How to choose between the Arctic and Antarctic for your Polar Voyage

Even before the first humans set foot on the 7th Continent, Antarctica had the power to intrigue and captivate our interest. The Antarctic Circle is a wild and frozen place at the bottom of the world—and one of the most fascinating to explore if you’re accompanied by seasoned expedition guides who know the landscape very intimately.

There are few experiences on Earth as mesmerizing as watching the Northern Lights dance across the Arctic sky. The vibrant swirls of green, purple, and blue flickering above a vast, snow-covered landscape create an almost surreal spectacle. If witnessing this breathtaking phenomenon is on your bucket list, an Arctic expedition is the perfect way to make it a reality.  What Causes the Northern Lights?  The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, occur when charged particles from the sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere. The result is a dazzling natural light show that can only be seen in high-latitude regions. The Arctic, with its long, dark nights and minimal light pollution, offers some of the best opportunities for viewing this celestial wonder.  Best Destinations for Northern Lights Viewing  Iceland: A Land of Fire, Ice, and Auroras  Iceland is one of the most accessible places to witness the Northern Lights, thanks to its high-latitude location and stunning natural landscapes. Travelers can combine their aurora hunting with visits to volcanic landscapes, glaciers, and geothermal hot springs. Aboard an Iceland cruise Northern Lights expedition, adventurers can experience the magic of the auroras while exploring the country’s breathtaking fjords and coastal wonders.  East Greenland: A Remote Arctic Wonderland  For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, East Greenland provides a stunning backdrop for aurora viewing. Towering icebergs, vast tundra, and snow-covered peaks make this an unforgettable location to witness the lights. Expeditions to Greenland often include cultural encounters with Inuit communities and wildlife sightings of polar bears and Arctic foxes.  The Arctic Circle: A […]

Guided hikes on rugged, challenging coastline. Skimming the surface of crystal clear waters by kayak. Daring to take the iconic Polar Plunge. This is Greenland, as experienced by one recent visitor.

Free Wi-Fi and alcohol on Quark Expeditions’ voyages includes beer, wine and cocktails, as well as basic Internet service while exploring the Arctic and Antarctic.

Business Development Manager Chris Hanna, Expedition Guide and Glaciologist Colin Souness, and Director of Helicopter Operations Felix Christians share highlights of Ultramarine’s industry-leading helicopter adventure program. Join the webinar to learn about Quark Expeditions’ heli-adventure program: • Unbeatable Polar Helicopter Experiences: Learn how our two twin-engine helicopters can take you further over the polar landscape than any other helicopter in its class, offering the largest portfolio of adventure options in the industry—including flightseeing, heli-hiking, alpine kayaking and exclusive heli-landing. • Most Experienced Crew: Learn what makes our helicopter crew the best in the Polar Regions. • Adventure Meets Luxury: Discover why these helicopters ensure guests will have a superbly comfortable flight—and are great for viewing the polar landscapes. • Industry-leading Polar Safety: Find out what makes our H145 helicopters the industry leaders in helicopter safety. • Advanced Sustainability: Learn about the sustainability features of the H145 helicopters.

Many countries support scientific research projects in Antarctica, ranging from biology and glaciology to oceanography and astronomy. These scientific studies explore such question as: How fast are the glaciers moving? How many seals are there? What lies under two miles of ice? Quark Expeditions ornithologist Jean Pennycook will highlight several new discoveries and current projects in this webinar that uncovers the secrets of the Antarctic.

Meet our state-of-the-art new ship, Ocean Explorer. Hear about the amazing features of this cutting-edge new ship, which elevates the polar experience in terms of guest comfort, sustainability, adventure and safety. Disclaimer: All promotions mentioned in our on-demand webinars were valid only during the original webinar timeframe. These promotions are not applicable indefinitely and may no longer be available. Please contact our Polar Travel Advisors for more details.

Do you want to learn more about one of the most recognizable penguin species, the macaroni penguin? Keep reading to learn more about this unique animal.