Quark Expeditions

An overhead view of a polar icebreaker vessel navigating through fragmented sea ice in Arctic waters, with the ship's dark hull contrasting against white ice floes and open water channels. The image showcases the vessel's capability to break through thick ice formations in extreme polar conditions.
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The polar expedition pioneer – redefining adventure at the ends of the earth

With over three decades of polar expertise and more collective experience in the Arctic and Antarctic than any other expedition company, Quark Expeditions has earned its place as the undisputed leader in polar adventure travel. Founded in 1991, Quark was the first to bring commercial passengers to the North Pole and has pioneered countless polar firsts ever since. Their purpose-built and ice-strengthened vessels carry intimate groups of adventurers to the most remote and breathtaking landscapes on Earth – from the towering icebergs of Antarctica to the wildlife-rich shores of Svalbard. A Quark voyage is not simply a trip; it is an expedition in the truest sense, guided by seasoned polar professionals who bring decades of on-the-ground expertise to every landing, every lecture, and every unforgettable wildlife encounter.

Quark Expeditions’ voyages take you to the most pristine and awe-inspiring polar regions on the planet. In Antarctica, witness the grandeur of the Antarctic Peninsula, cross the legendary Antarctic Circle, retrace the paths of explorers like Shackleton through the Weddell Sea, and encounter staggering colonies of gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins against a backdrop of cathedral-like icebergs. In the Arctic, explore the remote wilderness of Spitsbergen in search of polar bears, walruses, and Arctic foxes. Journey through Greenland’s dramatic fjords, navigate the storied Northwest Passage, or embark on the ultimate polar quest – a voyage to the Geographic North Pole aboard a nuclear-powered icebreaker. These are destinations that exist beyond the reach of ordinary travel, and Quark’s decades of polar expertise make them accessible in ways that are safe and deeply immersive, grounded in responsible polar stewardship.

An aerial view of a multi-deck luxury expedition yacht navigating through deep blue ocean waters, featuring white and wood-tone hull design with visible wake trails. The vessel displays professional maritime equipment including communication antennas and appears to be underway in tropical or subtropical conditions.
A modern expedition cruise ship navigates through icy Antarctic waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains and floating icebergs under clear blue skies. The vessel's distinctive blue and white hull reflects the pristine polar environment.
A large expedition cruise ship navigates through icy Antarctic waters with snow-capped mountains and glaciers visible in the background. The vessel displays multiple decks and communication equipment against a clear blue sky, showcasing the scale and sophistication of modern polar cruising.
A modern expedition cruise ship navigates through pristine Antarctic waters surrounded by icebergs and snow-covered mountains. The vessel moves through a landscape of floating ice with dramatic coastal peaks in the background under clear blue skies.

Your expedition, elevated – onboard comfort meets polar adventure

A polar expedition with Quark is unlike any other form of travel – exhilarating and profoundly humbling. These are voyages designed for curious, adventurous travelers who seek something deeper than a conventional cruise: a true connection with the wildest places remaining on earth. Onboard, the atmosphere is one of camaraderie and discovery, where fellow passengers share a sense of wonder over dinner in welcoming dining rooms, during enrichment lectures by polar experts, and while scanning the horizon from observation lounges for wildlife sightings. Staterooms are comfortable and thoughtfully appointed, offering a warm retreat after a day of Zodiac landings and Antarctic encounters. Whether you are raising a glass in the lounge after crossing the Antarctic Circle or quietly watching an iceberg drift past your cabin window at midnight, every moment aboard feels both intimate and awe-inspiring.

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Immersive Adventure Activities

Quark Expeditions goes far beyond traditional sightseeing, offering an extraordinary range of adventure options that bring you into the polar environment in ways few travelers ever experience. Paddle a sea kayak through glassy Antarctic waters surrounded by curious penguins and calving glaciers. Camp overnight on the Antarctic continent itself, sleeping under an endless polar sky. Stand-up paddleboard among ice floes, take a thrilling polar plunge into frigid waters, or snowshoe across pristine landscapes untouched by human footprints. Aboard the Ultramarine, exclusive heli-landing and heli-hiking excursions open access to remote areas completely unreachable by Zodiac – offering perspectives on the polar wilderness that only a handful of people on Earth will ever witness. Every activity is led by experienced polar guides who prioritize your safety while maximizing the thrill of genuine exploration.

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What’s Included In Your Expedition Package?

Your extraordinary polar expedition comes with many included amenities from Quark Expeditions. In addition, Extraordinary Adventures offers our clients extra complimentary benefits as well as popular upgrades to create a seamless door-to-door experience – all the more reason to select Extraordinary Adventures as your travel partner!

Included in Every Quark Expedition

  • Waterproof expedition boots on loan
  • All meals onboard (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks)
  • Complimentary expedition parka to keep
  • Complimentary beverages (coffee, tea, select wines at dinner)*
  • All Zodiac excursions and shore landings
  • Expert-led lectures and educational programming
  • Gratuities*
  • *Inclusions may vary by voyage and cabin category

Your Extraordinary Adventures Expedition Also Includes

  • Expert guidance choosing your voyage, ship, and cabin
  • Recommendations on optional adventure activities
  • Advice on expedition and travel policies and procedures
  • Emergency assistance while on your trip
  • Recommendations on travel insurance

Add Extraordinary Adventures White Glove Service (Premium Upgrade) to Receive

  • We arrange car service and transfers
  • We book flights*
  • We reserve hotel stays
  • Pre-expedition and post-expedition travel planning assistance

$250 Planning Fee per cabin. Complimentary for guests who book this expedition line. *Terms and conditions apply.

Frequently Asked Questions About Quark Expeditions

Quark Expeditions is the world’s leading polar expedition company, with over 30 years of experience focused exclusively on the Arctic and Antarctic. Unlike cruise lines that offer polar voyages as part of a broader itinerary portfolio, Quark’s entire operation is purpose-built for polar travel. Their unmatched expertise, veteran expedition teams, purpose-built ships like the Ultramarine with twin onboard helicopters, and the widest range of polar adventure activities in the industry set them apart. From pioneering the first commercial voyage to the North Pole to offering heli-landing excursions in Antarctica, Quark continually pushes the boundaries of what is possible in polar expedition travel.

Quark Expeditions focuses exclusively on polar destinations. In the Southern Hemisphere, voyages explore the Antarctic Peninsula, the Antarctic Circle, the Weddell Sea, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands. In the Northern Hemisphere, destinations include Spitsbergen (Svalbard), Greenland, the Northwest Passage, Iceland, Jan Mayen, and the Geographic North Pole. Their polar-only focus means every voyage benefits from decades of expertise in navigating these specific regions. Your Extraordinary Adventures advisor can help you determine which polar destination and itinerary best aligns with the wildlife, landscapes, and experiences you are most excited about.

Quark Expeditions voyages typically include all Zodiac excursions and shore landings, expert-led lectures and educational programming, all meals onboard (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks), a complimentary expedition parka yours to keep, waterproof boots on loan, and group transfers on embarkation and disembarkation days. Many voyages also include charter flights to and from the embarkation port, a pre- or post-expedition hotel night, and select beverages such as coffee, tea, and wines at dinner. Specific inclusions vary by voyage – contact your Extraordinary Adventures advisor for a detailed breakdown of what is included on your chosen itinerary.

Quark Expeditions’ fleet is purpose-built and ice-strengthened for polar conditions. Their flagship vessel, the Ultramarine, is a state-of-the-art polar expedition ship featuring a Polar Class 6 ice rating, twin helicopters, 20 quick-launching Zodiacs, spacious cabins and suites with ocean views, multiple dining venues, a spa and fitness center, and advanced stabilization systems. Cabin categories range from comfortable Twin cabins to expansive Balcony Suites and the Penthouse Suite. Quark also charters nuclear-powered icebreakers for exclusive North Pole voyages – the only way for travelers to reach 90 degrees North. Every vessel in the fleet is designed specifically for the demands of polar navigation and intimate expedition-style exploration.

Yes, a valid passport is required for all Quark Expeditions voyages. Because polar itineraries involve international travel – departing from gateway cities such as Ushuaia (Argentina), Punta Arenas (Chile), or Longyearbyen (Norway) – your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Some itineraries may also require visas depending on your nationality and the embarkation/disembarkation ports. Your Extraordinary Adventures advisor will guide you through all passport and visa requirements specific to your voyage so there are no surprises before departure.

Dining aboard Quark Expeditions is a welcoming, social experience that fuels the adventure. All meals are included – breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks throughout the day. Menus feature international and regional cuisine prepared fresh by onboard chefs, with options to accommodate dietary requirements. Complimentary beverages including coffee, tea, and select wines at dinner are available on most voyages. The atmosphere in the dining rooms is relaxed and communal, offering a natural setting to share stories from the day’s landings with fellow explorers and expedition staff. There is open seating, so you are free to dine with new companions each evening or settle into a familiar table.

Every Quark Expeditions voyage features a rich program of expert-led enrichment tailored to the polar regions you are exploring. The expedition team includes glaciologists, marine biologists, ornithologists, historians, and veteran polar leaders who deliver captivating lectures and informal talks throughout the voyage. Topics range from polar wildlife behavior and glaciology to the heroic age of Antarctic exploration and climate science. Photography workshops, citizen science projects, and interactive Q&A sessions are also common. These programs provide genuine depth and context that transform each landing and wildlife encounter into something far more meaningful.

Quark offers voyages suitable for a range of fitness levels. Shore landings typically involve stepping from Zodiacs onto rocky or icy beaches, and some walking on uneven terrain. Optional activities like kayaking, mountaineering, and snowshoeing require moderate to good fitness. The expedition team provides thorough safety briefings, and there is no obligation to participate in every landing or activity. Many guests simply enjoy Zodiac cruises and onboard programming at a comfortable pace. Your Extraordinary Adventures advisor can help you select the voyage and activity level that best matches your comfort and mobility needs.

Polar expedition travel is refreshingly casual. Onboard, comfortable layers and relaxed attire are the norm – think fleece jackets, warm sweaters, and comfortable pants. For shore landings, Quark provides waterproof expedition boots on loan and a complimentary parka; guests should bring warm base layers, waterproof outer layers, gloves, hats, and sunglasses. There is no formal dress code for evenings. The atmosphere is relaxed, social, and focused on the adventure.

Polar expeditions are among the most sought-after travel experiences in the world, and Quark’s intimate ship sizes mean cabins fill quickly – often 12 to 18 months before departure. Popular voyages such as Antarctica over the holiday season, South Georgia and Falklands itineraries, and North Pole icebreaker expeditions can sell out well over a year in advance. Booking early also gives you the widest selection of cabin categories, preferred departure dates, and optional adventure activities like heli-landing or camping. Your Extraordinary Adventures advisor can help you secure the ideal voyage and cabin while availability is still open, and monitor for any exclusive promotions that may apply to your booking.

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The World’s Wildest Places Are Waiting – Let’s Get You There

Expedition cruising takes you beyond the beaten track – to Antarctica’s frozen shores, the Amazon’s hidden waterways, and remote archipelagos few ever reach. Planning these life-defining voyages takes specialist knowledge. Our expedition cruise experts are here to guide you to the right line, the right ship, and the right moment to go.