Antarctic Expeditions
Antarctica: the great white continent and one of the last true wilderness areas on earth – largely unchanged since the early explorers.
It’s home to the world’s greatest concentration of wildlife, where penguins, seals and whales are the only permanent residents.
Gaze up at magnificent icebergs, explore islands guided by various species of penguin including chinstrap, gentoo and Adélie. Experience the awe-inspiring king penguin rookeries of South Georgia, the “Galapagos of the Poles,” as well as the incredible wealth of untamed wildlife in the unique and diverse archipelagos of the Southern Ocean.
Quark Expeditions has been the world leader in polar adventures for over two decades and successfully operated many first-ever passenger voyages to Antarctica, including the Circumnavigation of the Antarctic continent and the first Weddell Sea voyage.
The Antarctic Peninsula
With its all glistening inlets, rocky cliff sides, pebbled beaches and floating ice sculptures, the Antarctic Peninsula is the northernmost stretch of land on the 7th continent—you’re in for total sensory overload. Whether you venture on our popular penguin safari or new photography voyages, this season’s line-up delivers sublime adventures beyond your wildest dreams.
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent
This expedition offers the perfect chance to discover the best of the Antarctic Peninsula, the last continent’s most northern region.
Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition
This expedition offers you the most in-depth exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula.
The Falkland Islands (Malvinas) and South Georgia
Encounter an unparalleled variety of wildlife and get a vivid picture of early Antarctic exploration at these two British territories in the South Atlantic Ocean. Hike through the tussock grass, wander the shorelines, listen to the stories, connect with nature—and get lost in the moment.
Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle via Falklands and South Georgia
If you desire to “do it all” on your Antarctic adventure, then this is the voyage for you.
Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica: Explorers and Kings
This extended expedition encompasses the wildlife paradise of South Georgia, the remote Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), as well as the extraordinary beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Solar Eclipse 2021: Totality in Antarctica, with South Georgia
This voyage will be the perfect opportunity to be rendered awestruck by the overwhelming enormity of Antarctica. From there, you’ll sail north and become part of a select few to experience a Total Solar Eclipse in the Antarctic before exploring the island of South Georgia.
Solar Eclipse 2021: Totality in Antarctica, with South Georgia and Falkland Islands
Designed for eclipse chasers, this itinerary offers the rare opportunity to witness the total eclipse of the sun while also setting foot in Antarctica, as well as a chance to explore the rarely visited sub-Antarctic Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) and South Georgia.
South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
This adventure is the fastest way to get to the rarely visited South Georgia Island while also stepping foot on the 7th Continent. As we set sail, photograph massive albatross and pintado petrel as they swoop and soar around the ship, guiding us toward South Georgia.
Fly/Cruise Expeditions
Our convenient Fly/Cruise expeditions whisk you to the 7th continent for as few as eight days. Fly over the Drake Passage to embark on the rest of your journey by ship. This shaves off a little time, so you can make the most of every minute. We can get you kayaking the bays, cruising around icebergs and camping out under the Antarctic night sky in next to no time.
Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle
Enjoy Antarctica in style — by flying and then cruising south of the Antarctic Circle!
Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake
You’re ready to explore King George Island and the Antarctic Peninsula—and no Drake Passage crossings are required! With a spectacular aerial view, included charter flights between Punta Arenas and Antarctica have you experiencing the majesty of the 7th continent before transferring you to your ship in no time.
Antarctic Peninsula
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Drake Passage
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Punta Arenas, Chile
South Georgia
South Orkney Islands
South Sandwich Islands
South Shetland Islands
Ushuaia, Argentina
Camping - Antarctic
Cross-Country Skiing - Antarctic
Hiking - Antarctic
Mountaineering - Antarctic
Paddling Excursion - Antarctic
Polar Plunge - Antarctic
Sea Kayaking - Antarctic
Stand-up Paddleboarding - Antarctic
Zodiac Cruising - Antarctic
Currency (Antarctic)
Gear Shop and Polar Boutique
Getting to Antarctica
Packing Tips
Passports and Visas
Seasickness (Antarctic)
The Quark Parka
Travel Insurance
When to Go
From the moment we stepped onto the Ocean Adventurer, we could tell that Quark had us taken care of and we felt like that all the way through until the end of our voyage. From the bonds we made with both our shipmates AND our guides, to the incredible experiences both on and off the ship, we are already trying to figure out when and how we can explore the Arctic (not something we had ever considered before) with Quark. Describing one's experience in Antarctica is nearly impossible, but suffice it to say we will be recommending Quark (and already have to many people over the past few weeks) to everyone we know so that they have the opportunity to go on such an incredible trip as well.
Thank you to the best expedition leader ever, Solen, and the amazing crew who made our experience in Antarctica truly unforgettable.
A fantastic and unforgettable life time trip thanks to Quark!!!!
Upon retirement I gifted to myself this trip to Antarctica. I am 67, and my son of 38 years accompanied me. We kayaked. A great choice. As the parent, I always sterned the canoe or kayak. Into the stern you go son, a switch in relationship from father to son! The shared experience of Antarctica was the best father and son trip one could imagine! The Antarctica Continent flag photo will be cherished.
An awesome trip. We were lucky with the weather but everything else was planned to perfection by Solan and his team. We saw some of the most amazing wildlife colonies, beautiful scenery and hiked in the footsteps of Shackleton. All the staff aboard were excellent and the lectures were very informative. Met some truly amazing people. A wonderful trip.
fabulous trip really well organised
This trip was two years in the planning and we were overjoyed with the entire journey, from the time we were picked up in Buenos Aires to the return, the organisation was thorough, every detail of arrival, luggage and embarkation was like clockwork. The Expedition Staff were exemplary, they wore so many "hats" from presenting outstanding lectures to loading and driving us on zodiac excursions, always with patience and a smile and a strong arm. Our kayaking guides were knowledgeable, fun and very good at keeping us safe. They also explained all procedures very well. We were incredibly lucky with the weather and were able to have many shore excursions, and when a landing was not possible due to weather conditions, another alternative was always found. We were kept very well informed at all times of what was happening and why. We loved our Expeditions Guides as they were so much fun. We also learned so much due to the amazing quality of our presentations obviously done by very well educated guides. Our Ornithologist, Sarah was outstanding, enthusiastic, so knowledgeable and so willing to share her knowledge. Jimmy, our whale expert was also a great presenter and Pauline, our Glacierologist was so informative. Laurie, the Expedition leader, well, we just could not figure out how she did her job and was still there to "catch" zodiacs at our landings. She was outstanding!
The opportunity to visit South Georgia Particularly was quite beyond what we expected. Wildlife and the opportunities to connect with it was such an amazing experience. One we will never forget. We loved our opportunities to "walk" up to Shackelton Falls and on the Faukland Islands.
Our room was very comfortable and spotlessly kept for us by our lovely housekeeping staff and the food was fabulous, lots of choice and lots of salad options, which I love, but also lots of fresh options, the dining area was relaxed and fun. We loved not having to sit at a specific table as we got the opportunity to move around and meet many interesting people. We will aspire to doing another Quark Expedition. Thank you for an amazing trip.
This was a truly exceptional trip. The destination was as special as we had hoped for, and we had quite high hopes already. The boat was lovely, our room was more than large enough for the 2 of us and all of our gear. Expedition staff and ship crew went above and beyond to make sure we had a wonderful time. I cannot fault the trip, except that I wish I was back on it now.
The whole trip was excellent with South Georgia a wonderland of mountains and beaches, covered with birds and seals and elephant seals. The staff was amazing in both their knowledge and personalities. Even the captain of the ship went way out of his way to make it perfect.
I have something positive to say about each of the guide/professional staff, if this has any value to them or to Quark. Let me know if this would be of value. Individually they were outstanding as well as a team.
Thanks Laird Findlay
Quark crew and services are amazing!! anyone going to Antarctica must go thru them!!
I always wanted to visit Antarctica and aftrot of due diligence I shortlisted Quark. I am so happy that they surpassed all my expectations. The crew was the best. Knowledgeable, enthusiastic and always ready to help. They made sure that we enjoy the trip and gain valuable experience. Might be I visit the continent again and no doubt it will be with Quark only. Thanks