Embark on an unforgettable polar adventure to Antarctica or the Arctic with the award-winning Quark Expeditions.

Quark Expeditions is one of the world’s leading expedition cruise operators. Founded in 1991, it offers a wide range of expeditions to Antarctica and the Arctic, with selected itineraries including land-based tours and activities such as kayaking, camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Quark’s four-ship fleet is specially designed to navigate through icy waters, providing guests with a comfortable and safe way to explore the polar regions.

Alongside offering high-quality and unique travel experiences, Quark is highly lauded for its approach to sustainable tourism. It has implemented various practices to minimise the impact of its operations on the environment. Furthermore, Quark Expeditions works closely with local communities and organisations to ensure its trips benefit the areas it explores economically.

Whether you’re an experienced traveller searching for your next adventure or looking to embark on your first expedition cruise, you’ll find Quark the ideal choice. They offer various trip options, including family-friendly cruises and itineraries on special interests such as photography and wildlife. To enhance your experience, a team of experienced guides and experts are on hand throughout every voyage to share insight on the areas visited.

Polar Expeditions to Antarctica & The Arctic

Quark Expeditions offers an extensive range of itineraries to Antarctica and the Arctic.

The Arctic

Quark offers two types of Arctic expeditions. The first is a region-specific journey focusing on in-depth exploration in destinations like Norway, Greenland, and the seldom-explored Canadian High Arctic. From the Svalbard archipelago and Eastern Greenland’s Indigenous communities to the windswept plains of Ellesmere Island, these immersive itineraries allow travellers to delve deeply into the unique cultures, wildlife, and landscapes of the Arctic.

The second type of Arctic expedition is a broader, multi-destination adventure that may include crossings of the Arctic Circle or the Northwest Passage and visits to multiple countries, providing a comprehensive experience of the region’s diverse environments. These expeditions often feature opportunities for wildlife sightings, including polar bears, walruses, and various seabird species, as well as excursions to remote villages and historic sites, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural discovery.

Antarctica:

Quark Expeditions’ Antarctic cruises venture deep into the Antarctic Peninsula with selected itineraries featuring journeys to South Georgia, the Falkland Islands and Chilean Patagonia. With multiple durations available, these itineraries will showcase the best of Antarctica’s natural beauty and wildlife and provide numerous opportunities to land ashore via Zodiak for hikes, overnight camping, and even cross-country skiing.

As is customary on a classic Antarctic experience, crossing the Drake is a rite of passage for explorers wanting to experience The White Continent, with a two-day crossing factored in both at the beginning and end of the itinerary. However, for those short of time, Quark’s Antarctic Express itineraries feature a 3-hour flight from Argentina and, therefore, avoid the Drake on either the southbound or northbound leg of the journey.

What to expect:

Quark Expeditions prides itself on taking guests deep into the farthest reaches of the polar regions. There are no set itineraries; Quark’s Expedition Leaders will work with the ship’s captain to chart a course that provides non-stop opportunities for adventure and discoveries ashore. Calling on years of experience and knowledge of the landscapes and terrains, Quark’s Expedition team will maximise your time off the ship, whether by zodiac, kayak, or on foot. On selected itineraries, you can participate in activities like flight-seeing, overnight camping trips, hiking and mountain biking.

Quark Expeditions Ships

Quark Expeditions operates a fleet of four ice-class vessels, each equipped with state-of-the-art technology and amenities to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Choose to embark on an expedition aboard guest favourites Ocean Adventurer and Ocean Diamond, or indulge in the luxurious surroundings of the all-suite World Explorer. Alternatively, the new Ultramarine caters for just 199 guests and boasts two helicopters and more outdoor viewing spaces than any other ship.

All vessels operated by Quark Expeditions have an array of adventure-ready facilities, including a fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks, hiking poles, and snowshoes (if required). In terms of the onboard experience, you’ll find fantastic dining options, excellent suite and stateroom accommodation, and various public areas, including a theatre (for lectures and briefings), a library and a small fitness suite.

Included with Quark:

As you might expect, Quark Expeditions includes many elements in the price. These include:

  • Full board dining plus snacks.
  • Complimentary wine, beer, spirits and cocktails are available during service hours.
    WiFi throughout the ship.
  • Excursions, Zodiac landings and activities, including skiing, paddle-boarding, and kayaking.
  • Daily briefings and lectures
  • Complimentary Quark Expeditions Polar Parka plus use of snow boots throughout the voyage.

On selected Antarctica itineraries, Quark Expeditions offers a fully all-inclusive, all-suite experience aboard Island Sky with flights from Santiago or Buenos Aires, plus all beverages and gratuities included.

Book Quark with a UK specialist

If you would like to find out more about Quark Expeditions or would like us to prepare a quotation for a voyage of your choosing, call us today on 0800 008 6677. Alternatively, please submit an online enquiry for your preferred itinerary via our website.