featured – 7 min read
How to choose between the Arctic and Antarctic for your Polar Voyage
Antarctic
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5 mins read
Explore South Georgia, the Galápagos of the Southern Ocean
In an age when many iconic wildlife destinations feel increasingly crowded, a handful of places remain genuinely wild. South Georgia, often called the Galápagos of the Southern Ocean, is one of them. Set deep in the sub-Antarctic, this remote island chain delivers biodiversity on a scale that feels almost prehistoric—where millions of animals still follow ancient rhythms, largely undisturbed by humans. For travelers drawn to nature at its rawest, this is the moment to explore South Georgia as part of an Antarctic Circle expert-led wildlife trip, when conservation success stories and favorable environmental conditions are aligning to create extraordinary wildlife encounters. Why South Georgia Matters Right Now South Georgia’s ecological recovery is one of the great modern conservation achievements. After decades of damage caused by invasive species and historic whaling activity, sustained restoration efforts—most notably the removal of rats—have allowed native bird populations to rebound dramatically. Today, king penguin colonies are thriving, fur seals have returned in astonishing numbers, and seabird nesting success is higher than at any point in recent history. Climate patterns also influence sea ice distribution, often making this region more accessible during the austral summer than deeper Antarctic latitudes. This combination of recovery and access has positioned South Georgia as a cornerstone destination on a thoughtfully planned polar wildlife expedition cruise, offering travelers a front-row seat to one of Earth’s great ecological comebacks. A Wildlife Experience Unlike Anywhere Else on Earth South Georgia doesn’t ease you into wildlife—it immerses you completely. From the moment you arrive offshore, the island feels alive with motion, sound, and scale. At St. Andrew’s Bay, often the emotional highlight of the journey, visitors […]
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Torres del Paine: A Trekker’s Paradise in the Heart of Patagonia
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Tracing Shackleton’s Footsteps: The Historic Weddell Sea Connection
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Navigating the Weddell Sea on an Icebreaker
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Discover the Untold Stories of the Falkland Islands
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Arctic
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Jan Mayen: The Remote Volcanic Island Most Travelers Will Never Step Foot On
In an era when even the planet’s farthest corners are appearing on social feeds, Jan Mayen remains an outlier. This crescent-shaped island, lost in the North Atlantic between Greenland and Norway, is rarely visited, tightly protected, and dominated by a single, ice-draped giant: Beerenberg. For those lucky enough to approach it by sea, the sight of this volcano rising directly from the ocean feels almost unreal. Experiencing the Beerenberg volcano on Jan Mayen cruise routes is one of the rarest encounters in Arctic travel—and it’s happening at a time when environmental conditions and expedition expertise are aligning in travelers’ favor. Understanding the best time to see Beerenberg during Arctic cruise planning is now key for those seeking a truly once-in-a-lifetime journey. Why Jan Mayen Is Having a Quiet Moment Jan Mayen is not trending—and that’s precisely why it matters. Governed by Norway and largely uninhabited except for a small meteorological and military presence, the island is protected from casual tourism. Landings are permitted only under specific conditions, often dependent on weather, sea state, and environmental sensitivity. Scientifically, the region is increasingly important. Retreating glaciers and shifting seabird patterns are providing researchers with new insights into Arctic climate systems. For travelers, this means that expedition teams now have a clearer understanding of seasonal access windows, improving the odds of safe approaches without compromising conservation principles. This balance of access and protection makes modern expedition cruising the most responsible way to witness Jan Mayen’s landscapes—particularly when routes include the Beerenberg volcano on Jan Mayen cruise itineraries designed for minimal impact. Beerenberg: Earth’s Northern Sentinel Beerenberg is not just dramatic—it is the northernmost active subaerial volcano on the planet. Rising more than 7,700 feet (2,277 meters) above sea level, its slopes are […]
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4 mins read
The Lesser-Known Westfjords and Remote East Iceland: Hidden Gems on the Voyage
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Kayaking Among Icebergs: A Bucket List Experience in Greenland
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What It’s Like to Sail Across the North Atlantic to the Arctic
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Whales of the High Arctic: Species You’ll Encounter in Svalbard
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Experiences
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Kayaking Among Icebergs: A Bucket List Experience in Greenland
There’s a moment, somewhere between a paddle stroke and a heartbeat, when the world falls silent and all you hear is the gentle creak of shifting ice. That’s what it feels like to embark on an iceberg kayaking experience in Greenland. The air is crisp, the sea glassy and cold, and the icebergs around you tower like floating cathedrals. For those who crave authentic exploration, this is Arctic travel at its finest — a rare opportunity to experience this stunning part of the world from water level, where every ripple tells a story. We’ve guided travelers through Greenland’s labyrinth of fjords and coastal villages for decades, and each voyage reminds us that this land is alive in ways you can’t fully understand until you paddle through it yourself. If this calls to your sense of adventure, explore our Greenland to Newfoundland: Mountains, Wildlife and Viking History expedition or see our range of Arctic expeditions designed for explorers who prefer to travel beyond the familiar. The Rhythm of the Arctic Kayaking along Greenland’s coast is both peaceful and thrilling. The rhythm of paddling becomes almost meditative, broken only by the sound of ice cracking in the distance. Around you, monumental icebergs drift in shades of blue and white, sculpted by time and temperature. Some are the size of city blocks, others no larger than a cabin. As you glide closer, you notice the texture of the ice — intricate patterns that shimmer like glass in the polar sun. Every iceberg carries its own personality. Some tilt and roll, others hum quietly as trapped air escapes in soft hisses. These waters are where Arctic adventure […]
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4 mins read
Polar Trips Filled with Active Off-ship Adventures
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Empower Your Inner Explorer: Why a Solo Polar Trip is the Ultimate Self-Discovery Journey
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First Timer's Guide to Choosing Your Perfect Polar Adventure Activity
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Retreating into Greenland’s Fjords: One Woman’s Arctic Expedition Journey
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Know Before You Go
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Raise a Glass and Stay Connected: Free Wi-Fi and Alcohol on Our Expedition Cruise Ships
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.
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8 mins read
Grytviken, South Georgia Travel Guide
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8 mins read
Best Time to Visit Longyearbyen
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11 mins read
25 Best Things to Do in Reykjavik
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1 min read
How to Dress in the Polar Regions
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News
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Learn About Ultramarine’s industry-leading helicopter adventure program
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.
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Arctic 2025 Season Overview
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Raise a Glass and Stay Connected: Free Wi-Fi and Alcohol on Our Expedition Cruise Ships
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Introducing the New Quark Parka
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6 mins read
Penguins on Ice: How a Hobbyist Captured an Award Winning Photograph
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Polar Learning Channel
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Antarctica gives up its secrets
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.
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Arctic vs. Antarctic: Identifying the Differences
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Fate of Sir John Franklin
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The Curious Behavior of Marine Mammals
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Conservation of Whales, Penguins and Petrels
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Webinars
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World Photography Day: Shooting in the Polar Regions
Michelle shares her expertise in the field of photography, taking you through tips to help you identify the ideal photo opportunity, how to capture the best pictures on your phone, how to take the best wildlife photos, composition techniques, and how to choose the right camera. All to help prepare you to take the best possible shots during your adventure in the polar regions. Host: Michelle Sole, Photography Guide Michelle’s photographic work has been published in Africa Geographic and The Guardian. In her free time Michelle can be found somewhere in the wilderness with her camera in tow.
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Fly the Drake
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Get To Know Our New Ship: World Voyager
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Introducing Our New Ship Ocean Explorer
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Antarctic 2024-2025 Highlights & Deals
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Wildlife
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Bird Migration Stories: Barnacle Geese in Svalbard
Each spring, the skies above Svalbard come alive with a remarkable spectacle: the migration of barnacle geese. These elegant birds undertake one of the most extraordinary journeys in the natural world, flying thousands of kilometers from their wintering grounds in Scotland and the Netherlands to the remote Arctic Archipelago of Svalbard. For bird enthusiasts and wildlife photographers alike, witnessing this migration is an unforgettable experience. Svalbard’s high Arctic environment offers a unique combination of accessibility and pristine wilderness, making it a prime destination for observing Arctic birds in their natural habitat. Travelers from the USA, Canada, and Australia are increasingly drawn to birdwatching trips that coincide with the geese’s arrival. On Arctic expeditions, participants can witness the flocks navigating rugged fjords, nesting in cliffside colonies, and interacting with other elements of Arctic wildlife. The Journey of Barnacle Geese Barnacle geese are remarkable for their endurance and precision. Each year, they leave temperate regions in early spring, traveling non-stop across the North Sea and over the Greenland icecap. Their migration is guided by an incredible internal compass and visual cues, enabling them to arrive in Svalbard just in time to breed and raise their young in the short Arctic summer. Observing these birds in flight is not only awe-inspiring but also offers an opportunity to study natural behavior. For wildlife photography, capturing barnacle geese in formation, gliding over icy fjords, or landing near nesting grounds can result in striking images that tell a story of resilience and adaptation. The Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: Rite of Passage is one […]
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Wildlife Guide: Macaroni Penguin Facts
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Wildlife Guide: Sperm Whale Facts
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Meet the Puffins: Iconic Seabirds a Passenger Favorite
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Wildlife Guide: Emperor Penguin Facts
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