Antarctic Wildlife
Antarctica abounds in penguins, seals and whales, making it one of the most rewarding wildlife watching places on earth.
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What is Citizen Science?
Scientific research is essential to understand the challenges of climate change facing pristine regions like the Arctic and Antarctica, but conducting scientific research can be hugely costly and time-consuming. That's where you, and citizen science programs, come in.
- The travel industry brings thousands of visitors to the polar regions, with huge potential for researchers to use this footfall to gather data.
- On certain Antarctic voyages, guests can participate and collaborate in scientific research projects.
- Research focuses on five major disciplines: Oceanography, Glaciology, Ornithology, Marine Biology and Meteorology.
- The data collected helps directly contribute to a better understanding of climate change and how it's affecting the polar regions.
What citizen science projects are available?
Happy Whale
By tracking individual whales throughout the world’s oceans, this study is expanding our scientific knowledge of the whales’ behaviour and distribution.
You are encouraged to capture photos of whale sightings and upload them, recording when and where the photos were taken, to happywhale.com. When you get home, you can even 'follow' the whales you spot during your cruise as they migrate throughout the year.
https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/blog/happy-whale-and-citizen-science-in-antarctica/
Fjord Phyto phytoplankton sampling
Melted glacial water can influence and change the population of phytoplankton in fjords – this study is helping researchers understand what impact this might have on the polar coastal ecosystem.
You will collect phytoplankton as you visit various fjords along the Antarctic Peninsula throughout the austral summer.
https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/blog/getting-a-microscopic-view-of-antarctica-with-citizen-science/
Daniel says
Taking part in a citizen science project can give you a completely new appreciation of just how interconnected Antarctica's ecosystem is – from the smallest plankton up to the biggest whales.
Daniel Brooks Antarctica Specialist
Southern Ocean Seabird Survey
This study involves conducting bird surveys at sea and on shore, helping scientists to understand large-scale seabird distribution patterns and habitat usage in the Southern Ocean.
Often a favourite of polar travellers, conducting these surveys means working in small groups with an ornithologist, and being out on deck with your binoculars.
https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/blog/counting-albatrosses-for-citizen-science/
Secchi Disk marine phytoplankton study
This study helps scientists understand how the distribution, composition and abundance of phytoplankton are altering as the oceans are affected by climate change.
You will use a Secchi Disk to record the Secchi Depth – the depth when the Secchi Disk disappears from sight when lowered vertically into the seawater from a stationary boat. The study offers participants a unique insight into the marine food chain.
Swoop says
Data collected by HappyWhale led to a maximum speed limit for ships in the waters around the Antarctic Peninsula, to reduce accidental ship strikes on whales: a direct result of citizen science.
GLOBE Cloud observations (with NASA)
Clouds affect how much sunlight is being absorbed by the earth and how much heat is escaping back into space.
For this study, you will observe and record cloud cover timed to NASA satellite fly-overs, helping scientists understand how surface and air temperature are affected by cloud cover, and how clouds will respond to a changing climate.
https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/blog/how-cloud-spotting-in-antarctica-can-help-climate-scientists/
Swoop says
Want to get involved? Speak to our Antarctic specialists about which voyages will give you the most opportunities to contribute to citizen science projects.
What our customers think of Citizen Science
Very professional, well versed, informative and interesting staff. We learned so much and felt like we got to know them. They would join us for meals, stop by and visit as we were hanging out in the lounge and just plain interact with us as shipmates. Really cool. It was amazing the backgrounds and work that these folks have done in their careers. I signed up for kayaking (Bob) and the team that lead that was great. We got to paddle quite a bit and got to see many things from an entirely different perspective. Above all else, their overall focus on safety and bio-security was impressive. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2020
Monica Scott - United States Of America
Review:
The Polar Citizen Science Collective
The Polar Citizen Science Collective facilitates ship-based citizen science programmes in the polar regions. It was founded in 2015 by five expedition guides including friends-of-Swoop Bob Gilmore, who helps co-ordinate programs on expedition ships, and Ted Cheeseman, founder of happywhale.com. Together, they saw an opportunity to involve guests in scientific research.
The collective argue that their education programs help create ambassadors, 'committed, enthusiastic and action-oriented travellers who will return home to champion for the protection of the polar regions'.
What impact can citizen science make on the climate crisis?
The Antarctic is a critical part of the Earth’s climate system and a sensitive barometer of climate change. Understanding how the polar regions are responding to climate change is essential for monitoring change and predicting future changes.
Many scientific studies tracking trends rely on ‘big data’, which is exactly what citizen science can supply - the global eBird project, for example, run by the Cornell University Ornithology Lab, received over 3 million data sets from citizen scientists in 2015. By giving policy makers and politicians accurate information, these scientific studies can inform conservation efforts and policies.
Wildlife watching for the Citizen Science program
Our best trips for Citizen Science
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
4.5 out of 5
South Georgia, Antarctica and Falklands Explorer
Looking for an Antarctic adventure without compromising on comfort and service? This stylish 139-passenger ship, with its cavernous suites, fine dining and compelling itinerary, offers a polished Southern Ocean adventure at a fair…
- 21 Days
- $19,795
4.6 out of 5
Traversing the Antarctic Circle
For an unparalleled Polar Circle experience spending 8 full days in Antarctica, choose this trip. Head south when penguin and whale activity is at its peak, accompanied by a highly experienced team. This elegant 139-passenger ship combines true comfort and…
- 15 Days
- $15,555
4.6 out of 5
Antarctic Peninsula Classic
Travelling on board this extremely comfortable ship, explore the highlights of the peninsula with a top class expedition team. Spacious cabins, delicious cuisine and optional adventure activities all help create this ideal marriage of comfort and…
- 12-13 Days
- $11,985
Discover more about Antarctica
Antarctic Adventure Activities
Picture a humpback whale gliding past your kayak or sleeping out in the pristine snow of a polar campsite. An adventure activity can take your Antarctic cruise to the next level.
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The best time to visit Antarctica
Choosing the best time to visit Antarctica is an essential part of the planning process. Each month's distinctive weather and wildlife offer a different side of the region.
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How to get to Antarctica
Whether you’re visiting the Antarctic Peninsula or heading for the South Pole, discover the different routes by sea and air to visit the Seventh Continent.
Discover MoreWhy our customers love Swoop
The Antarctic Experts.
No Compromises
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
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
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
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.
Why our customers love Swoop
The Antarctic Experts.
No Compromises
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
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
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
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.
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.
With over 100 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
1-855-369-8288
