Quark Expeditions

Story

In August 1991, Quark Expeditions makes history when co-founders Lars Wikander and Mike McDowell lead the first-ever group of travelers to the North Pole aboard the nuclear-powered icebreaker Sovetskiy Soyuz, traversing the historic Northeast Passage. In December 1991, Quark Expeditions charters the first series of oceanographic research vessels specially converted for adventure travel, marking a new era in polar exploration. In November 1993, guests retrace the legendary voyage of Sir Ernest Shackleton's Endurance for the first time. In November 1996, Quark Expeditions launches the world's first commercial circumnavigation of Antarctica. In July 1999, the company completes its first passenger circumnavigation of the Arctic Ocean. In November 2003, Quark Expeditions passengers become the first people to witness a total solar eclipse in Antarctica. In November 2004, the company conducts the first ground visit to the remote Snow Hill Emperor penguin colony. In March 2006, Quark Expeditions surpasses Roald Amundsen's nearly 100-year-old record by reaching the most southerly latitude ever attained by a vessel. In June 2008, the company launches its maiden voyage to the North Pole aboard the nuclear icebreaker 50 Years of Victory, then the world's most powerful icebreaker. In April 2011, the Three Arctic Islands itinerary earns recognition as one of National Geographic Traveler's 50 Tours of a Lifetime. In June 2012, Quark Expeditions becomes the first tour operator to successfully offer hot-air ballooning at the North Pole. In February 2013, the company hosts Jonathan Shackleton, cousin of Ernest Shackleton, and Falcon Scott, grandson of Robert Falcon Scott, as they walk and camp on Antarctica. In October 2017, Quark Expeditions launches the Quark Academy, the expedition cruise industry's first dedicated training program for expedition team members. In April 2019, the company introduces its official sustainability policy, setting a comprehensive benchmark for the polar expedition industry. In December 2021, Ultramarine begins its inaugural voyage with a celebration honoring the life of polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. In July 2022, guests experience flights over the polar regions aboard Ultramarine's twin-engine helicopters for the first time, and the company also introduces the first Tundra to Table: Inuit Culinary Experience, featuring local chefs on voyages to Greenland. In November 2023, Quark Expeditions returns to Snow Hill with two successful landings at the renowned Emperor penguin colony. In August 2024, the company receives the Virtuoso Travel Award for Best Expedition Cruise Line. In October 2024, Quark Expeditions expands its Arctic portfolio to include Iceland. In November 2024, the state-of-the-art Ocean Explorer joins the fleet, and in January 2025, Quark Expeditions announces the addition of another expedition ship, World Voyager.

Mission

Quark Expeditions delivers exceptional small-ship expeditions exclusively to the Arctic and Antarctic, combining award-winning vessels, experienced polar experts, and innovative exploration opportunities. You enjoy more time off the ship, more ways to explore through activities such as kayaking, hiking, camping, Zodiac cruising, helicopter flights, biking, photography, and cultural experiences, and deeper connections with the remarkable landscapes and wildlife of the polar regions.

Vision

Quark Expeditions inspires you to discover the beauty of the Arctic and Antarctic through safe, immersive, and pioneering polar expeditions. By continuously advancing expedition technology, expanding exploration opportunities, supporting sustainability, and relying on one of the industry's most experienced expedition teams, Quark Expeditions strives to remain the global leader in polar exploration while helping protect these extraordinary environments for future generations.

Quark Expeditions is committed to conservation and community by partnering with scientists, conservation organizations, and local communities to advance wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism. When you travel with Quark Expeditions, you help support initiatives that invest more than $2.5 million USD over three years through conservation and community partnerships and projects.

Conservation - Quark Expeditions connects you to the natural world through hands-on experiences and education.

• Advancing Polar Research – Every year, Quark Expeditions provides researchers with access to remote areas, advancing data on polar wildlife and ecosystems while enriching your onboard education. In the past year alone, the company invested $440,000 in in-kind berths.
• Supporting Polar Conservation – Through onboard auctions and direct contributions, Quark Expeditions helps fund conservation organizations such as Blue Marine Foundation, Penguin Watch, South Georgia Heritage Trust, and others. In 2024, Quark Expeditions and its guests donated $215,000 toward polar research and conservation.
• Proud Members of Industry Associations – Quark Expeditions actively contributes to organizations that govern responsible tourism in the polar regions by serving on 30 committees and working groups for IAATO, AECO, CLIA, and Travel Nunavut.

Community - Quark Expeditions delivers authentic experiences that benefit local partners and the communities you visit.

• Partnering with Local Organizations – Quark Expeditions partners with local organizations to create experiences that connect you with communities and their traditions. The Tundra to Table dining experience has been featured in National Geographic, Smithsonian, Afar, and other publications, introducing more than 10 million people to Igapall and Greenlandic cuisine.
• Supporting Community Programs – Quark Expeditions works with Arctic communities to support economic development and sustainable tourism. Through local guide placement, the company contributed more than $200,000 USD to community programming in 2024.
• Investing in Communities – Through onboard auctions and program proceeds, Quark Expeditions helps fund cultural infrastructure, community-led food banks, and culturally and linguistically relevant programs. In the past year, Quark Expeditions and its guests donated $80,000 to community and education initiatives.

Land Acknowledgement

Quark Expeditions acknowledges and affirms the Articles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and recognizes the inherent rights and historical territories of Indigenous Peoples. The company's office is located in the Toronto region, the traditional territory of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. This land is covered by Treaty 13, signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties, signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands.

The Arctic, subarctic, and coastal regions of southern South America visited by Quark Expeditions are the traditional homelands of many Indigenous Peoples, including the Inuit within Inuit Nunangat, the Inuit of Kalaallit Nunaat, and the Yagán and Selk'nam peoples of present-day Patagonia. These regions have complex colonial histories that continue to provide important opportunities for learning and understanding.

Quark Expeditions expresses gratitude and respect for the enduring wisdom and stewardship of Indigenous Peoples. The company honors the ancestors who cared for these lands and the present-day guardians who continue to protect the ecosystems, historical sites, and sacred places you have the privilege to visit. Quark Expeditions recognizes that reconciliation is an ongoing process and remains committed to partnering with and learning from Indigenous communities to ensure every visit is respectful and contributes positively to their lands and cultures. By recognizing that connections to land, history, language, and culture are essential to identity, Quark Expeditions also encourages you to learn more about the Indigenous peoples whose traditional territories you explore.