Polar-Obsessed Since 1991
ANTARCTIC 2027/2028
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Contents
6.
Why Quark
8.
35 Years of Polar Obsession
10.
Where We Go in Antarctica
14.
Snow Hill
18.
Antarctic Peninsula
30.
Falkland Islands & South Georgia
36.
Patagonia
40.
Expedition Extensions
42.
Fly & Sail Express
44.
Conservation & Community
46.
Science & Discovery
48.
Our Fleet
62.
Onboard Experience
68.
Adventure Options
76.
Loyalty Program
78.
Solo Travelers
80.
Inclusions
IAATO (the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) advocates and promotes the practice of safe and environmentally responsible private- sector travel to the Antarctic.
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01 Polar Is All We Do
Explore the Antarctic with Quark Expeditions.
We love these places. It’s that simple. That’s why we only go to the polar regions—and no other operator can say that.
02 The Best
Expedition Team Our team of polar experts is made up of the most seasoned, passionate and respected guides in the industry.
1991. That was the year we became the first operator to bring commercial travelers to the North Pole. Ever since, we’ve led the industry, taking guests on adventures of a lifetime to the most remote places on Earth.
03 We Get You Off-Ship More
With the largest expedition team in polar travel, we’re able to get guests off the ship faster and more frequently.
04 The Most Ways to Explore
Whether you’re on the ship, in a helicopter, Zodiac or kayak, biking, camping, hiking, or immersing in local culture, we offer countless ways to explore on each voyage.
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Polar-obsessed from day one.
Ultramarine Sets Sail Fittingly, the inaugural voyage is a celebration
Where It All Began Brings the first commercial guests to the North Pole—and completed the first-ever passenger transit of the Northeast Passage.
Breaking Records Quark breaks Roald Amundsen’s record set nearly 100 years earlier, attaining the most southerly latitude of any vessel.
National Geographic Honor Three Arctic Islands voyage voted one of National Geographic Traveler’s “50 Tours of a Lifetime.”
Expanding our Fleet Launches newest ship World Voyager for the Antarctic 2026/2027 season. Read more on World Voyager . See page 58
Around Antarctica First circumnavigation of Antarctica for commercial passengers. Choose from 16 innovative Antarctic itineraries starting on page 14
Back to Snow Hill Hosts two successful landings at the legendary Emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill.
Training the Best Launches Quark
Eclipse Chasers Quark guests become the first humans to witness a Total Solar Eclipse in Antarctica.
of the life of polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Why is Ultramarine so popular? See page 50
Academy—the industry’s first expedition team training program.
Shackleton’s Wake Quark guests retrace the voyage of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ship Endurance . For itineraries that follow in the footsteps of Shackleton, see page 35
Full Circle Quark completes its first passenger circumnavigation of the Arctic Ocean.
Penguin Pioneers First operator to confirm
Top of the World Maiden voyage to the North Pole aboard 50 Years of Victory—the world’s most powerful icebreaker.
A New Era Launches game- changing Expedition Extensions in both polar regions. Curious about our new Expedition Extensions? See page 40
Full Steam Ahead Wins Virtuoso Travel Award for Best Expedition Cruise Line, expands to Iceland, and welcomes Ocean Explorer to the fleet. For more information on Ocean Explorer , see page 54
Upwards Momentum Ultramarine debuts twin-engine helicopters and introduces Tundra to Table—a first-of- its-kind Inuit culinary experience aboard. Keen on one-of-a-kind helicopter adventures? See page 70
Sustainability Pledge Introduces Polar Promise—the industry’s most holistic sustainability policy. Learn about our sustainability strategy on page 44
A Lineage of Exploration Jonathan Shackleton and Falcon Scott— descendants of polar legends—walk and camp on Antarctica with Quark.
the existence of the Snow Hill Emperor penguin colony. See our Snow Hill itinerary on page 17
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Discover Antarctica
ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
SNOW HILL
FALKLAND ISLANDS & SOUTH GEORGIA
PATAGONIA
Gateway to the Last Wilderness
The Ultimate Emperor Penguin Experience The world’s most sought-after wildlife encounter: Stand among an 8,000-strong colony of Emperor penguins at one of the least accessible wildlife sites on Earth—reached by helicopter over the frozen Weddell Sea. Iceberg Alley, Weddell Sea: Navigate a vast concentration of colossal, flat-topped tabular icebergs, luminescent in their blueness, drifting through one of Antarctica’s most dramatic seascapes. Five days in the Weddell Sea: Enjoy extended time in the vicinity of Snow Hill, where custom-designed Weddell Sea adventures adapt to conditions—whether that means a colony visit or exploration close to the ship. The pioneer’s advantage: Quark has brought more travelers to Snow Hill than any other operator, unlocking this legendary destination since 2004, and continuing to do so today aboard our technologically advanced vessel, Ultramarine .
Wildlife and History at the Edge of the World A wildlife spectacle unlike any other: From 250,000 breeding king penguins and the world’s largest gentoo penguin colony, to elephant seals, black-browed albatrosses, and rockhopper penguins—the wildlife density here is staggering. Shackleton’s legacy: Retrace the footsteps of the Golden Age of Polar Exploration, exploring historic whaling stations and visiting Ernest Shackleton’s grave at Grytviken, South Georgia. Dramatic sub-Antarctic landscapes: Hike across black sand beaches, traverse glaciers and snowcapped mountains, and discover the rugged beauty that defines South Georgia—one of the most spectacular islands on the planet. Stanley and Island Life: Explore the remote capital of the Falkland Islands, a quintessentially British town with pubs, churches, museums, and a coastline unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Where the Wild South Begins
Iconic Antarctic wildlife: Encounter vast penguin rookeries of chinstrap, Adélie, and gentoo penguins, alongside humpback and minke whales, leopard seals, and soaring seabirds against a backdrop of ice and sky. Untamed polar scenery: Cruise past towering icebergs by Zodiac, hike pristine snowfields to sweeping panoramic vantage points, and witness glaciers calving dramatically into the Southern Ocean. The legendary Drake Passage: Cross the world’s most storied stretch of open water—800 kilometers of roiling Southern Ocean connecting the tip of South America to the 7th Continent. Adventure from sea to sky: Explore by Zodiac, kayak, helicopter, or on foot. With the largest expedition team in polar travel, Quark gets you off the ship faster and more often.
Breathtaking landscapes: Navigate spectacular Chilean fjords, marvel at the jagged granite towers of Torres del Paine, and discover dramatic landscapes from sea level to soaring peaks. Remarkable wildlife: Spot pumas, guanacos, pink flamingos, sea lions, southern right whales, and Magellanic penguins—remarkable wildlife unique to this extraordinary corner of the world. Cultural immersion: Discover the region’s diverse heritage, from the traditions of the indigenous Mapuche community to the Welsh-Argentine culture of Patagonian port towns, savoring local food along the way. Explore by helicopter: Take to the skies to access remote terrain and spot wildlife across coastal and mountain landscapes far beyond the reach of any other form of transport.
When to Go
November – March
When to Go
October – November
When to Go
March – April
When to Go
October – February
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Santiago, Chile
Where our team can take you.
Itineraries and scheduled routes:
ANTARCTIC PENINSULA, FALKLAND ISLANDS, PATAGONIA, SOUTH GEORGIA AND SNOW HILL ISLAND. Where do you want to explore with our polar-obsessed expedition team? Quark Expeditions’ 2027/2028 Antarctic lineup offers immersive itineraries to the Antarctic Peninsula, beyond the Antarctic Circle, wildlife-rich South Georgia, the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) and Snow Hill Island— home to the emperor penguin.
Peninsula Valdes
SOUTH AMERICA
Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine See page 39 Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent See page 20
Atlantic Ocean
CHILE
ARGENTINA
Antarctic Peninsula: Crossing the Circle See page 21
Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake See page 24
Stanley
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle See page 25
Chilean Patagonia
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition to Snow Hill See page 17
Penguins of the Far South: Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica See page 35 Epic Antarctica: The Falklands, South Georgia and Crossing the Circle See page 34 Falkland Islands and South Georgia: 20-Day Wildlife Adventure See page 32
Ushuaia
Punta Arenas
South Georgia
Cape Horn
Drake Passage
King George Island
Not shown on map:
South Shetland Islands
Antarctic Marine Mammals: The World of Whales and Seals See page 29 Antarctica by Helicopter: Icebergs, Mountains and Remote Lands See page 26 Antarctica by Helicopter: Crossing the Circle and the Peninsula See page 28 Antarctic Express: Sail South, Fly North See page 22 Antarctic Express: Fly South, Sail North See page 23 Antarctic Peninsula: A Rare Exploration of the Weddell Sea See page 27 South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari See page 33
Anvers Island
Paradise Bay
Lemaire Channel
Weddell Sea
Antarctic Peninsula
ANTARCTIC CIRCLE
Adelaide Island
ANTARCTICA
Scheduled routes Flights paths
Map is not to scale. Itineraries shown are for illustrative purposes only. Actual itinerary is dependent on weather and ice conditions.
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Beyond the ice. Journey deep into the frozen Weddell Sea to witness one of the rarest wildlife experiences on the planet. Snow Hill Island is home to 8,000 Emperor penguins, and Quark Expeditions has brought more travelers here than any other operator on earth.
H I L L S N O W
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A rare privilege: emperor penguins at Snow Hill Island.
Buenos Aires
ARGENTINA
CHILE Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition to Snow Hill Quark Expeditions has brought more travelers to the remote, 8,000-strong Emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill than any other operator. In fact, we were the first company to do so in 2004. Our 14-day Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition to Snow Hill is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that delivers one of the most jaw-dropping wildlife experiences imaginable. Bonus: helicopter flightseeing is included in the cost of the trip. Our technologically-advanced Ultramarine was built for this type of challenging journey. Trust us to get you there.
Ushuaia
Atlantic Ocean
South Shetland Islands
Drake Passage
Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions may affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected.
Snow Hill Island Emperor Penguin Colony
Lemaire Channel
Available Extensions (See pages 40–41 for more details): Buenos Aires Extension: Iguazu Falls, Deep Jungle and City Tours Buenos Aires Extension: Tigre Delta, Eco Reserves and the City Center
Weddell Sea
Antarctic Peninsula
1 departure | 14 days November 16 – 29, 2027 Embark/Disembark: Ushuaia, Argentina Visit the Expedition Page for details
Charter Flight To/From Buenos Aires, Argentina Included in Charter Flight & Hotel Package
Ship Ultramarine
Adventure Options See pages 74–75 for more details
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The 7th continent. Step onto the most remote continent on earth. In the Antarctic Peninsula, our expeditions explore vast penguin rookeries, glacier-carved bays, and towering icebergs – crossing the legendary Drake Passage to reach a place of extraordinary, untouched beauty.
ANTARCTIC
P E N I N S U L A
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Ultramarine; cheek-to-cheek gentoo penguins; a shore landing on the 7th Continent.
When it’s just you, the ship and a wall of Antarctic ice.
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires
ARGENTINA
ARGENTINA
Atlantic Ocean
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent Our classic 11- or 12-day Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent itinerary delivers the very best of the Antarctic Peninsula in one unforgettable journey: cross the legendary 800-kilometer (500-mile) Drake Passage; explore majestic polar landscapes by Zodiac, kayak, or on foot; photograph penguins, whales, and seals framed by towering ice; and deepen your experience with expert presentations on history, biology, and glaciology.
Antarctic Peninsula: Crossing the Circle
CHILE
CHILE
Atlantic Ocean
Ushuaia
Relatively few humans set foot on the remote 7th Continent. Even fewer cross the Antarctic Circle. You can achieve both of these polar rites of passage on our 14-day Antarctic Peninsula: Crossing the Circle . Photograph penguin colonies, glaciers, remote bays and historical sites of the peninsula while exploring by ship, Zodiac, kayak and during guided hikes. Our ultimate goal is to allow you to customize your adventure as you cross the 7th Continent off your bucket list.
Ushuaia
South Shetland Islands
South Shetland Islands
Drake Passage
Drake Passage
Anvers Island
Anvers Island
Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions may affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected.
Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions may affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected.
Lemaire Channel
Lemaire Channel
Available Extensions (See pages 40–41 for more details): Buenos Aires Extension: Tigre Delta, Eco Reserves and the City Center Buenos Aires Extension: Iguazu Falls, Deep Jungle and City Tours Ushuaia Extension: Tierra del Fuego, Harberton Ranch
Available Extensions (See pages 40–41 for more details): Buenos Aires Extension: Tigre Delta, Eco Reserves and the City Center Buenos Aires Extension: Iguazu Falls, Deep Jungle and City Tours
Antarctic Peninsula
Weddell Sea
Weddell Sea
Antarctic Peninsula
22 departures | 11/12 days November 2027 through March 2028 Embark/Disembark: Ushuaia, Argentina Visit the Expedition Page for details
Charter Flight To/From Buenos Aires, Argentina Included in Charter Flight & Hotel Package on Ultramarine and World Voyager
Ships Ultramarine
Adventure Options See pages 74–75 for more details
1 departure | 14 days January 24 – February 6, 2028 Embark/Disembark: Ushuaia, Argentina Visit the Expedition Page for details
Charter Flight To/From Buenos Aires, Argentina Included in Charter Flight & Hotel Package
Ship World Voyager
Adventure Options See pages 74–75 for more details
Ocean Explorer World Voyager
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An Argentine outpost; a diving humpback whale; Weddell seals at rest.
Guests paddling the icy waters of Antarctica.
Atlantic Ocean
ARGENTINA
ARGENTINA
Atlantic Ocean
CHILE
CHILE
Embarkation Disembarkation
Embarkation Disembarkation
Antarctic Express: Sail South, Fly North Get the best of both worlds on our 10-day Antarctic Express: Sail South, Fly North . Achieve a polar rite of passage by crossing the legendary 800-km (500-mile) Drake Passage by ship—and on your return, board a comfortable charter flight at King George Island for a two-hour flight over the infamous waterway. That leaves several full days to experience the wonders of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Expect to encounter minke and humpback whales, along with Adélie penguins, as you explore snowcapped peaks, rugged coastlines, stark icescapes, and immense penguin colonies thriving in this remote wilderness.
Antarctic Express: Fly South, Sail North Take the fastest route over the 800-km (500-mile) Drake Passage to Antarctica—a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas, Chile—and glimpse the 7th Continent from the air on our 9-day Antarctic Express: Fly South, Sail North . Then board your waiting ship at King George Island to explore Antarctica, and sail back across the Drake to Ushuaia. Flying one way and sailing the other gives you the best of both worlds. Expect unique wildlife sightings, rugged landscapes, penguins and seals—and the unforgettable excitement of standing on the Antarctic Continent for the first time.
Ushuaia
Ushuaia
Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas
South Shetland Islands King George Island
South Shetland Islands
Drake Passage
Drake Passage
King George Island
Anvers Island
Anvers Island
Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions may affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected.
Lemaire Channel
Lemaire Channel
Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions may affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected.
Available Extensions (See pages 40–41 for more details): Buenos Aires Extension: Tigre Delta, Eco Reserves and the City Center (Post-Extension only) Buenos Aires Extension: Iguazu Falls, Deep Jungle and City Tours (Post-Extension only) Punta Arenas Extension: Torres del Paine National Park (Pre-Extension only) *Extensions availability varies by departure.
Antarctic Peninsula
Weddell Sea
Available Extensions (See pages 40–41 for more details): Buenos Aires Extension: Tigre Delta, Eco Reserves and the City Center (Pre-Extension only) Buenos Aires Extension: Iguazu Falls, Deep Jungle and City Tours (Pre-Extension only) *Extensions availability varies by departure.
Antarctic Peninsula
Weddell Sea
4 departures | 9/10 days December 2027 through February 2028 Embark: Ushuaia, Argentina Disembark: King George Island, Antarctica Visit the Expedition Page for details
Charter Flight From Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Argentina To Punta Arenas, Chile
Ships Ocean Explorer World Voyager
Adventure Options See pages 74–75 for more details
4 departures | 9 days December 2027 through February 2028 Embark: King George Island, Antarctica Disembark: Ushuaia, Argentina Visit the Expedition Page for details
Charter Flights From Punta Arenas, Chile From Ushuaia to Buenos Aires, Argentina Included in your free Charter Flight and Hotel Package only on World Voyager
Ships Ocean Explorer World Voyager
Adventure Options See pages 74–75 for more details
Included in your free Charter Flight and Hotel Package only on World Voyager
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Off-ship adventures: hiking, stand-up paddle boarding and nature photography.
Immersed in a landscape of ice and wonder on a Zodiac cruise
ARGENTINA
ARGENTINA
CHILE
CHILE
Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake Fly both ways over the 800-km (500-mile) Drake Passage—the fastest route to and from Antarctica—and experience the best of the 7th Continent on our 8-day Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake . Enjoy a comfortable, time-saving two-hour flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, and board your waiting ship upon landing at King George Island. You’ll then spend the next week exploring rugged polar landscapes, spotting unique wildlife, photographing incredible numbers of penguins and seals—and experiencing the unforgettable thrill of standing on the Antarctic Continent for the first time.
Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle Check off a polar milestone by crossing the Antarctic Circle with the best expedition team in the industry. Our 11-day Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle voyage enables you to skip the notorious Drake Passage sailing with a charter flight to and from King George Island, where your Antarctic adventure begins and ends. Cruise the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, then push farther to 66° 33’ south. Along the way, add bucket-list experiences like sea kayaking through iceberg- dotted channels and unforgettable wildlife sightings.
Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas
South Shetland Islands
Drake Passage
South Shetland Islands King George Island
Drake Passage
King George Island
Anvers Island
Anvers Island
Lemaire Channel
Lemaire Channel
Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions may affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected.
Weddell Sea
Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions may affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected.
Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctic Peninsula
Weddell Sea
Available Extensions (See pages 40–41 for more details): Punta Arenas Extension: Torres del Paine National Park (Pre-Extension only) *Extensions availability varies by departure.
Available Extensions (See pages 40–41 for more details): Punta Arenas Extension: Torres del Paine National Park (Pre-Extension only)
5 departures | 8 days December 2027 through February 2028 Embark/Disembark: King George Island, Antarctica Visit the Expedition Page for details
Charter Flight To/From Punta Arenas, Chile Included in Charter Flight & Hotel Package
Ships Ocean Explorer World Voyager
Adventure Options See pages 74–75 for more details
1 departure | 11 days February 17 – 27, 2028 Embark/Disembark: King George Island, Antarctica Visit the Expedition Page for details
Charter Flight To/From Punta Arenas, Chile Included in Charter Flight & Hotel Package
Ship World Voyager
Adventure Options See pages 74–75 for more details
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Experience Antarctica by ship, on foot and from the air.
Face to face with a giant of the Weddell Sea—a tabular iceberg.
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires
ARGENTINA
ARGENTINA
Antarctic Peninsula: A Rare Exploration of the Weddell Sea
Antarctica by Helicopter: Icebergs, Mountains and Remote Lands If you’re looking for the most heli-focused voyage in the Antarctic, look no
CHILE
CHILE
Spend more time in the remote, ice-laden Weddell Sea—home to massive Adélie penguin colonies and colossal tabular icebergs—than you ever imagined possible. While many Antarctic itineraries attempt to include the Weddell, they typically spend just a day here, two at most. Our 12-day Antarctic Peninsula: A Rare Exploration of the Weddell Sea devotes three to four days in the farthest reaches of the Weddell Sea and Antarctic Sound. In fact, our arrival in Antarctica coincides with the Winter Solstice, December 21, 2027. Guided by our seasoned Expedition Team, this route is designed with maximum flexibility to adapt to shifting conditions and reach rarely visited sites few travelers ever see.
further than our 12-day Antarctica by Helicopter: Icebergs, Mountains and Remote Lands . Your included helicopter excursions feature multiple heli-flightseeing opportunities and a heli-landing. Our goal is to maximize helicopter adventures throughout your voyage, giving you perspectives of the Antarctic Peninsula no one else can offer—and the chance to explore inland from the east coast, where few have ever ventured. You’ll also sail through the waters of Erebus and Terror Gulf, Antarctic Sound, and the great ice-filled Weddell Sea.
Ushuaia
Ushuaia
Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
South Shetland Islands
Drake Passage
Drake Passage
South Shetland Islands
Joinville Island
Joinville Island
Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions may affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected.
Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions may affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected.
James Ross Island
Lemaire Channel
James Ross Island
Available Extensions (See pages 40–41 for more details): Buenos Aires Extension: Tigre Delta, Eco Reserves and the City Center Buenos Aires Extension: Iguazu Falls, Deep Jungle and City Tours
Antarctic Peninsula
Available Extensions (See pages 40–41 for more details): Ushuaia Extension: Tierra del Fuego, Harberton Ranch
Weddell Sea
Weddell Sea
Antarctic Peninsula
1 departure | 12 days November 28 – December 9, 2027 Embark/Disembark: Ushuaia, Argentina Visit the Expedition Page for details
Charter Flight To/From Buenos Aires, Argentina Included in Charter Flight & Hotel Package
Ship Ultramarine
Adventure Options See pages 74–75 for more details
1 departure | 12 days December 18 – 29, 2027 Embark/Disembark: Ushuaia, Argentina Visit the Expedition Page for details
Charter Flight To/From Buenos Aires, Argentina Included in Charter Flight & Hotel Package
Ship Ocean Explorer
Adventure Options See pages 74–75 for more details
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Helicopters, chinstrap penguins and Antarctic exploration beyond the ordinary.
A kayaker shares Antarctic waters with two large baleen whales.
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires
ARGENTINA
ARGENTINA
Antarctic Marine Mammals: The World of Whales and Seals
Antarctica by Helicopter: Crossing the Circle and the Peninsula Crossing the Antarctic Circle at 66°30' is a polar milestone achieved by few travelers. Our 14-day Antarctica by Helicopter: Crossing the Circle and the Peninsula enables you to fulfill that dream on a unique voyage that maximizes multiple helicopter opportunities— included in the cost of the trip. You’ll soar above the ice-covered 7th Continent and learn what it’s like to step out of a helicopter onto Antarctica and gaze upon polar landscapes previously only seen by a few fearless explorers and mountaineers.
CHILE
CHILE
Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
Our 11-day Antarctic Marine Mammals: The World of Whales and Seals itinerary offers guests the rare chance to actively engage in citizen science—while exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Co-developed by Ari Friedlaender, founder of the renowned Friedlaender Lab, this hands-on itinerary is designed to maximize observations of migratory whales, such as minke, humpback, and fin. A research associate from Happywhale will guide guests in identifying individual whales for global conservation projects. At the onboard Science Hub, guests connect with experts, participate in meaningful research, and help protect this pristine polar habitat for whales, seals, and all marine life.
Ushuaia
Ushuaia
South Shetland Islands
South Shetland Islands
Drake Passage
Drake Passage
Anvers Island
Anvers Island
Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions may affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected.
Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions may affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected.
Lemaire Channel
Lemaire Channel
Available Extensions (See pages 40–41 for more details): Buenos Aires Extension: Tigre Delta, Eco Reserves and the City Center Buenos Aires Extension: Iguazu Falls, Deep Jungle and City Tours
Available Extensions (See pages 40–41 for more details): Buenos Aires Extension: Tigre Delta, Eco Reserves and the City Center Buenos Aires Extension: Iguazu Falls, Deep Jungle and City Tours
Antarctic Peninsula
Weddell Sea
Weddell Sea
Antarctic Peninsula
1 departure | 14 days February 17 – March 1, 2028 Embark/Disembark: Ushuaia, Argentina Visit the Expedition Page for details
Charter flight To/From Buenos Aires, Argentina Included in Charter Flight & Hotel Package
Ship Ultramarine
Adventure Options See pages 74–75 for more details
1 departure | 11 days March 3 – 13, 2028 Embark/Disembark: Ushuaia, Argentina Visit the Expedition Page for details
Charter Flight To/From Buenos Aires, Argentina Included in Charter Flight & Hotel Package
Ship World Voyager
Adventure Options See pages 74–75 for more details
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S O U T H G E O R G I A F A L K L A N D I S L A N D S &
Unrivalled wildlife. Few places concentrate so much life in so little space. From the Falklands’ rockhopper colonies to South Georgia’s 250,000 breeding king penguins and elephant seals, these remote islands deliver staggering wildlife sightings alongside the legendary legacy of Ernest Shackleton.
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Capturing the wonders of South Georgia: king penguins and southern elephant seals.
Thousands of king penguins on a South Georgia beach.
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires
ARGENTINA
ARGENTINA
Embarkation Disembarkation
Puerto Madryn
Peninsula Valdes
Falkland Islands and South Georgia: 20-Day Wildlife Adventure
South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
CHILE
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Atlantic Ocean
No other voyage compares: spend more time exploring the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) and South Georgia than ever before on our exclusive Falkland Islands and South Georgia: 20-Day Wildlife Adventure . Sailing from the Patagonian coastal city of Puerto Madryn, you’ll reach the northwesternmost islands of the Falklands—a rare achievement for even the most seasoned polar adventurers. Enjoy three days exploring the Falklands archipelago, with visits to spectacular sites like Steeple Jason—the world’s largest black-browed albatross colony—and New Island. Then immerse yourself for six full days in wildlife-rich South Georgia—virtually unheard of in expedition travel.
Our 18-day South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari itinerary is the fastest way to reach remote South Georgia Island—home to vast colonies of penguins—while also setting foot on the 7th Continent. Walk beaches teeming with king penguins and elephant seals, and enjoy the comical antics of gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins. You can also observe albatross soaring above the ship. Antarctica awaits, with its soaring peaks and overwhelming enormity. Take a Zodiac ride, photograph glistening glaciers, or witness the rugged peninsula from a sea kayak.
Atlantic Ocean
South Georgia
South Georgia
Ushuaia
Elephant Island
Ushuaia
Drake Passage
South Shetland Islands
Drake Passage
Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions may affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected.
Lemaire Channel
Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions may affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected.
Antarctic Peninsula
Available Extensions (See pages 40–41 for more details): Buenos Aires Extension: Tigre Delta, Eco Reserves and the City Center Buenos Aires Extension: Iguazu Falls, Deep Jungle and City Tours Ushuaia Extension: Tierra del Fuego, Harberton Ranch *Extensions availability varies by departure.
Weddell Sea
C I R
Available Extensions (See pages 40–41 for more details): Buenos Aires Extension: Tigre Delta, Eco Reserves and the City Center Buenos Aires Extension: Iguazu Falls, Deep Jungle and City Tours Ushuaia Extension: Tierra del Fuego, Harberton Ranch
Antarctic Peninsula
1 departure | 20 days October 19 – November 7, 2027 Embark: Puerto Madryn, Argentina Disembark: Ushuaia, Argentina Visit the Expedition Page for details
Charter Flight To/from Buenos Aires, Argentina Included in Charter Flight & Hotel Package
Ship Ultramarine
Adventure Options See pages 74–75 for more details
2 departures | 18 days October & December 2027 Embark/Disembark: Ushuaia, Argentina Visit the Expedition Page for details
Charter Flight To/From Buenos Aires, Argentina Included in Charter Flight & Hotel Package on World Voyager
Ships Ocean Explorer World Voyager
Adventure Options See pages 74–75 for more details
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A southern fur seal; Zodiac cruising; a helicopter’s-eye view of Antarctica.
When Magellanic penguins set the pace of exploration.
Buenos Aires
ARGENTINA
ARGENTINA
CHILE
Epic Antarctica: The Falklands, South Georgia and Crossing the Circle Our 23-day Epic Antarctica: The Falklands, South Georgia and Crossing the Circle delivers every major Antarctic highlight in one unforgettable voyage. Begin in the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), home to albatross, dolphins, five species of penguins, and surprisingly white-sand beaches. Continue to South Georgia, populated by 450,000 breeding pairs of king penguins, 50 million seabirds, and 5 million seals. Then explore the magnificent Antarctic Peninsula before crossing the Antarctic Circle—the ultimate milestone for world travelers. Bonus: every guest enjoys an included flightseeing experience, adding yet another extraordinary perspective to this epic adventure.
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Penguins of the Far South: Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica
CHILE
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Atlantic Ocean
Stanley
South Georgia
Atlantic Ocean
Stanley
Ushuaia
South Georgia
South Shetland Islands
Ushuaia
Experience it all on our 20–day Penguins of the Far South: Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica itinerary. Wander the sandy dunes, rugged seabird cliffs, and the quaint capital of Stanley in the rarely-visited Falklands. In South Georgia, stand amid massive king penguin colonies and uncover the island’s legendary history. Then set foot on the magical 7th Continent, where incredible wildlife, glaciers, icebergs, and snow-clad peaks reveal nature at its most awe-inspiring.
Drake Passage
South Shetland Islands
Elephant Island
South Orkney Island
Drake Passage
Anvers Island
Anvers Island
Lemaire Channel
Lemaire Channel
Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions may affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected.
Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions may affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected.
Weddell Sea
Antarctic Peninsula
Weddell Sea
Available Extensions (See pages 40–41 for more details): Buenos Aires Extension: Tigre Delta, Eco Reserves and the City Center Buenos Aires Extension: Iguazu Falls, Deep Jungle and City Tours
Available Extensions (See pages 40–41 for more details): Ushuaia Extension: Tierra del Fuego, Harberton Ranch
Antarctic Peninsula
1 departure | 23 days January 17 – February 8, 2028 Embark/Disembark: Ushuaia, Argentina Visit the Expedition Page for details
Charter Flight To/From Buenos Aires, Argentina Included in Charter Flight & Hotel Package
Ship Ultramarine
Adventure Options See pages 74–75 for more details
1 departure | 20 days February 14 – March 4, 2028 Embark/Disembark: Ushuaia, Argentina Visit the Expedition Page for details
Ship Ultramarine
Adventure Options See pages 74–75 for more details
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Wild at heart. Where the Andes meet the Southern Ocean, a landscape of breathtaking drama unfolds. Our Patagonia expeditions take you through ancient Chilean fjords, beneath granite towers, and into the habitats of pumas, condors, and coastal wildlife found nowhere else on earth.
P A T A G O N I A
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(Opposite) Patagonian rainforest, glaciers and guanacos. (Above) Heli-flightseeing over Patagonia.
FROM BUENOS AIRES
TO SANTIAGO
Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine The vast scale of Chilean Patagonia can be daunting for travelers, but our 15-day Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine overcomes those challenges with a ship-based journey supported by two twin-engine helicopters and 20 quick-deploy Zodiacs. Retrace Darwin’s voyage to the “edge of the world” as you navigate remote fjords and channels, helicopter flightsee above dramatic peaks and tidewater glaciers, and Zodiac cruise along Patagonia’s enchanting coastlines. Encounter guanacos, Magellanic penguins, sea lions, elephant seals, and seabirds while experiencing one of the planet’s most spectacular frontiers.
ARGENTINA
CHILE
Torres del Paine National Park
Puerto Natales
Atlantic Ocean
Kawésqar National Park
Strait of Magellan
Punta Arenas
Admiralty Sound
Ushuaia
Alberto de Agostini National Park
Pacific Ocean
Cape Horn
Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions may affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected.
Beagle Channel
Available Extensions (See pages 40–41 for more details): Buenos Aires Extension: Tigre Delta, Eco Reserves and the City Center Buenos Aires Extension: Iguazu Falls, Deep Jungle and City Tours
Southern Ocean/ Drake Passage
1 departure | 15 days March 20 – April 3, 2028 Embark: Ushuaia, Argentina Disembark: Punta Arenas, Chile Visit the Expedition Page for details
Charter Flight Between Santiago, Chile / Buenos Aires, Argentina Included in Charter Flight & Hotel Package
Ship Ultramarine
Adventure Options See pages 74–75 for more details
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Extend your adventure with our new pre- and post-expedition experiences. These curated itineraries are built with local partners to fit seamlessly before or after your polar expedition. Featuring a variety of options that include immersive city tours and iconic natural getaways, each extension itinerary was specifically designed to let you keep exploring, beyond the ship. Expedition Extensions
For more information on our Expedition Extensions, visit QuarkExpeditions.com
Buenos Aires Extension: Tigre Delta, Eco Reserves, and the City Center Discover two distinct sides of Argentina in a single journey— the vibrant energy of its capital city and the quiet waterways of the Tigre Delta. This three-day program immerses guests in the elegance of Buenos Aires, with its grand boulevards, café culture, the storied Recoleta Cemetery and the urban wilderness of Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve along the Río de la Plata. Your journey then shifts to the Tigre Delta, where lush islands, birdlife and stilt-house communities line a maze of winding channels. From cosmopolitan avenues to tranquil backwaters, this journey captures the essence of Argentine adventure.
Buenos Aires Extension: Iguazú Falls, Deep Jungle, and City Tours Immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan elegance of Buenos Aires and the breathtaking natural spectacle of Iguazú Falls – one of the world’s most extraordinary waterfall systems and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Through our trusted local partners, this five-day adventure gives guests rare access to the Mbya Guaraní community of Jasy Porá, providing a window into their spiritual beliefs and deep connection to the forest. The journey then returns to Buenos Aires, with its historic neighborhoods, café culture, and an unforgettable evening of world-class tango.
Ushuaia Extension: Tierra del Fuego & Harberton Ranch
Punta Arenas Extension: Torres del Paine National Park Step into Patagonia. This custom five-day pre-expedition tour immerses you in Torres del Paine National Park. Dramatic granite peaks, glacial lakes, and wide-open skies define one of the planet’s most cinematic landscapes. Guided hikes with our trusted local partners showcase the park’s raw beauty, while time in the frontier town of Puerto Natales offers a glimpse into Patagonian life along the fjord lined Última Esperanza Sound. Begin your final morning with a private sunrise photography tour before embarking on your Antarctic adventure.
Explore at the “end of the world.” This three-day tour blends pristine sub-Antarctic nature with human history. Begin with a visit to historic Estancia Harberton, the oldest family-owned ranching estate in Tierra del Fuego. Then venture into Tierra del Fuego National Park, where ancient beech forests, glacial lakes, and windswept coastlines meet the Beagle Channel. Complete the journey with a ride on the El Tren del Fin del Mundo—one of South America’s most evocative rail experiences—winding through Patagonian forest and wild river valleys.
Availability Pre- and post-expedition on all Buenos Aires voyages
Availability Pre- and post-expedition on all Buenos Aires voyages
Availability Pre- and post-expedition on all Ushuaia voyages
Availability Pre-expedition only Duration 5 Days / 4 Nights
Duration 3 Days / 2 Nights
Duration 5 Days / 4 Nights
Duration 3 Days / 2 Nights
Tour Inclusions Two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners and two nights’ hotel accommodation.
Tour Inclusions Four breakfasts, four lunches, four dinners, and four nights’ hotel accommodation.
Tour Inclusions Two breakfasts, two lunches, one dinner, one night’s hotel accommodation, and National Park entrance fee.
Tour Inclusions Four breakfasts, four lunches, four dinners, four nights’ hotel accommodation, and National Park entrance fee.
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Fly & Sail Express
For time-strapped travelers who really want to visit Antarctica—and perhaps don’t want to use up all of their vacation time—Quark Expeditions offers the perfect solution: our Fly/Cruise Express option. Instead of spending two days crossing the 800-km (500-mile) Drake Passage, which is also known as the Drake Shake due to the sometimes rough waters, guests can fly from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island, Antarctica, in a staggeringly short two hours.
Choose your Fly/Cruise Express voyage to explore Antarctica with the best expedition team in the industry.
6 Reasons to Fly the Drake
01. It’s the fastest way to Antarctica. Shaving two days off your travel time means you can explore Antarctica on an 8-day voyage. 02. Enjoy aerial views of the Antarctic landscape during the crossing and as your plane descends on the South Shetland Islands.
03. Avoid the potentially choppy waters of the Drake Passage. Enjoy the comfort of flying.
04. Use the time you save to explore Punta Arenas. Savor the delights of this lively Chilean metropolis.
05. Be part of an intimate group. Our Fly/Cruise voyages are limited to 140 guests.
06. You won’t forego your dream of a polar adventure. Time is a deal-breaker for many—but our time-efficient Fly/Cruise options can make your dream a reality.
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Our commitment to Conservation & Community. We’re proud to partner with leading scientists and local communities to support the conservation of the polar regions—creating immersive guest experiences that build respect for wildlife, culture and the land.
Conservation We connect our guests to the natural world through hands-on experiences and education.
Community We deliver authentic experiences for our guests that benefit local partners and the communities we visit.
Delivering Knowledge Through Polar Experts Our ornithologists, historians and other polar experts guide guests through hands-on learning about polar ecosystems and the threats they face. Advancing Polar Science Each year, we bring renowned researchers and scientists to remote polar regions to study wildlife and ecosystems—and share their work with guests in real time. Driving Impact Through Conservation Funding Thanks to guest support and onboard auctions, Quark Expeditions backs vital polar conservation efforts like Blue Marine Foundation and Penguin Watch. Helping Set Standards for Sustainable Polar Tourism We help shape polar travel by serving on committees for the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
Empowering Local Development We champion Arctic communities’ goals for economic development and sustainable tourism through local hiring, infrastructure support, and advance visit planning. Investing Directly in Communities With guest support, we help fund community-led projects— from food banks to cultural and language-based programs. Co-creating with Community Partners By partnering with local groups, we create authentic experiences—such as Tundra to Table, developed with Igapall, enabling Inuit chefs to share Greenlandic cuisine and culture.
Read more in our Sustainability Report
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Science & Discovery
Science at sea: What to expect
World Voyager Designed with its own Science Hub on Deck 4, our newest ship was made for Science & Discovery.
Connect with nature and support scientific research through our new Science & Discovery program, which integrates citizen and academic science. Engage with experts from organizations such as the Friedlaender Lab, Penguin Watch, Plankton Base, and Happy Whale.
Citizen Science Observational work takes guests to the ship deck to conduct seabird surveys while crossing the Drake Passage, and track whale sightings through the HappyWhale Platform. On the interactive side, get hands-on by measuring water salinity or dragging phytoplankton tow nets from a Zodiac.
Academic Science On most voyages—including Antarctic Marine Mammals: The World of Whales and Seals—guests sit alongside professional academic researchers in presentations and workshops, or catch them over dinner and drinks.
Citizen Science vs. Academic Science
Ultramarine
Citizen Science Citizen science is everyday people collecting observations and sharing data with researchers around the world. At Quark Expeditions, that takes two forms. Observational programming is facilitated by expedition staff using basic tools—phones, binoculars—and requires no special permits. Through our partnership with The Polar Collective, guests join planned or spontaneous projects: photographing whales on a Zodiac cruise, counting seabirds from the deck. Interactive programming runs exclusively on World Voyager , in partnership with Plankton Base, and goes deeper. On select Antarctic voyages, guests use phytoplankton tow nets, Secchi disks, and CTD devices to collect samples and measure ocean conditions. Back onboard, those samples go under a high-definition microscope—connecting directly to the broader story of polar ecosystems. Academic Science Quark Expeditions supports active polar research by giving professional scientists access to some of the most remote places on earth through complimentary berths. Guests aren’t in the field with them, but researchers, from such groups as Plankton Base, Saving Marion Island’s Seabirds, Friedlaender Lab and Penguin Watch, share their work through onboard presentations and workshops throughout the voyage.
Citizen Science Observational activities include reporting whale sightings via the HappyWhale Platform and joining seabird surveys right from the ship.
Academic Science On select voyages like Emperor Penguin Quest: Journey to Snow Hill, academic researchers are part of the journey— joining guests for presentations, workshops, and the occasional drink.
Ocean Explorer
Citizen Science Observational work keeps guests engaged with the skies and sea—conducting seabird surveys from the ship and logging whale sightings through the HappyWhale Platform.
Academic Science On voyages like Penguins of the Far South: Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica, academic researchers share their work through presentations and workshops, and the conversation often carries on over dinner.
Learn more about our Science & Discovery program.
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Our fleet. When it comes to polar expeditions, access matters. With the industry’s most diverse fleet
of small polar vessels, Quark Expeditions reaches places larger ships can’t—delivering uniquely immersive experiences aboard the technologically advanced Ultramarine , state- of-the-art Ocean Explorer , and the purpose- built World Voyager . EXPLORATION
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Ultramarine
Accommodations & Features: Ultra Suite
Owner’s Suite
Penthouse Suite
Deck
Terrace Suite
Bistro
Deluxe Balcony Suite
Library
WC
Panorama Lounge & Bar
Balcony Suite
E E
Studio
Explorer Suite
Tundra Spa
Gym
Sauna
Deck
Explorer Triple
Solo Panorama
Balcony
Bridge
E E
Deck
WC
Balena Restaurant
Ambassadors Theater
E E
WC
WC
Deck
E E
Deck
Balcony Suite
Terrace Suite
Deluxe Balcony Suite
Reception
Ship Specifications
Designed to deliver unforgettable polar memories.
Clinic
E E
140 Staff & Crew 199 Guests 4 Fully Enclosed Lifeboats PC6 Ice Classification
Polar Boutique
Deck
Zodiac Embarkation
The technologically advanced Ultramarine is built to go beyond the familiar in polar travel and to immerse guests in the best the region has to offer. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters and 20 quick-deploy Zodiacs, Ultramarine offers the industry’s largest portfolio of off-ship adventures. The vessel features the most spacious suites in its category, breathtaking public spaces, exceptional wildlife-viewing areas, superb amenities, and advanced sustainability systems that exceed industry standards.
Ready Room A y
View all Ultramarine departures and cabin details here.
Zodiac Embarkation
E E
WC
Ready Room B y
Deck
Zodiac Embarkation
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