Quark Expeditions - Arctic, Antarctic & Galapagos Islands Expedition Cruises
25 years ago, Quark Expeditions' founders Lars Wikander and Mike McDowell set out to explore the Arctic and Antarctica with a single ship and a dream to reach the North Pole. Eager to share their knowledge and love for these extraordinary and inaccessible regions of the world, Quark Expeditions was born. Today, Quark has the largest and most diverse fleet in polar expedition travel and its team members still embody their founders' spirit of adventure and deep sense of environmental responsibility. All Quark Expedition Team Members are Polar-passionate and seasoned veterans with rich backgrounds in marine biology, history, geology and more. Quark offers one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios in the expedition world. And that means more expert guidance for your trip-of-a-lifetime, not to mention you'll be spending time with some of the most fascinating people on the planet!
Since 1991, Quark Expeditions has led the way in Polar Exploration with a long tradition of firsts in polar expedition travel including the first-ever tourism transit of the Northeast Passage across the Russian Arctic, the first circumnavigation of Antarctica for commercial passengers, and the first circumnavigation of the Arctic Ocean. Quark Expeditions was featured in National Geographic Traveler's "50 Tours of a Lifetime" for their "Three Arctic Islands" voyage, and recognized as the "World's Leading Specialty Cruise Line" by the World Travel Awards.
Quark Expeditions Destinations
Quark's ships will get you to the most isolated and breathtaking wilderness areas on the planet, safely and comfortably, whether you're discovering the Arctic or Antarctica, or exploring the wilds of the Galapagos Islands. Their diverse fleet of small expedition ships, authentic icebreakers and a small exploration boat enables Quark to offer the widest variety of polar itineraries and the greatest number of departures to Antarctica than any other polar operator.
Antarctic Expeditions
Antarctica has been inspiring explorers for centuries. The great white continent, and one of the last true wilderness areas on earth, has largely unchanged since the early explorers. It is home to the world's greatest concentration of wildlife, where penguins, seals and whales are the only permanent residents.
Quark Expeditions has been the world leader in polar adventures for over two decades and successfully operated many first-ever passenger voyages to Antarctica, including the Circumnavigation of the Antarctic continent and the first Weddell Sea voyage.
All of Quark's Antarctic voyages include great daily outdoor activities such as Zodiac cruises, hiking and some also offer snowshoeing on early season voyages. However, the more discerning adrenaline junkie can also choose from a range of optional adventure activities, including cross-country skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, and mountaineering.
Prepare yourself for untouched natural beauty, extraordinary wildlife, towering icebergs and crackling sea ice, all set against the backdrop of the remote, rugged and spectacular 7th continent.
Arctic Expeditions
The Arctic is still one of the last frontiers on earth. It is the place of Viking conquest and boasts a rich collection of wildlife, including the polar bear, walrus, musk ox and narwhal. Unlike Antarctica, the Arctic region is home to small communities of people who have developed some of the hardiest societies on the planet.
The region spans the Arctic Ocean and covers land areas in parts of Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, and the United States (Alaska) as well as Sweden and Finland.
Quark Expeditions has been the world leader in polar adventures for over two decades and successfully operated many first-ever voyages here, including the first Transpolar Bridge across the North Pole, and the first Northeast Passage.
All of Quark's Arctic voyages (excluding the North Pole) include great daily outdoor activities such as Zodiac cruises, hiking and some also offer snowshoeing at the start of the season.
Galapagos Expeditions
The Galapagos Islands are a treasure trove of natural wonders, and the best way to explore them is on board the small expedition ship Evolution.
- Snorkel with sea lions, marine iguanas and sea turtles, walk among giant Galapagos tortoises, and see one of the largest bird populations on Genovesa Island.
- The Evolution also offers itineraries to the less-traveled outer islands of the Galapagos.
- Enjoy this journey on its own, or as part of an epic adventure combined with an Antarctic Explorer expedition
Sea kayaking is offered on all departures and requires no previous experience to enjoy. Sea kayaks are the ideal means by which to get some good exercise and explore the cliffs and shores of the various visitor sites around the archipelago. A typical cruise week offers great opportunities to go kayaking around secluded coves, shores, mangrove estuaries and beautiful beaches. Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, sea lions and many other animals can be seen up close on a kayak and even as they swim!
Quark Expedition Ships - Polar Adventure Ships and Icebreakers
Explore the most remote regions on the planet aboard vessels that exceed the highest safety and environmental standards, and enjoy creature comforts and amenities you wouldn't have thought possible. Each Quark Expedition ship is equipped with Zodiacs - inflatable landing craft - for shore transfers and ocean-level cruising.
Quark is committed to the Polar Regions and ensuring they remain pristine for generations to come. Adding to its lists of polar "firsts", Quark was the first Polar operator to offer CarbonNeutral voyages to Antarctica on its ship, Ocean Diamond at no additional cost to passengers. In order to neutralize the effects of Quark Expedition voyages on the environment, Quark will offset an estimated 5,682 tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) with select hydro, wind power and reforestation CarbonNeutral projects in Turkey, Kenya, India and China, one being a gold standard project.
Ice-Strengthened Vessels
Conditions can be extreme in both Polar Regions, even at the height of summer. This is why ships sailing these areas must adhere to strict design and construction standards.
- Ocean Nova is Quark's smallest, most nimble arctic expedition ship and offers 38 outside cabins with en-suite bathrooms, a glass-enclosed observation lounge, a spacious dining room, a bar, a library and an infirmary. Quark is also pleased to offer certified CarbonNeutral voyages on the Ocean Nova.
- The Sea Adventurer is an affordable-value expedition ship which carries up to 117 passengers in 57 outside cabins with en-suite bathrooms, a spacious forward lounge and bar, window-lined dining room and promenades.
- The Ocean Diamond is a modern, stable super-yacht and one of the largest, fastest, and most eco-friendly ships in Quark's fleet. There are 101 elegantly designed cabins and suites, all with exterior views, and expansive common spaces, a club lounge, and a spacious restaurant. The Ocean Diamond was the first ship in Antarctica, and in polar travel history, to offer certified CarbonNeutral voyages.
- Ocean Endeavour is the Polar region's only health- and wellness-focused adventure ship and offers a contemporary approach to cuisine and newly-designed health and fitness features. Facilities include a spa serviced by organic spa provider VOYA, His & Hers saunas, a salt water pool, a gym, and a juice and smoothie bar. Complimentary activities include yoga and stretching classes, an exclusive Polar Photography program, the Scientists in Residence program, and more adventure activities than any other Quark vessel. The ship also has a polar library, and a Polar Boutique for gifts and any needed gear.
- With a capacity of 12 passengers, Hans Hansson is a small, intimate small exploration boat that goes where larger vessels can't and features a comfortable, homelike atmosphere.
Icebreakers
Icebreakers - the highest rating available - are purpose-built for navigating frozen waters and multi-year ice. Within the fleet is the world's most powerful and only nuclear-powered icebreaker - 50 Years of Victory - sailing to the North Pole.
- 50 Years of Victory is a former Russian scientific vessel and the world's largest, most-powerful nuclear icebreaker. Complete with a helicopter for shore excursions, Victory is a ship unlike any other, with the ability to go where other ships cannot. All cabins have exterior views and private facilities, and there are a variety of fitness facilities onboard including a basketball court, gym, two saunas, and a swimming pool
- The Kapitan Khlebnikov is a polar-class icebreaker combing power and technology with comfort. The ship offers a heated indoor plunge pool and sauna, library, and 51 outside cabins and suites, all featuring private facilities, large windows, desk, hair dryer, robes and large closets.
Galapagos Expedition
- Travel in comfort on the small expedition ship, Evolution, which features an open bridge, alfresco dining area, roof deck and on-board naturalist guides. Enjoy delicious meals and first-class service as you explore the Galapagos Islands and take advantage of complimentary snorkeling equipment and sea kayaks.
Dining on Quark Expeditions
Meals onboard are prepared by an internationally trained chef and his team, with an emphasis on freshness, variety and creativity. The menu changes every day and meals are served in comfortable dining rooms with unreserved seating. Breakfast, and often lunch, is served buffet-style.
On most Quark Expeditions dinner is served in three courses each evening with an appetizer, main course and dessert. A selection of wines is available to accompany each meal. A salad station, vegetarian, heart healthy and gluten-free options are also available. Afternoon tea, with pastries or cookies, is provided each afternoon and fresh pastries arrive warm from the oven for the early birds.
Quark Expeditions is able to meet most special dietary requests, but they must be advised at the time of booking. Kosher food cannot be prepared onboard. Please contact your Cruise Specialist for more details.
Quark Expeditions for Kids & Teens
Can kids travel on Quark Expeditions? Quark welcomes passengers above the age of 8 and under the age of 16 at time of travel with a signed waiver by a parent prior to embarkation on any Quark vessel, provided they meet height and weight requirements (weight of 64lbs or 29kg and 48" or 1.2 m. tall) as well as the adult/child ratio onboard. Children under 8 years old are not allowed to participate in the trip and children under 18 years old cannot participate in adventure options. Parents must be on board with children under the age of 18 at all times, so participation in adventure options may be limited. If children do not meet these requirements on embarkation, Quark Expeditions reserves the right to refuse boarding without compensation or refund.
Quark Expeditions Past Guest Loyalty Program
Named in honor of one of Antarctica's greatest explorers, The Shackleton Club is Quark Expedition's past passenger loyalty program. Those who have traveled on two or more voyages with Quark will be able to take advantage of the program's exclusive benefits. Members receive savings on future voyages, a commemorative patch, onboard treats and more.
