I must say that I was a bit nervous having never done anything so different from the usual beach sunbathing type of holiday. My trepidation lasted for about 10 minutes, until we met Laurie,
Emily, Jamie, Luis, Vladimir,
Milton, Jeremy, Art and
the rest of your team.
S. F. & R. M., Canada
Find Your Answers Here
If you are new to expedition travel you may have some questions about what to expect and about the places you’ll explore, the people you’ll meet, and the activities in which you will engage. You’ll find some of the answers here. If you don’t find answers to some of your questions, please e-mail your question to our polar professionals.
What You Can Expect
People
People who choose expedition travel are drawn to wilderness areas and the wildlife that inhabits them. They are seekers of insights into the natural world. They often display an interest in the past accomplishments of humankind. All our travelers enjoy adventure and the thrill of discovery.
Places
Quark Expeditions is the polar specialist. We operate expeditions by vessel to the Arctic and Antarctica. The Arctic is a land of mountains and vast expanses, with unique wildlife such as polar bears and walrus. The Antarctic is a land of ice-encrusted mountains, inhabited by penguins. Icebergs are found at both ends of the Earth. Both are habitats for whales and seabirds. Haunting silence is another common element.
Activity Levels
On every voyage we try to offer a variety of levels of activity, from relaxed strolls to hikes that require a degree of endurance. However, the remote locations to which we travel seldom provide smooth terrain over which to walk. The ability to walk unassisted will ensure that you get the most out of the experience.
How to Narrow Your Choice.
Decide on a Region
When choosing a Quark Expeditions voyage, you can narrow your selection by choosing one of the two polar regions either the Arctic or Antarctic. In both regions we offer expeditions to specific areas such as the Canadian Arctic, the North Pole, the Antarctic Peninsula or the Ross Sea.
Decide on the time of year
Arctic expeditions are offered between June and September. They coincide with the region’s summer. Antarctic voyages are offered between October and March, during the austral spring and summer.
Decide on the duration
The length of an expedition can range from 10 days to more than a month. The average length is about two weeks.
Allocate a budget.
Our prices vary based on choice of ship, cabin category and duration of the expedition. A rule of thumb is that the shorter the voyage the lower the cost. However icebreaker expeditions regardless of duration will cost more because of the complexity of the operation. For example, the ships carry helicopters for sightseeing and transfers to remote landing sites, which add to the experience, but also to the cost. All prices listed are per person.
Decide on the style of ship and cabin
In the Arctic, our expeditions are aboard icebreakers. They allow us to explore farther north than expeditions conducted on regular vessels. The onboard helicopters and Zodiacs enable shore landings in remote locations.
In the Antarctic, we offer three styles of ship: Icebreaker, Adventure, and Expedition ships. Our Antarctic Icebreaker Expeditions deliver ultimate Antarctica. You will venture where few have traveled. Our Adventure Ships are for active travelers who prefer to journey in small groups. Our Expedition Ships deliver softer adventures spiked with adrenalin.
Cabins are chosen based on required occupancy, desired amenities and by the deck on which the cabin is located. All our ships have cabins with outside views. Comparing deck plans helps to understand the differences among styles of ships.
