Customer Reviews

Too many highlights to count - The landscapes and wildlife were stunning. I met some lovely people on the ship and made some lasting friendships. I was really impressed by the way the passengers were led to seats and were not left to find someone to sit with. This was particularly helpful as many were travelling alone. Finding that my great, great grandfather's ship (SS Great Britain) ended up in the Falklands and featured prominently in the museum. Also being able to follow my grandfather's route around the Horn, around which he had sailed nine times in the American wheat clippers. All a bit of unexpected family history. Stepping ashore on Elephant Island.

South Georgia walking amongst King Penguins and Fur Seals

There are so many, but to name a few, the first site of the Antartica islands was overwhelming and such a great feeling that we had actually made it! Then stepping foot on land! So epic! I very much enjoyed daily zodiacs to land and the hikes we were able to do. Our first Zodiac ride, we got to see a baby leopard seal, which I guess is very rare to see. Another rarity we saw were a few pods of orcas swimming alongside the boat. They stayed with us for about an hour! The kayaking was one of the best days, and the ice camping was the best night (and morning thereafter with a beautiful sunrise on the mountain tops). The most exhilarating moments was the polar plunge (while it was lightly snowing). OMG the water was so cold! But it brought up this feeling of great anticipation and excitedness that I haven't felt since I was a child. The whole trip was absolutely amazing, and I'm so happy I was able to do all of these expeditions alongside my husband, Drew!

My most memorable moment (a billion to choose from, this one stands out) was witnessing my Mom take her first steps on Antartica! together we have visited all 7 now.

Really South Georgia and the King Penguins and all the Icebergs in Antarctica. Of course, all the wonderful wildlife we saw throughout the trip.

Polar Plunge

Paddling among the ice floats. It was so peaceful and relaxing.

The landscapes were even more beautiful than I could have imagined. Getting so close to wildlife was certainly one of the highlights of the experience. All of the people on the boat were kind, open, and interesting.

I was in a vessel with 50 other young women, which is rare and it was incredible! Lots of new friendships. The whole staff and crew of Ortelius was phenomenal! The landscape is incredible, not possible to take a bad picture, and loads of pinguins!

Bridge tour

So many. The landscape, the silence, the icebergs, the glaciers, being so close to so many penguins, walking on the Antarctic continent. But the final afternoon seeing so many whales from the balcony and then in a zodiac being surrounded by whales that we didn't know which way to look.

The stark beauty of Antarctica really opened my eyes to this part of the world. We were able to see numerous types of penquins, two types of whales, many seals, etc. And seeing the chicks was a highlight for me. The biggest surprise for us is that we made record time crossing the Drake Passage..as it was truly the DRAKE LAKE in both directions! We got lucky.

Well Antarctica was impressive with all its splendor.. it’s vastness, whiteness. And for a few of the coves we were able to get in. But South Georgia.. was the highlight with so much wildlife and the history. The museum in Grytviken and the church were also very interesting. All the penguins - thousands of them at a time was very overwhelming at times. And Malvinas was good to as we learned more about its history.

Engaging my girlfriend in Antarctica. But kayaking with a humpback whale was also great.

The first time we disembarked in Coureville Island and there they were...thousands of Gentoo Penguins. Everything was a highlight.

Sitting in a kayak surrounded by 10+ humpback whales in Fournier Bay

The entire team at Swoop/Lindbald and everyone onboard Nat Geo Explorer were phenomenal in curating this once in a lifetime experience! I would go again...in a heartbeat! Thank you The most inhospitable place on Earth—bleak, frozen, and stretching endlessly in every direction. A landscape of white and blue, ice and snow blending into an endless horizon. And yet, it overflows with life, beauty, and quiet wonder. I’ve read about this seventh continent, studied it, watched documentaries, absorbed every story I could find. But nothing compares to being here. No image or film can prepare you for the immensity, the stillness, the deep calm that settles within. If I could bottle this feeling and share it, I would. Words and photographs fall short of capturing its true spirit. I’ve always been drawn to awe—to the raw openness of nature and the spaces that make you feel both small and expansive at once. Here, silence is not emptiness; it is presence. In a world overflowing with noise, this quiet feels powerful and rare. Places that appear barren—deserts, ice fields, vast empty stretches—are often the most alive. They ask you to slow down, to notice, to feel. I am here, standing in the stillness and smiling 😊

The zodiac landings were a highlight—fun, seamless, and led by a truly professional and engaging team. Approaching Antarctica for the first time was magical, made even more special by whales performing around the ship. Seeing the white continent while surrounded by wildlife was pure joy and an unforgettable experience.

This is the one of the most difficult questions to answer because there were so many unforgettable moments, but I will mention the first day we arrived in Antarctica after crossing the Antarctic circle. It was snowing heavily and we went out on the Zodiac among ice slabs sorrounded by icebergs, we saw our first seals, whales, and of course, penguins. A typical Antarctic day.

Impossible to state a highlight as one event built on the previous events. Even daft activities like a bar-b-que on deck as it snows and icebergs for decor, what can you say - brilliant. We were lucky with the weather so saw most things and other not so normal like 2 emperor penguins and an Leopard seal. The other passengers created a happy experience and staff and experts knew their stuff making the learning side enjoyable.