Quark Expeditions Health & Safety Protocols

Quark Expeditions specializes exclusively in polar expedition travel across the Arctic and Antarctica. Due to the extreme remoteness of polar regions, Quark enforces rigorous health, biosecurity, and safety protocols to protect passengers, crew, and fragile polar ecosystems.

• Mandatory Polar Medical Clearance: All passengers must complete a comprehensive online medical assessment prior to departure. Guests with underlying conditions or on prescription medications must submit a secondary medical form signed off by their personal physician for review by Quark medical advisors before boarding.
• Onboard Clinic and Medical Staffing: Every Quark expedition vessel features an onboard medical facility staffed by a qualified emergency doctor and medical team experienced in remote maritime care. A medical staff member accompanies guests during Zodiac operations and shore landings.
• Polar Biosecurity and Ecosystem Protection: Strict biosecurity protocols are enforced prior to every shore landing, including boot washing, gear vacuuming, and gear disinfection to prevent the introduction of invasive species or avian illnesses into polar environments.
• Advanced Ventilation and Sanitation: Guest accommodations and public venues feature specialized ventilation systems supplying fresh outdoor air. Continuous cleaning and sanitization protocols are maintained across high touch surfaces and Zodiac equipment.
• Pregnancy and Age Eligibility: Quark cannot accommodate women in their first or third trimester of pregnancy due to remote evacuation limitations, while women in their second trimester require written medical authorization. Due to strict polar safety requirements, the minimum sailing age is 8 years old.

*Health and safety protocols change often. Contact us if you have any questions.