Why book your Antarctic cruise with Swoop?

  • We’ve been helping our Indian travellers get to the White Continent for many years, so we’re well tuned to what's important to you: family-friendly, hassle-free trips with great service, value for money and high comfort at their core
  • Through our long-standing partnerships with all the Antarctic ships, we've got access to the most competitive pricing & best deals
  • With over 150 Antarctica voyages under our belts as a team, we have unrivalled polar experience and can help guide you through the complexity of choice on offer
  • We provide a fully assisted travel service, from dedicated support as you prepare for your trip to taking care of all your travel logistics from the moment you arrive to when you leave
  • We work with the widest choice of ships, including all the luxury Antarctic cruise brands with their focus on excellent service and generous amenities
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Swoop says

In the 2022-23 season, 753 travellers from India experienced Antarctica, and this figure is set to grow exponentially from the increasing demand that we’re experiencing.

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What our customers think of Antarctic Planning for Indian Travellers

I was happy to see many older solo travelers in this part of the world. Appreciate their spirit! Read the full review

Travelled: November 2023

Shruti Malhotra - India

I felt safe all the time. I enjoyed the zodiac cruises once I got into the habit of donning so many clothes. The most memorable was the whale spotting one. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2023

Anita Kaul - India

Most memorable moment? My first entry into Charlotte Bay. Going to sleep and waking up to this great expanse. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2023

Anita Kaul - India

I loved the landings and hikes and also zodiacs excursions especially those that got close to whales!! Also loved seeing the big ice. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Niki Agrawal - USA

The wildlife was incredible. Landing right next to penguins and viewing leopard seals up close was unbelievable. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2022

Jagadeesh Hathwar - USA

10/10 - amazing expedition staff, awesome food and service on board. Excellent kayak and camping experience. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2022

Manish Daulat - USA

I liked the Adventure Planner's level of detail and the communication before the trip. Read all of Swoop's documents, they are a great way to plan your trip. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2022

Anjulika Sahgal - UK

The expedition staff were so reliable, I always felt like I was in great hands. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2022

Anjulika Sahgal - UK

Our cabin was much bigger than expected and the food was great. The chef was Indian and there were amazing vegetarian options at all meals. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2022

Lynda Frost - USA

Swoop has been absolutely fantastic! I will not only recommend Swoop wholeheartedly, but will surely return as a customer for future voyages. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2021

Mohit Kallianpur - USA

The feeding humpback whales encounter was spectacular. Seeing the three difference types of penguins in such close proximity was amazing. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2021

Mohit Kallianpur - USA

The ship was very well kept and staffed. Excellent food and too much of it. The ship size was perfect. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2020

Deepak Nanda - United States Of America

I'm extremely satisfied with the service. Swoop team provided me tons of information and followed up with me every step of the way. I had no questions left unanswered before I left for my trip. Cassia also called me before my trip to wish me 'Good Luck' which was very sweet. I've already started recommending Swoop to my friends for their Antarctic adventures. Read the full review

Travelled: March 2019

Abhi Pal - United States Of America

It was absolutely amazing. It exceeded my expectations in every way. The landscape and experiencing the wildlife up close was incredible. The crew was friendly and helpful. The excursions were better than expected. Getting to speak with all the scientist onboard was great. Read the full review

Travelled: March 2019

Abhi Pal - United States Of America

It was an incredible and awe-inspiring place. The place met my expectations and the encounters there exceeded my expectations.

Travelled: March 2018

Kushal - UAE

A simply stellar experience all around. The ship was beautiful, the crew and the expedition team were the kindest people on the planet. The travel companions were excited and fun. The scenery was a beauty not expected to be seen on our planet. The food was amazing. And the wildlife provided an unexpected level of joy and awe.

Travelled: December 2016

Arvat - Virginia

Review:

Travelling to Antarctica from India

Where to visit?

Antarctica offers a thrilling range of different experiences and places to visit. While accessing the continent's Ross Sea region via Australasia makes sense geographically, these cruises are long, require many days at sea and there are only a handful of departures each January and February.

For the widest choice of ship, departure date and pricing, it's best to travel to Antarctica via South America. By departing from Chile or Argentina, you also have the option to:

Antarctic Planning for Indian Travellers

Sailing on a zodiac boat

Where to go on a cruise to Antarctica

Pricing & discounts

Trips to Antarctica range from $6,000 per person for a shared quad berth to $100,000 per person to fly to the South Pole – and there’s an incredible range in between.

This is where Swoop can help you find exactly the right trip to suit your budget and brief. For more details, read our guide to Antarctic costs.

If you're looking for great value, there are competitively priced options and extra incentives available on state-of-the-art expedition ships, including those with balconies and generous inclusions. Our Polar Specialists can help guide you to the best deals available.

A zodiac with photographers  off Cuverville Island

Photography on a zodiac cruise in the Antarctic Peninsula

Seamless pre & post-voyage support

We understand that travelling to Antarctica is a big trip, requiring a long journey to arrive at the starting line in South America, but rest assured that our experienced team will take care of you every step of the way.

From the moment you arrive to when you finally depart, we will strive to make your adventure seamless, from arranging English-speaking guides to booking well-located hotels and restaurants in South America, and taking care of any dietary requirements.

Snowshoeing in Antarctica

Comfort & amenities

The last five years has seen a radical upgrade in the comfort levels and onboard amenities of Antarctic ships – and all without a corresponding step up in pricing.

Cabins with private balconies have increasingly become the norm, and guests benefit from every vessel having an active stabilisation system for smoother sailing during sea days.

Hot tubs, treatment rooms and a choice of onboard dining venues are also becoming more common.

Plus, the choice and size of cabin categories have grown significantly, to cover every budget and requirement.

Jacuzzi on deck of Sylvia Earle, Antarctic Vessel

Jacuzzi on deck

Antarctic cruise ships

Ocean Albatros

Ocean Albatros

The brand new Ocean Albatros boasts generously sized cabins and communal spaces. Coupled with a comprehensive wellness area, it promises a comfortable base for your Antarctic …

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SH Vega, Antarctic Vessel

SH Vega

SH Vega offers laidback Scandi elegance with a contemporary boutique feel, for those wanting style and comfort without ostentation.

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Silver Endeavour, Antarctic Vessel

Silver Endeavour

With luxury, comfort and exceptional service as the foundations of its onboard experience, the Silver Endeavour is purported to be one of the most expensive expedition ships ever …

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Seabourn Venture, Antarctic Vessel

Seabourn Pursuit

This elegant and very capable 264 guest ship boasts innovative design throughout and the unique opportunity to explore Antarctica throug the use of its submarines.

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Family & group travel

Another advantage of the new fleet of Antarctic ships is that more are offering convenient interconnecting cabins for family groups.

You can also choose from a selection of larger suites with a sitting room and even a dining area to spend quality time together in private on board your vessel. 

Zodiac trip from Sea Spirit, Antarctic vessel in Antarctica

Zodiac excursion from your vessel

Food on board

We know that getting the food side right is important, and you can rest assured that all of the ships we work with are experienced and competent at taking care of every dietary requirement: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-intolerant and kosher, as well as specific food allergies.

We can also source and pre-book suitable restaurants for you in South America.

Antarctic Planning for Indian Travellers

Dining on board

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Daniel says

I always enjoy helping to plan an Antarctic trip with my customers from India as the contrast is so mind-blowing, and I love hearing all their amazing stories when they return home.

Daniel Brooks Antarctica Specialist

Antarctic logistics

Getting to Antarctica

Antarctic Planning for Indian Travellers

Trips to the Frozen Continent depart from both Argentina and Chile. To simplify which country and airport you need to fly into from India:

  • If you are sailing to Antarctica from the port of Ushuaia, fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • If you are flying to Antarctica as part of a Fly & Cruise trip, fly to Santiago, Chile

You will need to make one plane change, and potentially two, depending on your choice of airline. The majority of routings from India include a European city stop, which could provide you with the opportunity to stay overnight and explore. Connections through London, Paris and Madrid are all possible, or you could choose to stop in the US.

Visas

Travelling to Antarctica from Argentina

Indian passport holders must apply for a 90-day tourist visa either online or at the Argentine embassy in New Delhi. You will need to start the application process at least 4 weeks before the date you expect to travel.

Travelling to Antarctica from Chile

Indian passport holders will need to apply for a 90-day tourist visa either online or in person at a Chilean embassy in India. Citizens with a valid six-month US multiple-entry visa can obtain a visa on arrival in Chile.

In dawn light, king penguins stretch and gather on the beach at St Andrews Bay, South Georgia

King penguins in the early morning at St Andrews Bay

Swoop Patagonia Expert

Swoop Antarctica Expert

Why our customers love Swoop

The Antarctic Experts.
No Compromises

Depth Of Knowledge SVG

Our team has visited Antarctica over 150 times and has 100 collective years of polar experience, so from which trip is right for you to what shoes to bring - there’s no question we can’t answer.

Expert impartial advice at no extra cost

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Choosing the right voyage is complicated, Swoop makes it easy. We offer no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships to find you the right trip, cabin, price - and we don’t charge a fee.

The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist

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We want to protect Antarctica for future generations - which is why we became a certified B Corp and set up our own conservation fund. So your adventures can be a force for good.

A full concierge service, unlike booking direct

With You SVG

We leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip and have over 6500 happy travellers to show for it. With a dedicated Antarctic co-ordinator & support throughout - you’re in safe hands.

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