Skip to main content

Quark Expeditions The Leader in Polar Adventures

+1 (877) 585-1235

More
Dates & Rates Travel Advisors
Dates & Rates
Travel Advisors
Know Before You Go: FAQ's
Contact Us
Call Now to Book: +1 (877) 585-1235
Contact Us
Request a Quote

Expeditions
Destinations
Ships
Offers
About Us

Polar Regions
Arctic
Antarctic

Destinations
Northern Lights
Spitsbergen
Canadian High Arctic
Greenland
View All Arctic Expeditions
View All Arctic Departures

Destinations
Antarctic Peninsula
Falkland Islands & South Georgia
Patagonia
Snow Hill Island
View All Antarctic Expeditions
View All Antarctic Departures

Northern Lights Expeditions
Under the Northern Lights: Exploring Iceland & East Greenland
Adventures in Northeast Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords and the Northern Lights

Spitsbergen Expeditions
Arctic Saga: Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes and Jan Mayen
Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway
Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage
Three Arctic Islands: Iceland, Greenland, Spitsbergen
Ultimate Arctic Voyage: From Svalbard to Jan Mayen to Iceland

Canadian High Arctic Expeditions
Arctic Express Canada: The Heart of the Northwest Passage
Northwest Passage to Newfoundland: Glaciers, Mountains, and Wildlife
Canada’s Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage to Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg Islands
Northwest Passage: In the Footsteps of Franklin
Northwest Passage: The Legendary Arctic Sea Route

Greenland Expeditions
Adventures in Northeast Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords and the Northern Lights
Four Arctic Islands: Spitsbergen, Jan Mayen, Greenland and Iceland
Gems of West Greenland: Fjords, Icebergs, and Culture
Greenland Explorer: Sail and Soar the Alpine Arctic
South Greenland Adventure: The Majestic Alpine Arctic
Three Arctic Islands: Iceland, Greenland, Spitsbergen
West Greenland Ice Odyssey: Glaciers and Icebergs
Wild Fjords of South Greenland: Land of the Vikings

Antarctic Peninsula Expeditions
Antarctica By Helicopter: Icebergs, Mountains and Remote Lands
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent
Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle
Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake
Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition
Antarctic Express: Fly South, Cruise North
Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North

Falkland Islands & South Georgia Expeditions
Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle via Falklands and South Georgia
Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica: Explorers and Kings
South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari

Patagonia Expeditions
Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine

Snow Hill Island Expeditions
Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition to Snow Hill

Northern Lights

Svalbard

Canadian High Arctic

Greenland

Antarctic Peninsula

South Georgia

Patagonia

Emperor Penguins at Snow Hill

Polar Regions
Arctic
Antarctic

Destinations
Canadian High Arctic
Greenland
Svalbard
Explore the Arctic

Destinations
Antarctic Peninsula
Falkland Islands
Patagonia
South Georgia
Snow Hill Island
Explore the Antarctic

Canadian High Arctic

Navigating the icy channels of the High Arctic, follow in the footsteps of legendary explorers who braved the unknown to seek the fabled sea route to Asia. Revel at vast, untouched nature stunning in its minimalist splendor along the way.

Explore Canadian High Arctic

Greenland

The world's largest island teems with life, welcoming you with its breathtaking scenery. East Greenland is vast, sparsely inhabited, and stunning in its austere beauty, while West Greenland has more Indigenous communities and varied wildlife.

Explore Greenland

Svalbard

Spitsbergen, the Realm of the Polar Bear, is the largest island in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. Experience some of the Arctic’s best adventure, learn about a rich history and culture and witness 24-hour daylight under the midnight sun.

Explore Svalbard

Antarctic Peninsula

The Antarctic Peninsula is an environment of exquisite isolation, rich wildlife, stimulating history and majestic landscapes. Your journey to the 7th Continent will take you to the end of the world, where adventure begins.

Explore The Antarctic Peninsula

The Falkland Islands

En route to Antarctica, take the opportunity to encounter iconic wildlife and immerse yourself in early Antarctic exploration on these sub-Antarctic islands of the South Atlantic Ocean.

Explore the Falkland Islands

Patagonia

Patagonia is a sparsely-populated, wildlife-rich region in the southern part South America. The Andes Mountains form the natural divide between Argentine Patagonia and Chilean Patagonia, where Quark Expeditions focuses its explorations.

Explore Patagonia

South Georgia

En route to Antarctica, take the opportunity to encounter iconic wildlife and immerse yourself in early Antarctic exploration on these sub-Antarctic islands of the South Atlantic Ocean.

Explore South Georgia

Snow Hill Island

Ice-choked and impassible for most of the year, Snow Hill Island is only accessible for a few weeks of the season. Guests fly in via helicopter, then walk across the sea ice to commune with thousands of Emperor penguins and their chicks.

Explore Snow Hill Island

Canadian High Arctic

Greenland

Svalbard

Antarctic Peninsula

Falkland Island Coast

Patagonia

South Georgia

Snow Hill

Our Fleet
Expedition Ships

Expedition Ships
Ocean Explorer
Ultramarine
World Explorer
Why Expedition Ships?
View All Ships

Ocean Explorer

Ocean Explorer, the newest addition to our fleet, is modern, elegant and purpose-built for polar exploration.

Explore Ocean Explorer

Ultramarine

The 199-guest Ultramarine is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, 20 quick-launching Zodiacs, spacious suites, wellness amenities and numerous outdoor wildlife viewing spaces.

Explore Ultramarine

World Explorer

Distinct and comfortable, refined and roomy, the 172-guest World Explorer is an all-balcony, all-suites expedition ship perfect for polar exploration. It’s one of the finest ships in our fleet and offers six tiers of deluxe accommodation.

Explore World Explorer

OEX

Ultramarine

World Explorer

Offers
Offers

Current Offers
Featured Deals
Last Minute Deals!
Back-to-Back Sailings
Shackleton Club
View All Offers

Save Big On Your Next Expedition

Quark Expeditions offers adventurers up to 50% off select expeditions. Guests can explore remote corners of the globe and witness firsthand the beauty of nature in its purest form. These amazing offers don't last long. Book now!

View Featured Deals

Embrace Last Minute Adventures at Unbelievable Prices

Quark Expeditions offers a range of last-minute polar expeditions departing in the next 90 days, with special discounts on select itineraries and ships. Explore breathtaking polar landscapes and observe iconic wildlife in their natural habitats.

View Last-Minute Deals

More Adventure, More Savings

Book a multi-voyage trip and save 5% off your second voyage with our back-to-back booking offer! Make the most of your next voyage as we reward you for exploring with us.

View Back-to-Back Sailings Offer

Get Exclusive Savings As a Past Passenger

The Shackleton Club’s past passenger loyalty program rewards passionate explorers with exclusive savings on upcoming expeditions. You get an automatic 5% on your second voyage with us.

View Shackleton Club Offer

Photo: Acacia Johnson

King Penguins on South Georgia

Guests exploring Uummannaq, West Greendland

About Quark Expeditions
Why Quark
Our History
Our Team
Adventure Options
Sustainability
Blog

Why Quark Expeditions
The Best Team
We Take You Deeper
Most Innovative Itineraries
Most Adventure Activities
Small Ships

Our History
Our Expedition History

Our Team
Expedition Leaders
Expedition Team
Quark Academy
Special Guests

Adventure Options
Alpine Heli-Trekking
Flightseeing
Ice Sheet Experience
Polar Camping
Sea Kayaking
Stand-up Paddleboarding
Zodiac Cruising
View All Adventure Options

Polar Exploration and Sustainability
Our Polar Promise

Blog Category
Antarctic
Arctic
Experiences
Know Before You Go
News
Polar Learning Channel
Webinars
Wildlife

The Best Team

When you venture into the untouched wilds of the Arctic and Antarctic, you need a great team around you. And we have the greatest. You’ll join elite guides trained at Quark Academy—which surpasses every standard imaginable for safety and preparedness in the Polar Regions—and interact directly with world-class polar experts. Our philosophy? The team that explores together, discovers more together.

We Take You Deeper

Quark Expeditions goes where others simply can’t. Or won’t. But our expert guides’ abilities to read unknown terrain means where there’s a will, there’s a way—and that way could be by kayak, Zodiac boat, helicopter, or even hot air balloon. In an environment so unpredictable, it pays to have a few backup plans. We don’t just expect the unexpected, we embrace it.

Most Innovative Itineraries

We’ve been pioneering new types of expeditions into the Polar Regions for over 30 years now. We not only offer the most itineraries, but the most varied as well. Regardless of where you venture, you can explore culture, wildlife, science, physical activity, and more. To put it simply: More places to explore, more ways to explore them.

The Most Adventure Activites

Every voyage starts on a ship, but the real adventure happens off-ship. In the polar wilds, we camp, kayak, mountain bike, hike and fly by helicopter to remote locations. We paddleboard on icy waters, and rise above the polar landscape in hot air balloons. With the most adventure options available, how you experience the Polar Regions is entirely up to you.

Small Ships

When it comes to polar expeditions, you’re only as good as where your ships can take you. And our diverse fleet of small polar vessels, which includes icebreakers and expedition ships, can take you to places larger ships can’t navigate. Equally key is our fleet of Zodiac boats, which let us make landfall where others are not able. Trust us: when you travel all the way to the edge of the world, you’ll want to reach out and touch it too.

Our Expedition History

Lars Wikander and Mike McDowell, the cofounders of Quark Expeditions, took the first group of commercial travelers to the North Pole In 1991. That inaugural, game-changing expedition—the first-ever tourism transit of the Northeast Passage—set Quark Expeditions on a course that would put us at the forefront of polar exploration.

Expedition Leaders

We have the most professional and passionate team of Expedition Leaders in the world, who bring a wide range of experience to every adventure. Some have degrees in marine biology, political science, others have trained as medics, biologists, park rangers, outdoor educators and lawyers.

Expedition Team

The perfect polar expedition doesn't just happen. It takes a team of talented, knowledgeable and experienced professionals to bring it all together. Our Expedition Team is comprised of seasoned veterans with rich backgrounds in marine biology, history, glaciology, geology and more.

Quark Academy

With the launch of Quark Academy in 2017, Quark Expeditions became the first polar expedition company to institute its own proprietary polar training program. The underlying goal was to establish standard levels of training and safety that surpassed anything else offered in the industry—for the ultimate benefit of our guests and for the protection of the polar regions we visit.

Special Guests

Embarking on a polar expedition with Quark is as much fun as any other vacation. And, it can also be a fascinating, enriching learning experience. Because the world is still learning about the Earth’s Polar Regions, it’s important for us to be able to provide an accurate picture of these areas, and its wildlife, to our guests.

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.

Flightseeing

Imagine soaring over the polar regions from the comfort of a helicopter and enjoying the most astounding aerial views imaginable of the frozen Antarctic Ocean, of snow-capped ice ridges, massive crevices, and of melt pools ranging from cerulean to deep, spectacular turquoise.

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.

Polar Camping

Camping with Quark Expeditions is an unforgettable experience. After dinner onboard, you'll be escorted ashore by Zodiac to camp out on the snow for the night in your ready-to-roll bivy sack (tents can be used upon request). Once you decide on your spot, you set up camp and enjoy the peace as the night unfolds

Sea Kayaking

Sea kayaking is offered on all of our departures and you require no previous experience to enjoy this activity. Our sea kayaks are the ideal means by which to get some good exercise and explore the cliffs and shores of the various visitor sites.

Standup Paddleboarding

Because of their wide base and tail fins, Standup Paddleboarding boards are quite stable, enabling participants – after a bit of practice – to stop staring at their feet and admire the surrounding scenery. Imagine seeing Gentoo penguins gliding below you, or making eye contact with a Weddell seal lying on a piece of ice as you paddle by.

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.

Our Polar Promise

Quark Expeditions is profoundly committed to environmentally responsible tourism. Protecting the places we visit is necessary to ensure we can continue to introduce travelers to the spectacular beauty of the polar wilderness.

Antarctic

Thousands of penguins compete with whales, seals and other Antarctic wildlife for your attention, while your camera captures towering icebergs, snow-capped mountain peaks and mammoth glaciers. Such are the unrivalled wonders of the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, Snow Hill and Patagonia.

Arctic

Our expeditions to the Arctic—one of the most unexplored domains on the planet—feature the Canadian High Arctic, Greenland and Svalbard, where visitors witness polar bears, whales, reindeer, walruses and migratory birds, and learn first-hand about rich Indigenous cultures and their history.

Experiences

Get inspired by first-hand accounts of experiential polar travel as guests embrace immersive experiences such as heli-hiking, kayaking, community visits, expert-led photography walks, iceberg viewing, family bonding on Zodiac tours and more. Discover why exclusive experiences with the Quark Expeditions team enable guests to create memories to last a lifetime!

Know Before You Go

Get expert tips on the best ways to prepare for your polar voyage. Our team—the best in the industry—tell you what (and how) to pack, the best photography gear to bring, necessary visas and travel documents, plus we address questions about the best times to see the Northern Lights, the differences between penguin species, as well as where (and when) to see polar bears.

News

Get the scoop on our newest polar itineraries, innovative off-ship adventure options, our one-of-a-kind helicopter adventures, guest experts, plus special offers and promotions, expedition team announcements, sustainability updates and more.

Polar Learning Channel

Discover the wonders of the Polar Regions—from the science behind the Northern Lights to the feeding habits of penguins—on Quark Expeditions’ polar education hub. Enjoy exclusive access to expert-hosted webinars, videos, blogs and expert content. Your polar education starts here!

Webinars

Never miss one of our expert-hosted Webinars! Each month, one of the Quark Expeditions team—sometimes with a special guest—facilitates a live webinar about a specific aspect of polar travel. Subjects range from season previews, penguin science, adventure options, glaciology, new itineraries, inaugural voyages and more.

Wildlife

Enhance your voyage to the Arctic or Antarctic by learning all you can about wildlife before your trip! Learn all about polar bears (who are excellent swimmers), the different kinds of penguins (and their unique personalities), where to see whales, how to photograph birds in the polar wilderness, and all about walruses, seals, albatrosses, reindeer, muskoxen, puffins, wildlife conservation and more.

Stefano Pozzi, David Burton, Abbey Weisbrot and Laurie Divenchenzo (Carcass Island, Falklands)

Paradise Harbour, Antarctic

Mountaineering in the Antarctic

Sea Kayaking

Ultramarine

Zodiac cruising with penguins

Expedition staff looking into camera

Expedition staff standing in Arctic landscape

Passenger speaking with Expedition Staff

Special Guests

Rendering of helicopter flying away from a group of adventurers trekking in the Antarctic snow.

Photo by Michelle Sole

Ice Sheet Experience

Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Zodiac Cruising

A single chinstrap penguin raises his right flipper for the camera as it stands on top of a rocky outcrop.

Antarctic Blog

Arctic Blog

Experiences Blog

Know Before You Go Blog

News Posts

Polar Learning Channel

Webinars

Wildlife Blog

Expeditions

Expeditions

Arctic
Antarctic

Destinations

Destinations

Arctic
Antarctic

Ships

Ships

Expedition Ships

Offers

Offers

Offers

About Us

About Us

Why Quark
Our History
- Our Expedition History
Our Team
Adventure Options
Sustainability
- Our Polar Promise
Blog

Home
Blog
Antarctic
Curious Humpback Whale

Curious Humpback Whale

1 min read

A curious humpback whale pops up to investigate Quark Expeditions passengers in a zodiac.

xOCN_FEB2010XAVIER_BATLLORI_31-600x385.jpg.pagespeed.ic.TDENz00_EH

Photo credit Xavier Battlor

Experience Antarctica's humpbacks for yourself on one of our Antarctic voyages.

In this article

Previous post

A peaceful moment in Antarctica
Next post

Fly-Cruise Confidential: An interview with the President of Quark Expeditions

Related Posts

1000 Places To See Before You Die Contest
15 July, 2013

Love travel and discovering new and exciting places? We are giving away FIVE copies of the book “1,000 Places to See Before You Die" by Patricia…

Letters From Antarctica-Diary from a Polar Expedition-part 3
6 January, 2015

Our "Letters from Antarctica" series continues with part 3! Read to discover what day-to-day adventures you can expect from your Antarctic vacation…

Meet the Waved Albatross
7 March, 2016

There are few things more graceful than an albatross in flight, and you may be fortunate enough to see on your Galapagos Islands cruise with Quark!

Christmas in Antarctica
29 December, 2015

This blog post was written by Ali from the Expedition Team on Ocean Endeavour in Antarctica

Top 5 Expeditions for Adventure Travel Lovers
16 June, 2016

What’s your next travel destination? There are so many choices for adventurous travelers like yourself, it can be difficult to narrow down all your…

Explore Global Climate Change Causes & Solutions in Antarctica with The Nature Conservancy
12 October, 2017

Want to help move the needle on climate change? Learn more about our Antarctic Climate Adventure, the intersection of polar travel and climate change…

Stepping Back into Polar History
3 March, 2014

Below is a blog from Expedition Guide, Diane Erecg. Diane is aboard the Sea Spirit, on Quark’s Crossing the Circle, Southern Expedition: What would…

One Woman’s Journey to Antarctica and Her Reason for Going Back
4 January, 2017

Photographer Cynthia Phillip recently shared a personal account of her first trip to Antarctica with us. That initial expedition was such a rewarding…

Everything you need to know About Kayaking in Antarctica
26 April, 2021

Learn everything about kayaking in Antarctica from gear and clothing, required experience, how to book, costs, wildlife to see and more, for…

Virtual Reality Video in Antarctica
8 April, 2016

It’s what exploring Antarctica is all about: a Zodiac excursion around the pristine shores one of the many spectacular islands in the region. Taking…

Myths of Traveling to Antarctica by Marybeth Bond
4 March, 2014

Our friends and colleagues plagued us with questions before we left. Won’t you be cold, bored, unsafe and sea sick? I admit, I too had some concerns…

How to Get To Antarctica
15 December, 2015

When you take the trip of a lifetime, no detail is too small to be considered. For travelers taking part in a Quark Expeditions Antarctic Adventure,…

Need help planning? Call us.

+1 (877) 585-1235 or +1 (877) 585-1235

Get Quark Expeditions

Arctic & Antarctic Brochures

Sign up for our

Newsletter & Offers

Associations

Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
YouTube

About Us
Reservation Resources
Learn About the Polar Regions
Quark Expeditions

Discover Your Dream Trip

View all expeditions

Change Currency

Book Online Today

25% down will reserve your expedition to the polar regions!

Visa
MasterCard
American Express
Discover

Cookie Policy
Do Not Sell My Data
Privacy Policy
Website Terms of Use

Quark Expeditions® 2024 is a member of the Travelopia group of companies. All rights reserved.