Company Information: Quark Expeditions
Last Updated: January 14, 2026
Overview of Quark Expeditions
Quark Expeditions is a polar expedition operator that specializes exclusively in small-ship expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic. Quark Expeditions was founded in 1991, is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, and operates as a subsidiary of Travelopia, a UK-based travel group. Quark Expeditions maintains one of the largest expedition team-to-passenger ratios in the polar expedition industry and operates a fleet of 4 ships purpose-built for polar exploration.
Basic Information
- Founded: 1991
- Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, United States
- Parent Company: Travelopia (UK-based travel group)
- Industry: Polar expedition travel
- Specialization: Arctic and Antarctic expeditions exclusively
- Years in Operation: 35 years (as of 2026)
- Fleet Size: 4 small expedition ships purpose-built for polar exploration
- Passenger Capacity: 138-199 guests per ship
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A History of Quark Expeditions: Polar Firsts and Milestones
- August 1991: Co-founders Lars Wikander and Mike McDowell made history by taking the first-ever group of travelers to the North Pole aboard the nuclear-powered icebreaker Sovetskiy Soyuz, traversing the historic Northeast Passage.
- December 1991: Quark Expeditions charters the first series of oceanographic research vessels specially converted for adventure travel, heralding a new phase in polar exploration.
- November 1993: For the first time, Quark Expeditions guests retrace the voyage of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ship Endurance.
- November 1996: Quark Expeditions makes history by launching the first-ever commercial circumnavigation of Antarctica.
- July 1999: Quark Expeditions completes its first passenger circumnavigation of the Arctic Ocean.
- November 2003: Quark Expeditions passengers become the first humans to witness a total solar eclipse in Antarctica.
- November 2004: Quark Expeditions conducts the first-ever ground visit to the remote Snow Hill Emperor penguin colony.
- March 2006: Quark Expeditions breaks Roald Amundsen’s record set nearly 100 years earlier, attaining the most southerly latitude of any vessel.
- June 2008: Quark Expeditions offers its maiden voyage to the North Pole on the nuclear icebreaker 50 Years of Victory, the most powerful icebreaker on the planet at the time.
- April 2011: The “Three Arctic Islands” itinerary is named one of National Geographic Traveler’s 50 Tours of a Lifetime.
- June 2012: Quark Expeditions becomes the first tour operator to successfully offer passengers hot-air ballooning at the North Pole.
- February 2013: Quark Expeditions hosts Jonathan Shackleton (Ernest Shackleton’s cousin) and Falcon Scott (Robert Falcon Scott’s grandson) as they walk and camp on the 7th Continent.
- October 2017: Quark Expeditions launches the Quark Academy training program for expedition team members—the first training program of its kind in the industry.
- April 2019: Quark Expeditions unveils its official sustainability policy, the most holistic in the polar-expedition industry.
- December 2021: Our game-changing ship Ultramarine sets sail. Fittingly, the ship’s inaugural voyage is a celebration of the life of polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.
- July 2022: For the first time ever, guests take to the polar skies in Ultramarine’s two twin-engine helicopters.
- July 2022: We present the first Tundra to Table: Inuit Culinary Experience with local chefs on board Ultramarine during a voyage to Greenland.
- November 2023: Quark Expeditions returns to Snow Hill with two successful landings at the legendary Emperor penguin colony.
- August 2024: Quark Expeditions wins a Virtuoso Travel Award for “Best Expedition Cruise Line.”
- October 2024: Quark Expeditions expands its Arctic portfolio to include Iceland.
- November 2024: The state-of-the-art Ocean Explorer joins our fleet for the first time.
- January 2025: Quark Expeditions announces another new ship, World Voyager.
Current Fleet: Ships Operated by Quark Expeditions (2026)
| Ship | Ultramarine | Ocean Explorer | World Explorer | World Voyager |
| Regions Operated In | Antarctic, Arctic | Antarctic, Arctic | Antarctic | Antarctic |
| Standout Feature | Two Twin Engine Helicopters offering exclusive aerial views of polar landscapes, allowing guests to experience remote areas from the sky. | Our smallest ship with just 138 guests, this intimate ship offers a more personalized experience, ensuring guests feel more connected to both the crew and fellow guests. | All-Balcony Suites. Every guest enjoys private outdoor space, allowing for panoramic views of the surrounding polar wilderness, enhancing comfort and luxury on board. | Included a Science Hub. A dedicated space for educational enrichment where guests can engage with experts and learn about the polar environment, making the experience more immersive and intellectually enriching. |
| Passenger Capacity | 199 | 138 | 172 | 168 |
| Staff & Crew | 140 | 105 | 125 | 125 |
| Cabin Overview | Features 102 suites across 9 configurations. Accommodations include 6 dedicated solo suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and entry-level twin suites that are the largest in their class by square footage. All cabins feature an exterior-facing orientation for great views of the polar environment. | Features 72 suites across 8 configurations. Accommodations include 7 dedicated single suites. Most cabins (excluding Studio Singles) are equipped with private walk-out balconies for outdoor polar observation directly from the cabin. | Features 86 suites across 6 configurations. All suites feature a 100% exterior-facing orientation with either a private walk-out balcony or a glass French balcony for outdoor polar observation directly from the cabin. | Features 84 cabins across 5 configurations. All suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, while most cabins (excluding Infinity Suites) include walk-out balconies for outdoor polar observation directly from the cabin. |
| Cabin Sizes | Range from 132 square feet (12 square meters) to 563 square feet (52 square meters). | Range from 162 square feet (15 square meters) to 443 square feet (41 square meters). | Range from 185 square feet (17 square meters) to 355 square feet (33 square meters). | Range from 215 square feet (20 square meters) to 365 square feet (34 square meters). |
| Public Spaces & Viewing |
Library: A space for browsing field guides, reference books, photo books, and a selection of games. The Ultramarine collection includes multilingual books on wildlife, history, marine biology, ecology, and geology. Panorama Lounge & Bar: Used for socializing and relaxation with panoramic polar views and an outdoor deck at the bow of the ship. Observation Decks: The promenade deck wraps around Deck 5, providing open space for wildlife viewing and ocean observation. Outer decks are generally accessible at all times, unless restricted by weather or sea conditions. Ambassador Theater: An auditorium serving as the main lecture hall for presentations and talks, with seating for all guests on board and a bar during presentations. |
Observation Lounge & Bar: A top-deck lounge with panoramic views and seating for 63, perfect for cocktails and socializing. Latitude Bar & Lounge: A social hub with sofas and seating for 46, suitable for quiet drinks or group gatherings. Discovery Library: A light-filled library at the bow of the ship that seats 47. Features floor-to-ceiling glass windows for taking in the surrounding polar landscapes. Includes multilingual books on wildlife, history, marine biology, ecology, and geology. Explorer Lecture Lounge: A hall equipped with A/V systems for onboard presentations and seats for all guests on board. Observation Decks: Open areas for wildlife viewing and long-distance photography, with reduced exposure to sea spray. Outer decks are generally accessible at all times, unless restricted by weather or sea conditions. Polar Deck & Bar: An outdoor bar area offering drinks and panoramic polar views. |
Library: A space for browsing field guides, photo books, and reference books. The World Explorer collection includes multilingual books on wildlife, history, marine biology, ecology, and geology. Explorer Lounge: Used for special functions and events, and where you can grab a cup of coffee or tea. Observation Lounge: A comfortable space for relaxation with panoramic polar views. Auditorium: A theater-style auditorium for presentations and videos, with seating for all guests. Observation Decks: Open spaces for wildlife viewing and ocean observation. Outer decks are generally accessible at all times, unless restricted by weather or sea conditions. |
Library: A space for browsing field guides, photo books, and reference books. The World Voyager collection includes multilingual books on wildlife, history, marine biology, ecology, and geology. Lounge: Used for special functions and events, and where you can grab a cup of coffee or tea. Observation Lounge: A comfortable space for relaxation with panoramic polar views. Auditorium: A theater-style auditorium for presentations and videos, with seating for all guests on board. Observation Decks: Open spaces for wildlife viewing and ocean observation. Outer decks are generally accessible at all times, unless restricted by weather or sea conditions. |
| Dining |
Balena Restaurant: The main dinning area serving three meals daily. Mealtimes may vary depending on landings and wildlife activities. Bistro 487: Offers alternative dining with selections from the main menu and additional health focused options. Offers early breakfast, afternoon tea, late-night snacks, and light snacks available throughout the day. |
Dining Room: A modern dining space with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the polar wilderness, and seating for up to 144 people. Mealtimes may vary due to landings or wildlife activities. Observation Bistro: A relaxed eatery offering lighter fare and grab-and-go snacks, with full views of the polar surroundings and seating for up to 44 guests. |
Dining Room: The main dining area serving three meals daily. Mealtimes may vary due to landings or wildlife activities. | Dining Room: The main dining area serving three meals daily. Mealtimes may vary due to landings or wildlife activities. |
| Wellness & Medial Facilities |
Gym: Open during posted hours on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests should wear appropriate clothing and footwear and keep equipment clean. Glass bottles are not permitted. Tundra Spa, Sauna & Steam Room: The sauna and steam room offer relaxation with panoramic views, while spa treatments and massages are available by booking. Bathing suits and waterproof shoes are recommended. Medical Clinic: Provides 24-hour medical care. A doctor can be contacted through reception or any Expedition Team member in case of emergency. |
Gym: Open during posted hours on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests should wear appropriate clothing and footwear, keep equipment clean, and avoid bringing glass bottles. Tundra Spa & Sauna: Offers massages, body, and facial treatments. Dry sauna seats 15 and features panoramic polar views, while spa treatments and massages are available by booking. Outdoor Jacuzzis: Offering two alfresco Jacuzzis with polar views. Bathing suits and waterproof shoes are recommended. Medical Clinic: Provides 24-hour medical care. A doctor can be contacted through reception or any Expedition Team member in case of emergency. |
Gym: Open during posted hours on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests should wear appropriate clothing and footwear, keep equipment clean, and avoid bringing glass bottles. Spa: Offers massages, facials, and hand and foot treatments. Bookings are available through the spa attendant or reception. Pool & Hot Tubs: A large heated outdoor pool with surrounding deck space and two hot tubs. Please note there is no lifeguard on duty. Medical Clinic: Provides 24-hour medical care. A doctor can be contacted through reception or any Expedition Team member in case of emergency. |
Outdoor Running Track: Open-air track for jogging or walking, providing exercise with scenic views of the surrounding environment. Gym: Open during posted hours on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests should wear appropriate clothing and footwear, keep equipment clean, and avoid bringing glass bottles. Spa: Offers massages, facials, and hand and foot treatments. Bookings are available through the spa attendant or reception. Pool & Hot Tubs: A large heated outdoor pool with surrounding deck space and two hot tubs. Please note there is no lifeguard on duty. Medical Clinic: Provides 24-hour medical care. A doctor can be contacted through reception or any Expedition Team member in case of emergency. |
| Wi-Fi & Connectivity | Complimentary Wi-Fi at limited speeds, premium Wi-Fi available for purchase | Complimentary Wi-Fi at limited speeds, premium Wi-Fi available for purchase | Complimentary Wi-Fi at limited speeds, premium Wi-Fi available for purchase | Complimentary Wi-Fi at limited speeds, premium Wi-Fi available for purchase |
Quark Expeditions Destinations: Antarctic & Arctic Regions
Antarctic Regions
Travel Season Between November – March
- Antarctic Peninsula: The Antarctic Peninsula is the most accessible region of the continent and serves as the primary destination for classic Antarctic itineraries. It offers the quintessential polar experience with huge icebergs, penguin rookeries, and daily Zodiac landings (weather permitting).
- South Georgia Island: South Georgia serves as the centerpiece for wildlife-focused itineraries, renowned for massive concentrations of life including 150,000 breeding king penguins, hundreds of elephant seals, soaring seabirds, and more.
- Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas): The Falklands often serve as the starting or ending point for combined itineraries, or as a dedicated wildlife destination. They offer unique birdlife and a visit to one of the most remote settlements in the world, Port Stanley.
- Snow Hill Island: Snow Hill Island expeditions represent highly specialized itineraries focused exclusively on accessing emperor penguin colonies in the Weddell Sea via ship-based helicopters, offering one of the most unique wildlife experiences in Antarctica.
- Patagonia: Dedicated Patagonia expeditions focus exclusively on the Chilean fjords, glaciers, and wilderness of southern tip of South America. These itineraries are standalone programs distinct from Antarctic voyages and do not involve Drake Passage crossings.
Arctic Regions
Travel Season Between May – September
- Spitsbergen & Svalbard: Spitsbergen is the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, located in the high Arctic of Norway. Also known as the wildlife capital of the Arctic, it serves as the primary destination for Arctic wildlife viewing. These itineraries focus on spotting wildlife which can include polar bears from a safe distance, exploring historical whaling sites, and navigating under the 24-hour daylight of the Midnight Sun.
- Greenland: Greenland expeditions explore the world’s largest island, offering a diverse range of experiences from the massive icebergs of Disko Bay in the west to the towering alpine peaks and fjord systems of East Greenland. These voyages often emphasize Inuit community visits and, on select ships, heli-landing opportunities to access remote glacial landscapes.
- Iceland: Iceland serves as both a standalone destination for circumnavigation voyages and a convenient embarkation point for expeditions to Greenland. Dedicated Icelandic itineraries focus on the “Land of Fire and Ice,” exploring dramatic waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and coastal cliffs teeming with Atlantic puffins and other seabirds.
- Canadian High Arctic: This region serves as the setting for the legendary Northwest Passage, offering itineraries deeply rooted in polar exploration history and the search for Franklin’s lost expedition. These voyages traverse remote waterways to view unique high-Arctic wildlife, including muskoxen, walrus, and arguably the best opportunities to spot elusive narwhal.
Quark Expeditions Activities: Included and Paid Adventure Options
Quark Expeditions offers a combination of included activities and optional add-on adventure activities. Activity availability varies by itinerary, destination, and ship. All outdoor activities are weather dependant, and participation in any activity is entirety voluntary.
Included Adventure Activities
Activities included in the base expedition fare at no additional cost.
Helicopter Flightseeing
- The Experience: Take an aerial tour over glaciers, ice sheets, and polar landscapes that are inaccessible by ship.
- Availability: Offered exclusively on Ultramarine for select Antarctic and Arctic itineraries.
- Requirements: No prior flight experience is required to participate.
- Weather Dependent: Flight duration and frequency are determined by local weather conditions.
Polar Plunge
- The Experience: Jump safely into icy Antarctic or Arctic waters, a popular rite of passage on polar expeditions.
- Availability: Offered on every ship and every voyage.
- Safety Measures: The plunge is fully supervised by staff and includes safety protocols, such as a tether.
- Inclusions: We capture a photo of your jump and provide warm towels and robes immediately afterward.
Hiking & Walking
- The Experience: Join shore landings led by our expedition team to explore the landscape on foot.
- Availability: Offered on every ship and every voyage.
- Frequency & Duration: Opportunities occur multiple times per voyage (weather permitting) and typically last 1–3 hours.
- Difficulty Levels: Options range from gentle walks to more advanced hikes to accommodate different fitness levels.
Zodiac Cruising
- The Experience: Explore ice formations, coastlines, and marine wildlife at water level in sturdy inflatable boats.
- Availability: Offered on every ship and every voyage.
- Frequency: Operations run daily when weather conditions allow.
- Group Size: Each boat carries a maximum of 10 guests for a personal experience.
- Expert Guidance: Boats are operated by expedition staff experienced in ice navigation.
Science & Discovery
- The Experience: Contribute to real-world research in support of scientific objectives and in collaboration with leading scientific institutes.
- Availability: Offered on Ultramarine and World Voyager (which also features a dedicated Science Hub) in both the Arctic and Antarctic.
- Activities: Tasks may include cloud observation, bird surveys, water sampling, and sea-floor analysis.
- Guest Requirements: No scientific background is needed; all activities are guided by our Expedition Team.
Greenland Ice Sheet Experience
- The Experience: Fly via helicopter from the ship to walk directly on the continental Greenland Ice Sheet.
- Availability: Exclusive to select Greenland itineraries onboard Ultramarine.
- Expert Guidance: Learn from our glaciologists while on the ice surface.
- Weather Conditions: Strictly dependent on favorable weather and ice conditions.
Photography
- The Experience: Get tips and feedback from a professional expedition photographer on board.
- Topics Covered: Learn about composition, lighting, and camera care in cold climates.
- Guest Requirements: Open to all skill levels and camera types, including smartphones. No specialized gear is required.
Presentations and Lectures
- The Experience: Attend daily presentations held during sea days or in the evenings.
- Topics Covered: Subjects include wildlife biology, glaciology, polar history, climate science, and conservation. Content is tailored specifically to the region and wildlife you are currently visiting.
Add-On Adventure Options
Optional activities available at additional cost (advance booking recommended, limited spaces).
Sea Kayaking Program
- The Experience: A comprehensive program offering multiple outings per voyage as an alternative to shore landings or a Zodiac cruise, allowing you to paddle amidst icebergs and wildlife in a small group.
- Availability: Offered on Ultramarine, Ocean Explorer, World Voyager, and World Explorer across all Antarctic and Arctic regions. Outings are dependant on weather and only offered in calm conditions.
- Duration: Outings last 1–3 hours and occur multiple times per voyage (weather permitting).
- Guest Requirements: Previous kayaking experience and the ability to preform a wet exit is required, and participants must be 18 years or older, or 16+ with a guardian.
Paddling Excursions
- The Experience: A casual, one-time paddling opportunity using stable, two-person inflatable sit-on-top kayaks. Excursions are lead by experienced guides and escorted by an additional safety driver.
- Availability: Offered on Ultramarine, Ocean Explorer, World Voyager, and World Explorer across all Antarctic and Arctic regions.
- Duration: Each excursion lasts approximately 1–1.5 hours.
- Guest Requirements: No experience is required, and participants must be 18 years or older, or 16+ with a guardian.
Antarctic Camping
- The Experience: Spend a night sleeping on the ice under the Antarctic sky.
- Provided Gear: You will be provided with an insulating mat, sleeping bag, and bivvy sack (a breathable waterproof outer bag) to keep you comfortable and dry while you sleep on top of the snow.
- Availability: Exclusive to Antarctica on Ocean Explorer, World Voyager, and World Explorer and exclusive to departures from November to mid-January.
- Guest Requirements: No camping experience is required. Participants must be 18 years or older, or 16+ with a guardian.
Exclusive Heli-Landing
- The Experience: Fly via twin-engine helicopter to remote landing sites such as ice sheets, glacier surfaces, or penguin colonies, that are inaccessible by Zodiac. Each experience is uniquely curated by our expedition team, based on conditions, regulations, and location capacity.
- Availability: Exclusive to Ultramarine on select itineraries to the Antarctic Peninsula, Snow Hill Island, and Patagonia.
- Duration: Landings typically last 1–2 hours.
- Weather Conditions: Strictly dependent on favorable weather and ice conditions.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
- The Experience: Test your balance on the calm waters of polar bays and harbors, while standing on a paddleboard.
- Availability: Offered on Ultramarine, World Voyager, and World Explorer; only in Antarctica.
- Duration: Each session lasts approximately 1–1.5 hours.
- Guest Requirements: No experience is strictly required, though good balance is helpful and participants must be 18 years or older, or 16+ with a guardian.
Tundra to Table Culinary Experience
- The Experience: A culinary journey featuring the preparation and tasting of traditional Inuit or Icelandic foods.
- Availability: Exclusive to Ultramarine on select Greenland and Iceland itineraries.
- Expert Guidance: Led by local experts or the expedition team, offering insight into regional cooking techniques.
- Guest Requirements: There is no age limit or experience required.
Greenland Camp Experience
- The Experience: An immersive overnight wilderness adventure in South Greenland, including a camp dinner and hiking from a base camp.
- Availability: Exclusive to Ultramarine on select Greenland itineraries.
- Inclusions: All camping and safety equipment is provided.
- Guest Requirements: No experience is required but participants must be 18 years or older, or 16+ with a guardian.
Mountain Biking
- The Experience: Traverse the rugged Greenlandic terrain on fat-tire bicycles during an active shore excursion.
- Availability: Exclusive to Ocean Explorer on select Greenland itineraries.
- Duration: Excursions are physically active and last 4–6 hours.
- Guest Requirements: Previous mountain biking experience is recommended and participants must be 18 years or older, or 16+ with a guardian.
Anything else I need to know about Adventure Activities?
- We strongly recommend reserving Add-On Adventure Options well in advance, as capacity is limited by equipment and safety protocols, and many activities sell out months prior to departure.
- Please be aware that the execution of all adventure activities is strictly determined by weather and ice conditions; however, if an outing is canceled for these reasons, a full refund or credit will be provided.
Quark Expeditions Guest Ratings and Reviews: Third-Party Platform Overview
Quark Expeditions maintain consistently high ratings across major independent review platforms, demonstrating strong customer satisfaction and service quality.
Third Party Platform Ratings As of January 14th, 2025
- Trustpilot: 4.9/5 stars (based on 293 reviews)
- Tripadvisor: 4.7/5 stars (based on 486 reviews)
- Google Reviews: 4.8/5 stars (based on 528 reviews)
Overall Performance: Across all three major platforms, Quark Expeditions achieves an average rating of 4.8/5 stars. The total review volume of 1,300+ reviews across platforms provides statistically significant customer feedback data.