Swoop says
Let yourself slow down and truly connect with where you are. Some of the most meaningful moments aren’t the ones you plan for, but the ones that quietly unfold: the hush of ice-covered landscapes, the crunch of snow beneath your boots, the breath you can see hanging in still, polar air. It’s in these subtle details that the Arctic imprints itself on you, one quiet moment at a time.
Candice Du Preez Arctic CX Coordinator
My top Arctic experiences
A quiet connection: Exploring on foot. Stepping off the boats to hike through the raw, untouched northern terrain grounded me completely. Feeling the crunch of the ice and looking out over the endless, pristine horizon brought a profound sense of peace and a quiet, soul-stirring achievement.
A grand reunion: 100+ walruses on the shore. Coming across a massive herd of over 100 walruses packed together on the shore was an unforgettable window into their world. Watching them nudge each other and thrive in this giant, cosy community was a beautiful, heartwarming reminder of how connected life is up here.
A gentle moment: An Arctic fox and her cubs. My heart completely melted when I spotted an Arctic fox with her cubs. Watching the little ones tumble, play, and follow their mother across the vast landscape was the most heartwarming, privileged glimpse into the beautiful cycle of polar life.
Hiking on Svalbard
Up close and personal: Gliding among icebergs. Navigating the polar waters by paddle and zodiac brings you face-to-face with towering icebergs. Gliding past their glowing blue textures at water level feels like a peaceful embrace from the landscape itself – a deeply moving, unforgettable immersion.
The thunderous heartbeat of a calving iceberg: Nothing prepares you for the raw emotion of witnessing an iceberg calve. The silence is broken by a sound like a bomb going off as ancient ice cascades into the sea – a breathtaking, humbling moment that leaves you in absolute awe of nature's power.
Kayaking in Krossfjorden
The crown jewel: A female polar bear by the ship. The absolute pinnacle of my journey was standing on the ship and seeing a female polar bear right up close. Looking into the eyes of this Arctic icon just yards away was a surreal, emotional moment of pure connection that I will carry with me forever.
Dog-sledding on wheels: Experiencing dog-sledding on wheels during the Arctic summer was pure, unadulterated joy. The bounding energy of the dogs, their fierce determination, and the heartwarming bond between the pack and the musher made for an exhilarating, unforgettable ride through the rugged landscape.
Roaming polar bear on the ice at Alkefjellet
My Arctic photos
The stunning coastline of Spitsbergen
Inquisitive polar bear on the ice at Alkefjellet
Candice on a kayaking excursion
Zodiac excursion at Brasvellbreen
Walrus at Kapp Lee
Candice exploring Svalbard by zodiac
Roaming polar bear on the ice at Alkefjellet
Returning to Ultramarine by zodiac
More about me
As a passionate wildlife enthusiast, I’ve spent over 10 years in Africa, completing my FGASA qualification and developing a deep love for the natural world. My journey has taken me from the African bush to the Arctic, and I’m always eager to explore new and extreme environments.
In a previous chapter, I worked across Africa embracing every opportunity for adventure – including bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge in Zimbabwe and river rafting the Zambezi.
When I’m not out in the wild, you’ll likely find me in my garden – attempting to track elusive species like runaway tomatoes and mysteriously disappearing herbs.
Candice in the Arctic (third from left)
Ready to Book Your Arctic 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.
