The Leader in Polar Adventures
Estimated reading time: 28 minutes
Quark Expeditions® is the leading provider of polar adventure travel for three decades, specializing in expeditions to Antarctica and the Arctic. They offer visitors unmatched access to the most remote places on earth using various specially-equipped early small expedition vessels, icebreakers, and unique land-based adventures. Quark Expeditions® has a true spirit of exploration that runs deep in their polar pedigree. They are genuinely passionate about creating transformative experiences for fellow adventurers visiting these regions.
Incredible Adventures in South Greenland: By Sea, by Land and by Air (Video)
A first in polar adventure travel, Quark Expeditions® has teamed up with municipal, regional and national partners to offer the most extensive array of adventure activities and enable you to curate an authentic Greenland active adventure that best suits you.
2 for 1 offer now available until December 14, 2022!
Due to popular demand, Quark Expeditions® has extended their 2-for-1 Sale to December 14—plus they’ve added six incredible itineraries! Guests who make a new booking can get a free cabin upgrade on most voyages in our Antarctic 2023-24 and Arctic 2024 seasons at our in-market rates. New voyages available for our 2-for-1 Sale:
- Antarctic Explorer on Ocean Diamond. Departure: Feb. 26, 2023
- Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake on Ocean Adventurer. Departure: Feb. 13, 2023
- Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake on Ocean Adventurer. Departure: Feb. 18, 2023
- Northwest Passage: In the Footsteps of Franklin on Ultramarine. Departure: Jul. 30, 2023
- Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic on Ultramarine. Departure: Aug. 28, 2023
- Best of the Western Arctic: Canada and Greenland on Ultramarine. Departure: Sep. 11, 2023.
- SOLD OUT: Intro to Spitsbergen: Fjords, Glaciers and Wildlife of Svalbard
- SOLD OUT: Spitsbergen Photography: Under the Midnight Sun
2022 Black Friday Sale 2 for 1 Sale
Quark Expeditions® Black Friday 2 for 1 Sale is now live. These are savings you won’t find anywhere else! You only have until December 2 to book a voyage in their Antarctic 22.23 or upcoming Arctic 2023 season—and bring a guest for free! Solo travelers also benefit from their Black Friday Sale by only paying 50% of the regular rate for a shared cabin.
Additionally, guests can get a free cabin upgrade on any voyage in Quark Expeditions® Antarctic 23.24 and Arctic 2024 seasons at our in-market rate. So, if you’re traveling on the game-changing Ultramarine, you could move up from a Terrace Suite to a Penthouse Suite. Again, Offers available until December 2, 2022.
Why You Should Book Quark Expeditions Now
Have you ever dreamed of witnessing tens of thousands of penguins in the Antarctic, or watching a polar bear march across the Arctic ice? Now is the perfect time to book your voyage with Quark Expeditions!
- New Covid Protocols – They have relaxed COVID-19 protocols for their upcoming Antarctic voyages. You’ll be able to travel mask-free and without any testing! New protocols took effect on October 1, 2022
- Protection Promise – They’ve introduced the most flexible booking policy in the Polar Regions to give you peace of mind when planning your dream polar adventure. Features include 15-Day Free Cancellation, Flexible Cancellation Fees, No Surcharges and more.
- Promotional Savings – You now have until December 2nd to save on their 2-for-1 program and also your guests can get a free cabin upgrade on any voyage on the Antarctic 23.24 and Arctic 2024 seasons at their in-market rate.
Ultramarine Off to Antarctica
Quark Expeditions® is thrilled to be back at sea! After five years of intense ship-building and innovation—plus an interruption of expedition travel due to the worldwide pandemic—they’re so excited for the guests on Ultramarine’s inaugural voyage, which set sail on December 23. Not only are these adventurers the first to travel on this game-changing ship, but they also get to celebrate the life of Sir Ernest Shackleton on this multi-destination itinerary.
Quark Expeditions® Secures
Best-in-Class COVID Testing
Quark Expeditions® has secured breakthrough rapid onsite PCR testing capability as part of its industry-leading S.A.F.E. COVID Policy, designed to protect your health—and your financial investment—when polar expedition travel resumes.
The rapid onsite PCR test—recognized around the world as the gold standard of COVID testing—is a breakthrough in the prevention of COVID-19 and will allow the Quark Expeditions® team to:
- Ensure all guests test negative for COVID 19 before boarding Quark Expeditions® ships
- Receive test results within 60 minutes
- Identify infected individuals, even asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic carriers
- Carry out onboard testing of passengers and crew to ensure continued peace of mind
To learn more about the Quark Expeditions® S.A.F.E. COVID Policy, watch There’s Never Been a Better Time For a Polar Voyage video.
Why you should visit the Polar Regions with Quark
Unlike any other destinations on the planet!
The Polar Regions—the last remaining wilderness frontiers on the planet—offer you experiences no other destination can provide.
- Wildlife: Polar bears in the Arctic, thousand-fold rookeries of penguins in Antarctica, and incredible numbers of bird species in both Polar Regions.
- Ice formations: Icebergs of every shape, size—and color—plus glaciers and ice-laden waterways are yours to explore in the Arctic and Antarctic.
- Unrivalled bird species: Thousands and thousands of bird species inhabit the cliffs of the Arctic and shores of Antarctica.
- Polar history: You’ll be able to visit historic sites and decades-old landmarks that were crucial to early polar exploration.
- Wide open spaces where few humans have ever set foot: You’ll walk in places few humans have ever visited, enabling you to experience the true expeditionary spirit!
And why should you visit the Polar Regions with Quark Expeditions®?
Quark Expeditions® has focused exclusively on polar travel for three decades. They have the most diverse fleet of small polar vessels—including the technologically advanced Ultramarine—as well as the most experienced expedition team, the most robust portfolio of off-ship adventure options, and the most diverse selection of immersive polar itineraries. Quark Expeditions® can take you to polar destinations no one else can.
For most people, a trip to Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime journey. Why not make the most of it and join a deep exploration of not only Antarctica but the incomparable Subantarctic islands?
SOUTH GEORGIA – Often referred to as the Galapagos of the South, this remote island rewards expedition goers with some of the densest concentrations of wildlife on Earth, set amongst dramatic landscapes of jagged mountains, sweeping glaciers, lush vegetations, and even white, sandy beaches. Here, you’ll walk amongst hundreds of thousands of king penguins and tens of thousands of seals while learning about the important role South Georgia played in The Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration.
FALKLAND ISLANDS – Situated between South America and Antarctica, the remote Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) are a treasured destination among nature, wildlife and history enthusiasts alike. Where else can you observe five penguin species from the warmth of a white sand beach, cruise in a zodiac™ alongside a pod of Commerson’s dolphins, hike among blooming gorse fields to an albatross colony, and enjoy a quintessential British teatime with locals – all in one day?
UNLIMITED ADVENTURE – Quark Expeditions® offers more adventure options than anyone else. They have created on–and off–ship adventures that no one else offers. It’s why they are the leaders in polar exploration. Their ESSENTIAL PATAGONIA expedition, for example, offers five exciting adventure options, including two brand new ones to amp up the adventure.
Quark Expeditions (to Antarctica and the Arctic) offers the highest passenger to guide ratio of 7:1, providing the highest level of education, photography and overall experience for passengers on board.
THE FASTEST WAY TO ANTARCTICA!
QUARK EXPEDITIONS’ FLY-CRUISE OPTION
If you’re strapped for time, flying across the Drake Passage enables you to make the most of your Antarctic voyage within the time you have available!
Rather than sail across the 800-km Drake Passage, you can fly by charter plane from Punta Arenas, Chile, and land at King George Island—and then start exploring the incredible Antarctic Peninsula by ship.
5 Ways You’ll Benefit by Flying Across the Drake Passage
- Total time-saver: By eliminating the 2-day ship crossing of the iconic Drake Passage, your clients can visit the Antarctic in as few as 8 days
- Incredible aerial views: you’ll get to enjoy beautiful aerial perspectives of the Antarctic landscape as your plane descends in the South Shetland Islands
- Smooth flying journey: their Fly-Cruise option means you can avoid the potentially choppy waters of the Drake Passage
- Visit Punta Arenas: Use the time you save to explore the lively Chilean city of Punta Arenas
- Fulfill a polar dream: time is often a deal-breaker for polar travelers like you. The Fly/Cruise option means you can realize your dream of visiting the 7th Continent.
Learn more about Quark Expeditions® Fly/Cruise voyages, departure dates and latest offers!
Fulfill Your Dream of Crossing the Antarctic Circle
“The circle” is that magical ring drawn on atlases and nautical charts of Antarctica. Quark Expeditions® team member Nicholas Engelmann wrote about his incredible experience crossing the iconic Circle aboard Ocean Diamond.
Why Visit South Greenland with Quark Expeditions® (Video)
Take advantage of Ultramarine’s twin-engine helicopters that take you to areas other can’t reach. Ascend cascading coastal glaciers and step onto the vast polar plateau of the Greenland Ice Sheet. Travel by helicopter to glacial lakes high in the upper alpine zones. Roam the tundra with a resident chef and enjoy an unforgettable meal made from local ingredients.
Alpine heli–trekking. Sea kayaking. Flightseeing. Quark Expeditions® offers more Adventure Options than anyone else. They’ve created on–and off–ship adventures that no one else offers. It’s why we’re the leaders in polar exploration.
CELEBRATING SHACKLETON:
The journey from Antarctica to South Georgia Whereas Shackleton and his crew braved the harsh elements of Antarctica aboard Endurance, which had the most basic of amenities, guests on this voyage will board the brand new ship Ultramarine—during its inaugural Antarctic sailing season. The technologically–advanced vessel will follow the route of Shackleton’s Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1914–1917), allowing passengers to experience the full splendor of Antarctica and South Georgia while exploring on Ultramarine’s two twin-engine helicopters and 20 fast–launching Zodiacs™. Guests will cross the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula, visit the Weddell Sea (where the ill-fated Endurance met its tragic end), then onto Elephant Island and, ultimately, wildlife-rich South Georgia, where, if conditions allow, guests will pay homage to Shackleton at his grave at Grytviken. Join special guests Tim Jarvis and Dr. Ross MacPhee in 2021 for this unique expedition onboard this newest ship, Ultramarine. Book Now!
Greenland Adventure
Explore by Sea, Land, and Air
A first in polar adventure travel, Quark Expeditions® has teamed up with municipal, regional and national partners to offer you the most extensive array of adventure activities and enable you to curate an active adventure in Greenland that best suits you. Exclusive to Quark Expeditions, you’ll experience this new voyage aboard game-changing polar ship, Ultramarine, which is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, 20 quick–launching Zodiacs™, luxurious onboard amenities, and the largest portfolio of adventure options in the polar regions. This one–of–a–kind voyage will immerse you in the majestic landscape of the world’s second-largest ice mass. Book Now, Explore Later!
While temperatures in Antarctica hover around the freezing mark, the continuous daylight warms sheltered areas so that you may find temperatures warm enough for t-shirts.
Fun fact
Current Promotions
Polar Promos! Up to 25% off Spitsbergen voyages
Quark Expeditions® Polar Promos offer enables you to get up to 25% off select Spitsbergen voyages? Plus, you’re covered by the Quark Expeditions Protection Promise, the most flexible booking policy in the industry.
Now’s your chance—while spaces are available—to witness cliff-dwelling colonies of Arctic birds, polar bears, whales and other wildlife as you explore the deep fjords of Spitsbergen with the most experienced expedition team in the industry!
Popular Spitsbergen voyages include the 7-day Spitsbergen Highlights: Expedition in Brief and the 12-day Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic. Quark Expeditions® Polar Promo offers feature a variety of departure dates, ships, trip durations and price points.
Save up to 50% off on Polar Promos
With discounts as high as 50% off, there’s never been a more perfect time to book a trip to the Polar Regions. During this Polar Promos, save up to 50% off select Antarctic voyages and up to 25% off select Arctic voyages. Plus, you will be covered by the Quark Expeditions Protection Promise, the most flexible booking policy in the industry.
This is a wonderful opportunity, while spaces are available, to witness massive colonies of penguins in Antarctica, or cast your camera lens on a majestic polar bear as it saunters across the Arctic ice. And you’ll get to do it all with the most experienced expedition team in the industry!
Now is the time to fulfill your polar dream trip!
- South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
Nov. 5 – 20, 2022 (16 days) on World Explorer – Starting from $11,747 USD - South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
Nov. 20-Dec. 5, 2022 (16 days) on Ultramarine – Starting from $14,292 USD - South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
Dec. 4 – 19, 2022 (16 days) on Ultramarine – Starting from $14,292 USD - South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
Dec. 7 – 22, 2022 (16 days) on World Explorer Starting from $11,747 USD
Penguin safari: two travel for the price of one!
Explorers wanted to take advantage of a special time-limited 2 for 1 offer!
By booking before October 11, 2022, you and a traveling companion—who gets to travel free—can explore Antarctica and wildlife-rich South Georgia to see tens of thousands of penguins, plus seabirds, seals and more!
2 for 1 offer on the last available berths on these departures:
World Explorer: November 5 and December 7, 2022
Ultramarine:November 20 and December 4, 2022
Limited space, so don’t delay!
Antarctic Explorer at 35% Off!
Whether you’re traveling with your partner, your family or solo, Quark Expeditions® September Sale is the ideal time for you to book their 11-day Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent or their 13-day Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent plus Cape Horn & Diego Ramirez — and save up to 35%.
You’ll experience incredible wonders of nature: penguins, whales, glaciers, icebergs, glaciers, rare birds, historical sites and more. Bonus for solo travelers: they are waiving the single supplement on most of their Antarctic voyages.
In addition to saving up to 35% off these two itineraries during Quark Expeditions® September Sale:
- No Single Supplement on most voyages. (Yes, you read that correctly!)
- You only pay a reduced deposit of US $500 at time of booking
Book your polar dream trip with a $500 deposit!
A $500 deposit is all that’s required for you to book a polar expedition this Antarctic season or in the Arctic 2023 season! Not only have they reduced the deposit to $500, but you can also save up to 35% on select voyages this Antarctic season and up to 25% on select trips in our Arctic 2023 sailing season.
And there’s no single supplement on most voyages in Arctic 23 and Antarctic 22/23 seasons!
Explore parts of the magical 7th Continent where few humans have ever set foot. Enjoy the region’s natural wonders, including thousands of penguins, whales, glaciers, snow-capped mountains, remote bays, fjords, inlets, and rugged coastlines.
Solo Explorers Wanted
Single Supplement Waved for Arctic Explorers
For a limited time only, Quark Expeditions® is waiving the single supplement on new bookings for all Arctic 2023 voyages for solo explorers. This special offer applies to standard and premium cabins on all departures in Arctic 2023 – some of them on their brand-new ship Ultramarine.
Secure your trip of a lifetime for $500
A $500 deposit is all that’s required for you to book a polar expedition this Antarctic season or in the Arctic 2023 season!
Up to 33% savings in Antarctica Experts
Quark Expeditions has been specializing in polar adventures for more than three decades, offering unparalleled experiences aboard a purpose-built fleet of expeditions vessels. Antarctica voyages are now available for October 2023 – March 2024 and you can save up to 25% on Standard and Premium Cabins for select departures when they book by June 29, 2022. For those interested in higher savings, our clients can receive an additional 10% off when paid in full within 30 days of booking (total value of 33% off!).
Each voyage is accompanied by elite guides trained at Quark Academy and world-class polar experts, ensuring guests have a safe and unforgettable experience from start to finish, highlighted by one-of-a-kind off-ship exploration by kayak, Zodiac, and even helicopter.
Don’t miss our incredible Escape Sale!
Quark Expeditions® is kicking off the New Year with the hottest deal to save you money—and help you check off the ultimate bucket list adventure. Whether it’s the polar bears of the Arctic that are beckoning to you, or the thousand-fold penguin rookeries of the Antarctic, now’s the time to make your polar dream trip come true before Quark Expeditions® Escape Sale ends!
- Select Arctic Voyages – Save up to 25% off
- Select Antarctic Voyages – Save up to 25% off
- Plus an Extra 10% – If you pay in full within 30 days!
Travel with Quark Expeditions®:
- They have the most experienced expedition team in the polar industry
- They take you deeper into the Polar Regions than any other operator
- With over 30 years of being polar specialists, they know the Polar Regions better than anyone!
Looking for ways to save on your next polar adventure? Quark Expeditions offers a variety of promotions, from frequent deals on special voyages to early booking bonuses. Plus, they offer savvy tips and strategies to help make your expedition dream a reality. Their fleet consists of small expedition ships only, so booking early is advised to ensure cabin availability on your preferred departure date.
When adventure calls, answer with unparalleled access to Antarctica in comfort and luxury. Explore the White Continent with Quark Expeditions®, on their new polar expedition vessel, Ultramarine. Expert guides, innovative itineraries, and Quick deploying Zodiacs™ mean more spontaneous, up-close wildlife encounters. And on board Ultramarine you’ll find two helicopter pads for included flight-seeing, floor-to-ceiling windows, two restaurants, a spa, and a wraparound viewing deck.
Three incredible Arctic Islands.
One unforgettable polar voyage!
Explore Three Arctic Islands and Get Up to 28% off!
Named one of National Geographic Traveler’s 50 Tours of a Lifetime, Quark Expeditions’ Three Arctic Islands: Iceland, Greenland and Spitsbergen voyage begins above the Arctic Circle at Spitsbergen, the “wildlife capital of the Arctic,” then ventures to the spectacular, remote landscape of East Greenland, and ends in Iceland. Guests will immerse themselves in a polar landscape of towering cliffs, massive glaciers, rugged fjords, abundant wildlife and vast swaths of untouched tundra.
Plus, take advantage of current offers and save up to 28% on select Arctic 2022 voyages.
Highlights of their Three Arctic Islands voyage
- Explore Spitsbergen, popular for its polar bear sightings
- Discover the wonders of Greenland’s remote eastern coast, home to 40% of the world’s muskoxen
- Sail through the spectacular iceberg-laden Scoresbysund
- Delve into Iceland’s Viking culture in the historical capital of Reykjavik
Relive the Heroic Age of Arctic Exploration
Explore the fabled Northwest Passage – and get up to 25% off!
The intrepid Franklin Expedition left the shores of England in 1845 in search of the last unexplored section of the Northwest Passage – only to become permanently icebound. The fabled sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, the Northwest Passage continues to grip Quark Expeditions® collective imagination today.
Witness the rugged beauty this remote region has to offer while journeying back in time to the height of Arctic exploration on one of Quark Expeditions’ Canadian High Arctic Voyages. Quark Expeditions® team of polar historians and expedition guides has been exploring the Arctic since 1991.
Northwest Passage Voyages:
- Arctic Express Canada: The Heart of the Northwest Passage
- Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic
- Northwest Passage: In the Footsteps of Franklin
- Canada’s Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage to Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg Islands
There’s never been a better time for you to visit the Polar Regions!
Quark Expeditions® spared no expense or effort in developing our S.A.F.E. COVID Policy, which cements their position as the leader in safe travel.
- State-of-the-art Testing Protocols: the Gold Standard of rapid Covid-19 testing.
- Anytime Cancellation & Rebooking: guests can rebook their trip for any reason up to 30 days prior to the voyage. (This applies to bookings for Quark Expeditions® Arctic 2021 and Antarctic 21.22 seasons.)
- Free from crowds: visitors to the Polar Regions will enjoy a naturally socially-distanced expedition in remote, wide-open spaces.
- Experience will not be compromised: Quark Expeditions® is known for offering guests extraordinary off-ship excursions—which remain unaltered.
Exploring Severnaya Zemlya in Remote Russia:
“The Last Territorial Discovery on the Planet”
| In September 2019, Quark Expeditions® undertook a reconnaissance voyage to explore the remote Russian archipelago of Severnaya Zemlya — the last major territorial discovery on the planet —and the surrounding region to lay the groundwork for upcoming expeditions. Four of their most experienced expedition team members, one of them being longtime Expedition Leader Solan Jensen, embarked on a 30-day voyage with Captain Nicolay Litau, one of Russia’s foremost polar explorers, on the expedition yacht Apostol Andrey, to scout out the best landing sites, the most unforgettable views and unique landmarks to maximize their guests’ future experiences in this magical land. |
There’s never been a better time for you to visit the Polar Regions!
The Mystery of Franklin’s Lost Expedition
The story of Franklin’s lost expedition is one that still fascinates today, so much so that international researchers are still investigating potential causes of the deaths of all 129 men and officers aboard the fateful ship. What, was responsible for the massive loss of life aboard the expedition? On an Arctic expedition, you could share in the unique experience of traveling through those very same waterways in the wake of Franklin’s expedition, with opportunities to explore Greenland and the Canadian Arctic en route.
There’s never been a better time for you to visit the Polar Regions!
Ways to Save on Your Polar Quark Expeditions®
Make the Most of Quark Expeditions® Offers
Offers on Arctic 2022 Expeditions
Quark Expedition comprehensive Arctic 2022 season line-up of voyages that are designed to immerse travelers in the splendid isolation of the remote Arctic. Arctic 2022 features their new polar ship, Ultramarine, innovative helicopter-supported adventure options, a unique Greenland Adventure Program, plus special itineraries that include the much-anticipated return of the popular Northern Lights experience, and a voyage dedicated to photography in Spitsbergen.
Current offers include:
- Up to 25% savings on Standard and Premium Cabins for select expeditions and departures
- Transfer package savings of up to $1000 USD
- Secure your cabin with just 10% down, instead of the usual 20%
- 10% additional savings when paying in full
- 5% savings when two or more consecutive voyages are combined
- 5% savings on future bookings for all returning Quark Expeditions® passengers
Please note: Passengers residing outside of Europe, the United Kingdom, and Australia are eligible for USD offers.
Antarctic 21.22: Early Booking Savings
Unlike any other destination, the Antarctic boasts many areas to explore; from the Antarctic Peninsula to the remote sub-Antarctic islands of the Falklands (Islas Malvinas) and South Georgia. The debut Antarctic season for Ultramarine, this season features exciting new itineraries and Quark’s unique adventure options aboard each vessel.
Current offers include:
- Up to 25% savings on Premium Cabins for select expeditions and departures
- Up to 20% savings on Standard Cabins for select expeditions and departures
- Free transfer package on select voyages
- Secure your cabin with just 10% down, instead of the usual 20%
- 10% additional savings when paying in full
- 5% savings when two or more consecutive voyages are combined
- 5% savings on future bookings for all returning Quark Expeditions® passengers
Please note: Passengers residing outside of Europe, the United Kingdom, and Australia are eligible for USD offers.
Money Saving Strategies
Looking for ways to save on your next polar adventure? Quark Expeditions offers a variety of promotions, from frequent deals on special voyages to early booking bonuses. Plus, they offer savvy tips and strategies to help make your expedition dream a reality. Their fleet consists of small expedition ships only, so booking early is advised to ensure cabin availability on your preferred departure date.
Past Passenger Promotions
Guests who’ve previously traveled with Quark Expeditions (formally referred to as members of Shackleton Club) are entitled to a 5% reduction on subsequent voyages. This 5% Past Passenger Discount can be combined with any current in-market promotion.
Share & Save Program
Solo travelers who prefer not to pay the single supplement can take advantage of Request-Share program. If you’re a solo traveler, they can match you with another solo traveler of the same gender who’s indicated they’re willing to share a cabin. Both guests save the single supplement. Should they be unable to find a cabin mate for a Request-Share traveler, the single supplement is waived. It’s a risk-free way to save for adventurers who travel alone.
Back-to-Back Sailings
Passengers who book back-to-back voyages are offered 5% off the second voyage in their multi-voyage trip. For instance, someone who books a Russian voyage—followed immediately by a Spitsbergen trip— will get 5% off the second voyage.
Plan Your Arctic Adventure Exclusive savings for Quark Expeditions® guests
Get away to some of the most rugged, remote, and unexplored regions of the world. Think kayaking along ancient fjords, cruising through ice packs, and heli-hiking on glaciers. Embark on an adventure that’s far from ordinary, and likely long overdue.
ESSENTIAL PATAGONIA: Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine
Blue-toned glaciers. Vast national parks. A spectacular network of fjords and channels. And incredible albatross sightings visitors won’t experience anywhere else. This is what sets Patagonia apart. And you can experience all of it in the comfort of Ultramarine with its two twin-engine helicopters and superb onboard amenities.
Highlights of Quark Expeditions® Essential Patagonia – Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine itinerary:
- Visits to multiple National Parks, such as Torres Del Paine National Park and Alberto de Agostini National Park.
- Flightseeing excursions over the ruggedly beautiful Chilean Fjords.
- Wildlife: black-browed albatross, shy albatross and grey-headed albatross. Sightings of dolphins, South American fur seals, and rockhopper, macaroni and Magellanic penguins.
From Magellanic penguin colonies and other seabirds to South American sea lions and southern elephant seals, the fascinating array of wildlife is as abundant as the majestic blue-toned tidewater glaciers. Join Quark Expeditions® in this enchanting wonderland as they retrace Darwin’s route through the Beagle Channel and experience all the natural splendors of southern Patagonia. Join us for this special journey onboard their new vessel, Ultramarine.
Take the Polar Plunge – a thrilling experience scheduled once per voyage where you can jump or cannonball into the icy waters (often from the side of a Zodiac™ or your ship’s gangplank) cheered on, of course, by your fellow passengers and Expedition Team.
Expert Tip
Quark Expeditions’ new expedition vessel, Ultramarine, joins them as the star of this Arctic season, offering more wildlife-viewing spaces than any expedition ship of its size. Helicopter-based excursions on Ultramarine‘s two twin-engine helicopters transport small groups to remote fjords and locations other ships can’t reach. And, new adventure options for this season include alpine kayaking, mountain biking, and Greenland camping.
Unlike any other destination, the Antarctic boasts many areas to explore; from the Antarctic Peninsula to the remote sub-Antarctic islands of the Falklands (Islas Malvinas) and South Georgia. Featuring 7 itineraries and a myriad of ways to personalize your experience, the Antarctic is the next destination for you to discover, connect, and be transformed by.
Awards & Accolades
- WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS – World’s Leading Polar Expeditions, Operator 2018
- USA TODAY – 10 BEST READERS’ CHOICE TRAVEL AWARD, Best Adventure Cruise Line 2018
- SIGNATURE LUXURY TRAVEL & STYLE CRUISE AWARD – Best-of-the-Best Luxury Cruise Awards Winner, Expedition 2018 – Best-of-the-Best Luxury Cruise Awards Winner, Expedition 2017
- TRAVEL WEEKLY – GOLD MAGELLAN AWARD, Best Expedition Itinerary: Northwest Passage 2018, Best Expedition Itinerary: North Pole 2018
- TRAVEL WEEKLY – SILVER MAGELLAN AWARD, Best Expedition Itinerary: Greenland Explorer 2018, Best Expedition Itinerary 2017, Best Small Ship Expedition 2017, Best Adventure Destination: Greenland 2017
- TRAVEL + LEISURE – WORLD’S BEST AWARD, Small-Ship Ocean Cruise Line 2016
- FODOR’S TRAVEL GUIDES – WORLD’S BEST CRUISES, Kapitan Khlebnikov’s Northwest Passage Expedition 2016
- TRAVEL WEEKLY – SILVER MAGELLAN AWARD, Best Cruise Blog 2015
Quark Expeditions® Ships
Twenty years in the making, 50 Years of Victory is the first Arktika-class icebreaker to have a spoon-shaped bow, capable of breaking through ice up to 9.2 feet thick! Complete with a helicopter for shore excursions, Victory is a ship unlike any other, with the ability to go where other ships cannot.
The Kapitan Khlebnikov is a polar-class icebreaker combing power and technology with comfort. No passenger ship has transited the Northwest Passage more often than the renowned Kapitan Khlebnikov. Originally designed to take on the rigors of northern Siberia, the 24,000 horsepower engine takes you places no other ship can.
This newly renovated vessel, formerly the Sea Adventurer, offers guests a new look and feel throughout, a forward lounge and observation deck to enjoy mesmerizing views, and technical enhancements – including two new engines – to improve fuel efficiency and minimize carbon footprint.
The Ocean Diamond is a modern, stable super-yacht, and one of the largest of their small expedition ships. Carrying a maximum of 189 passengers, and with two stabilizers and an ice-strengthened hull, this outstanding vessel is ideal for polar adventure travel & expeditions.
Ultramarine is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar adventure travel exploration, to pursue and discover amazing new places, and to immerse its guests in the very best of the spectacular polar regions.
Quark Expeditions’ newest addition to their fleet: an all-balcony, all-suites hybrid ship maximizing both off-ship exploration and the onboard experience with exceptional service and comfortable, modern accommodations. A remarkable home base for Antarctic travelers of all kinds (176 passengers).
VIDEOS
