Quark Expeditions offers a unique experience, entirely dedicated to exploring the polar regions, with recognized expertise spanning over 30 years. As a specialist in the Arctic and Antarctic, the company takes its passengers to the heart of extreme, hard-to-reach territories aboard specialized ships like the Ultramarine or Ocean Adventurer. The experience is thoroughly immersive, led by expedition teams comprising guides, naturalists, and polar experts who accompany every Zodiac outing, wildlife viewing, or onboard lecture. Quark stands out in particular for its unique exploration capabilities, including two helicopters on the Ultramarine, which allow access to even more remote areas, as well as activities such as kayaking, ice camping, and paddleboarding in polar waters. Onboard, the atmosphere is friendly and focused on discovery, with panoramic spaces, high-quality dining, and amenities designed for comfort in extreme environments. The itineraries offer rare experiences, such as observing polar bears in Svalbard or penguins in Antarctica, all set against breathtaking landscapes. An authentic and dedicated expedition cruise, ideal for travelers seeking adventure, untamed nature, and extraordinary experiences. Find all the most popular tips here
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Quark Expeditions
Itinerary : Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Drake passage, South Shetland Islands, Drake passage, Buenos Aires
7 other departures
Ultramarine
12 d
Suite
Buenos Aires
03/10/2028
from
US$ 14,011
Other departures:
06 Nov 2027
08-18-28 Dec 2027
07 Jan 2028
Other departures
Itinerary : Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Drake passage, South Shetland Islands, Drake passage, Buenos Aires
3 other departures
World Voyager
11 d
Suite
Buenos Aires
11/05/2027
from
US$ 14,320
Other departures:
23 Nov 2027
06-15 Jan 2028
Itinerary : Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Drake passage, South Shetland Islands, Drake passage, Buenos Aires
World Voyager
11 d
Suite
Buenos Aires
03/05/2027
from
US$ 16,386
Itinerary : Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Drake passage, Weddell Sea, Buenos Aires
Ultramarine
12 d
Suite
Buenos Aires
11/28/2027
from
US$ 17,603
Itinerary : Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Drake passage, South Shetland Islands, Drake passage, Buenos Aires
World Voyager
14 d
Suite
Buenos Aires
01/24/2028
from
US$ 20,886
In conclusion, Quark Expeditions is the ultimate choice for adventurers who want to touch the ice and see polar wildlife up close, without sacrificing safety or comfort. It’s designed for those seeking a scientific and active expedition rather than a simple tourist cruise. If your dream is to fly over the ice cap in a helicopter before dining in a refined setting, this is the gold standard.
This is the main clientele. Quark caters to those who don’t want to view the landscape through a window, but to experience it firsthand. With daily Zodiac excursions, polar kayaking, paddleboarding, or snowshoeing, it targets those who are physically fit and eager to explore the heart of the elements.
Whether amateur or professional, these travelers come for the exceptional wildlife. They choose Quark to see polar bears in Spitsbergen or emperor penguins in Antarctica. The company caters to those with the patience to observe and the desire to capture unique images in magical light.
Travel is an open-air classroom. The company attracts those who want to learn. Thanks to the biologists, glaciologists, and historians on board, it caters to travelers who wish to understand the polar ecosystem, climate change, and the history of great explorers through daily lectures.
With its ship Ultramarine, Quark appeals to a discerning clientele seeking adventure without sacrificing comfort. It caters to those who want to fly over the ice floes by helicopter (an exclusive feature) in the morning, and enjoy a sauna with a view of the icebergs or a gourmet dinner in the evening.
Here is a compilation of the most popular tips from our customers, 100% reliable, to enhance your onboard experience
Quark Expeditions highlights
Quark Expeditions is a company that has been sailing exclusively in the polar regions for three decades. As a pioneer and leader in polar adventures, Quark Expeditions' mission is to take its passengers beyond the ordinary, the predictable and the expected.
To achieve this, we have experienced guides and polar specialists who undergo rigorous training at Quark Expeditions' polar training institute, the Quark Academy.
For an even more personal experience, these high-end cruises take place on small ships of less than 200 passengers, with a high ratio of expedition guides to passengers (on average 1:7).
Each trip begins on a ship, but the real adventure takes place off the ship. The company invites its customers to explore the polar regions through a number of included excursions on land, at sea, and even in the air on the Ultramarine. Thanks to a wide range of adventure options, passengers can also customize their experience and enjoy unique adventures such as paddle-boarding on icy waters or spending a night camping under the stars in Antarctica.
Awards
A regular recipient of awards, Quark Expeditions was honored at the World Travel Awards with the prize for "Best Specialist Cruise Line" in 2020 and 2021.
Quark Expeditions' social and environmental commitment
In spring 2019, Quark Expeditions unveiled its strengthened sustainability strategy under the banner "Polar Promise", which sets concrete goals for its sustainability efforts and is structured around four axes:
Integrate responsible practices into all its activities, both in the polar regions and on a day-to-day basis.
Reduce our carbon footprint and build resilience by using more sustainable methods and technologies.
To have a positive impact on the people, environment and communities we visit through awareness, collaboration and innovation.
To inspire and empower our passengers to make changes that have a positive impact, wherever they live.
Quark Expeditions' main ships
The Quark Expeditions fleet consists of 3 expedition ships:
- The latest addition to the fleet, inaugurated in 2021, the Ultramarine is designed to push back the limits of polar exploration. Its two twin-engine helicopters enable it to reach hard-to-reach destinations in the Arctic and Antarctic, and offer a unique variety of adventure activities. The 102 particularly spacious suites all have an exterior view, and several categories feature balconies and terraces. Public areas include 2 restaurants, a panoramic observation lounge, an auditorium for conferences, a spa and sauna overlooking polar landscapes.
- Having recently joined the fleet in 2019, the World Explorer offers 84 spacious suites with balconies. You can enjoy the panorama from the spacious observation deck, sit back and relax in the panoramic lounge, read and unwind in the cosy library, or chat over a drink in the Explorer lounge. Conferences are held in a dedicated auditorium. Fitness and wellness facilities include an outdoor running track, a small gym and a L'Occitane spa, as well as a heated outdoor pool.
- As elegant and well-appointed as a classic ocean liner but much more intimate with just 61 staterooms, the popular Ocean Adventurer underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation in 2017. Its traditional mahogany and brass décor is complemented by chic new furnishings and modernized cabins. Guests enjoy chef-prepared dinners served in an open dining room, then cultivate new friendships at the bar, in the spacious lounge or the rich polar library. Key technical improvements include two new Rolls-Royce engines that minimize carbon emissions, while making the Ocean Adventurer one of the fastest vessels in the polar regions.
Main destinations served by Quark Expeditions
The Antarctic season runs from November to March. Exploration of the white continent mainly departs from Ushuaia in Argentina. Several itineraries offer the chance to explore the Antarctic Peninsula, some sailing to latitude 66°33'S to cross the Arctic Circle, or to Snow Hill Island in the Weddell Sea to admire colonies of emperor penguins. Longer voyages combine Antarctic exploration with that of the Subantarctic Islands: the Falkland Islands or South Georgia, renowned for its abundant wildlife.
For travelers wishing to reach Antarctica without navigating the Drake Passage, Quark Expeditions also offers Fly/Cruise packages departing from Punta Arenas in Chile. You can reach Antarctica in just two hours by flying to King George Island, where your cruise begins.
The Arctic season runs from May to September.
The Svalbard archipelago, and in particular the island of Spitsbergen, is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.
Several itineraries also offer the chance to explore Greenland, whether to the east, south or west coast, where you can admire the Ilulissat Ice Fjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the gigantic icebergs of Disko Bay.
In the Canadian Arctic, many trips explore Baffin Island and Lancaster Sound, gateway to the mythical Northwest Passage. It's even possible to explore rarely-visited territories in Nunavut, such as Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg islands.
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