THE ARCTIC
2026 SEASON VOYAGES
Our obsession with the Polar Regions was ignited in 1991, the year we brought the first group of guests to the North Pole. Driven by curiosity—and supported by over 30 years of polar expertise—our expedition team now focuses exclusively on innovative adventures to the last wilderness frontiers on the planet. That innovation shines through in our Arctic 2026 season, which includes three brand-new voyages: Iceland Circumnavigation: Helicopters, Our polar-obsessed team will immerse you in the Arctic in ways no one else can.
Glaciers and Volcanoes and two Solar Eclipse itineraries. Join us as we unlock the secrets of the Arctic in 2026.
A Quark Expeditions guest spots wildlife from the deck of a ship.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BEST FROM OUR AWARDS SHELF AFAR , Vanguard Award 2024 VIRTUOSO , Best Expedition Cruise Line 2023 and 2024 FOOD & TRAVEL READER , Best Boutique Cruise 2023 CRUISE CRITIC EDITOR’S PICKS AWARDS , Best In Adventure (Expedition) 2022, 2023 and 2024 TRAVEL WEEKLY GOLD MAGELLAN AWARD , Expeditions-Shore Excursion Cruise Line 2023 and 2024 , Best Expedition Itinerary, 2017, 2018 and 2019 , Best Expedition Small Ship 2019 WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS , World’s Leading Specialist Cruise Line 2020, 2021 and 2022 SIGNATURE LUXURY TRAVEL & STYLE CRUISE AWARD , World’s Best Four-Star Expedition Ships 2022 and 2023
What's Inside
Our Superior Fleet Ultramarine Ocean Explorer On-Ship Experience Food & Drink Spa & Fitness Amenities Daily Life Onboard
4 6 7 8 9
34 Years of Polar Exploration Our Team of Polar Experts Polar Travel Advisors Expedition Team Leaders Helicopter Team The People of the North The Arctic at a Glance Where We Can Take You Innovative Arctic Itineraries Iceland Svalbard Greenland Canada Sustainability
44 46 50 54 54 56 58 60
10 12 14 16 18 24 30 38 42
Off-Ship Experience Helicopter Adventures Included & Paid Adventure Options Why Travel With Us?
62 64
66 68 70 74
Solo Travelers Trip Inclusions The Other Pole: The Antarctic
USA TODAY 10 BEST READERS' CHOICE
TRAVEL AWARD , Best Adventure Cruise Line 2018
AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators) is an international association for expedition cruise operators operating in the Arctic and others with interests in this industry.
A solitary walrus atop an ice floe in the Arctic.
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OUR EPIC POLAR HISTORY
OUR EPIC POLAR HISTORY
January 2019 Quark Expeditions launches the construction of the game-changing ship Ultramarine , the very first vessel purpose-built for polar exploration.
years of
polar pride
For the last 34 years, we’ve pushed the limits of our own imagination to provide our guests with the most immersive—and unforgettable—itineraries. We have the most diverse fleet. We offer the most off-ship adventures. And our small polar vessels can take you places other larger ships cannot reach. Get ready for the expedition of a lifetime. Going Beyond in Polar Adventure
June 2008 Quark Expeditions offers maiden voyage to the North Pole on nuclear icebreaker 50 Years of Victory , the most powerful icebreaker on the planet at the time.
ULTRAMARINE
April 2019 Quark Expeditions unveils Polar Promise, the most holistic sustainability policy in the polar expedition industry. December 2021 Ultramarine sets sail at last. Fittingly, the ship’s inaugural
Fabulous amenities on Ultramarine . See page 48
November 1996 Quark Expeditions begins a circumnavigation of Antarctica for commercial passengers, the first-ever voyage of its kind.
August 2024 Quark expeditions wins Virtuoso Travel Award for “best expedition cruise line”.
Learn about our sustainability strategy on page 42
April 2011 Quark Expeditions’ Three Arctic Islands voyage is voted one of National Geographic Traveler’s “50 Tours of a Lifetime.”
CIRCUMNAVIGATION
August 1991 Quark Expeditions becomes the first polar operator to take commercial guests to the North Pole. August 1991 Quark Expeditions celebrates the first-ever passenger transit of the Northeast Passage.
October 2024 Quark Expeditions expands Arctic portfolio to include Iceland.
July 1999 Quark Expeditions completes its first passenger circumnavigation of the Arctic Ocean.
Check out our Three Arctic Islands itinerary on page 32
voyage is a celebration of the life of polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.
June 2012 Quark Expeditions becomes the first tour operator to successfully offer passengers hot-air ballooning at the North Pole. February 2013 Quark Expeditions hosts Jonathan Shackleton (Ernest Shackleton’s cousin) and Falcon Scott (Robert Falcon Scott’s grandson) as they walk, and camp, on the 7th Continent. October 2017 Quark Expeditions launches Quark Academy training program for expedition team members, the first training program of its kind in the industry.
Why is Ultramarine so popular? See page 46
Choose from 13 amazing Arctic itineraries starting on page 16
See page 18 for our Iceland voyages.
July 2022 For the first time ever, guests take to the polar skies in Ultramarine 's two twin-engine helicopters.
November 2003
November 2024 The state-of-the-art Ocean Explorer joins our fleet for the first time.
December 1991 Quark Expeditions charters the first series of
Quark Expeditions passengers become the first humans to witness a Total Solar Eclipse in Antarctica.
oceanographic research vessels specially converted for adventure travel, heralding a new phase in polar exploration.
Read about our unbeatable
helicopter excursions on page 62
November 2004
Our brand-new ship: Ocean Explorer . See page 50
Quark Expeditions becomes the first operator to confirm the existence of the Snow Hill Emperor penguin colony.
November 1993 For the first time, Quark Expeditions guests retrace the voyage of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ship Endurance .
January 2025 Quark Expeditions announces another new ship: World Voyager .
July 2022 We present the first Tundra to Table: Inuit Culinary Experience with local chefs on board Ultramarine during a voyage to Greenland. November 2023 Quark Expeditions hosts two successful landings at the legendary Emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill.
Meet our polar-obsessed team on page 8
March 2006 Quark Expeditions breaks Roald
To find out more, watch our Tundra to Table video on page 35
Amundsen’s record set nearly 100 years earlier, attaining the most southernly latitude of any vessel.
OUR TEAM
OUR TEAM
Polar Travel Advisors
Behind every successful polar voyage is a dedicated team who stop at nothing to ensure you have the expedition of a lifetime. Our team of Expedition Leaders, adventure guides, Polar Travel Advisors, helicopter operations specialists and other ship crew tap into their passion—and three decades of polar expertise—to deliver unforgettable polar moments. Our Team of Polar Experts
Our passionate team of polar specialists is available to help you from the first email exchange, virtual chat inquiry or initial phone call to the friendly follow-up after your voyage. You can trust our team of Polar Travel Advisors to have the information you need to plan your life-changing Arctic journey.
Polar Experience All of our Polar Travel Advisors have first-hand experience in the Polar Regions and are eager to share their expertise—and passion—for the regions we visit. Many have made multiple trips to the Arctic and Antarctic throughout their careers.
In-depth Knowledge Our Polar Travel Advisors have comprehensive knowledge of the wildlife, geography, climate, history, botany and geology of the regions we visit—and can also answer your questions about our ships, off-ship activities, airport/hotel transfers, the best season to visit, what to pack and what to expect.
Multilingual Collectively, our Polar Travel Advisors are fluent in English, French, Spanish, Mandarin and Egyptian Arabic.
When asked, " What does the Arctic mean to you? ," our guides shared these heartfelt reflections.
A Quark Expeditions guide scans the horizon for wildlife
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OUR TEAM
OUR TEAM
Our Expedition Leaders obsess over every minute detail of your voyage—from your onboard comfort to your off-ship adventures. Our Expedition Leaders spend their entire careers —it’s a life calling, actually— sharing their passion for the Arctic and Antarctic. Your Expedition Leaders
Colin Souness Home base: South Africa Years of polar experience: 22
David Burton Home base: Shetland Islands, UK
Jake Morrison Home base: Lake Simcoe, Ontario, Canada Years of polar experience: 13 Polar expeditions to date: 100 Areas of expertise: With a degree in operations management and after a lifetime on the water, Jake spent six years managing expedition operations from Quark Expeditions’ Toronto office before returning to the field to fuel his love for the great outdoors. During his 12 years with Quark Expeditions, Jake has worked on over 10 different expedition vessels and explored nearly every polar destination where Quark Expeditions operates. Advice to polar travelers: “Slow down, let your soul absorb every majestic moment, and spend plenty of time out on deck.”
Sarah Zaubi Home base: Montana, USA Years of polar experience: 6 Polar expeditions to date: 60
Years of polar experience: 11 Polar expeditions to date: 90 Areas of expertise: History and glaciology Advice to polar travelers: “Head to the outer decks after dinner to take an evening constitutional. There’s no better place than the Polar Regions to take some time and reflect on the serene beauty you’ve witnessed that day, as well as contemplate the life- changing moments you’re experiencing. You never know what you might catch sight of—the majesty of the northern lights or a sighting of some wildlife.”
Area of expertise: Having completed a PhD in glaciology, Colin frequently presents on geology, glaciology, as well as polar and Viking history. He’s also a heli operations specialist. Advice to polar travelers: "The challenges of reaching remote Arctic destinations fuel our passion for pushing the boundaries of polar exploration. Try to absorb the vast and unspoiled beauty of the place whilst knowing you’re the only ones up there.”
NEIL SIERENS Chief Pilot
Areas of expertise: Gender studies, certified kayak guide, helicopter operations specialist Advice to polar travelers: "Everyone arrives in the Arctic with a vision for their trip, but the Polar Regions have a way of shaping the experience. The polar reality always prevails, and in the end, the unexpected journey becomes the best adventure."
Home base: Fairoaks, UK Years of helicopter experience: 20 Polar expeditions to date: 10 Areas of expertise: Helicopter operations around the globe; specialist in the safe transport of passengers to and from vessels. On embracing helicopter adventures in the Polar Regions: “The view from above is like no other, but the helicopter flight provides more than just an elevated viewpoint. The landing sites we choose can only be accessed by helicopter. So, along with the great views, you can experience the thrill of possibly being the first person to have ever set foot in that area.” Our helicopter team: “Delivering an amazing helicopter experience involves a lot of highly-trained people. It’s similar to a motor racing team which entails numerous experts working behind the scenes to ensure the process goes smoothly and safely. We are very selective in the pilots we hire to fly in the Polar Regions—and we’re incredibly proud of our entire team. Guests are in very safe hands.” Advice to Polar Travelers: “Clearly you will want to take photos during your helicopter flight, but the lens cannot capture it all. Put down your camera occasionally and just look around. Secondly, on most flights you will be able to chat to the pilot. If you’ve got a question, there’s a strong likelihood your fellow guests are also keen to hear the answer. If you don’t get around to asking during the flight, you can always ask later when back on board Ultramarine .”
Meet Expedition Leader Jake Morrison. Scan the QR Code.
Shane Evoy Home base: Pointe au Baril, Ontario, Canada Years of polar experience: 27 Polar expeditions to date: 250 What guests are apt to learn on a polar voyage: “I hope guests will learn a lot about the areas we go into so they can protect what they love. There’s a quote from environmentalist Baba Dioum that I live by when I’m on an expedition: ‘In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.’" Advice to polar travelers: “Sit, look, listen, and feel what is around you and take it all in.”
David (Woody) Wood Home base: Melbourne, Australia
Ryan McDevitt Home base: St. Petersburg, Florida, USA Years of polar experience: 8 Polar expeditions to date: 75 Areas of expertise: Operations, logistics and helicopter operations Advice to polar travelers: "Exploring these wild regions is a full sensory experience. Take time to breathe in deeply and absorb the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the Polar Regions. If you pack one thing for your expedition, make it a good set of binoculars and spend time using them on the outer decks."
Years of polar experience: 21 Polar expeditions to date: 300
Amalia Goodall Home base: Ushuaia, Argentina Years of polar experience: 9 Polar expeditions to date: 45+
Areas of expertise: Woody has developed in-depth knowledge of numerous aspects of polar wilderness throughout two decades of polar expedition. Advice to polar travelers: “Polar voyages touch people in different ways. The polar environment has a power which sets people thinking about their place in our world. Get prepared with gear and have the time of your life. Travel with eyes wide open, with no fixed ideas and be open to the beauty, wonder, tranquility and fury of the polar environment."
Area of expertise: Bachelor's Degree in Tourism Management and Guiding, and Master's Degree in Environmental Management Advice to polar travelers: "Every now and then put down your camera and take a moment to soak it all in. Experience this unique environment with all your senses: the sound of the ice crackling, the scent of the tundra, the vastness of the landscape, the texture of a feather or a piece of qiviut (muskox wool). These simple moments create powerful memories that cannot always be captured on film."
Michelle Sole Home base: Oxford, England Years of polar experience: 8 Polar expeditions to date: 85 Areas of expertise: Photography
Advice to polar travelers: "Bring binoculars. They’re are a great tool for spotting wildlife and getting closer views of the mountain tops. Spend as much time as possible on the outer decks and make sure you take a moment just for yourself."
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THE PEOPLE OF THE NORTH
Supporting local communities
The People of the North
“Helping communities develop resources for tourism is important to us,” says Lyndsey Lewis, Head of Sustainability for Quark Expeditions. “For instance, Quark Expeditions has supported the efforts of the town of Qaanaaq in northwest Greenland to develop infrastructure that supports visits by small expedition ships. Our guests, who give generously through our on-board auctions, support a wide range of organizations and not-for- profit groups unrelated to the tourism industry." Ittoqqortoormiit Museum Refurbishment Guests support the community of Ittoqqortoormiit as they work to restore and modernize their local museum, to translate the sense of place and cultural identity of Ittoqqortoormiit. Ilisaqsivik Society This not-for-profit offers a wide range of culturally- based programs that support the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of all community residents from infants to elders. Pond Inlet Elders Tea A weekly community-led gathering for elders who come together to socialize, enjoy tea and country food (char, seal, whale and caribou), and participate in other activities. Mittima Food Bank This program puts healthy meals on the tables of families in need. The Mittima Food Bank, based in Pond Inlet, provides a grocery drop to over 400 families every two weeks. Pirurvik Preschool The Pirurvik Preschool in Pond Inlet provides early childhood education based on the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles, and reflects traditional Inunnguiniq educational practices.
Whenever we venture to the remote Arctic, we are ever mindful that we’re visiting lands inhabited by Indigenous peoples who have thrived in these domains long before Europeans set out to explore new territories. Honoring Indigenous heritage. For centuries, Indigenous peoples, such as the Inuit, have hunted, fished, nurtured their cultural traditions and co-existed with the wildlife in Nunavut (Canadian Arctic) and remote Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland). Whether we’re visiting a community, hiking the tundra, or Zodiac cruising a fjord in Nunavut on itineraries such as Arctic Express Canada: The Heart of the Northwest Passage, we recognize we are visitors to the Nunavummiut homeland. Nunavut, in the Inukitut language, means “our land.” Similarly, when we set foot on the Greenland Ice Sheet, visit a historic Thule site, view traditional qajaq
(kayak) demonstrations, or savor local food on a community visit, we are doing so on the homeland of the Greenlandic Inuit, or Kalaaliit. Their land is known as Kalaallit Nunaat, meaning “The Land of the People.” Working in partnership with local communities. As outlined in our sustainability strategy, respect for local people, their culture and traditions is our guiding principle when we plan community visits for our guests.
“Sometimes that respect manifests in the simple things,” says Lyndsey
Lewis, Head of Sustainability for Quark Expeditions. “For example, we always book community visits early—never at the last minute—and our team always deals directly with the community or locally-based operators. We also ensure that we understand how local residents would like to share their community, traditions and culture with us,” says Lewis. “We feel quite strongly that the community should decide what activities they would like to offer, whether it’s a sports game between guests, expedition team and local residents, or storytelling or a culinary experience.” To the people of the North: For inviting us into your homes, for giving us the opportunity to experience the beauty of your lands and your rich culture, we say Nakurmiik. Qujannamiik. Matna. Qujanaq. Thank you.”
For itineraries that celebrate the Indigenous culture of Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic, see pages 30–41.
Explore culturally-rich Arctic communities in Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic.
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Axel Heiberg Island This uninhabited island in the Qikiqtaaluk Region of Nunavut features the famous fossilized—or mummified—forest that dates back 30 million years.
The Arctic at a glance.
Historic Svalbard Over 60% of Svalbard is protected within seven national parks, where visitors can find long-abandoned whaling stations and burial grounds.
Northern Lights September night skies in Greenland are often illuminated by the magical Aurora Borealis —a spellbinding array of green, white and purple lights.
Grise Fjord About 150 Inuit from northern Quebec were relocated to this settlement in 1953. It is now Canada's northernmost settlement.
Uummannaq This island off Greenland's west coast is one of the few places where Inuit still follow a traditional hunting and fishing lifestyle.
Ittoqqortoormiit Witness traditional Greenlandic culture during a visit to Ittoqqortoormiit, the most isolated town in Greenland.
Axel Heiberg Island
Devon Island Visit the remains of a Royal Canadian Mounted Police outpost constructed at Dundas Harbour in 1924—as well as one of the northernmost cemeteries in Canada.
SVALBARD
GREENLAND
Ilulissat Icefjord Ilulissat Icefjord, a
Polar Bears of Svalbard The optimal months to view polar bears in Svalbard are May, June and July.
Devon Island
UNESCO World Heritage site, is synonymous with Sermeq Kujalleq, one of the most active glaciers in the world.
Beechey Island Visitors come to this remote historic site to pay respects at the graves of three crew members from the ill-fated Franklin expedition of 1845-46.
Westfjords Iceland's hidden gem in the remote west features rugged fjords, cliffs, beaches, fishing villages and towering waterfalls, such as Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe.
Maniitsoq This town of 2,500 is the gateway to West Greenland, where you will find stunning landscapes, sharp-peaked mountains and the 90-km Eternity Fjord.
Baffin Island
Ikpiarjuk (Arctic Bay) This bay on northwest Baffin Island, inhabited by Inuit for nearly 5,000 years, is a popular nesting spot for Brünnich’s guillemots and kittiwakes. It’s also an ideal place to explore Inuit culture.
Inuit Culture of Pangnirtung Deepen your understanding of Inuit culture at Pangnirtung—Pang for short— an artistic community known for its hand-woven tapestries and artwork.
ICELAND
Grímsey Island The only part of Iceland that lies within the Arctic Circle, Grimsey Island’s human population of 70 is outnumbered by millions of seabirds.
FAROE ISLANDS
Cliffs of Faroe Islands Approximately 110 bird species nest in the towering cliffs of the Faroe Islands. Cape Enniberg, at 754 meters (2,400 feet), is one of the highest cliffs in the world.
Torngat Mountains National Park This 10,000 square- kilometer wilderness park in remote Newfoundland and Labrador is famous for its towering mountains, vast fjords, glacial formations and wildlife.
CANADA
Tasermiut Fjord The 70-km long fjord, called Patagonia of the North, is one of the most beautiful places in Greenland.
The Legendary Northwest Passage
Use this infographic to pinpoint where you wish to explore.
The quest for a trade route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans ignited the passion—and obsession—of Franklin and other explorers.
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CANADA, GREENLAND, ICELAND, SVALBARD. Where do you want to explore with our polar-obsessed expedition team? Quark Expeditions’ 2026 lineup offers unique Arctic itineraries to fully immerse yourself in specific Arctic regions. Where our team can take you.
Spitsbergen
Longyearbyen
Greenland Sea
ITINERARIES AND SCHEDULED ROUTES:
SVALBARD
GREENLAND (Kalaallit Nunaat)
Iceland to Greenland: Total Solar Eclipse, 17 Days See page 20 Iceland to Greenland: Total Solar Eclipse, 13 Days See page 21 Iceland Circumnavigation: Helicopters, Glaciers and Volcanoes See page 22 Arctic Saga:Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes and Jan Mayen See page 26 Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage See page 28 Three Arctic Islands: Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland See page 32 Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic See page 33 South Greenland Adventure: The Majestic Alpine Arctic See page 34 Northwest Passage: The Legendary Arctic Sea Route See page 40 Greenland to Newfoundland: Mountains, Wildlife and Viking History See page 41
Resolute
Devon Island
Baffin Bay
Norwegian Sea
Baffin Island
Ittoqqortoormiit
Kangerlussuaq
ARCTIC CIRCLE
Reykjavik ICELAND
Nuuk
FINLAND
Faroe Islands
Helsinki
Atlantic Ocean
Fair Isle
NOT SHOWN ON MAP: Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway See page 27 Adventures in Northeast Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords and the Northern Lights See page 36 Under the Northern Lights: Exploring Iceland and East Greenland See page 37
Labrador Sea
Aberdeen
Nain
GREENLAND (Kalaallit Nunaat)
L'Anse aux Meadows
CANADA
U.K.
Calgary
Flight paths
Scheduled paths
St. John's
Lindenow Fjord
Greenland Ice Sheet (access point)
Aappilattoq
Labrador Sea
Tasermiut Fjord
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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In-depth explorations. Our region-specific expeditions to remote parts of the Canadian Arctic, Greenland, Iceland and Svalbard are ideal for those who know where they want to go, and for past travelers who’ve explored the highlights and would now like to explore a little further into one Arctic domain. Such trips are also ideal for first-timers who are eager to explore one specific region in depth. In This Section Iceland to Greenland: Total Solar Eclipse, 17 Days | Witness the Aurora borealis from the deck of a ship in the remote Arctic. See page 20 Iceland Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage | Navigate around the entire island nation, starting and ending in Reykjavik. See page 22 Greenland to Newfoundland: Mountains, Wildlife and Viking History | Join our only voyage that features Greenland, the Canadian Arctic and the East Coast of Canada. See page 41
NATURE IS THE TOUR GUIDE: Sea, ice, and weather conditions will ultimately influence your trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected.
Dramatic iceberg viewing.
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Iceland Iceland, the island nation forged by the fire and heat of volcanoes yet sculpted by the ice and cold winds of the sub-Arctic, offers endless opportunities for discovery: cascading waterfalls, towering cliffs, geysers spontaneously erupting in full furies of steam, shorelines dotted with fishing villages, glaciers, and hard- to-reach coastal areas of breathtaking splendor. We have created innovative itineraries that enable guests to explore Iceland by ship, helicopter, kayak and on foot for completely new perspectives of The Land of Fire and Ice.
Waterfalls, volcanoes and lush green landscapes of Iceland.
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SPITSBERGEN ICELAND & GREENLAND
ICELAND & GREENLAND
Eclipse Expeditions
Witness the first total solar eclipse north of the Arctic Circle since 2015.
Excited wildlife enthusiasts; rugged Iceland landscape; a muskox stands alert.
Primary Eclipse Viewing Site
Ba n Bay
Kong Oscar Fjord
GREENLAND
GREENLAND
Iceland to Greenland: Total Solar Eclipse, 13 Days
Ittoqqortoormiit
Iceland to Greenland: Total Solar Eclipse, 17 Days
Kong Oscar Fjord
Primary Eclipse Viewing Site
We’ve assembled a taskforce of an eclipse expert, a meteorologist and experienced Expedition Team members to optimize a phenomenal viewing of the Total Solar Eclipse in the High Arctic. You’ll also discover the natural wonders of the Westfjords—the unsung gem of West Iceland. Our journey will also take us into the immense Northeast Greenland National Park, where we will cruise the 110-kilometer Kong Oscar Fjord. You’ll also get to unleash your inner adventurer on thrilling heli-flightseeing adventures over remote Greenland on Ultramarine ’s state-of-the-art helicopters. Plus, you’ll cross the Arctic twice—southbound and northbound. Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions will affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected.
Scoresby Sund
Nuuk
This 2,200 nautical mile journey enables you to witness the eclipse from the deck of our newest ship, the state-of-the-art Ocean Explorer . In addition, you will explore the Westfjords—a hidden gem of Iceland—as well as remote parts of Northeast and South Greenland. Plus, you get to check off two of the world’s northernmost capital cities: Reykjavik, Iceland, and Nuuk, Greenland. Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions will affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected.
Atlantic Ocean
Scoresby Sund
Ivittuut
Aapillatoq
Prins Christian Sund
ICELAND
Reykjavik
ICELAND
Atlantic Ocean
1 departure | 17 days August 3, 2026
Ship: Ocean Explorer
Adventure Options: See pages 64–65 for more details
1 departure | 13 days August 6, 2026 Embarkation/Disembarkation: Reykjavik, Iceland Visit the Expedition Page for details.
Ship: Ultramarine
Adventure Options: See pages 64–65 for more details
Embarkation: Reykjavik, Iceland Disembarkation: Nuuk, Greenland Visit the Expedition Page for details.
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ICELAND
ICELAND
Volcano-carved landscapes; twin-engine helicopter; puffins; gushing waterfall; Ultramarine.
ARCTIC CIRCLE
Grimsey
Dynjandi Vigur
Husavik
Iceland Circumnavigation: Helicopters, Glaciers and Volcanoes This brand-new itinerary enables guests to navigate around the entire island nation, starting and ending in Reykjavik. Sailing on Ultramarine —with its twin-engine helicopters and quick-deploy Zodiacs—you’ll enjoy perspectives of Iceland that aren't possible on a traditional land-based journey. Get ready to heli-flightsee over remote parts of Iceland, explore two national parks, cross the Arctic Circle by sea, observe iconic puffins, and visit famous waterfalls and glaciers. Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions will affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected.
ICELAND
Djupivogur
Reykjavik
The Westman Islands
1 departure | 12 days July 27, 2026 Embarkation/Disembarkation: Reykjavik, Iceland Visit the Expedition Page for details.
Ship: Ultramarine
Adventure Options: See pages 64–65 for more details
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Spitsbergen, known as the Wildlife Capital of the Arctic, is the largest island in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. Located about 1,300 kilometers from the North Pole, Spitsbergen is dark four months of the year, but when the sun returns in April, the days lengthen until sometime in June when the sun never sets. This creates the perfect conditions to spot polar bears, walruses, reindeer, arctic foxes, beluga whales, seals and seabirds against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, glaciers and fjords. Spitsbergen
Explore Spitsbergen in 60 seconds.
Ice-laden terrain of Spitsbergen.
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SPITSBERGEN, THE FAROES & JAN MAYEN
SPITSBERGEN
Enjoy a puffin love story set on enchanted Fair Isle.
GREENLAND
Guests explore onshore; a polar bear prowls the ice edge; a guided kayak excursion.
Guests explore Fair Isle; tulips of Faroe Islands; a Svalbard reindeer.
Kvitøya
SVALBARD
Phippsøya
Arctic Ocean
Longyearbyen
Nordaustlandet
Barents Sea
Greenland Sea
Arctic Saga: Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes and Jan Mayen
Smeerenburg
Jan Mayen
Monaco Glacier
Hinlopen Strait
Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway
Norwegian Sea
SPITSBERGEN
Barentsøya
Faroe Islands
Longyearbyen
Our 11-day itinerary covers western Spitsbergen as well as the stunning fjords and outlying islands to the north. You’ll hike the tundra, zip through fjords on a Zodiac and experience vast expanses of icebergs. The archipelago is home to a diverse range of terrestrial and marine mammals. We'll look out for various wildlife species, including walruses, Svalbard reindeer and potentially polar bears. Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions will affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected.
Departing from Aberdeen, Scotland, you can visit four remote Arctic islands in 15 days. Sail through the North Atlantic to Fair Isle, famous for its bird observatory, before exploring the Viking and Norse sites on the Faroe Islands. Then it’s onto the world’s northernmost volcanic island, Jan Mayen. The last two days of your voyage are spent exploring Spitsbergen, where we hope to spot polar bears. Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions will affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected.
Edgeøya
Helsinki
Atlantic Ocean
Shetland Islands
SVALBARD
Bellsund
Calypsobyen
Orkney Islands
Fair Isle
TO/FROM HELSINKI
Greenland Sea
Hornsund
Aberdeen
UNITED KINGDOM
1 departure | 15 days May 2, 2026 Embarkation: Aberdeen, Scotland Disembarkation: Longyearbyen, Norway Visit the Expedition Page for details.
Ship: Ocean Explorer
Adventure Options: See pages 64–65 for more details
12 departures | 11 days May–July 2026 Embarkation/Disembarkation:
Ship: Ocean Explorer Ultramarine
Adventure Options: See pages 64–65 for more details
Charter flight: Longyearbyen to Helsinki, (included in Charter Flight & Hotel Package)
Charter flight: To/from Helsinki, Finland (included in Charter Flight & Hotel Package)
NORWAY
Note: Ultramarine's twin- engine helicopters do not operate in Svalbard.
Longyearbyen, Norway Visit the Expedition Page for details.
26 Call a Quark Polar Travel Advisor at 1.888.979.2061 or your Travel Professional
Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for detailed itineraries 27
SPITSBERGEN
SPITSBERGEN
An expert-led guided hike; enthusiastic guest on a shore landing in Spitsbergen; walrus haul-out; an Arctic Zodiac cruise; Arctic tern in flight.
Kvitøya
Phippsøya
Arctic Ocean
Scheduled route
Nordaustlandet
If conditions allow
Smeerenburg
Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage
Monaco Glacier
Hinlopen Strait
SPITSBERGEN
Barentsøya
This 15-day journey—during which we will attempt a full circumnavigation of the Svalbard archipelago—is our most extensive expedition in Spitsbergen. This itinerary allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the archipelago and enjoy unique off-ship adventures. We'll keep a watchful eye for wildlife, on shore and on the water. We also plan to visit two birdwatching utopias, the 14th of July Glacier and famous Alkefjellet cliffs. This voyage truly is the big Arctic adventure you've been waiting for. Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions will affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected.
Longyearbyen
Edgeøya
SVALBARD
Bellsund
Calypsobyen
Greenland Sea
TO/FROM HELSINKI
Hornsund
2 departures | 15 days June and July, 2026 Embarkation/Disembarkation:
Ship: Ocean Explorer Ultramarine
Adventure Options: See pages 64–65 for more details
Charter flight: To/from Helsinki, Finland (included in Charter Flight & Hotel Package)
Note: Ultramarine's twin- engine helicopters do not operate in Svalbard.
Longyearbyen, Norway Visit the Expedition Page for details.
28 Call a Quark Polar Travel Advisor at 1.888.979.2061 or your Travel Professional
Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for detailed itineraries 29
The world's largest island, also known as Kalaallit Nunaat, welcomes visitors with its breathtaking scenery. East Greenland is vast, sparsely inhabited, and stunning in its austere beauty, while West Greenland offers more Indigenous community experiences, icebergs, Viking history—and much more. Then there’s South Greenland, home of the 70-kilometer long Tasermiut Fjord, a vast, largely unexplored domain in one of the most remote parts of Greenland. Greenland
Why travel to Greenland with Quark Expeditions?
A helicopter soars above a remote fjord in Greenland.
30 Call a Quark Polar Travel Advisor at 1.888.979.2061 or your Travel Professional
Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for detailed itineraries 31
SPITSBERGEN, GREENLAND & ICELAND
GREENLAND & CANADIAN ARCTIC
Arctic Ocean
A guest soaks in the raw Arctic beauty from the ship's bow.
Guests enjoy traditional Greenlandic music; tail of a diving whale; guests on a paddling excursion.
Resolute
Qaanaaq
GREENLAND
Beechey Island
Cape York
Longyearbyen
GREENLAND
Dundas Harbour
Three Arctic Islands: Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland SOUTHBOUND Named one of the 50 Tours of a Lifetime by National Geographic Traveler , this voyage offers the best of the eastern Arctic in one voyage. You start in Spitsbergen, in the Norwegian High Arctic, then sail south to Greenland to explore the world’s largest fjord system and end in Iceland. There’s something for everyone: polar bears, walruses, muskoxen, local culture, ancient Thule settlements (predecessors of the Inuit), hikes along the glacial moraine and tundra, and more. Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions will affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected.
SVALBARD
Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic
Upernavik
FROM HELSINKI
Ba n Bay
Ilulissat Uummannaq
FROM CALGARY
Atlantic Ocean
Sydkap
You’ll spend more than two weeks on Ocean Explorer as we explore the fabled Northwest Passage. We’ll take advantage of our quick-launching Zodiacs to explore the highlights of the Canadian Arctic and Greenland’s stunning west coast, visiting traditional Inuit and Greenlandic communities, and witnessing one of the world's fastest moving glaciers at Ilulissat Icefjord. As always, we hope to spot whales, walruses, muskoxen and elusive polar bears. Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions will affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected.
Kangerlussuaq
Ba n Island
Milne Land
Ittoqqortoormiit
Denmark Strait
Davis Strait
TO REYKJAVIK
ICELAND
Reykjavik
1 departure | 15 days July 12, 2026
Ship: Ultramarine
Adventure Options: See pages 64–65 for more details
1 departure | 17 days August 31, 2026 Embarkation: Resolute, Canada Disembarkation: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland Visit the Expedition Page for details.
Ship: Ocean Explorer
Adventure Options: See pages 64–65 for more details
Charter flight: Helsinki to Longyearbyen (included in Charter Flight & Hotel Package)
Charter flight: From Calgary, Canada; To Reykjavik, Iceland (included in Charter Flight & Hotel Package)
Note: Ultramarine's twin- engine helicopters do not operate in Svalbard.
Embarkation: Longyearbyen, Norway Disembarkation: Reykjavik, Iceland Visit the Expedition Page for details.
32 Call a Quark Polar Travel Advisor at 1.888.979.2061 or your Travel Professional
Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for detailed itineraries 33
SOUTH GREENLAND
SOUTH GREENLAND
FROM TUNDRA TO TABLE
Guest Review: Watch Charlotte's South Greenland experience with Quark Expeditions.
Views of South Greenland from shore and sky; setting foot on the Greenland Ice Sheet; foraging for dinner at Tasermiut Camp.
South Greenland Adventure: The Majestic Alpine Arctic
Our 14-day itinerary is designed for travelers seeking to experience the massive fjords, glaciers and mountains of South Greenland, and includes unprecedented opportunities to explore the majesty of South Greenland’s diverse fjordlands. Soak up the serene mountain views, sail by icebergs on a Zodiac cruise, camp in comfort along the massive Tasermiut Fjord with local hosts, visit small Greenlandic communities or join guided hikes. Ultramarine ’s helicopters will take you to areas in South Greenland that others simply can’t reach. Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions will determine your trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected.
Tundra to Table: Inuit Culinary Experience Offered on select voyages: Iceland to Greenland: Total Solar Eclipse, 13 days. See page 21 South Greenland Adventure: The Majestic Alpine Arctic. See page 34 Adventures in Northeast Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords and the Northern Lights. See page 36
Guests traveling with Quark Expeditions to Greenland and the Canadian Arctic can be part of our Tundra to Table: Inuit Culinary Experience, produced in partnership with Igapall, a grassroots association that promotes Greenlandic cuisine . You’ll savor food made with ingredients direct from the sea and surrounding Arctic land—prepared by local chefs. Enjoy an evening of Inuit storytelling as you dine on traditional Inuit dishes, such as beer- braised muskox served with Greenlandic mashed potatoes, and pickled halibut served with lumpfish dip and bread. Our on-ship Tundra to Table experience is the only exclusively Inuit culinary offering of its kind in the world.
When you taste the food of the Inuit, you’re tasting the real Arctic.
2 departures | 14 days August 2026 Embarkation/Disembarkation: Reykjavik, Iceland Visit the Expedition Page for details.
Ship: Ultramarine
Adventure Options: See pages 64–65 for more details
Under the Northern Lights: Exploring Iceland and East Greenland. See page 37
Savor authentic Inuit cuisine in our Tundra to Table experience.
34 Call a Quark Polar Travel Advisor at 1.888.979.2061 or your Travel Professional
35
EAST GREENLAND
EAST GREENLAND
A guest photographs the Northern Lights from the deck of a ship in the Arctic.
Guests explore Northeast Greenland; heli-flightseeing excursion; brightly painted houses of Ittoqqortoormiit.
Ella Island
Ella Island
Kong Oscar Fjord
Kong Oscar Fjord
GREENLAND
GREENLAND
Milne Land
Under the Northern Lights: Exploring Iceland and East Greenland Our most comprehensive exploration of East Greenland actually begins in the seldom- visited Westfjords region of Iceland, before heading to Greenland’s Scoresbysund and Kong Oscar Fjord systems. You’ll search for wildlife, visit the world's largest national park, Northeast Greenland National Park, where 40% of the world’s muskoxen live, and await the Northern Lights. Visiting the remote Inuit community of Ittoqqortoormiit will make for an unforgettable experience. Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions will affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected.
Ittoqqortoormiit
Ittoqqortoormiit
Adventures in Northeast Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords and the Northern Lights Explore some of the least visited wilderness areas on the planet on our 11-day itinerary. Cruising along Greenland’s remote northeast coast, you can explore the largest fjord system in the world, visit ancient Thule sites, savor Greenlandic culture, discover the region’s diverse and dramatically rugged landscapes—and hopefully witness nature’s spectacular light show, the Aurora Borealis . Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions will affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected.
Scoresby Sund
Scoresby Sund
Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
Reykjavik
Reykjavik
ICELAND
ICELAND
1 departure | 11 days September 10, 2026 Embarkation/Disembarkation: Reykjavik, Iceland Visit the Expedition Page for details.
Ship: Ultramarine
Adventure Options: See pages 64–65 for more details
1 departure | 14 days September 19, 2026 Embarkation/Disembarkation: Reykjavik, Iceland Visit the Expedition Page for details.
Ship: Ultramarine
Adventure Options: See pages 64–65 for more details
36 Call a Quark Polar Travel Advisor at 1.888.979.2061 or your Travel Professional
Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for detailed itineraries 37
Canada The Canadian Arctic is one of the world's least disturbed marine ecosystems, home to spectacular wildlife such as polar bears, seals and whales. The region is rich in Inuit culture, especially in Nunavut. We'll navigate the icy channels of the north and follow in the footsteps of legendary explorers who sailed the fabled Northwest Passage. New this season: we’ll journey from Arctic Greenland to Atlantic Canada, where we’ll visit l’Anse Aux Meadows Viking heritage site and famous Torngat Mountains National Park.
Immerse yourself in the Canadian Arctic with our expert team.
Guests approach the towering Torngat Mountains by Zodiac.
38 Call a Quark Polar Travel Advisor at 1.888.979.2061 or your Travel Professional
Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for detailed itineraries 39
NORTHWEST PASSAGE
CANADIAN ARCTIC
Guest Review: Catherine and Manrique describe their Canadian Arctic and Greenland experience.
Viking ruins at L'anse aux Meadows.
Two Inuit women in traditional fur parkas; polar bears; kayaking excursion.
Resolute
GREENLAND
Ilulissat
Beechey Island
Ba n Island
GREENLAND
Dundas Harbour
Sisimiut
Fort Ross
Kangerlussuaq
Pangnirtung
Greenland to Newfoundland: Mountains, Wildlife and Viking History This is our only voyage that features Greenland, the Canadian Arctic and the East Coast of Canada. You’ll witness countless icebergs at Ilulissat Icefjord, and experience northern Indigenous cultures in Greenland and Labrador. Three UNESCO World Heritage sites are included: Greenland’s Ilulissat Icefjord; Red Bay Basque Whaling Station in Labrador; and the 11th-century Viking ruins at l’Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland. You’ll also get to explore the unrivaled wilderness of Torngat Mountains National Park. We’ll conclude our voyage in historic St. John’s, Newfoundland. Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions will affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected.
Pond Inlet
FROM REYKJAVIK
Northwest Passage: The Legendary Arctic Sea Route Sail along the coast of Greenland before setting off for the remote Canadian Arctic where we will retrace the route of the intrepid Franklin Expedition of 1845 on our newest ship, Ocean Explorer . You'll explore Greenlandic villages, view glaciers, dramatic fjords and towering icebergs, and hike the Arctic tundra, on the lookout for whales, walruses, muskoxen and polar bears. Nature is the tour guide: Sea, ice, and weather conditions will affect your flights and trip itinerary. Embrace the unexpected.
Ba n Bay
Ba n Island
Torngat Mountain National Park
TO CALGARY
Qikiqtarjuaq
Kangerlussuaq
Labrador Sea
Nain
Nuuk
Newfoundland and Labrador
CANADA
L’Anse aux Meadows
Davis Strait
Red Bay
FROM REYKJAVIK
St. John’s
1 departure | 17 days August 17, 2026 Embarkation: Nuuk, Greenland Disembarkation: Resolute, Canada Visit the Expedition Page for details.
Ship: Ocean Explorer
Adventure Options: See pages 64–65 for more details
Charter flight: From Reykjavik, Iceland; To Calgary, Canada (included in Charter Flight & Hotel Package)
1 departure | 14 days September 14, 2026 Embarkation: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland Disembarkation: St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada Visit the Expedition Page for details.
Ship: Ocean Explorer
Adventure Options: See pages 64–65 for more details
Charter flight: Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq (included in Charter Flight & Hotel Package)
40 Call a Quark Polar Travel Advisor at 1.888.979.2061 or your Travel Professional
Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for detailed itineraries 41
SUSTAINABILITY
SUSTAINABILITY
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
Empowering Local Development
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.
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.
Driving Impact Through Conservation Funding
Co-creating with Community Partners
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).
By partnering with local groups, we create authentic experiences—such as Tundra to Table, developed with Igapall, which enables Inuit chefs to share Greenlandic cuisine and culture.
For our full sustainability policy, visit: QuarkExpeditions.com/Sustainability
42
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