featured – 7 min read
How to choose between the Arctic and Antarctic for your Polar Voyage
Antarctic
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5 mins read
The Science of Snow Hill: Why Sea Ice Holds the Key to Discovery
In the high latitudes of Antarctica, discovery doesn’t come easily. It depends on timing, patience, and one constantly shifting force: sea ice. Nowhere is this more evident than near Snow Hill Island, where changing ice conditions shape access to one of the planet’s most extraordinary wildlife encounters. For travelers embarking on a Weddell Sea expedition cruise, this region represents the frontier where science, exploration, and nature intersect. Snow Hill’s importance is rooted in its relationship with ice—how it forms, breaks, and reforms each year. That same dynamic environment makes an Antarctic emperor penguin colony tour one of the rarest experiences in polar travel, achievable only through carefully planned, expert-led expeditions. Why Snow Hill Matters The Weddell Sea is one of Antarctica’s coldest and most ice-dense regions. Historically, thick multi-year sea ice made Snow Hill almost unreachable. In recent decades, satellite monitoring and climate research have improved understanding of seasonal ice behavior, allowing expedition teams to identify narrow windows when access may be possible. This doesn’t mean the ice is “disappearing” in a simple sense. Instead, it is becoming more dynamic—forming later, breaking earlier, and moving unpredictably. These shifts make timing critical and underscore why flexible, ship-based exploration is the safest and most responsible way to attempt a visit. For travelers, this moment is unique. Advances in ice forecasting, navigation technology, and expedition logistics now allow voyages into the Weddell Sea with greater situational awareness than ever before—without compromising environmental stewardship. Sea Ice as Both Barrier and Gateway Sea ice defines every decision near Snow Hill Island. It protects the ecosystem, regulates ocean temperatures, and provides breeding platforms for emperor penguins. At the same time, it determines whether ships can approach […]
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5 mins read
Explore South Georgia, the Galápagos of the Southern Ocean
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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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Arctic
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Iceland’s National Parks by Sea: Vatnajökull to Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Across the North Atlantic, Iceland is experiencing one of its most compelling travel moments in decades. Longer daylight hours, more navigable coastal waters, and growing scientific interest in glacial systems are aligning to make exploration by sea especially rewarding. For travelers seeking depth rather than speed, journeys curated by Quark Expeditions and shaped as an Arctic expedition offer a front-row view of Iceland’s national parks—seen not from crowded roads, but from the water that carved them. Sailing Iceland’s coastline reveals something most visitors never see: how glaciers, volcanoes, and oceans interact as a single system. From the vast ice fields of Vatnajökull to the myth-laden Snæfellsnes Peninsula, this route connects landscapes that feel both ancient and alive. Why this moment is ideal for travelers Glaciologists have documented measurable changes in Iceland’s ice caps, including seasonal melt patterns and shifting outlet glaciers. While this underscores the urgency of conservation, it also means access windows are clearer and more predictable for carefully managed voyages. Traveling by ship allows flexible routing around weather and ice conditions—something land-based itineraries can’t match. An expedition-style approach also reduces pressure on fragile areas. Instead of funneling thousands of visitors into a single viewpoint, travelers experience multiple regions gradually, guided by experts who explain what they’re seeing and why it matters. Seeing Iceland’s national parks from the sea Vatnajökull National Park: Ice at continental scale Covering nearly 14 percent of Iceland, Vatnajökull National Park protects Europe’s largest glacier and the volcanic landscapes beneath it. From offshore, the scale becomes clear: outlet glaciers spill toward the coast, carrying ice shaped by centuries of snowfall and compression. Zodiac landings and guided excursions often allow travelers to approach glacial tongues safely, where a carefully planned glacier walk reveals crevasses, […]
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4 mins read
Cultural Encounters in the Faroes: Local Traditions, Food, and Island Communities
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Alkefjellet: The Steep Seabird Cliffs
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Fair Isle: The Ultimate Hidden Gem for Viking History and Seabird Lovers
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Walking in the Footsteps of the Norse: Sailing Ancient Viking Routes Today
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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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4 mins read
Empower Your Inner Explorer: Why a Solo Polar Trip is the Ultimate Self-Discovery Journey
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4 mins read
First Timer's Guide to Choosing Your Perfect Polar Adventure Activity
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9 mins read
Arctic Communities: Understanding Their Connection to The Remote North
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Know Before You Go
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5 mins read
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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Best Time to Visit Longyearbyen
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11 mins read
25 Best Things to Do in Reykjavik
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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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5 mins read
Raise a Glass and Stay Connected: Free Wi-Fi and Alcohol on Our Expedition Cruise Ships
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1 min read
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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1 min read
Arctic vs. Antarctic: Identifying the Differences
Do you want to head to the northern Polar Region to see polar bears and reindeer and visit Indigenous communities—or do you have a yearning to see thousands of penguins or perhaps venture beyond the Antarctic Circle in the southern pole? Presenter and expedition guide Nick Engelmann will help you choose between the Arctic or Antarctic for your first polar voyage.
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The Curious Behavior of Marine Mammals
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Conservation of Whales, Penguins and Petrels
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Botanist Samantha McBeth gets to the root of polar flowers
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4 mins read
10 Best Books about Early Polar Explorers
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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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What’s So Cool About Early Season Antarctica
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Wildlife
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4 mins read
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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