Antarctica in January
January is the peak of the Antarctic summer, so you'll enjoy magical 20+ hours of sunlight each day. These extra daylight hours gives you more time each day to explore,…
Swoop says
There's a wide range of voyages to choose from on 27 different expedition ships. Some have already released departure dates for 2024. We recommend you get in touch with us to book your trip ahead of the crowd!
High Season Antarctic Cruises 2024
January is the peak of the Antarctic summer, with penguin rookeries heaving with newly hatched chicks and their harried parents. By February, the rapidly growing chicks dominate the rookeries and whale sightings intensify.
Antarctica in February
February's the time for sailing all the way to the Polar Circle, the Sun's rays through December and January having weakened the pack ice significantly enough to allow for …
High Season Antarctic Cruises 2024
Shoulder Season Antarctic Cruises 2024
November is a month of awakening in Antarctica, it's the arrival of summer after the long and dark winter. Penguin rookeries are a hive of activity and elephant seals are busy battling on South Georgia Island. March offers spectacular skies for photographers, with soft golden light and pink hues staining the ice. Fledgling chicks are hugely inquisitive as they begin their independent lives, and whale encounters abound.
Antarctica in March
March marks the end of the travel season to Antarctica. You'll be able to enjoy the mesmerising colours of blooming green and pink algae against the water and ice, as well as …
Antarctica in November
In November Antarctica opens its arms to the season's first visitors. You'll not only enjoy the excitement of walking on virgin snow, but you'll also appreciate its beauty as you …
When should I start planning my Voyage?
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When are departure dates normally released?
Polar operators typically release their forthcoming departure dates and prices at least 18 months or so in advance, some even earlier. This is great news for travellers who like to plan ahead and get their cabin reserved early on, particularly if you can take advantage of an early booking incentive.
Given that there is only a finite number of places available on each departure, it really is a case of 'the early bird gets the worm' - or in this case the best dates and the widest choice of cabins - so early booking is strongly recommended.
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When should I start to plan my Fly & Cruise trip?
Trips which include time-saving flights to Antarctica and avoid the Drake Passage are incredibly popular and are the earliest of all voyages to become booked up.
Due to strong demand and the relatively modest number of ships, particularly during High Season, to be confident of securing your first choice we would strongly urge that you begin planning at least 12 months in advance. December and January are particularly busy times and typically are fully booked up 10 months ahead.
For the most popular Fly & Cruise trips or those incorporating South Georgia, 18 months ahead isn't too early.
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Is it less expensive to travel in November & March?
Yes it's true, the Shoulder Season months of November and March tend to be priced approx. 10-15% less than during the High Season (December - end February) and as a result are a good place to look for the budget-conscious or bargain-hunter.
The reason for this is partly the less predictable weather and slightly lower wildlife numbers, but it's also simply the case that many who live in Northern Hemisphere countries like to holiday during their worst winter months.
In our opinion a great time to travel is in early December when it's still Shoulder Season pricing but you get all of the benefits of High Season.
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Are there any advantages in booking early?
There certainly are: as well as securing your first choice, with many of the ships offering really quite generous early booking incentives of up to $1,500 per person to those willing to commit early, getting organised can really pay dividends.
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Can I wait until the last minute for a late deal?
Given the strong demand for Antarctic cruises boat operators rarely need to resort to offering any late availability discounts - particularly on the more popular ships and voyages - as cabins are normally all booked months ago in advance.
Any remaining unsold cabins tend to be left on the shelf for a reason and choice will be poor at best, so it's not an approach we advocate.
However, if you're flexible on dates and don't mind paying a last minute premium for your flights, there are normally odd cabins available.
What our customers think of Antarctica Cruises 2024
Awesome, incredible, amazing, wonderful, perfect, great response to my questions, emails, telephone calls. Read the full review
Travelled: March 2019
Catherine Macwillie - United States Of America
I was pleased with the services from Swoop. The most important of these being the cruise that was recommended, which was exactly what I was looking for. I wanted to maximize the opportunities to go onshore and we did. The Swoop staff were very organized and followed through on everything, ensuring that I knew what and when things needed to be completed.
Travelled: January 2018
Karyn & Richard - California
I wish to say how grateful we are now for the phone call you made way back last year...you gave us that little push we needed to make up our mind. Swoop service was outstanding and I would highly recommend you anytime.
Travelled: January 2018
Lucien & Marie-Eve - South Africa
Glad we were on a smaller ship with only around 120 guests so we never felt overcrowded on any of the shore landings. You could feel close to nature all the time.
Travelled: January 2018
Zoltan & Stephen Nemeth - Florida
It was an incredible experience. Antarctica is unlike any place I have ever visited, totally unspoiled by human influence aside from the few research stations dotted here and there. The raw beauty and remoteness is impossible to describe. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2018
Al Carzoli - United States Of America
It was a fabulous trip, something I had dreamt of doing since the late 1960's. I was absolutely thrilled by the whole package and experience. A personal experience of exploration and learning which I will always treasure.
Travelled: December 2017
Rae - New Zealand
Do not miss the opportunity to visit Antarctica. The quiet. The pristine nature. The fresh and unpolluted air. The clear crystal water. The penguins....I mean where to begin and finish....I am simply speechless. Most of us left crying! Heck I am even going to mention it in my resume.
Travelled: December 2017
Yiheli - Chile
Amazing and surreal. The trip would not have been the same without the myriad of wildlife seen on South Georgia. The landscapes in Antarctica are beyond amazing; they are serene and humbling. It was a pleasant surprise to see four different species of whales, including killer whales.
Travelled: December 2017
Krystal - California
The travel experience on the boat was mind-boggling, so many great stories and interesting people and backgrounds. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2017
Travis & Kalli Walthall - United States Of America
Review:
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 50 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
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