Sustainability at Swoop Antarctica

Swoop has always tried to ensure that our actions match our belief in the power of travelling for good. When we became a certified B Corp, we created the Swoop Conservation Fund to further extend the positive impacts of our travels.

We currently donate 1% of Swoop’s revenues to non-profit organisations making significant positive impacts in the destinations we visit – and encourage all our travellers to consider supporting its work.

In the Antarctic region, the Swoop Conservation Fund has financially supported the following: 

• Polar Citizen Science Collective Extending outreach and training to better connect researchers and ship operators and increase access to citizen science projects.
• South Georgia Heritage Trust Supporting the Commensalis project to conserve and study the whale populations recovering in South Georgia’s waters.
• Gauchos del Mar/Fundacion Marejada Supporting their work in advocating for the creation of the Domain 1 Marine Protection Area along the Western Antarctic Peninsula.
• Agenda Antartica Capacity building with Argentina's main Antarctic NGO to strengthen environmental advocacy through science-policy dialogue and regionally grounded leadership.
• Antarctica & Southern Ocean Coalition Financing delegates to attend the annual Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) on environmental protection, related to krill fishery management.

Swoop is a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), which was established in 1991 to advocate for safe and environmentally responsible travel to Antarctica, in line with the principles of the Antarctic Treaty. Swoop’s Head of Sustainability sits on its Climate Change Committee: IAATO is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2050 compared with 2008 levels, and reach net zero as quickly as possible.

IAATO applies strict rules on visitors to Antarctica to protect its ecosystems. To prevent the accidental spread or introduction of invasive species or pathogens, biosecurity rules are in place, including the close inspection and cleaning of all outer layers, and the disinfecting of boots and any items that may come into contact with the ground.

Because Antarctica's animals have no natural fear of people, wildlife watching guidelines are in place to avoid disturbing them. Before arriving in Antarctica, expedition guides will fully brief all visitors on how to behave. These include keeping a minimum of 5 metres (15 feet) away from wildlife at all times. Wildlife in Antarctica always has the right of way and if anything you do causes an animal to change their behaviour, it's a sign that you're too close and should quietly move away. 

Separate rules govern whale watching in zodiacs and kayaks, including the best options should the animals themselves ignore the guidance and approach visitors. When sailing in Antarctic waters, Antarctic cruise ships all follow strict speed limits to avoid disturbing whales.