The Leader in Polar-Based Adventure Options

Quark Expeditions: The Leader in Polar-Based Adventure Options

Quark Expeditions offers more off-ship adventure activities than anyone else in the Polar Regions!

Quark Expeditions’ robust portfolio of adventure options immerses travelers in the polar wilderness, enabling them to connect viscerally with the natural wonders of their polar surroundings. From enjoying a bird’s-eye view of the polar landscape through the window of a twin-engine helicopter to eye-level observations of an iceberg while seated in a kayak, Quark Expeditions’ adventure options offer guests a truly immersive polar experience no one else can offer.

Adventure Options Exclusive to guests traveling on Ultramarine

Flightseeing on Ultramarine

Flightseeing on Ultramarine

While polar landscapes are spectacular from the sea, they’re even more stunning from the air while seated in one of Ultramarine’s two twin–engine helicopters. Guests will experience an unforgettable aerial tour of the Antarctic during a 10–to 15–minute flightseeing excursion that’s included in the voyage. Additional helicopter activities may also be available for purchase onboard.  Please note: all helicopter operations are weather– and logistics–dependent.

Available on most Antarctic voyages and all Canadian and Greenland Voyages.

Exclusive Heli-Landing

Heli-Landing

Antarctic
Imagine setting foot in an area of the Antarctic that can only be safely accessed by helicopter. Traveling in groups of 12 with no more than 4 groups (48 guests) at a time accompanied by expert guides, you’ll board one of Ultramarine’s two twin–engine helicopters to soar off to an exclusive polar site where no ships can navigate. Expect stunning bird’s–eye views during your flight, and then, upon arrival, simply sit back, relax and take in the splendor of the Antarctic from “the best seat in the house”: glacial amphitheaters, breath–taking summits, and more.

Available only on select Antarctic voyages.

Arctic
You will be transferred from Ultramarine’s heli-decks via our two twin-engine helicopters to a pre-selected Arctic destination. You’ll have time to explore the location, accompanied by Quark Expeditions team members, after which you’ll be picked up by the helicopters in the same location and returned to Ultramarine. Note: heli-landings are dependent on weather conditions and logistics.

Available on all Canadian High Arctic voyages.

Alpine Heli-Trekking

Alpine Heli-Trekking

Let us take you on an active adventure high up in the Antarctic Peninsula. You’ll be part of an intimate group of adventurers to board one of Ultramarine’s two twin–engine helicopters for a trekking excursion in an area only safely accessed by air. The helicopter flight alone rewards guests with unforgettable views. On land, during an invigorating walk, hike or snowshoe trek (depending on conditions), you’ll be rewarded with equally stunning views of remote ridgelines, glaciated terrain, and snow-topped peaks.

Available on select Antarctic voyages.

Adventure Options Exclusive to Greenland Adventure: Explore by Sea, Land and Air itinerary.

Alpine Kayaking

Alpine Kayaking

Our expert kayak guides will take you beyond to remote glacial lakes high in the upper alpine zones of Southern Greenland. Find yourself in complete tranquility as you pioneer the untouched and raw beauty of these isolated lakes. Once deployed by our helicopters, you’ll find yourself immersed in the most remote corners of this incredible area of Greenland.

Available only on Greenland Adventure: Explore by Sea, Land and Air.

Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking

Feeling like a more active adventure? Our team has worked with local partners to identify world-class mountain biking routes through the stunning scenery of South Greenland. Our twin-engine helicopters will deploy you into the best terrain to start your adventure and be there to pick you up at the end of your route so you are always covering new terrain along the way.

Available only on Greenland Adventure: Explore by Sea, Land and Air.

Greenland Camp Experience

Greenland Camp Experience

Join local hosts at one of the most exclusive camps in Greenland. Our local guides will lead you on an immersive experience through the wonders of their homeland. Spend ample time, in intimate groups, walking through the beautiful landscapes and remote fjords, roam the tundra with a local chef who will show you local ingredients and then prepare an incredible meal. Overnight at the camp and, if conditions allow, experience the magnificent colors of the polar twilight which will bring the mountainous surroundings into full effect.

Available only on Greenland Adventure: Explore by Sea, Land and Air.

Ice Sheet Experience

Ice Sheet Experience

Ascend high above the cascading coastal glaciers onto the immense polar plateau of the Greenland Ice Sheet (the second-largest ice mass in the world) and take in the immensity of this overwhelming landscape. An excursion on one of Ultramarine’s two twin-engine helicopters means you’ll have a view of the Ice Sheet that very few other humans have ever experienced. You’ll learn about the dynamics of this environment from our team of glaciologists while you explore this vast, seldom-visited body of ice.

Available only on Greenland Adventure: Explore by Sea, Land and Air.

Heli-Hiking

Heli-Hiking

Our twin-engine helicopters will transfer you to the start of the most scenic hiking routes of Southern Greenland and then pick you up at the endpoint of the route. Each heli-hiking departure will be tailored to your personal needs and level of interest. You may choose to join one of our fast walking groups who will go for exploration and distance, one of our medium hiking routes where there will be plenty of time to stop for photography and reflection, or explore at a slower pace with ample time to enjoy the scenery and immerse yourself in your surroundings.

Available only on Greenland Adventure: Explore by Sea, Land and Air.

Adventure Options Available at Quark Expeditions

Paddling Excursion

Paddling Excursion

Our Paddle Excursion Program provides sit-on-top, two-person, inflatable kayaks that enable guests to enjoy an intimate, water-level experience in unforgettable locations in both the Arctic and Antarctica. These stable, rugged and comfortable crafts are an ideal way to see the Polar Regions from a different perspective.

Available on all Antarctic voyages and all Arctic voyages except Arctic Saga: Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes and Jan Mayen.

Sea Kayaking

Sea Kayaking

Positioning yourself in the seat of a kayak is one of the most intimate ways travelers can connect with the Polar Regions—at water level, up close, where you can touch and feel every polar sensation imaginable. The Sea Kayak Program enables a small group of like-minded individuals to forge bonds as they explore fjords, glacial faces or mazes of sea ice.

Available on all Antarctic voyages and all Arctic voyages except Greenland Adventure: Explore by Sea, Land and Air and Arctic Saga: Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes and Jan Mayen.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Combining a surfboard with a kayak, stand–up paddleboarding will give you a very personal and unique perspective on Antarctica. Stand–up paddleboarding is conducted in small groups—in calm bays and harbors, in good weather conditions—accompanied by a safety Zodiac.

Available on all Antarctic voyages. Not available on Arctic voyages.

Camping

Camping

Take your expedition to the next level with a once-in-a-lifetime overnight camping adventure in Antarctica! This is one of the best ways to experience Antarctica in an intimate setting. Camping is available on many early-season Antarctic voyages. Our popular camping options have limited availability, so book early to secure your space.

Available on most Antarctic voyages. See also Greenland Camp Experience for overnight camping in the Arctic.

Zodiac Cruising

Zodiac Cruising

Zodiacs take you places that ships can’t access, allowing you to reach remote shorelines, explore shallow inlets and search for unique wildlife.

Available on all Quark Expeditions voyages.

Polar Plunge

Polar Plunge

This rite of passage, scheduled once per voyage, offers you the chance to jump safely into the bracing Arctic and Antarctic waters under the watchful eye of our trained staff.

Available on all Quark Expeditions voyages.

Quark Expeditions’ Adventure Options Live Event Series

Adventure Options

Learn all about the exciting helicopter adventure options Quark Expeditions has to offer in both the Antarctic and Arctic regions.

Adventure Options

From camping overnight on Antarctic to zipping by an iceberg in a zodiac, learn about the various adventure options available on a voyage with Quark Expeditions.