Maureen
Canada
Customer
Rating
10
Customer Rating On return from their adventure we ask customers: “On a scale of 0-10, with 10 being the highest, how likely is it that you would recommend Swoop to a friend or colleague?”
Maureen's Trip Date:
28th Dec - 16th Jan 2026
What was your most memorable moment?
When a gentle 50 foot right whale surfaced beside our zodiac group, spending 15 minutes or so within just a few inches of one of the boats, clearly intrigued its human occupants. Words fail me.
Which of the following best describes your adventure?
Great holiday
On a scale of 0 to 10, how likely is it that you would recommend Swoop to a friend or colleague?
10 out of 10
On a scale of 0 to 10, how would you rate your trip: South Georgia, Antarctica and Falklands Explorer?
10 out of 10
Were Swoop right to recommend Polar Latitudes?
Yes
Tell us about Zodiac excursions
Exceptionally well organized, with safety always placed as the priority.
Tell us about the expedition team
6 gold stars out of 5. Expedition staff were, without exception, fabulous.
Tell us about the Seaventure
Loved the ship. Small, intimate, and cozy. Also very nimble, meaning it could get into smaller bays and sail closer to shore than larger bosts. We were also fortunate to have a balcony room. Not inexpensive, but worth every penny - in our opinion. Very much added to our enjoyment as we were able to watch passing icebergs, playful seals and spouting whales from the comfort of our room. The boat also had a very high safety rating for ice - crucially important if you’re going to Antarctica.
Tell us about the Kayaking
One of the most amazing experience of my life: imagine kayaking silently amongst icebergs…or having so many seals swimming around your boat you feel as though you’re kayaking in seal soup…or being made speechless as humpback whales surface near by. Mind blowing .
Do you have any tips or advice for other people planning a trip to Antarctica?
Choose a small boat and optimize opportunities to get off by hiking, kayaking or going on a zodiac. Don’t overpack and remember nobody cares what you’re wearing. My ears were frequently cold…so, even if it looks nerdy, I would recommend a warm wool toque with ear flaps. In terms of layers, I would go with a base layer of merino wool (top and bottom) and two warm sweaters on top of that… plus a fleece buff to keep your neck warm. Add one pair of thermal pants on top of your merino base layer, plus waterproof pants on top of that. Polar Latitudes gives you a downfilled jacket (to keep) and an outer windproof gortex jacket (which you give back). As I tend to run cold, in Antarctica, I used stick-on hot pads on top of my socks. I was worried about being cold… but with the above clothing… I was warm and toasty the entire time.
Has your experience changed your perspective in any way?
I have a deep reverence for Antarctica and a renewed commitment to do my part to ensure it remains pristine.
Do you have any recommendations for Swoop, or feedback about the team?
I thought the soup team did a great job. No recommendations for improvement :-)
How prepared and excited for Antarctica did you feel?
Thanks to the team, I felt very prepared and enormously excited for our trip.
Would you consider another trip to Antarctica with Swoop?
No
Would you be interested in travelling to Patagonia with Swoop?
No
Would you be interested in travelling to The Arctic with Swoop?
No
Would you be interested in travelling to Scotland, Ireland, New Zealand, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia, Kenya or The Galapagos, with one of our trusted partners?
No
Would you like to receive our email newsletter about our other destinations?
Yes
When are you thinking of taking your next trip?
I don`t know
