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.

The Arctic is one of the last true frontiers on Earth—a vast, icy wilderness teeming with dramatic landscapes, elusive wildlife, and an untamed spirit of adventure. For backpackers seeking the ultimate challenge, this region offers an unparalleled opportunity to push boundaries and witness nature at its most raw and breathtaking.  Why the Arctic? The Arctic isn’t just a land of ice and snow. It’s a mosaic of glaciers, rugged mountains, and remote fjords where the midnight sun blazes in summer, and the Northern Lights dance across the winter sky. Its rich biodiversity includes polar bears, Arctic foxes, walruses, and vast seabird colonies. But beyond its beauty, the Arctic demands respect—harsh weather, unpredictable conditions, and extreme isolation make it one of the most rewarding yet challenging destinations for backpackers.  Preparing for the Arctic Journey Packing Essentials Surviving and thriving in the Arctic requires careful planning. Layering is key: moisture-wicking base layers, insulated mid-layers, and a waterproof outer shell are essential. Insulated boots, gloves, and a high-quality sleeping bag are non-negotiable. Don’t forget sun protection—yes, even in the Arctic, the sun can be intense, especially when reflecting off the ice.  Navigating the Elements Weather conditions can change in minutes, with strong winds and freezing temperatures always a possibility. Familiarizing yourself with navigation tools and emergency protocols is crucial. Many seasoned Arctic adventurers recommend guided expeditions for first-timers to ensure safety while maximizing the experience.  Wildlife Encounters One of the biggest draws of an Arctic cruise or overland expedition is the chance to see incredible wildlife. Whether trekking […]

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.