Few travel companies are pioneers like Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions (ALE). In the 1980s they ran the first ever tourist flights to the South Pole, and helped open up the continent to national research programmes through their development of blue ice runways. They run guided trips to the Antarctic interior and South Pole, including camping with emperor penguins and Mount Vinson climbs, as well as providing logistical support for modern expeditions.
Swoop is proud to work with ALE so that we can offer our guests the opportunity to explore Antarctica in a way that few are ever lucky to experience firsthand.
Proudly working with every operator in the industry
Swoop says
The interior of Antarctica is one of the toughest operating environments on the planet, but ALE make it look easy. From blue ice runways to remote fuel dumps that allow planes to hop to the South Pole, they've got decades of experience at the cutting edge of adventure.
Lizzie Williams Polar Product Manager
Who are Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions?
Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions (ALE) were founded in 1985 as Adventure Network International, their predecessor company set up after the first private expedition to climb Antarctica’s highest peak, Mount Vinson. In 1990, they made the first tourist flight to the South Pole, and the following year became one of the seven founding members of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO).
ALE pioneered the use of blue ice runways in Antarctica, and in 2010 they set up field operations at Union Glacier, their basecamp in the interior. From here, they run their tourism operations as well as providing flight and logistic support for national Antarctic scientific programmes and private expeditions to the South Pole and beyond.
Why Swoop loves working with Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions
- ALE was the first partner we teamed up with when our guests started asking us to help with trips to the South Pole, and we’re proud of the working relationship we’ve built together over the years..
- The deep field experience that ALE have in the Antarctic interior is extraordinary – when even national scientific programme use their services, we know that our guests are dealing with true experts.
- When one of our team left Swoop, we were delighted that the only place that could tempt him from his desk was to work as a polar guide for ALE at their Union Glacier basecamp.
- Union Glacier, accessible by direct flight from Punta Arenas, is the perfect springboard for exploring the interior, with a host of wilderness activities on offer.
- Flights from Union Glacier take travellers direct to the South Pole – either for the day or to spend the night in ALE's private camp.
- ALE are the only operator in the world that offers the chance to camp near an emperor penguin colony, at Gould Bay near the edge of the Weddell Sea.
- Staying true to their mountaineering roots, ALE are the only operator that runs climbing expeditions to Mount Vinson, for adventurers looking to complete the Seven Peaks Challenge, as well as Mount Sidley of the Volcanic Seven Summits.
- For those looking to blend absolute remoteness with complete comfort, ALE's Three Glaciers Retreat is their luxury camp tucked into the Heritage Range of the Ellsworth Mountains.
Swoop's Trips with Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions
Price Match Promise - We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip
Swoop works with every major Antarctic operator
Swoop’s unrivalled network of trusted partners across the polar fleet make it easy to find your dream Antarctic adventure.
Our expertise means we can offer impartial advice on which operator, ship, and departure is best for you.
And our Price Match Promise means that we’ll always match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip.
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.
