Customer Reviews

This was truly an exceptional and unforgettable expedition. From the moment we boarded, the service was impeccable. The SH Diana exceeded our expectations, with elegant, spacious cabins and ample storage that made the two-week journey extremely comfortable. Crossing the Antarctic Circle was a special highlight, and we appreciated the well-organized kayaking opportunities along with the many landings across Antarctica and nearby islands. We were fortunate to have great conditions, and even the Drake Passage felt like part of the adventure rather than an obstacle. Wildlife sightings were absolutely incredible—whales, orcas, penguins, seals, etc. were seen frequently. Experiences like the polar plunge added an extra layer of excitement and fun to an already remarkable journey. The SWAN Hellenic team was outstanding—professional, knowledgeable, and clearly committed to providing the best possible experience. This expedition struck a perfect balance between adventure and luxury, and it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience we will always remember.

At Antartica Peninsula - the ice everywhere with the wildlife everywhere we look - amazing

Kayaking with a humpback whale - a highlight of my life to date.

Walking into the snow between thousands pinguins.

The first evening arriving in Antarctica, the Aurora Expedition crew announced we were going out and to suit up. Everyone was thrilled. I was in the kayaking group, only 3 of us and 1 guide, so we set out first. It was sleeting and grey and cold out. The landscape was snowy, rocky and barren. It was quiet and then happened upon an elephant seal swimming in the water who poked his head up at us. He stared at us, we stared at him, gliding by. It was too cold to pull out my camera, but perhaps that was the best b/c it is seared into my memory, being in the moment with Antarctica wildlife.

Amazing views of landscapes in places that you feel like no one has ever been. Icebergs, penguins, and whales that would show up at any given moment.

It was interesting

Kayaking with the humpback whales AND the polar plunge!

It was fantastic. It was everything I had hoped it to be. I was disappointed that we were unable to camp with the penguins. There were way more penguins and seals than I thought there would be. Thought there would be more whales and dolphins. Nice surprise to come back to the ship and have a hot drink with a shot of alcohol in it. A surprise to get to walk on an ice flow. A fun surprise to have an outdoor BBQ on the deck in the snow!!! Best surprise was the thumb drive that the staff made for us of our photos and memories of our vacation. Very nice and it really touched me. I also really enjoyed and got into the Russian word and/or phrase of the day. I was THE only passenger that liked learning the Russian language. Everyone else were deadheads!!

Kayaking with humpback whales and feeling their calls in my sternum.

Reaching the Southern Peninsula. Felt like we had arrived in another planet!

Sunrise landing on Saint Andrew’s Bay, South Georgia

Watching at least 20 Orcas swimming toward the ship, just below the surface.

Being in the zodiac with whales coming up right next to the zodiac. Also hearing them trumpet; never heard before.

Kayaking around icebergs

Sailing into a bay with massive mountains surrounding us almost completely. The scale was so incomprehensible.

Realising and accepting that the elements of nature dictate how we are going to spend our holidays.

We were fortunate to have Loli (Lolly) as our Naturalist and Zodiac driver for an incredible encounter with Humbacks. She was super informative, and was as excited as we were to see them. She was helping out on the boat for a couple of weeks but also was a Swoop employee as well. She made sure that we (Craig and Candice) were also sorted out on our flights when we had a delay. Everyone on the boat wanted to have her as their driver because she was so fun and pleasant to be with.

Highlights include kayaking (in ANTARCTICA!), camping without a tent (in ANTARCTICA!), having a penguin staring at me for half an hour while I was just sitting up in my sleeping bag, watching 6 orcas circling a small iceberg to hunt the seals lying there, probably scared out of their minds. The captain STOPPED the boat while we watched transfixed for half an hour.

No surprises - except relatively quiet Drake Passage. Trip met all expectations in terms of wildlife, scenery and history. Staff and guides excellent. Fellow travelers largely as expected. Only downsides were day lost with cancelled flight, and inability to access the Weddell Sea.