Martin
United States Of America
Customer
Rating
10
Customer Rating On return from their adventure we ask customers: “On a scale of 0-10, with 10 being the highest, how likely is it that you would recommend Swoop to a friend or colleague?”
Martin's Trip Date:
20th Dec - 3rd Jan 2025
What was your most memorable moment?
Everything! The scenery was fantastic. The food was amazing. The guides were great. All the wildlife and all the experiences of being there. It is hard to describe how awesome it was. Those who have been to Antarctica can relate. So much fun!
Which of the following best describes your adventure?
Life changing
On a scale of 0 to 10, how likely is it that you would recommend Swoop to a friend or colleague?
10 out of 10
On a scale of 0 to 10, how would you rate your trip: Crossing the Antarctic Circle?
10 out of 10
Were Swoop right to recommend Aurora Expeditions?
Yes
Tell us about Zodiac excursions
These were great! We loved seeing everything. Maybe increase the time a little like half an hour and put lunch back a bit? I understand though that the ship also had to make time so that makes sense.
Tell us about the expedition team
They were wonderful, professional, and helpful. No complaints!
Tell us about the Sylvia Earle
Great ship! It was a perfect experience! We used the gym three times, the coffee machine every morning, the bar for an evening pre-meal cocktail. All was very communal and nice. Guests were fun to talk to.
Tell us about the Snow shoeing & Hiking
Sean and Dan were the bomb! They saved loads of time by teaching us everything on the boat first so when we hit the land we could just go. I really loved doing the harness hikes and hiking uphill. We wish we could have had 30-45 minutes longer but I know the boat had to go on to the next place so fair enough. They were great with our group and everybody really liked them a lot. They were good and patient instructors.
Something Else?
Thank you to Alex Mudd for steering us right on cabin selection! 421 was a perfect location to minimize the Drake. Also, the 70-75 minute video was super helpful (the one about what to expect). Although I was unable to attend live, I saw it later and having it available not in real time was super helpful. I watched it twice and between that and emailing Sarah we felt very prepared.
Do you have any tips or advice for other people planning a trip to Antarctica?
I would say use Swoop and get in on it EARLY so you can pick your cabin. And definitely choose an activity! Well worth it. Another tip: take time to see Ushuaia! It is awesome there. So is the national park. Also, be sure to pick a room with a sliding glass door like we did. I was always going out there to have a look.
Has your experience changed your perspective in any way?
I am not sure. I was really excited to see Antarctica and that did not diminish. 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.
Do you have any recommendations for Swoop, or feedback about the team?
Not really! Keep up the good work. Thanks for all the smooth work and keeping us going. Also thanks to Howard for always making sure we had good pretty good weather. I think he and the captain worked very hard to make sure that occurred.
How prepared and excited for Antarctica did you feel?
Very prepared. The video and the consults with Sarah helped a lot. Also the fact that we had nearly two years to get ready. Lots of trips to REI and research to get the gear right. And we got it all in our carry on luggage which meant we did not have to worry about it getting lost. It can be done if you are not planning to go anywhere warm on your trip before or after.
Would you consider another trip to Antarctica with Swoop?
Yes
Would you be interested in travelling to Patagonia with Swoop?
No
Would you be interested in travelling to The Arctic with Swoop?
Yes
