll never forget! Read the full review
Travelled: November 2022
Amanda Colarossi - Canada
Zodiac excursions were very fun, you literally feel so close to everything around you and can truly experience Antarctica. They’re safe and cruising around with your new boat friends definitely added to the overall experience. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2022
Amanda Colarossi - Canada
Our experience really highlighted how fragile the world and its ecosystem is and how it is important to look after our planet. If you going to spend your money, spend it on something as enriching as this trip is. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2022
Helena Polackova - UK
Loved the zodiac excursions. The zodiacs provide intimate access to locations the ship cannot reach. Zodiacs and shore excursions make all the difference in an Antarctic journey. I couldn't imagine simply viewing just from the ship. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2022
Scott Hunter - USA
Cruising below the Antarctic circle near Crystal Sound (can't remember the exact location) and witnessing the otherworldly site of a sea of bergy bits, growlers and icebergs tightly packed together as far as the eye can see. Like a broken-up ice shelf with pieces so close it looked like you could hop from one to another for miles. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2022
Jamal Perry - USA
What a powerful experience. How many people in the world get to experience this? I feel humbled. The reactions and enthusiasm of the staff at achieving the crossing reinforced how privileged my experience was. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2022
Jane Crowley - USA
I loved all the zodiac trips; the landings were incredible too but I could do zodiacs all day every day. The zodiac across Paradise Bay and Spert Island were the best; we used the term "white water zodiacing" at Spert and it was so much fun! Read the full review
Travelled: February 2022
Jennifer Ruth - USA
Take advantage of all the floor to ceiling windows - whales and seals just slide by when you're not expecting it! Do all the things you possibly can and be open to all the experiences, ask questions: the expedition crew is so passionate and knows so much. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2022
Jennifer Ruth - USA
Antarctica exceeded every expectation! The overwhelming grandiosity is difficult to put into words. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2022
Michael Bilheimer - USA
Most memorable moment: kayaking with a humpback whale - a highlight of my life to date. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2022
Lauren Woosey - UK
Temper your expectations. Don't think every day is going to be filled with gorgeous sunshine, as photos tend to suggest. If you concentrate on the incredible landscapes and fantastic wildlife, you will have an unforgettable adventure even if the weather is not the best. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2022
Fred Delcomyn - USA
The trip was full of memorable moments - for the first three days, it was just one awe-inspiring moment after another, and really we continued to be surprised and delighted up until the last hour. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2022
Stephanie Krolick - USA
The orcas appearing during the whale talk, the baby humpback breaching off the bow of the zodiacs, the polar plunge, watching from the outriggers as the the boat cut through the ice, drinking Macallan with ice fresh from a berg, having an impromptu dance party with my husband on top of a volcanic cinder cone. It was just a super trip from beginning to end. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2022
Stephanie Krolick - USA
Antarctica is such an alien place that it truly makes you feel like you've left the planet. The days were amazingly long, in a good way. Each day felt like two given the amount of activity and their length. Just a wonderful experience. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2022
Mark Golan - USA
I waited over two years to go on this trip because of Covid. It was well worth the wait. Everyone who has ever thought of going to Antarctica and has the means should go. Go now while you still can! Read the full review
Travelled: December 2021
Kent Kimball - USA
Overall a magical experience. Antarctica did exceed anything we had imagined or seen in pictures or video. No way to encompass the experience of stunning sights without being there. So big, so pristine. As we told some fellow passengers: Disney talks about magic in Orlando, but that is fake magic. Antarctica is the real magic on Earth. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2021
Mike Walcher - USA
Antarctica is vast, beautiful, and unforgiving. So much beauty, and so much struggle. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2021
Diane Walcher - USA
Antarctica was impressive with all its splendour...its vastness, whiteness. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2021
Gordon Pickering - USA
We saw whales, various types of seals, penguins, and birds. My favorite encounter was w/ a Leopard Seal while kayaking; the seal seemed to be having fun with us, creating waves and swimming quickly underneath the water to change his position before we could snap a photo. We also saw a group of Ocra hunting another whale - it was a magical moment as the sun was setting and we had just finished a BBQ dinner / party on the back deck. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2020
George Parson - Australia
I’m still thinking about the privilege of taking this adventure which I guess means that it has at least enhanced my perspective. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2019
Donald Emeigh - United States Of America
You guys were great, thank you very much for everything! Read the full review
Travelled: December 2019
Mukund Shenoy - United States Of America
The experience expanded my appreciation for this world. I still feel full of awe when I recall the trip. I expect I will carry this feeling the rest of my life. It has made us want to see more... Read the full review
Travelled: November 2019
Kathy Lanier Dignen - United States Of America
Swoop, you did a fabulous job of getting us prepared before we went, and even before that guiding us on which of the expeditions met what we wanted to achieve. I have never found that before in all of my (long!) life of travels. Even your guidance on which cabin to book, was outstanding. Read the full review
Travelled: October 2019
Sue Quelch - United Kingdom
Working with Swoop was a delight. They were so helpful and provided such good advice and useful detailed information. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2019
Ralph Pollack - United States Of America
Our Antarctica expedition was truly fabulous! It seems impossible to name just one highlight, but if I must, it would be the hour or so we spent cruising amongst a group of 200 humpback whales. They were so close you didn't know where to look first. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2018
Elaine Green - United States Of America
The people at Swoop were amazing. From the initial recommendations to the very detailed pre-cruise information, we always felt comfortable knowing that they would be there to answer any concerns.
Travelled: November 2017
Joey & Sheri - Washington
Swoop was phenomenal! I am so happy and grateful I booked with Loli and the Swoop team. Loli answered all of my questions and due to her first-hand experience with the trip, she was able to offer terrific guidance and helpful insights. I felt completely looked after and prepared for my trip.
Travelled: January 2017
Colette - California
Swoop was excellent. Alex's knowledge of the seasons and what we could expect was spot on.
Travelled: January 2017
Natalie and Mike - UK
It was the greatest blessing to run across Swoop in my research! The service was superb in every way, imaginable!
Travelled: January 2017
Arvat - Virginia
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
Everything was close to perfection. The service by Swoop Travel, the exceptional beauty of Antartica and the expedition team on the cruise were all 10/10!
Travelled: January 2016
Son - Thailand
Review:
We're a group of wilderness-seekers, always searching for the road less travelled. We've been lucky enough to visit the ends of the earth for many years, and our network of partners and guides across Antarctica are as much friends as they are colleagues.
For us, adventure has always been a process of discovery, not only of our planet and its many hidden gems, but of ourselves. We believe that unforgettable adventures can change perspectives, so we've started out on our journey towards reducing our impact, and the impact of our customers, on the natural world we all enjoy.
Nearly 20 years ago, I discovered a land at the bottom of the world that I fell in love with. Since then, I've made it my mission to help others who share my passion for the great outdoors, nature and wilderness, to embark on unforgettable adventures like mine.
Luke Errington Founder, Swoop Antarctica
Want to learn more about the magical seventh continent? Speak to one of our Antarctic experts today to find out what kind of adventure might be right for you.
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
4.7 out of 5
Fly over the Drake Passage in just 2 hours, both to and from Antarctica. Ideal for those wanting a high comfort level, but who have limited time or are anxious sailors. An outstanding program, successfully operated for over 15 seasons.…
4.8 out of 5
The great strength of this trip is choice – a wide selection of departure dates and optional adventure activities available on a sleek purpose-built 138 passenger expedition ship. Spend four full days exploring Antarctica. Enjoy daily shore landings and zodiac…
4.5 out of 5
The ultimate Antarctic adventure, this trip is specifically for the active traveller. Spend 7 days kayaking, hiking, camping, mountaineering and snowshoeing, all included in the price. A medium-sized expedition ship acts as your floating ‘basecamp’. An excellent deal backed up…
4.8 out of 5
With three medium-sized expedition ships to pick from and regular departure dates throughout the season, this well-priced voyage is a popular option. Across striking landscapes and icy seas, your company includes penguins, seals, whales and skuas. For the adventurous, optional…
4.7 out of 5
Looking for an Antarctic adventure without compromising on comfort and service? This stylish 139-passenger ship, with its cavernous suites, fine dining and compelling itinerary, offers a polished Southern Ocean adventure at a fair…
Extending almost 14 million km², the Antarctic ice sheet is the world's largest single mass of ice and is twice as big as Australia, with ice up to 2.5 miles thick in places. The…
Discover MoreChoosing the best time to visit Antarctica is an essential part of the planning process. Each month's distinctive weather and wildlife offer a different side of the region.
Discover MoreWe know that you just want to get out there and experience the thrill of the Antarctic, but planning a trip to Antarctica can be a daunting and at times, overwhelming task. As …
Discover MoreWe'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
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.
1-888-970-4570We don’t charge a commission and there are no hidden fees. Just impartial, expert advice from the leading Polar cruise agent. Schedule a call with our Antarctic Experts today.
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