Avian Flu & Travel to Antarctica

Antarctic trip itineraries have continued to operate successfully since the detection of Avian Flu on the Peninsula. 

In mid-December 2024, five landing sites were temporarily switched to zodiac cruising only. If, to manage any risk, any more sites close to landings, it's worth remembering the breadth of different experiences Antarctica offers: zodiac cruising around icebergs, kayaking and other adventure activities, whale watching from your ship and walking or camping among extraordinary scenery away from wildlife.

All visitors will continue to participate in the simple biosecurity procedures already in place for Antarctica, such as disinfecting boots and kit between landings. To prevent the possibility of accidental transmission during a landing, it's not permitted to sit, kneel or squat on the ground, or place bags on the ground. Your expedition team will talk you through these procedures before you arrive in Antarctica.

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Should any locations temporarily close for landings, it's worth noting that many of Antarctica's best wildlife experiences actually take place on the water: seeing leopard seals on ice floes during a zodiac cruise, having penguins porpoise around you on a kayaking trip, or watching whales from the deck of your ship. In Antarctica, you are never far from the action! 

Avian Flu is a highly contagious disease that primarily affects birds, but it is also known to affect mammals including species like seals who are often found in association with seabirds. The risk to wildlife is great, which is why the protective biosecurity measures introduced by IAATO in Antarctica are so important.

Avian Flu has been shown to particularly affect brown skuas, kelp gulls, giant petrels, elephant seals and fur seals. To date, it has not spread among penguins. 

While it’s possible that Avian Flu can be transmitted to humans, the practical risks are very low and require continuous close contact with an infected animal. 

Avian Flu arrived naturally on South Georgia in October 2023. This led to the temporary closing of several landing sites to visitors, while still keeping those locations open to zodiac cruises. These shoreline safaris have always been a key component of any trip to South Georgia, where the sheer density of wildlife on the beaches can often make landings impractical.

For the 2024/25 season, landings on South Georgia are permitted at the discretion of your onboard expedition team, subject to increased scouting by guides for signs of Avian Flu before guests leave the ship and strict adherence to the simple biosecurity rules.

Ship operators have successfully visited South Georgia ever since the first detection of Avian Flu there. Swoop had team members successfully visit South Georgia in the 2/23/24 season and as recently as November 2024. Swoop passengers travelling to South Georgia in the 2023/24 season reported high levels of satisfaction from their time there, and we anticipate this will continue for the 2024/25 season. 

A small number of cases of Avian Flu have been recorded in the Falkland Islands since late 2023, but the majority of landing sites have remained open, with visitors following the same simple biosecurity procedures as for South Georgia and Antarctica.

Avian Flu is spread naturally by migrating birds.

All visitors to Antarctica can play their part in helping to protect the region's wildlife by adhering to the biosecurity procedures that are already operating on expedition cruise ships during landings. 

Swoop is continually monitoring the situation and working with our partners and IAATO to keep you up to date. We'll keep you actively informed if there are changes that may affect your trip, as well as keeping this page regularly updated.