Quark Expeditions: The Leader in Polar-Based Adventure Options

While polar landscapes are spectacular from the sea, they’re even more stunning from the air while seated in one of Ultramarine’s two twin–engine helicopters. Guests will experience an unforgettable aerial tour of the Antarctic during a 10–to 15–minute flightseeing excursion that’s included in the voyage. Additional helicopter activities may also be available for purchase onboard.  Please note: all helicopter operations are weather– and logistics–dependent.

Available on most Antarctic voyages and all Canadian and Greenland Voyages.

Antarctic
Imagine setting foot in an area of the Antarctic that can only be safely accessed by helicopter. Traveling in groups of 12 with no more than 4 groups (48 guests) at a time accompanied by expert guides, you’ll board one of Ultramarine’s two twin–engine helicopters to soar off to an exclusive polar site where no ships can navigate. Expect stunning bird’s–eye views during your flight, and then, upon arrival, simply sit back, relax and take in the splendor of the Antarctic from “the best seat in the house”: glacial amphitheaters, breath–taking summits, and more.

Available only on select Antarctic voyages.

Arctic
You will be transferred from Ultramarine’s heli-decks via our two twin-engine helicopters to a pre-selected Arctic destination. You’ll have time to explore the location, accompanied by Quark Expeditions team members, after which you’ll be picked up by the helicopters in the same location and returned to Ultramarine. Note: heli-landings are dependent on weather conditions and logistics.

Available on all Canadian High Arctic voyages.

Let us take you on an active adventure high up in the Antarctic Peninsula. You’ll be part of an intimate group of adventurers to board one of Ultramarine’s two twin–engine helicopters for a trekking excursion in an area only safely accessed by air. The helicopter flight alone rewards guests with unforgettable views. On land, during an invigorating walk, hike or snowshoe trek (depending on conditions), you’ll be rewarded with equally stunning views of remote ridgelines, glaciated terrain, and snow-topped peaks.

Available on select Antarctic voyages.

Our Paddle Excursion Program provides sit-on-top, two-person, inflatable kayaks that enable guests to enjoy an intimate, water-level experience in unforgettable locations in both the Arctic and Antarctica. These stable, rugged and comfortable crafts are an ideal way to see the Polar Regions from a different perspective.

Available on all Antarctic voyages and all Arctic voyages except Russian voyages and Arctic Saga: Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes and Jan Mayen.

Positioning yourself in the seat of a kayak is one of the most intimate ways travelers can connect with the Polar Regions—at water level, up close, where you can touch and feel every polar sensation imaginable. The Sea Kayak Program enables a small group of like-minded individuals to forge bonds as they explore fjords, glacial faces or mazes of sea ice.

Available on all Antarctic voyages and all Arctic voyages except Russian voyages, Greenland Adventure: Explore by Sea, Land and Air and Arctic Saga: Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes and Jan Mayen.

Combining a surfboard with a kayak, stand–up paddleboarding will give you a very personal and unique perspective on Antarctica. Stand–up paddleboarding is conducted in small groups—in calm bays and harbors, in good weather conditions—accompanied by a safety Zodiac.

Available on all Antarctic voyages except for Solar Eclipse 2021: Totality in Antarctica, with South Georgia and Falkland Islands. Not available on Arctic voyages.

Imagine the sensation of rising slowly upward in the basket of a hot-air balloon during a much-anticipated visit to the North Pole. Suspended 30 metres (100 feet) high above the icy surface in the safety of a tethered hot-air balloon basket, guests enjoy a 360° view of the Arctic landscape below. Exclusive to Quark Expeditions, the hot-air balloon option provides guests an entirely new perspective at the top of the world!

Available only on North Pole: The Ultimate Arctic Adventure.

Take your expedition to the next level with a once-in-a-lifetime overnight camping adventure in Antarctica! This is one of the best ways to experience Antarctica in an intimate setting. Camping is available on many early-season Antarctic voyages. Our popular camping options have limited availability, so book early to secure your space.

Available on most Antarctic voyages. See also Greenland Camp Experience for overnight camping in the Arctic.

Imagine soaring over the Polar Regions in the comfort of a helicopter while enjoying the most astounding aerial views of the frozen Arctic Ocean, of snow-capped ice ridges, massive crevices, and of melt pools ranging from cerulean to deep, spectacular turquoise. Flightseeing on polar vessels like 50 Years of Victory provides guests with an entirely different perspective of the Polar Regions. Helicopters take passengers to places Zodiacs and ships can’t reach.

Available on North Pole voyages.

Zodiacs take you places that ships can’t access, allowing you to reach remote shorelines, explore shallow inlets and search for unique wildlife.

Available on all Quark Expeditions voyages.

This rite of passage, scheduled once per voyage, offers you the chance to jump safely into the bracing Arctic and Antarctic waters under the watchful eye of our trained staff.

Available on all Quark Expeditions voyages.