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
About Quark Expeditions
- Registered in Seattle, USA
- Operated in Antarctica since 1992
- One of the most longstanding and respected polar operators in the business
- Number of ships: 3
- Length of partnership with Swoop: Since 2015
What our customers think about Quark Expeditions
Review:
What makes Quark Expeditions special?
- Quark are the market-leading polar operator. In Antarctica’s challenging environment, destination knowledge counts for everything and they’ve been setting the standard for the rest of the industry for over 30 years
- They remain true to their pioneering roots by continuing to specialise in delivering exceptional expeditionary-style voyages, enabling guests to experience Antarctica up close and personal, optimising their time off ship
- Committed to ensuring the highest standards of guiding to enrich every guest’s experience, Quark was the first polar company to establish their own guiding school. Their expedition staff to guest ratio remains the lowest in the business
- They offer a wider choice of optional adventure activities than almost any other Antarctic operator, making them a great choice for active travellers. They introduced stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) in Antarctic waters
- Like Swoop, Quark takes their responsibility for helping to protect Antarctica’s fragile environment seriously and are committed to environmentally responsible tourism
- Over the years we’ve received literally hundreds of glowing reviews from Swoop customers who have travelled with Quark, giving us full confidence that you're in the very best hands
Alex says
The strength of the Swoop-Quark partnership pivots around our shared values, mutual respect and deep trust after many years working together, with Quark always delivering the best possible Antarctic experience for our guests.
Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Antarctica
Fun facts about Quark Expeditions
- Quark cemented their pioneering roots in 1991 by taking the first group of guests to the North Pole
- Alex, our Head of Swoop Antarctica, has partnered with Quark since 2004 when their small 50-passenger ex-Russian working ships were the modus operandi
- If you happen to pass through Quark’s main Toronto office on a Friday afternoon, you might be lucky enough to be invited to their Happy Hour
Quark Expeditions' ships
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
Ocean Adventurer
Refurbished for 128 guests in 2017 and with a stunning history of polar exploration, this is one of the Grand Dames of Antarctica.
Discover More
Ocean Explorer
Custom-engineered for polar voyages, this sleek 138 passenger ship benefits from cutting edge design and advanced nautical technology.
Discover More
Swoop says
Swoop’s collective knowledge and experience of working closely with Quark extends back to 2004. As such, there are very few agents who know the company and their trips and ships better and in more detail than we do.
Why our customers love Swoop
The Antarctic Experts.
No Compromises
Our team has visited Antarctica over 150 times and has 100 collective years of polar experience, so from which trip is right for you to what shoes to bring - there’s no question we can’t answer.
Expert impartial advice at no extra cost
Choosing the right voyage is complicated, Swoop makes it easy. We offer no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships to find you the right trip, cabin, price - and we don’t charge a fee.
The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist
We want to protect Antarctica for future generations - which is why we became a certified B Corp and set up our own conservation fund. So your adventures can be a force for good.
A full concierge service, unlike booking direct
We leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip and have over 6500 happy travellers to show for it. With a dedicated Antarctic co-ordinator & support throughout - you’re in safe hands.
Meet Quark's Expedition Team
The calibre of Quark's onboard expedition staff remains one of their superpowers. They have an outstanding stable of loyal expedition team members, as well as:
- A Quark Academy dedicated to training their guides to the highest standards
- An expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:6 – the lowest among their competitors, leading the market in this respect
- An international mix of nationalities, bringing a vibrant melting pot of perspectives and experience
A few key members you may meet on your voyage
Fabrice Genevois – Expedition Guide & Biologist
- An ornithology expert with a particular interest in the wildlife of the polar regions
- Has worked as a field guide and lecturer for Quark since the early '90s
- Led trips to the Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea and the Ross Sea in Antarctica
- Wrote “The Wildlife of the Polar Regions” and has published two illustrated books on Seabird Biology and Ecology
Torre Stockard – Marine Biologist
- Earned her PhD in Marine Biology from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography
- Spent six seasons studying emperor penguins in a camp known as “Penguin Ranch”
- Has worked as a naturalist on Antarctic cruises since 2007
- Met her husband in Antarctica and now lives with him in Washington State
Bob Headland – Historian
- Educates travellers on the history of polar exploration in the Arctic and Antarctica
- A senior associate of the University of Cambridge's Scott Polar Research Institute
- Acts as an advisor to expeditionary organisations and government departments
- Presented with the Polar Medal in 1984
- Has worked on conserving historical huts and related sites in both polar regions
What our customers think about Quark's guides
Review:
Swoop offer the following Quark trips
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
4.8 out of 5
Antarctic Explorer
The great strength of this trip is choice – a wide selection of departure dates and optional adventure activities available on a sleek purpose-built 138 passenger expedition ship. Spend four full days exploring Antarctica. Enjoy daily shore landings and zodiac…
- 11 Days
- $13,676
4.9 out of 5
Antarctic Explorer in Style
For adventurers prioritising real comfort and ease of travel, this is a great option. Journey in style aboard a state-of-the-art expedition ship, with heli-sightseeing available on select departures for a unique bird's-eye view of Antarctica. Plus, the comprehensive transfer package…
- 11-12 Days
- $15,046
An epic 23-day voyage which packs in an astonishing 7 days in Antarctica, 4 days in wildlife-rich South Georgia and the Antarctic Circle at 66 degrees south. It's very rare to find a trip combining all three places. Limited departure…
- 23 Days
- $41,736
5 out of 5
Antarctic Circle Odyssey
Sail south to the iconic Polar Circle for 7 full days exploring the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula as part of an epic 14-day adventure. Pre-voyage hotel night in Ushuaia and a 3-in-1 parka jacket are included. An optional one-off…
- 14 Days
- $18,796
Journey beyond the Antarctic Circle in real comfort aboard a state-of-the-art expedition ship. Spend an extended period of 7 action-packed days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. Attractive comprehensive transfer package from Buenos Aires available on select departures. Wide choice of optional…
- 14 Days
- $17,031
Voyage south in Shackleton’s footsteps, exploring the Southern Ocean's highlights as part of this expansive 20-day adventure. A well-balanced itinerary gives plenty of time in each jaw-dropping location. Explore from the comfort of your sleek purpose-built expedition ship, accompanied by…
- 20 Days
- $26,716
4.7 out of 5
Antarctic Fly & Cruise Safari
If you’re keen to fly to Antarctica instead of sailing, this 8-day trip is ideal, with a choice of dates in December and January. Travel on outstanding modern expedition ships with a maximum of 140 passengers. Active adventurers can enjoy…
- 8 Days
- $16,145
4.7 out of 5
Fly & Cruise Polar Circle
This impressive voyage combines all the comfort and speed of flying in both directions with extended time in Antarctica (7 full days), allowing you to head south towards the remote Antarctic Circle. Explore from the comfort of your outstanding purpose-built…
- 10 Days
- $23,996
