Achieve the rare feat of crossing the Antarctic Circle on this 14-day “Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition (Ocean Explorer)” cruise, beginning and ending in Ushuaia. Witness dramatic ice formations, spot playful penguins, and watch whales surface beside your ship as you venture south of 66°33' S. Zodiac excursions bring you even closer to this pristine world, while expert-led talks and unique photo opportunities ensure a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The tour’s hallmark is its exclusive route—crossing into the Antarctic Circle, a milestone few travelers ever reach.
Spitsbergen, Greenland, and Iceland—all in one seamless journey. The Three Arctic Islands: Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland (Southbound) tour is a relaxed, 15-day polar expedition that begins in Helsinki and concludes in Reykjavik. Marvel at the stark beauty of the Svalbard Archipelago, drift past Greenland’s vast fjords and glacial walls, and cross the Denmark Strait to Iceland’s rugged shores.
This guided group adventure is accessible to travelers of all ages and fitness levels, featuring educational presentations on polar history and wildlife, plus Zodiac excursions for up-close wildlife spotting. The tour’s unique selling point is its rare opportunity to traverse three Arctic nations in a single voyage, allowing guests to witness immense icebergs, rare seabirds, and the enduring spirit of Arctic exploration—all while enjoying the comfort of a modern expedition ship.
Embrace the icy allure of the Arctic on the "Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway"—a ten-day polar expedition cruise round-trip from Helsinki. Discover Spitsbergen’s wild, unspoiled landscapes, where polar bears, walruses, and seabird colonies thrive.
Stroll the flowering tundra at the base of the 14th of July Glacier, explore the dramatic cliffs of Alkefjellet, and step back in time at the abandoned whaling sites of Smeerenburg. Along the rugged western coast, untouched fjords and shifting shades of ice await your discovery.
The tour’s unique highlight? A rich blend of Arctic history, geology, and breathtaking wildlife encounters—offering an immersive perspective on one of the world’s most remote and captivating environments.
The genesis for this adventure dates to November 24, 2003, the day Quark Expeditions became the first operator to successfully lead a total solar eclipse voyage in remote Antarctica.
On that day, we provided 100 people, from 17 different nations, the experience of becoming the first-ever humans to witness a total solar eclipse in Antarctica. Now we’ve decided to achieve a comparable feat in the Arctic. However, with innovation as our DNA, we set out to make it distinct from any other eclipse-viewing experience in the industry.
We’ve assembled a taskforce of eclipse experts, a meteorologist and members of our Expedition Team to research the geography, terrain, angles of the sun, and Arctic weather patterns to prepare for one of the rarest experiences on the planet – observing a total solar eclipse in the High Arctic.
In addition, you’ll discover the natural wonders of the Westfjords – the unsung wonder of West Iceland. Our journey also takes us into the immense Northeast Greenland National Park, where we cruise the 70mi (110km) King Oscar Fjord. You’ll also get to unleash your inner adventurer on thrilling heli-flightseeing adventures over remote Greenland on Ultramarine’s state-of-the-art helicopters.
Special Guests
David Baron: The veteran science journalist, broadcaster and umbraphile – who has witnessed nine total solar eclipses across the globe – is also the author of the award-winning American Eclipse: A Nation’s Epic Race to Catch the Shadow of the Moon and Win the Glory of the World. Baron has travelled to every continent and more than 50 countries for work and pleasure.
Michael Zeiler: The highly respected author, geographer and eclipse cartographer is a member of the International Astronomical Union Working Group on Solar Eclipses – with an asteroid named in his honour. Zeiler has been witnessing solar eclipses since 1991 and was among the first to develop eclipse maps online.
Patagonia’s wild wonders await on the Essential Patagonia: Fjords & Torres del Paine expedition, a 15-day journey from Buenos Aires to Santiago. Designed for experienced travelers seeking an easy yet enriching adventure, this guided trip weaves through Argentina and Chile’s breathtaking landscapes, including the renowned Torres del Paine National Park, Isla Marta, and majestic southern fjords.
Traverse dramatic coastlines via Zodiac cruises and soar over pristine terrain on a helicopter flightseeing excursion—experiences that reveal Patagonia’s untouched beauty from every angle. Encounter Magellanic penguins, South American sea lions, and the elusive Southern Elephant seal as you explore blue-hued tidewater glaciers and remote wilderness.
This tour’s unique selling point is its immersive blend of wildlife-rich expeditions and exclusive vantage points, allowing you to retrace Charles Darwin’s legendary footsteps in complete comfort. With all logistics—accommodation, meals, and transfers—expertly arranged, you’re free to soak in the splendor of Patagonia’s fjords and national parks on this once-in-a-lifetime polar adventure.
Buenos Aires, Santiago, Torres del Paine National Park, Isla Marta, Ushuaia, Cape Horn, Diego Ramírez Islands, Garibaldi Glacier, Águila Glacier, Puerto Natales
Chase the extraordinary across Iceland’s Vestfjords and Greenland’s untamed northeast coast on the "Under the Northern Lights: Exploring Iceland & East Greenland" tour. Crafted for experienced travelers seeking insight and comfort, this 11-day guided polar expedition and cruise begins and ends in Reykjavik, inviting you into a world of towering fjords and remote Arctic wilderness. Navigate through the world’s largest fjord system, observe iconic arctic wildlife, and stand in awe of massive icebergs and dramatic bird cliffs. A highlight for many is the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights painting the night sky—a spectacle that draws adventurers from around the globe.
Beyond the landscapes, immerse yourself in Inuit culture at Ittoqqortoormiit, explore ancient Thule sites, and gain firsthand appreciation for the region’s rich history and traditions. With expert guides leading the way and all accommodations, meals, and transport included, this easy-paced expedition ensures comfort without sacrificing discovery. The unique selling point of this tour package lies in its rare access to both cultural encounters and raw, untouched arctic scenery, making it an unforgettable journey for those who crave both adventure and meaningful connection.
Winding your way through the icy channels of the legendary Northwest Passage is history brought to life. On this compelling 17-day journey aboard our new vessel, Ultramarine, passengers retrace the steps of the intrepid Franklin Expedition, which left the shores of England in 1845 in search of the last unexplored section of the Northwest Passage—only to become permanently icebound. Its discovery more than a century and a half later was a much-celebrated moment in Polar history.
On Ultramarine, guests benefit from two twin-engine helicopters that will provide spectacular aerial views of the Arctic landscape, the most extensive portfolio of adventure options in the industry, more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than any other expedition ship its size, and 20 quick-launching Zodiacs to get you closer to ancient glaciers, dramatic fjords and towering icebergs. Explore colourful Greenlandic villages, and shop for traditional Inuit handicrafts. Hike the endless Arctic backdrop and marvel at the vast, colourful tundra. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive and majestic creatures that make their home in this wilderness, such as whales, walrus, Musk ox and Polar bears. Come aboard Ultramarine, follow in the footsteps of Franklin’s legendary Arctic voyage, and return home with memories to last a lifetime.
Imagine gazing out the airplane window for your first unforgettable view of Antarctica’s icy expanse. The Antarctic Express: Fly South, Cruise North tour offers experienced travelers the rare opportunity to bypass the lengthy sea crossing with a three-hour flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, landing you directly on the White Continent. Your polar expedition continues by ship—delivering you to the heart of Antarctica’s dramatic wilderness, teeming with playful penguins, curious seals, and breathtaking vistas. On the return, sail across the legendary Drake Passage, retracing the footsteps of intrepid explorers and soaking in the thrill of this historic route. Each day promises new surprises, from unique wildlife encounters to awe-inspiring natural wonders. This guided group tour includes comfortable accommodations, meals, and seamless transport, ensuring you can fully immerse yourself in the adventure. The standout feature: experiencing Antarctica’s grandeur both from the air and the sea, combining efficiency with the unparalleled excitement of a full polar exploration trip.
Opportunities to witness a total solar eclipse are rare. Your chances of experiencing one in the Arctic—from the deck of a polar ship—are even more rare considering the last total solar eclipse north of the Arctic Circle occurred in 2015. The next will take place on August 12, 2026.To satisfy the demand of eclipse-watchers, this longer voyage has been introduced on one of Quark's newest ships, Ocean Explorer. Covering 2,200 nautical miles in total—this expedition features your bucket-list eclipse adventure, time to explore Northeast and South Greenland, plus you get to check off two of the world’s northernmost capital cities: the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik (64°08′ north), where you’ll have time to explore, and Nuuk, Greenland (64°11′ north), where we disembark for our charter flight back to Reykjavik.
World-renown eclipse-cartographer Michael Zeiler will be onboard to deepen your understanding of eclipse-viewing, observational astronomy and celestial mechanics. Of course, you’ll also get to witness waterfalls, towering cliffs and remote fishing villages in the Westfjords, a hidden gem of Iceland, as well as icebergs, wilderness areas, glaciers, and the deep fjords of Greenland.
Special guest Michael Zeiler: The highly respected author, geographer and eclipse cartographer is a member of the International Astronomical Union Working Group on Solar Eclipses – with an asteroid named in his honour. Zeiler has been witnessing solar eclipses since 1991 and was among the first to develop eclipse maps online.
Circle Iceland in style with the "Iceland Circumnavigation: Helicopters, Glaciers And Volcanoes" tour—a 12-day guided expedition for experienced travelers seeking to truly see it all. Starting and ending in Reykjavik, this journey takes you far beyond the typical tourist trails. Marvel at thunderous waterfalls, towering sea cliffs, erupting geysers, and shimmering glaciers, while visiting fishing villages and wild, remote coasts.
Travel by small polar ship, Zodiac, coach, kayak, and even helicopter, ensuring access to Iceland’s hidden gems and spectacular vistas unreachable by road. The trip’s unique selling point is its complete circumnavigation of Iceland—an immersive, innovative way to discover the country’s main attractions and secret corners alike. For those longing to experience the full spectrum of Iceland’s natural wonders, this tour is truly unmatched.
