LB
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?”
LB's Trip Date:
8th Feb - 15th Feb 2023
What was your most memorable moment?
While kayaking in Graham Passage I was lucky enough to witness a huge ice calving. Throughout the voyage there were so many whale sightings and even a few leopard seals.
Which of the following best describes your adventure?
Great holiday
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: Antarctic Fly & Cruise Safari?
7 out of 10
Were Swoop right to recommend Quark Expeditions?
Yes
Tell us about Zodiac excursions
The most memorable zodiac cruise took place on my first full day in Antarctica at Curtiss Bay. It was sunset and only partly cloudy allowing pockets of blue sky to be seen. The golden light was breaking through the clouds and spotlighting the peaks. As the zodiac slowly navigated through the ice field our expedition guide spotted a leopard seal lackadaisically bobbing on an iceberg bed. We were able to get a close look as we floated by. Returning to the ship, I took in the captivating sight of all the various sized icebergs while listening to the brash sound of moving through the floating ice field. This zodiac cruise is when it sunk in that I finally had made it to Antarctica!
Tell us about the expedition team
Danny Zbinden aka the whale whisperer! I swear he always new where to find the whales which I loved. He did a great job. He is experienced, very knowledgeable, approachable, and fun! I don’t think I ever heard him repeat the same thing twice; he always shared new information. One recommendation, the photographer, Finn, was very helpful with passing along tips! I wish that he would have been on some of the land excursions. I feel like the majority of the photos taken featured and captured the kayakers experience and didn’t necessarily represent everyone else’s experience. All the expedition leaders were good. I assume that Quark is in a transition phase where maybe some of their more experienced/seasoned leaders left. The majority of the leaders seemed new, which is not a bad thing.
Tell us about the Ocean Adventurer
I really enjoyed the vessel. I loved all of the observation decks! The food was great. I would gladly choose this ship again.
Tell us about the Paddling
I really loved my paddling experience! I would do it again. I was under the impression that to participate in the sea kayaking you had to be at a certain level of kayaking and have some specific maneuvers down. Based on what I saw though there were no prerequisites.
Would you consider another trip to Antarctica with Swoop?
Yes
Would you be interested in travelling to Patagonia with Swoop?
Yes
Would you be interested in travelling to The Arctic with Swoop?
Yes
Do you have any recommendations for Swoop, or feedback about the team?
Have I mentioned Hannah Green enough? She was absolutely wonderful. She is very attentive and pleasant. She always got back to me in a timely manner and would point me to the right recourses. I felt heard and very much taken care of.
