Customer Reviews

Zodiac trip to shore to walk among the huge number of penguins , seals, elephant seals and traveling past several whales. The ice covered areas were like visiting another planet. Nothing like it anywhere else, not even Alaska. This was a very special place.

The wild life was the best part of the trip.

There are so many! Kayaking is the only way to see Antarctica so, on the recommendation of Swoop, we signed up for the kayaking package. All our moments are literally in the water. So close to a swimming seal that we could touch him with our paddle (we didn't, of course). Penguins porpoising and keeping up with our strokes. The sound of lapping waves on our kayaks. Jumping from sea ice-to-sea ice that no person had ever walked on.

Seeing all of the wildlife was absolutely fantastic. The level of expertise of the staff on board and the quality of the excursions was one of a kind!

I have many memorable moments, too many to list here, but if I had to name a few (mot in order of priority) they would be: walking among various species of penguins and seals, standing with a 500,000 penguin colony, experiencing the incredible, breathtaking expanse of Antarctica, unexpectedly following a pod of Orca whales, crossing the Antarctic circle, walking in 50 mule winds in the Falklands and appreciating its ruggedness.

You can't put words to the feeling you get in Antarctica. Just being there is a life changing experience that one needs to have for themselves to appreciate the Arctic. My most memorable moment was seeing all the wildlife in their natural environment and how they live. Walking so close and feeling as a part of the environment was something we just don't experience in the "real world".

There are so many memorable moments, but having the opportunity to kayak on this expedition gave me the most memorable of the entire trip. Being on the water, kayaking among the humpback whales feeding in front of us, behind us and to the side of us is a feeling I will never forget. The opportunity to experience the pristine environment, walking among the thousands of penguins, sneaking past sleeping seals and listening the sounds of Antarctica can not be put into words. Simply amazing, overwhelming and otherworldly are the best words I can come up with.

Experiencing the power of the Drake Passage, we had the Drake Shake both ways, made me understand the risks of the early explorers and the extreme ecosystems. Seeing a leopard seal catch and flay a penguin reminded me that nature is not cuddly.

Being able to see part of the world that is still untouched by humans. Sharing that moment with my nearest and dearest was icing on the cake.

Kayaking though the brash ice amidst icebergs, penguins and a leopard seal. So quiet and surreal. Absolutely wonderful!

The helicopter crew and Ryan the Expedition Leader deciding they could make the trip of 62 miles each way to the Snow Hill colony and then of course, actually making it there in the wind and snow! Secondly the helicopter sight seeing trip over Hidden Bay - just incredible.

Too many to choose from! Highlights include: an exhilarating polar plunge, seeing a beautiful Antarctic sunset, camping on Antarctica, seeing the majesty of Brown’s Bluff, every time I got to see penguins swimming

Close-up observation of Gentoo penguins.

Waking and being the first on deck for the first week and seeing the sunrise with the tabular icebergs for the first time...or was it the first Wandering albatross...or maybe the Southern Ocean...whales...penguins (you're not in Wisconsin anymore!). Most memorable? See me in 20 years when I've lost most of my memory and see what's left. ;)

Lemaire Channel was outstanding unable to land but the resultant cruise around left me speechless (not a common problem). Again no camera can do justice to the omnipotence of Antartica it is humbling, penguins were cheeky, seals were unphased and the whales / Orcas gave hope that we haven't destroyed the planet YET. Most fellow travelers were warm, friendly and shared their photos / films. The 'ladies" I shared with were individuals who shared a joke, welcomed you and we have formed firm firm friendship despite our disparate ages interests and nationalities. Only Antartica.

We had a humpback whale come right up beside our zodiac where it stayed for about half an hour! It was so playful and curious, skyhopping to see what was going on and swimming around genuinely like it was playing with us. It was incredible!

The whole trip was a hugh memory. Being able to go to a untouched environment and leaving it as you found it was the memory also. Seeing the the many different species living and thriving together brings a smile to my face as I am writing this review.

The landings on Antarctica, coupled with the zodiac cruises in the area, were quite memorable. We had numerous whale sightings while cruising and the icebergs were incredible.

The whole trip! Learning about everything about Antarctica and Drake passage. I also enjoy the landscape once we’re on land

The trip was the best I’ve ever had. The landscapes were out of the world and we were lucky to come across a lot of wildlife including tons of orca whales over two days. The co-passengers were amazing and we all got along very well. The expedition crew were superb- experienced, friendly and very concerned about our safety. The hotel and housekeeping staff ensured we were comfortable and had ample food to eat. I never thought I would do the polar plunge but I did.