Arctic · Antarctic · Beyond the Ordinary

Quark Expeditions

The polar expedition pioneers. Experience the raw beauty of Antarctica and the Arctic with the company that has led more expeditions to the polar regions than anyone else on earth.

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Pioneers in Polar Exploration

Since 1991, Quark Expeditions has been the leading provider of polar adventure travel, taking passengers to the most remote and breathtaking regions on the planet. With over three decades of experience navigating icy waters, Quark has carried more travelers to Antarctica and the Arctic than any other expedition company. Their purpose-built and ice-strengthened vessels, expert expedition teams, and commitment to responsible travel make every voyage a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

At a Glance

Cruise Line: Quark Expeditions – Polar Expedition Specialist

Fleet: Purpose-built and ice-strengthened expedition vessels carrying approximately 130–200 passengers

Destinations: Antarctica, the Arctic (Svalbard, Greenland, Canadian Arctic), and sub-Antarctic islands

Service: Expert expedition teams including polar historians, marine biologists, glaciologists, and naturalist guides

Signature Feature: The world’s most experienced polar expedition company with 30+ years and more polar voyages than any other operator

  • Shipboard accommodation in your chosen cabin category
  • All meals onboard including snacks, hot drinks, and select beverages
  • Zodiac excursions and shore landings led by expert expedition guides
  • Complimentary expedition parka (yours to keep)
  • Muck boots on loan for shore landings
  • Educational lectures and presentations by expedition team specialists
  • Photographic guidance from onboard photography experts
  • Port fees, permits, and landing charges

Adventure options such as kayaking, paddleboarding, camping, and polar plunges may be available at additional cost or included depending on voyage.

  • Unmatched polar expertise — more than 30 years and thousands of successful polar voyages
  • Purpose-built expedition vessels designed specifically for polar navigation
  • World-class expedition teams with scientists, historians, and naturalist guides
  • Commitment to sustainable and responsible polar travel

Main Dining Room: Open-seating restaurant featuring internationally inspired menus with fresh, quality ingredients

Bistro: Casual dining option for relaxed meals and lighter fare

Outdoor BBQ: Weather-permitting deck barbecues with polar scenery as your backdrop

24-Hour Refreshments: Tea, coffee, snacks, and light bites available throughout the day

Dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and kosher options are accommodated with advance notice.

Quark Expeditions goes far beyond traditional cruising, offering immersive polar adventure activities that bring you closer to the wilderness than you ever imagined possible.

Activities may include sea kayaking among icebergs, stand-up paddleboarding in polar waters, overnight camping on the Antarctic continent, snowshoeing across pristine landscapes, mountaineering, and the legendary polar plunge. Zodiac cruising through ice-filled channels is a hallmark of every voyage.

Availability varies by itinerary, weather conditions, and vessel. Some activities carry an additional fee while others are complimentary.

At a Glance

Polar Expedition Specialist

30+ Years

Leading polar expeditions since 1991

  • Purpose-built polar expedition vessels
  • Expert expedition team on every voyage
  • Complimentary expedition parka
  • All meals & select beverages included
  • Zodiac excursions & shore landings
  • Educational lectures & photography guidance
  • Adventure options: kayaking, camping & more

*Activity availability varies by itinerary

Explore

Discover Quark Expeditions

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World-Class Expedition Teams

Every Quark Expeditions voyage is led by an experienced expedition team that transforms your journey from a cruise into a true polar adventure. These teams include polar historians, marine biologists, ornithologists, glaciologists, and professional photographers who share their knowledge through daily briefings, lectures, and guided shore landings. With an exceptional staff-to-guest ratio, you’ll receive personalized attention and expert guidance that brings the polar wilderness to life in ways you never imagined.

Ultramarine — The Ultimate Polar Vessel

Quark’s flagship vessel, Ultramarine, was purpose-built for polar expedition travel and launched in 2021. Featuring two twin-engine helicopters for flightseeing and remote landings, a fleet of 20 quick-deploy Zodiacs, and advanced Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened hull technology, Ultramarine represents the most advanced polar expedition ship in the industry. Guests enjoy spacious staterooms and suites, a spa and sauna, multiple dining venues, a polar boutique, and expansive observation decks — all designed to maximize your connection with the polar landscape.

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Antarctica — The Ultimate Expedition

Quark Expeditions has led more travelers to Antarctica than any other company on earth. From the dramatic crossing of the Drake Passage to your first steps on the seventh continent, every moment is extraordinary. Witness vast penguin colonies, towering icebergs in electric blue, breaching humpback whales, and landscapes so pristine they feel untouched by time. Whether you choose the classic Antarctic Peninsula voyage, an epic crossing of the Antarctic Circle, or the legendary journey to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, Quark’s unrivaled polar expertise ensures the expedition of a lifetime.

Experience

The Quark Expeditions Experience

Polar Expertise

With 30+ years and more polar voyages than any other company, Quark’s unmatched experience means safer passages, better wildlife encounters, and deeper connections with the most remote places on Earth.

Helicopter Flightseeing

Ultramarine’s twin helicopters offer a perspective few will ever experience — soaring above vast ice fields, volcanic landscapes, and penguin colonies for views that are simply impossible from the ground.

Immersive Adventure

Go beyond sightseeing with kayaking among icebergs, camping overnight on the Antarctic continent, stand-up paddleboarding in polar waters, snowshoeing, mountaineering, and the unforgettable polar plunge.

Images

Gallery

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Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Quark Expeditions is the world’s leading polar expedition company, founded in 1991. They specialize exclusively in Antarctic and Arctic voyages, having led more expeditions to the polar regions than any other operator. With purpose-built ice-strengthened ships, world-class expedition teams, and over three decades of polar expertise, Quark offers transformative journeys to the most remote and breathtaking places on Earth.

Quark Expeditions voyages include shipboard accommodation, all meals and snacks, select beverages, Zodiac excursions and shore landings, a complimentary expedition parka (yours to keep), muck boots on loan, expert-led lectures and presentations, and photography guidance. Port fees, permits, and landing charges are also included. Some adventure activities such as kayaking or camping may be available at an additional cost. When you book through Cruise Help, you also benefit from our exclusive group rates, weekly price monitoring, and no booking fees — ever.

Quark Expeditions’ flagship is the Ultramarine, a purpose-built polar expedition vessel launched in 2021 featuring twin helicopters, 20 quick-deploy Zodiacs, and a Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened hull. Quark also charters additional ice-strengthened expedition vessels depending on the season and itinerary. All ships are designed for polar navigation with stabilizers, reinforced hulls, and expedition-grade equipment.

Quark Expeditions focuses exclusively on polar destinations. Antarctic itineraries include the Antarctic Peninsula, crossing the Antarctic Circle, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, and the legendary Weddell Sea. Arctic itineraries cover Svalbard (Spitsbergen), Greenland, the Canadian Arctic Northwest Passage, and Iceland. Some voyages combine multiple polar regions for an epic expedition experience.

Quark Expeditions offers an incredible range of polar adventure activities beyond Zodiac excursions and shore landings. Options may include sea kayaking among icebergs, stand-up paddleboarding in polar waters, overnight camping on the Antarctic continent, snowshoeing, mountaineering, and the legendary polar plunge. On Ultramarine, helicopter flightseeing and heli-landings provide access to otherwise unreachable locations. Activity availability varies by itinerary, weather, and vessel.

The Antarctic season runs from November through March, with each month offering unique experiences. November brings pristine snow and penguin courtship rituals. December and January offer the warmest temperatures, longest daylight hours, and peak wildlife activity including penguin chicks. February and March bring whale season, dramatic ice formations, and the chance to witness spectacular sunsets as the season transitions. Your Cruise Help advisor can help you choose the perfect timing based on your interests.

Quark Expeditions offers a range of accommodation categories from comfortable twin-share cabins to spacious suites with private balconies. On Ultramarine, options include Solo Cabins, Twin Cabins, Balcony Suites, Superior Suites, Penthouse Suites, and the expansive Owner’s Suite. All cabins are thoughtfully designed with ample storage for expedition gear and feature ocean views. Our expert advisors can help you select the ideal cabin based on your preferences and budget.

A moderate level of fitness is recommended, as shore landings involve boarding Zodiacs and walking on uneven terrain. However, Quark Expeditions designs itineraries to accommodate a range of fitness levels. Not every landing requires strenuous hiking, and many wildlife encounters happen right from the ship or Zodiac. Adventure activities like kayaking and mountaineering require higher fitness levels. Our advisors can help match you with the right itinerary for your comfort level.

Quark Expeditions provides a complimentary expedition parka and muck boots on loan, so you’re covered for the essentials. You’ll want to bring layered clothing (thermal base layers, fleece mid-layers, waterproof outer layers), warm gloves and hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (the polar sun is strong), binoculars, camera equipment, and motion sickness remedies. Quark provides a detailed packing guide before your voyage, and our team can share additional tips based on real experience.

The Drake Passage between South America and Antarctica is known for its unpredictable seas — it can be calm (“Drake Lake”) or rough (“Drake Shake”). Quark’s ships are equipped with advanced stabilizers, and the onboard medical team provides seasickness remedies. Most guests find the crossing manageable and are rewarded with incredible seabird sightings along the way. For those concerned about the crossing, some itineraries offer a fly-cruise option that bypasses the Drake Passage entirely via charter flight.

When you book Quark Expeditions through Cruise Help, you get access to exclusive group rates with savings up to 50% off published fares — with just one room. Our team of 23+ expert advisors provides personalized guidance on choosing the right itinerary, ship, cabin category, and adventure activities for your polar dream. We perform weekly price monitoring on every booking and automatically adjust your rate if the price drops. Plus, we never charge booking, consultation, or change fees — ever. With 365-day support, you’re never on your own from the moment you inquire to the moment you disembark.

Get Started

Ready for the Polar Adventure of a Lifetime?

Experience the raw beauty and untamed wilderness of the polar regions with Quark Expeditions. When you’re ready for an expedition that will change the way you see the world, speak with our expert advisors at Cruise Help. With exclusive group rates, weekly price monitoring, and no fees — ever — your polar expedition begins with us!