About me

Life before Swoop

My first job was in a travel agency. Shortly after the first season, I started leading groups in Argentina and Chile. Thanks to this experience, I earned a bachelor's degree in Tourism and Hotel Management. Shortly after this, I moved to Ushuaia and worked in tour logistics for a few years before becoming a professional tour guide in the Tierra Del Fuego National Park.

Guiding groups from several countries going to and arriving back from Antarctica was my first encounter with The White Continent. The stories, images and memories of the travellers I guided through the natural wonders of Patagonia engaged my curiosity more and more, and without realising, prepared me for the last polar frontier.

In 2006, I was drawn into the sailing world, which led me to travel to South Africa and then to live aboard a 40ft sailing boat in different South American countries, the West Indies, and the US. Alternating my sailing life and tour guiding in Ushuaia, I started orienting people into the world of polar travel and achieved a lifelong dream, my first voyage to Antarctica.

Malva

Escondido Lake, Ushuaia

My Antarctic experience

My Antarctic voyage started in February 2020 when I was fortunate enough to be aboard the Hondius and start a life-changing voyage to The White Continent.

Getting to experience the rough waters of the Drake Passage, cross the Antarctic Circle, and visit Antarctic bases – along with Ernest Shackelton’s grave and Elephant island – was incredible. I will never forget the magical moment when a humpback whale emerged from the water and seemed to look straight at me.

Now I know that, in the polar regions, there are magical moments every day!

Malva

South Georgia Island

Day to day at Swoop

As part of Swoop’s polar Customer Experience Team, my job is to make sure you have the perfect Antarctic experience, and that every step of your journey goes according to plan. Polar experiences are unique and unforgettable.

I look forward to being part of the process of getting you prepared for your adventure.

Malva

Huge ice in the Lemaire Channel

Customer review background image

What our customers think of Malva

Absolutely would use Swoop again, and recommend it to others. Would like to thank Brandon and Malva - Brandon for helping us choose the expedition that was right for us, and Malva for helping us every step on the way to departure. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

Jennifer Webb - Canada

Otto and Malva were perfect. You were knowledgable, responsive, personable, and lovely. I can't thank you enough for all you have done for us. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Love Zubiller - USA

10/10 - The whole process of planning and booking was seamless with Swoop and my contact Malva was always quick in responding to my million questions :) Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Mary Abraham - USA

10/10 - Malva was fantastic! Not only was she a wealth of information, but she quickly responded to my many, many questions and helped me feel prepared and confident for this once-in-a-lifetime trip. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2023

Midori Shibuya - USA

The staff at Swoop were awesome, especially Malva. Read the full review

Travelled: March 2023

Mary Ceren - USA

I had exceptional customer service, especially from Malva Canonico. Your initial video to help us was incredible and I found the portal helpful. Malva was the best part though - high touch and very very helpful and kind. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2022

Tanya De Mello - Canada

The Swoop team did a great job preparing us for our trip to Antarctica. Malva was great at answering all of our questions and helping set up the hotel for our stay before the ship excursion. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2022

Akilah Hugine - USA

Review: