Ultramarine
Ultra by name, ultra by nature. With elegant lines, onboard helicopters and the widest range of adventure activities, this ship is designed to impress.
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Quark Expeditions are one of the original pioneers of expedition cruising, having been operating in polar waters since 1991. Their guiding team is one of the most experienced out there, and the company is constantly innovating with new activities like helicopter flightseeing and stand-up paddleboarding.
Swoop has been working with Quark since our earliest days, building a long-standing and trusted relationship that has made us one of their key global partners.
Proudly working with every operator in the industry
Swoop says
The strength of the Swoop-Quark partnership pivots around our shared values, mutual respect and deep trust after many years working together – we know that Quark will always deliver the best possible Antarctic experience for our travellers.
Daniel Brooks Antarctica Specialist
Who are Quark Expeditions?
Seattle-based Quark Expeditions were founded in 1991, making them one of the most long-established Antarctic cruise operators. They were one of the seven founding members of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO)..
From their world-first commercial voyage to the North Pole in 1991 in a chartered icebreaker, to the first carbon neutral voyage to Antarctica in 2012, they are constantly innovating new ways to experience the polar regions.
Quark have led the way in raising the industry standard of polar guiding, and were the first operator to establish their own training academy for guides.
Why Swoop loves working with Quark Expeditions
- Swoop has worked closely with Quark Expeditions since 2015. We’re one of their most important global partners, with strong connections between our two teams.
- Quark have one of the best guide to passenger ratios in the polar fleet to give a superb experience that concentrates on spending the maximum time exploring off the ship.
- Quark’s guides are trained in-house and are both highly experienced and fiercely loyal: it’s not uncommon to have guides who have worked with the company for 20+ years.
- They are one of a very exclusive group of operators who visit the emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill, offering superb comfort for travellers looking to see one of Antarctica’s most iconic species.
- They offer one of the most comprehensive adventure activity programmes in Antarctica, making them a great choice for active travellers, and were the first to introduce stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) to Antarctic waters.
- Their flightseeing trips offer a new way to experience Antarctica, using ultra-quiet helicopters that operate under strict protocols to avoid disturbing wildlife.
- We love their mix of stylish ships, all of which offer extremely comfortable launch pads for any Antarctic adventure.
- Quark's mix of traditional voyages across the Drake Passage and Fly-Sail cruises into Antarctica offer plenty of flexibility when it comes to finding the ideal departure.
What Swoop travellers think about Quark Expeditions
Quark Expeditions trips scored 4.6/5 from 305 reviews
Swoop's trips with Quark Expeditions
Price Match Promise - We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip
Quark Expeditions' ships
World Explorer
This ship sets the bar high with a sleek design, fast average cruising speed of 16 knots, spacious cabins and a unique glass-domed observation lounge.
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Ocean Explorer
Custom-engineered for polar voyages, this sleek 138 passenger ship benefits from cutting edge design and advanced nautical technology.
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World Voyager
Sleek and swift, World Voyager is a purpose-built polar powerhouse. The glass-domed observation lounge offers front row seats to Antarctica, while the dedicated science centre …
Discover MoreSwoop works with every major Antarctic operator
Swoop’s unrivalled network of trusted partners across the polar fleet make it easy to find your dream Antarctic adventure.
Our expertise means we can offer impartial advice on which operator, ship, and departure is best for you.
And our Price Match Promise means that we’ll always match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip.
Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?
1. Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2. Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3. Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
