The Leader in Polar Adventures
Estimated reading time: 23 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.
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 our 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.
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: our 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 our Fly/Cruise voyages, departure dates and latest offers!
Book with Confidence
Lifetime Rebook Guarantee
Book with confidence with risk-free cancellations and a lifetime guarantee on all your deposits and/or full payments entrusted to Quark Expeditions. For new and existing bookings on voyages departing for Antarctica between Nov 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021:
- Free Rebook up to 48 hours prior to your voyage
- Free Rebook: All cancellation and rebook fees waived.
- Receive 120% Lifetime Future Travel Refund Credit (FTRC) for voyages where full payment at time of cancellation has been received by Quark Expeditions. This higher value of 20% credit on your monies paid gives you the flexibility to select a longer voyage or upgrade a cabin when the time is right for you or a loved one to travel.
- Receive 100% Lifetime Future Travel Refund Credit (FTRC) for deposits or other partial payments at time of cancellation received by Quark Expeditions
Go when you are ready. Ultimate Flexibility on Rebooking with your FTRC.
- Lifetime Guarantee: No expiry date on your FTRC. Rebook when you are ready.
- Transferable to anyone of your choosing
- Combinable with all other Quark Expeditions in-market offers
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.
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.
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!
Offers on Arctic 2021 Expeditions
Quark Expedition 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.
Current offers include:
- Up to 30% savings on Premium Cabins for select expeditions and departures
- Up to 25% 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.
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.
Voyages after March 31, 2021
For new and existing bookings for voyages departing March 31, 2021 onwards, Standard Expedition Terms & Conditions will apply.
Click here to Learn More…
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!
Current Promotions
Get Back to Travel with these Latest Offers
before they Expire May 31!
Save up to 30% on select polar voyages —plus up to 15% additional savings if you pay in full within 30 days.
Awesome wildlife sightings that surpass your wildest expectations, immersive off-ship adventures that take you out of your comfort zone, sculpted icebergs that make you reach for your camera, and ice-covered landscapes that fuel your imagination. Experience all this and more in the Arctic and Antarctic on one of Quark Expeditions’ life-changing polar journeys to the remote, naturally social-distanced Polar Regions. Offers expire May 31, 2021.
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 our 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 our 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. Our team of polar historians and expedition guides has been exploring the Arctic since 1991.
Plus, take advantage of current offers and save up to 25% on select Arctic 2021 voyages and up to 20% offers on select Arctic 2022 voyages.
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 our 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 our 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
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
Arctic adventures for 2021
Welcome to the most pristine region on earth
OFFER VALID UNTIL November 30, 2020
Explore the largest island on the planet or an archipelago off the coast of Norway, where Greenland and Spitsbergen’s massive glaciers, dramatic fjords, and 900-pound bears come with the territory. Experience it all with Quark Expeditions, the leader in polar adventures, and get up to 40% off, plus a free airfare and hotel package in Oslo or Reykjavík when you book through your NorthStar Virtuoso travel advisor before November 30, 2020.
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
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.
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
- Secure your cabin with just 10% down, instead of the usual 20%
- 10% savings with full payment
- 5% savings when two or more consecutive voyages are combined
- 5% savings on future bookings for all returning Quark Expeditions passengers
Terms and Conditions –
Early Booking Bonus up to 25%: Offer valid for new bookings as of June 16, 2020 to September 30, 2020 for departures May 2021 – September 2021 on select voyages. Must quote promo code(s) and provide passengers’ full names at time of booking. Rates/savings are per person. Only combinable with 10% Pay–in–Full Savings, Shackleton Club past passenger offers, and valid Gift Cards. Applies to voyage full fare only; cabins limited. Not applicable to Transfer Package, Adventure Options, additional hotel accommodation, pre/post tours, insurance, flights, or group bookings. Quark has the right to limit, change or discontinue promotion at any time without notice. Excludes triple cabins. No cash value. Bookings made before/after the promotion period will not qualify for the savings.
50% Reduced Deposit: New bookings made June 16, 2020 through to August 31, 2020 for all voyages departing up to September 30, 2021 only need a 10% deposit instead of the regular 20% to confirm. The remaining balance is not due until 120 days prior to the voyage start date. All offers are capacity controlled and may be modified or withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Other restrictions may apply. Not applicable to a charter, group, separately negotiated rates and/or terms outside of our public offers.
Early Booking Full Payment Bonus — Additional 10% Savings: Offer valid for new bookings as of June 16, 2020– September 30, 2020 for departures in May 2021 – September 2021. Guests will receive 10% additional savings on the voyage fare only after other combinable promotions are applied and if full payment is received no later than September 30, 2020. Full payment includes the voyage fare and any outstanding balances on the booking (air, hotels, transfers, adventure options, pre/post tours and insurance). Must quote promo code. Bookings made after the promotion period will not qualify for the savings.
Shackleton Club: The Shackleton Club rewards all returning passengers with a 5% discount on all future Quark Expeditions. Enjoy exclusive onboard amenities and special recognition every time you travel.
Consecutive Voyage Savings: Combine two or more consecutive voyages and enjoy an additional 5% 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. 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.
Current offers include:
- Savings of up to 40% on select polar adventure travel expeditions to Antarctica
- Secure your cabin with just 10% down, instead of the usual 20%
- 5% savings when two or more consecutive voyages are combined
- 5% savings on future bookings for all returning Quark Expeditions passengers
Terms and Conditions –
Save up to 40%: Offer valid for new bookings as of June 16, 2020 to August 31, 2020 for select departures between November 2020 – March 2021. Bookings made before/after the promotion period will not qualify for the savings. Must quote promo code(s) and provide passengers’ full names at time of booking. Rates/savings per person. Only combinable with Shackleton Club past passenger offer and valid Gift Cards. Applies to voyage full fare only; cabins limited. Not applicable to Transfer Package, Adventure Options, additional hotel accommodation, pre/post tours, insurance, flights, or group bookings. Quark Expeditions has the right to limit, change or discontinue promotion at any time without notice. Excludes triple cabins. No cash value.
50% Reduced Deposit: New bookings made June 16, 2020 through to Aug 31, 2020 for all voyages departing up to March 18, 2021 only need a 10% deposit instead of the regular 20% to confirm. The remaining balance is not due until 120 days prior to the voyage start date. All offers are capacity controlled and may be modified or withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Other restrictions may apply. Not applicable to a charter, group, separately negotiated rates and/or terms outside of our public offers.
Shackleton Club: The Shackleton Club rewards all returning passengers with a 5% discount on all future Quark Expeditions. Enjoy exclusive onboard amenities and special recognition every time you travel.
Consecutive Voyages Savings: Combine two or more consecutive voyages and enjoy an additional 5% savings. Applicable on second or more voyages.
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
