My Antarctic stats
- Began working in travel: 2001
- Antarctic activities tested: Camping, kayaking and snowshoeing
- Polar plunges braved: 4
- Polar places visited: Antarctic Peninsula, The Falklands, South Georgia, Snow Hill, Weddell Sea
Swoop says
For me, visiting Antarctica for the first time was a life-changing moment, a profound connection between myself and Mother Nature. An expedition can be a moment of self-reflection and will have a major impact on you.
Otto Lock Antarctica Specialist
My top 5 Antarctic experiences
1. The smell hit before the view in St Andrews Bay, South Georgia. Landing among elephant seals, fur seals, and curious king penguins, we reached the river's edge to find a chaotic teeming mass of thousands of penguins. The howling wind and fading light made it feel surreal—I was among the last to leave, overwhelmed with gratitude.
2. When our briefing on the next day's activities in Antarctica was interrupted by radio chatter—orca whales had been sighted! I rushed on deck to find a pod right next to the ship. I captured a perfect two-minute video of this rare encounter.
3. A tough, windy trek along the cliffs of the Falklands was totally worth it: a spectacular colony of rockhopper penguins against yellow rocks, green grass, and blue sky. A lone Macaroni Penguin among them made it even more special—a personal trip highlight.
4. The absolute highlight was taking a helicopter flight to Snow Hill. Perfect weather, no wind, and an early morning landing gave us extended time at the emperor penguin colony—an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
5. Kayaking at Cierva Cove for nearly two hours of flat-calm paddling through brash ice, surrounded by deep blue and aqua reflections. We spotted a minke whale, leopard seal, gentoos, and Adelies on rocks coated in orange algae and green moss—pure peace and wonder.
Otto with Emperor Penguins and chicks at Snow Hill
My photos of Antarctica
Watching king penguins on South Georgia
Gentoo Penguin porpoising
Me and the beautiful blue ice
Orcas (killer whales)
Humpback whale fluke
There are so many photogenic moments in Antarctica
An almost camouflaged Weddell Seal
Toasting "the Boss" at Shackleton's grave
Brutus shipwreck at Prince Olav Harbour in South Georgia
Emperor Penguins at Snow Hill
Emperor Penguins and chicks
Helicopter view over Borgen Bay
Elephant seal resting on the sand
More about me
- I spent 15 years living on cruise ships and have visited more than 60 countries!
- Having worked as an onboard photographer, I never go anywhere without my camera
- I grew up in the South African countryside but now live in Chile with my family
- I’ve helped customers plan once-in-a-lifetime trips to the White Continent since 2016
- I love sharing my expert knowledge of Antarctica with customers so we can all preserve the polar regions for future generations
- My commitment to excellence was recognised in 2025 when Swoop won the top award as Best Expedition Cruise Tour Operator at the Expedition Cruise Network Awards, and I’m incredibly proud to be nominated as "Best Individual Expedition Cruise Seller / Travel Advisor"
Otto viewing King Penguins at Jason Harbour
What our customers think of Otto
Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?
1. Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2. Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3. Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
