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

Swoop Says background image

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. 

Quark Expeditions logo

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

The professionalism of the entire Quark team is evident as well as their effort to ensure that everyone has a wonderful experience. The zodiac drivers are very experienced and at all times they made us feel very safe. They are also good nature guides: very generous with their time and sharing their knowledge with the group. I am a naturalist guide myself and I know well the effort and commitment that this requires. The staff is very well balanced to meet the needs and expectations of a diverse group of people.

Travelled: January 2031

Virginia De Francesco - Argentina

10/10 - Quark were excellent, the expedition team and the crew and hospitality team were incredible. It was the perfect trip for us. And their dedication shone through.

Travelled: November 2025

Susan Quelch - UK

The staff and crew were top notch. The expedition team was outstanding. Their knowledge and expertise was amazing. I learned so much from all of them.

Travelled: November 2025

Bonnie Dinkel - USA

The Quark team led by Sarah knew what they were doing. Read the full review

Travelled: March 2025

Naga Ganesh Kumar Vijayarangam - UK

The expedition team were incredibly knowledgeable! They shared information not only in the zodiac boats, but also on the ship during lectures. Answered all our questions and their passion for Antarctica and the wildlife was evident! Read the full review

Travelled: March 2025

Kimberly Cox - USA

Without exception, the expedition staff could not have been better. The presentations were also very informative and interesting. Read the full review

Travelled: March 2025

Anna 'Pamela' Stage - USA

The team on Quark was exceptional and the knowledge transfer was appreciated. Top notch team! Read the full review

Travelled: February 2025

Lisa Duncan - USA

Great company with lots of experience. Lovely ship. Excellent organisation. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2025

Jacqueline (Jakki) Faccenda - UK

The expedition team were simply the best, sharing knowledge, experiences, stories, and interactions which was a pleasant surprise also sharing meals, felt extra special. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2025

Caitlyn Margaret Madden - Ireland

They were all so knowledgeable and friendly. Always answering your questions and getting to know many of us by name. Expedition Leader Woody was exceptional and set the tone for everyone having a tremendous experience. The entire expedition team worked very well together and displayed great camaraderie. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2025

Fred Robert Armstrong - USA

Fabulous, knowledgeable, fun, safety, conscious, ecologically minded staff. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2025

Linda Mattrisch - USA

10/10 - Every detail was brilliant. The organization of the excursions, the knowledge of the area was incredible. All of the staff was top quality. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2025

Jane Black - USA

Quark provided a comfortable ship with great meals and a talented expedition team. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2025

Paul Orgren - USA

We were very impressed with Quark. This is our second trip with Quark and both were great. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2025

David Bahls - USA

Quark’s expedition team was top notch. Very knowledgeable but so accessible. We got to know them across the lunch/dinner table as well as in the bar. The lectures were very informative and added so much to the experience. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2024

Althea Schwartz - USA

10/10 - The Quark staff were excellent as well as the ship staff. Nothing was too much trouble. The Quark team were extremely knowledgeable & so enthusiastic it was infectious. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2024

Linda Burgess - UK

10/10 - The Quark teams engineered a finely tuned experience that entwined the display of and interaction with the Antarctic with the social comfort of a really well run, fabulously fed, summer camp. Pretty close to flawless. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2024

Barbara Powell - USA

10/10 - The team created a community. Then educated us, at a remarkable level, on the adventures we were having. Setting foot on the snowy and icy land with its native inhabitants, decorated by icebergs float, were crowning moments. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2024

David Allen - USA

Quark's organization of the expedition was outstanding from start to finish. Staff, crew and research experts were top-notch and we felt safe and well-cared for throughout. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

Jennifer Webb - Canada

The expedition team were all friendly and helpful. The expedition leader, Shane, and the ship captain were outstanding in optimizing our experience in relation to the unpredictable weather. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2024

Janice Lo - USA

A professional and reliable operator. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2024

Gidon Morein - Israel

If you stopped to ask the expedition team a question, they would always give you their full attention no matter what. Very knowledgable. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2024

Cynthia Hauke - USA

10/10 - Very well organized and executed. Quark worked hard to make the experience meaningful, and safe. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2024

Ordean Oskvig - USA

Quark Expeditions was the best thing to happen to us! The whole team was extremely professional and all the guides impressed us with their knowledge! So well organised! Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Szilvia Uszkai - UK

I can't say enough good things about the team!! I think they all took "happy pills" -- always so upbeat. Their knowledge of the Antarctic/polar regions is impressive. The lectures they provided were informative and not boring! This just isn't a job for them, this is their LIFE! Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Juanita Chase - USA

The Quark expedition team was fabulous. They were energetic, friendly and helpful. Enjoyed having dinner with a number of team members and it was fascinating to hear of the adventures that led them to being expedition team members. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Scott Burbank - USA

The team is marvellous, so passionate and professional with what they are doing. I like the fact that they are enjoying the excursions as much as we do. Even our mood got influenced by their passion and love of the marine world there. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Helen Chan - Hong Kong

10/10 - Expedition team and entire staff and crew made me feel so welcome and excited. They exceeded my expectations for what to anticipate on this trip, especially because I went solo. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Dianne Salcedo - USA

No matter how bad the weather is, the staff of Quark Adventures still do their best to create conditions to take everyone to travel and explore under the premise of ensuring safety! Read the full review

Travelled: November 2023

Liu Haibin - China

10/10 - The quality of the ship, the crew and the expeditions. The leader, Ashley Perrin, was phenomenal from the first day throughout. She arranged unique and varied visits for us and the rest of the expedition staff was not only knowledgable but able to communicate their knowledge well. I enjoyed the Citizen Science sessions and every expedition. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Marjorie Robfogel - USA

The expedition team were very friendly, approachable and knowledgeable. All the lectures were interesting, my particular favourites were about the Antarctic history. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2022

Victoria Overland - Switzerland

Swoop's trips with Quark Expeditions

Price Match Promise - We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip

Quark Expeditions' ships

Ultramarine Antarctic vessel in Antarctica

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.

Discover More
World Explorer Ship

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. 

Discover More
The Antarctic ship the Ocean Explorer and two large icebergs

Ocean Explorer

Custom-engineered for polar voyages, this sleek 138 passenger ship benefits from cutting edge design and advanced nautical technology. 

Discover More
The Antarctic World Voyager ship

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 More

Swoop 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.

Discover all Swoop's Antarctic partners

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.