Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic
QUARKOEX20260831HOL

Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic

Departure 31 Aug 2026
Duration 16 Nights
Cruise Line Quark Expeditions
Ship Ocean Explorer

Featured Cabins

0800 059 0570

Itinerary

Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Date of arrival 31 Aug 2026
Your Arctic expedition begins in Calgary. Explore this vibrant Western Canadian city—much celebrated for its cowboy culture and Prairie hospitality—on your own before spending the night at your hotel, which is included in the Charter Flight & Hotel Package.
Calgary, Alberta

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Date of arrival 1 Sep 2026
After an early breakfast at the hotel, guests will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the harbor for the Zodiac shuttle to your awaiting ship. After a late-afternoon embarkation, we will set sail for the stunning Arctic wilderness.
Calgary, Alberta

At Sea

Date of arrival 2 Sep 2026
As we make our way across the Davis Strait, your Expedition Team will offer a series of polar presentations that set the stage for the adventures ahead. You’ll learn about the storied history of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology and ecology. Our team will also keep a lookout for seabirds soaring above your ship, as well as whales that pass through these waters.

Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada

Date of arrival 3 Sep 2026
The Inuktitut name for Baffin Island, the fifth-largest island in the world, is Qikiqtaaluk, and it has been home to Inuit for the last thousand years. The island was named after William Baffin, who explored the area in the early 17th century in search of the fabled Northwest Passage. Your days sailing along the island’s eastern coast will be determined by weather and ice conditions, with each day and each landing presenting new adventures. Some of our favorite destinations include Qikiqtarjuaq and Sam Ford Fjord. Expect to see towering mountains, deep fjords, colorful tundra, and Inuit settlements. The Inuit community of Qikiqtarjuaq (which means “the big island” in Inuktitut) is located just north of the Arctic Circle, on Broughton Island. Fondly called Qik by locals, the welcoming hamlet offers a superb vantage point of the Davis Strait. You’ll also have a chance to support local Inuit artisans by purchasing unique artwork, crafts and jewelry. Well inside the Arctic Circle, Sam Ford Fjord is a standout Arctic adventure destination on Baffin Island’s northeast coast, and one of the world’s most spectacular big-wall playgrounds. A traditional Inuit hunting area, the fjord is a study in contrasts: sheer granite cliffs seem to rise straight up from the ocean below, reaching up to 457 meters (1,500 feet) above sea level. If weather conditions permit, this region offers fabulous Zodiac cruising, sea kayaking and paddling as well as opportunities to go ashore. With a bit of luck, we may see Arctic fox onshore, and we’ll keep our eyes peeled for polar bears during our off-shore excursions. Cruising the f jord in a Zodiac is a striking reminder of just how small we are. Winding along a 110- kilometer (68-mile) path, Sam Ford Fjord narrows to less than 3 kilometers (2 miles) wide as it meanders farther inland.
Baffin Island, Nunavut

Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada

Date of arrival 4 Sep 2026
The Inuktitut name for Baffin Island, the fifth-largest island in the world, is Qikiqtaaluk, and it has been home to Inuit for the last thousand years. The island was named after William Baffin, who explored the area in the early 17th century in search of the fabled Northwest Passage. Your days sailing along the island’s eastern coast will be determined by weather and ice conditions, with each day and each landing presenting new adventures. Some of our favorite destinations include Qikiqtarjuaq and Sam Ford Fjord. Expect to see towering mountains, deep fjords, colorful tundra, and Inuit settlements. The Inuit community of Qikiqtarjuaq (which means “the big island” in Inuktitut) is located just north of the Arctic Circle, on Broughton Island. Fondly called Qik by locals, the welcoming hamlet offers a superb vantage point of the Davis Strait. You’ll also have a chance to support local Inuit artisans by purchasing unique artwork, crafts and jewelry. Well inside the Arctic Circle, Sam Ford Fjord is a standout Arctic adventure destination on Baffin Island’s northeast coast, and one of the world’s most spectacular big-wall playgrounds. A traditional Inuit hunting area, the fjord is a study in contrasts: sheer granite cliffs seem to rise straight up from the ocean below, reaching up to 457 meters (1,500 feet) above sea level. If weather conditions permit, this region offers fabulous Zodiac cruising, sea kayaking and paddling as well as opportunities to go ashore. With a bit of luck, we may see Arctic fox onshore, and we’ll keep our eyes peeled for polar bears during our off-shore excursions. Cruising the f jord in a Zodiac is a striking reminder of just how small we are. Winding along a 110- kilometer (68-mile) path, Sam Ford Fjord narrows to less than 3 kilometers (2 miles) wide as it meanders farther inland.
Baffin Island, Nunavut

At Sea

Date of arrival 5 Sep 2026
As our ship sails farther north, you can take advantage of the onboard amenities, deepen your knowledge of the Arctic by attending another polar presentation, sip a cocktail in the bar, watch a documentary film or join your Expedition Team on the bridge as they scan for wildlife—there is no shortage of activities while at sea.

Lancaster Sound, Tallurutiup Imanga National Park, Nunavut, Canada

Date of arrival 6 Sep 2026
Lancaster Sound (Tallurutiup Imanga), the gateway to the Northwest Passage, is one of the richest marine habitats in the Arctic. With open-water areas that remain ice-free year-round, it is an important summer feeding area for whales and other marine wildlife. We’ll spend our days exploring several beautiful bays and inlets, visiting historical sites, enjoying Zodiac cruises and searching for such iconic wildlife as walruses, seals and, of course, whales. Polar bear sightings are possible too. If you’re fortunate, you may even spot the elusive narwhal. There may be a possibility for a shore visit at Radstock Bay, the location of one of the most impressive ancient Thule sites in the Arctic. Exploring the well-preserved remains of the subterranean houses, including the whale bones used as supports for the dwellings, will give you an understanding of how these Paleo-Inuit thrived in the Far North. We will attempt to land at Beechey Island, a National Historic Site of Canada. Named after explorer Frederick William Beechey, the island is the final resting place of three members of Sir John Franklin’s 1845-46 expedition to find the Northwest Passage. The graves, on a desolate rocky raised beach, were discovered in 1850 by a search party looking for signs of the ill-fated expedition. Predominantly covered in glaciers and ice fields, Coburg Island and its surrounding waters comprise the Nirjutiqavvik National Wildlife Area. The island’s steep coastal cliffs are an ideal habitat for hundreds of thousands of nesting seabirds such as Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres), black legged kittiwakes, northern fulmars and black guillemots
Day 1

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Date of arrival 31 Aug 2026
Your Arctic expedition begins in Calgary. Explore this vibrant Western Canadian city—much celebrated for its cowboy culture and Prairie hospitality—on your own before spending the night at your hotel, which is included in the Charter Flight & Hotel Package.
Calgary, Alberta
Day 2

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Date of arrival 1 Sep 2026
After an early breakfast at the hotel, guests will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the harbor for the Zodiac shuttle to your awaiting ship. After a late-afternoon embarkation, we will set sail for the stunning Arctic wilderness.
Calgary, Alberta
Day 3

At Sea

Date of arrival 2 Sep 2026
As we make our way across the Davis Strait, your Expedition Team will offer a series of polar presentations that set the stage for the adventures ahead. You’ll learn about the storied history of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology and ecology. Our team will also keep a lookout for seabirds soaring above your ship, as well as whales that pass through these waters.
Day 4

Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada

Date of arrival 3 Sep 2026
The Inuktitut name for Baffin Island, the fifth-largest island in the world, is Qikiqtaaluk, and it has been home to Inuit for the last thousand years. The island was named after William Baffin, who explored the area in the early 17th century in search of the fabled Northwest Passage. Your days sailing along the island’s eastern coast will be determined by weather and ice conditions, with each day and each landing presenting new adventures. Some of our favorite destinations include Qikiqtarjuaq and Sam Ford Fjord. Expect to see towering mountains, deep fjords, colorful tundra, and Inuit settlements. The Inuit community of Qikiqtarjuaq (which means “the big island” in Inuktitut) is located just north of the Arctic Circle, on Broughton Island. Fondly called Qik by locals, the welcoming hamlet offers a superb vantage point of the Davis Strait. You’ll also have a chance to support local Inuit artisans by purchasing unique artwork, crafts and jewelry. Well inside the Arctic Circle, Sam Ford Fjord is a standout Arctic adventure destination on Baffin Island’s northeast coast, and one of the world’s most spectacular big-wall playgrounds. A traditional Inuit hunting area, the fjord is a study in contrasts: sheer granite cliffs seem to rise straight up from the ocean below, reaching up to 457 meters (1,500 feet) above sea level. If weather conditions permit, this region offers fabulous Zodiac cruising, sea kayaking and paddling as well as opportunities to go ashore. With a bit of luck, we may see Arctic fox onshore, and we’ll keep our eyes peeled for polar bears during our off-shore excursions. Cruising the f jord in a Zodiac is a striking reminder of just how small we are. Winding along a 110- kilometer (68-mile) path, Sam Ford Fjord narrows to less than 3 kilometers (2 miles) wide as it meanders farther inland.
Baffin Island, Nunavut
Day 5

Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada

Date of arrival 4 Sep 2026
The Inuktitut name for Baffin Island, the fifth-largest island in the world, is Qikiqtaaluk, and it has been home to Inuit for the last thousand years. The island was named after William Baffin, who explored the area in the early 17th century in search of the fabled Northwest Passage. Your days sailing along the island’s eastern coast will be determined by weather and ice conditions, with each day and each landing presenting new adventures. Some of our favorite destinations include Qikiqtarjuaq and Sam Ford Fjord. Expect to see towering mountains, deep fjords, colorful tundra, and Inuit settlements. The Inuit community of Qikiqtarjuaq (which means “the big island” in Inuktitut) is located just north of the Arctic Circle, on Broughton Island. Fondly called Qik by locals, the welcoming hamlet offers a superb vantage point of the Davis Strait. You’ll also have a chance to support local Inuit artisans by purchasing unique artwork, crafts and jewelry. Well inside the Arctic Circle, Sam Ford Fjord is a standout Arctic adventure destination on Baffin Island’s northeast coast, and one of the world’s most spectacular big-wall playgrounds. A traditional Inuit hunting area, the fjord is a study in contrasts: sheer granite cliffs seem to rise straight up from the ocean below, reaching up to 457 meters (1,500 feet) above sea level. If weather conditions permit, this region offers fabulous Zodiac cruising, sea kayaking and paddling as well as opportunities to go ashore. With a bit of luck, we may see Arctic fox onshore, and we’ll keep our eyes peeled for polar bears during our off-shore excursions. Cruising the f jord in a Zodiac is a striking reminder of just how small we are. Winding along a 110- kilometer (68-mile) path, Sam Ford Fjord narrows to less than 3 kilometers (2 miles) wide as it meanders farther inland.
Baffin Island, Nunavut
Day 6

At Sea

Date of arrival 5 Sep 2026
As our ship sails farther north, you can take advantage of the onboard amenities, deepen your knowledge of the Arctic by attending another polar presentation, sip a cocktail in the bar, watch a documentary film or join your Expedition Team on the bridge as they scan for wildlife—there is no shortage of activities while at sea.
Day 7

Lancaster Sound, Tallurutiup Imanga National Park, Nunavut, Canada

Date of arrival 6 Sep 2026
Lancaster Sound (Tallurutiup Imanga), the gateway to the Northwest Passage, is one of the richest marine habitats in the Arctic. With open-water areas that remain ice-free year-round, it is an important summer feeding area for whales and other marine wildlife. We’ll spend our days exploring several beautiful bays and inlets, visiting historical sites, enjoying Zodiac cruises and searching for such iconic wildlife as walruses, seals and, of course, whales. Polar bear sightings are possible too. If you’re fortunate, you may even spot the elusive narwhal. There may be a possibility for a shore visit at Radstock Bay, the location of one of the most impressive ancient Thule sites in the Arctic. Exploring the well-preserved remains of the subterranean houses, including the whale bones used as supports for the dwellings, will give you an understanding of how these Paleo-Inuit thrived in the Far North. We will attempt to land at Beechey Island, a National Historic Site of Canada. Named after explorer Frederick William Beechey, the island is the final resting place of three members of Sir John Franklin’s 1845-46 expedition to find the Northwest Passage. The graves, on a desolate rocky raised beach, were discovered in 1850 by a search party looking for signs of the ill-fated expedition. Predominantly covered in glaciers and ice fields, Coburg Island and its surrounding waters comprise the Nirjutiqavvik National Wildlife Area. The island’s steep coastal cliffs are an ideal habitat for hundreds of thousands of nesting seabirds such as Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres), black legged kittiwakes, northern fulmars and black guillemots
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14

Lancaster Sound, Tallurutiup Imanga National Park, Nunavut, Canada

Date of arrival 7 Sep 2026
Lancaster Sound (Tallurutiup Imanga), the gateway to the Northwest Passage, is one of the richest marine habitats in the Arctic. With open-water areas that remain ice-free year-round, it is an important summer feeding area for whales and other marine wildlife. We’ll spend our days exploring several beautiful bays and inlets, visiting historical sites, enjoying Zodiac cruises and searching for such iconic wildlife as walruses, seals and, of course, whales. Polar bear sightings are possible too. If you’re fortunate, you may even spot the elusive narwhal. There may be a possibility for a shore visit at Radstock Bay, the location of one of the most impressive ancient Thule sites in the Arctic. Exploring the well-preserved remains of the subterranean houses, including the whale bones used as supports for the dwellings, will give you an understanding of how these Paleo-Inuit thrived in the Far North. We will attempt to land at Beechey Island, a National Historic Site of Canada. Named after explorer Frederick William Beechey, the island is the final resting place of three members of Sir John Franklin’s 1845-46 expedition to find the Northwest Passage. The graves, on a desolate rocky raised beach, were discovered in 1850 by a search party looking for signs of the ill-fated expedition. Predominantly covered in glaciers and ice fields, Coburg Island and its surrounding waters comprise the Nirjutiqavvik National Wildlife Area. The island’s steep coastal cliffs are an ideal habitat for hundreds of thousands of nesting seabirds such as Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres), black legged kittiwakes, northern fulmars and black guillemots

Lancaster Sound, Tallurutiup Imanga National Park, Nunavut, Canada

Date of arrival 8 Sep 2026
Lancaster Sound (Tallurutiup Imanga), the gateway to the Northwest Passage, is one of the richest marine habitats in the Arctic. With open-water areas that remain ice-free year-round, it is an important summer feeding area for whales and other marine wildlife. We’ll spend our days exploring several beautiful bays and inlets, visiting historical sites, enjoying Zodiac cruises and searching for such iconic wildlife as walruses, seals and, of course, whales. Polar bear sightings are possible too. If you’re fortunate, you may even spot the elusive narwhal. There may be a possibility for a shore visit at Radstock Bay, the location of one of the most impressive ancient Thule sites in the Arctic. Exploring the well-preserved remains of the subterranean houses, including the whale bones used as supports for the dwellings, will give you an understanding of how these Paleo-Inuit thrived in the Far North. We will attempt to land at Beechey Island, a National Historic Site of Canada. Named after explorer Frederick William Beechey, the island is the final resting place of three members of Sir John Franklin’s 1845-46 expedition to find the Northwest Passage. The graves, on a desolate rocky raised beach, were discovered in 1850 by a search party looking for signs of the ill-fated expedition. Predominantly covered in glaciers and ice fields, Coburg Island and its surrounding waters comprise the Nirjutiqavvik National Wildlife Area. The island’s steep coastal cliffs are an ideal habitat for hundreds of thousands of nesting seabirds such as Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres), black legged kittiwakes, northern fulmars and black guillemots

Cruising Smith Sound

Date of arrival 9 Sep 2026
Before saying goodbye to Canada, we’ll try to sail as far north as possible, exploring both sides of Smith Sound, the uninhabited passage between Ellesmere Island and Greenland.

Qaanaaq, Greenland

Date of arrival 10 Sep 2026

In AD 850, the Vikings established their parliament in Tórshavn, a name which translates as “Thor’s harbor.” It was named after Thor, the god of thunder and lightning in Norse mythology. The town became a center of trade for the island, and in fact was designated as the only legal place for the islanders to sell and buy products. This trade monopoly was abolished in 1856. Today it is the capital and largest city of the Faroe Islands, with fish-processing plants, a shipyard, and woolen products making up. It is considered to be one of the oldest capitals in Northern Europe.

At Sea

Date of arrival 11 Sep 2026
As we sail south along the west coast of Greenland, our polar experts will present on the history, wildlife and glaciology that will feature in the next few days. We also encourage you to spend time on the outer decks— binoculars at hand—to spot wildlife.

Exploring West Greenland

Date of arrival 12 Sep 2026
With spectacular glaciers, soaring fjords and vibrant communities, the west coast of Greenland will leave you breathless. Each community visit in Greenland is a unique experience and Uummannaq might just steal your heart. The red-hued, heart-shaped mountain that rises above the village gives Uummannaq its fitting name, which means “heart-like” in Greenlandic. As your ship approaches the shore, you’ll want to be on deck to take in the incredible view of the twin peaks towering over the vibrantly painted wooden houses dotting the rocky terrain. The settlement was established as a Danish colony in 1758 on the mainland, but it relocated five years later because seal hunting was more plentiful here. As we arrive just south of Ilulissat, which means “iceberg” in Greenlandic, we’ll encounter the impressive Ilulissat Icefjord. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to Sermeq Kujalleq, one of the most productive glaciers in the northern hemisphere. As we Zodiac cruise at the mouth of the fjord, you may be lucky to witness the wonders of calving ice (listen to the loud roars as the ice breaks off). Founded in 1741, the traditional town, which boasts more sled dogs than people, is famous in its own right: it was the birthplace of explorer and anthropologist Knud Rasmussen, the first to traverse the Northwest Passage by dogsled, in the early 1920s. Hikes here lead out to stunning views of the young icebergs as they float out the fjord to Disko Bay. In Sisimiut, you’ll be treated to a traditional kayaking demonstration. The kayak (an Inuit word borrowed by the English) has become a national symbol of Greenland and has been used by Inuit hunters for thousands of years. The town has several 18th-century colonial buildings, including the oldest surviving church in Greenland, so take time to wander through the historic area.

Exploring West Greenland

Date of arrival 13 Sep 2026
With spectacular glaciers, soaring fjords and vibrant communities, the west coast of Greenland will leave you breathless. Each community visit in Greenland is a unique experience and Uummannaq might just steal your heart. The red-hued, heart-shaped mountain that rises above the village gives Uummannaq its fitting name, which means “heart-like” in Greenlandic. As your ship approaches the shore, you’ll want to be on deck to take in the incredible view of the twin peaks towering over the vibrantly painted wooden houses dotting the rocky terrain. The settlement was established as a Danish colony in 1758 on the mainland, but it relocated five years later because seal hunting was more plentiful here. As we arrive just south of Ilulissat, which means “iceberg” in Greenlandic, we’ll encounter the impressive Ilulissat Icefjord. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to Sermeq Kujalleq, one of the most productive glaciers in the northern hemisphere. As we Zodiac cruise at the mouth of the fjord, you may be lucky to witness the wonders of calving ice (listen to the loud roars as the ice breaks off). Founded in 1741, the traditional town, which boasts more sled dogs than people, is famous in its own right: it was the birthplace of explorer and anthropologist Knud Rasmussen, the first to traverse the Northwest Passage by dogsled, in the early 1920s. Hikes here lead out to stunning views of the young icebergs as they float out the fjord to Disko Bay. In Sisimiut, you’ll be treated to a traditional kayaking demonstration. The kayak (an Inuit word borrowed by the English) has become a national symbol of Greenland and has been used by Inuit hunters for thousands of years. The town has several 18th-century colonial buildings, including the oldest surviving church in Greenland, so take time to wander through the historic area.
Day 8

Lancaster Sound, Tallurutiup Imanga National Park, Nunavut, Canada

Date of arrival 7 Sep 2026
Lancaster Sound (Tallurutiup Imanga), the gateway to the Northwest Passage, is one of the richest marine habitats in the Arctic. With open-water areas that remain ice-free year-round, it is an important summer feeding area for whales and other marine wildlife. We’ll spend our days exploring several beautiful bays and inlets, visiting historical sites, enjoying Zodiac cruises and searching for such iconic wildlife as walruses, seals and, of course, whales. Polar bear sightings are possible too. If you’re fortunate, you may even spot the elusive narwhal. There may be a possibility for a shore visit at Radstock Bay, the location of one of the most impressive ancient Thule sites in the Arctic. Exploring the well-preserved remains of the subterranean houses, including the whale bones used as supports for the dwellings, will give you an understanding of how these Paleo-Inuit thrived in the Far North. We will attempt to land at Beechey Island, a National Historic Site of Canada. Named after explorer Frederick William Beechey, the island is the final resting place of three members of Sir John Franklin’s 1845-46 expedition to find the Northwest Passage. The graves, on a desolate rocky raised beach, were discovered in 1850 by a search party looking for signs of the ill-fated expedition. Predominantly covered in glaciers and ice fields, Coburg Island and its surrounding waters comprise the Nirjutiqavvik National Wildlife Area. The island’s steep coastal cliffs are an ideal habitat for hundreds of thousands of nesting seabirds such as Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres), black legged kittiwakes, northern fulmars and black guillemots
Day 9

Lancaster Sound, Tallurutiup Imanga National Park, Nunavut, Canada

Date of arrival 8 Sep 2026
Lancaster Sound (Tallurutiup Imanga), the gateway to the Northwest Passage, is one of the richest marine habitats in the Arctic. With open-water areas that remain ice-free year-round, it is an important summer feeding area for whales and other marine wildlife. We’ll spend our days exploring several beautiful bays and inlets, visiting historical sites, enjoying Zodiac cruises and searching for such iconic wildlife as walruses, seals and, of course, whales. Polar bear sightings are possible too. If you’re fortunate, you may even spot the elusive narwhal. There may be a possibility for a shore visit at Radstock Bay, the location of one of the most impressive ancient Thule sites in the Arctic. Exploring the well-preserved remains of the subterranean houses, including the whale bones used as supports for the dwellings, will give you an understanding of how these Paleo-Inuit thrived in the Far North. We will attempt to land at Beechey Island, a National Historic Site of Canada. Named after explorer Frederick William Beechey, the island is the final resting place of three members of Sir John Franklin’s 1845-46 expedition to find the Northwest Passage. The graves, on a desolate rocky raised beach, were discovered in 1850 by a search party looking for signs of the ill-fated expedition. Predominantly covered in glaciers and ice fields, Coburg Island and its surrounding waters comprise the Nirjutiqavvik National Wildlife Area. The island’s steep coastal cliffs are an ideal habitat for hundreds of thousands of nesting seabirds such as Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres), black legged kittiwakes, northern fulmars and black guillemots
Day 10

Cruising Smith Sound

Date of arrival 9 Sep 2026
Before saying goodbye to Canada, we’ll try to sail as far north as possible, exploring both sides of Smith Sound, the uninhabited passage between Ellesmere Island and Greenland.
Day 11

Qaanaaq, Greenland

Date of arrival 10 Sep 2026

In AD 850, the Vikings established their parliament in Tórshavn, a name which translates as “Thor’s harbor.” It was named after Thor, the god of thunder and lightning in Norse mythology. The town became a center of trade for the island, and in fact was designated as the only legal place for the islanders to sell and buy products. This trade monopoly was abolished in 1856. Today it is the capital and largest city of the Faroe Islands, with fish-processing plants, a shipyard, and woolen products making up. It is considered to be one of the oldest capitals in Northern Europe.

Day 12

At Sea

Date of arrival 11 Sep 2026
As we sail south along the west coast of Greenland, our polar experts will present on the history, wildlife and glaciology that will feature in the next few days. We also encourage you to spend time on the outer decks— binoculars at hand—to spot wildlife.
Day 13

Exploring West Greenland

Date of arrival 12 Sep 2026
With spectacular glaciers, soaring fjords and vibrant communities, the west coast of Greenland will leave you breathless. Each community visit in Greenland is a unique experience and Uummannaq might just steal your heart. The red-hued, heart-shaped mountain that rises above the village gives Uummannaq its fitting name, which means “heart-like” in Greenlandic. As your ship approaches the shore, you’ll want to be on deck to take in the incredible view of the twin peaks towering over the vibrantly painted wooden houses dotting the rocky terrain. The settlement was established as a Danish colony in 1758 on the mainland, but it relocated five years later because seal hunting was more plentiful here. As we arrive just south of Ilulissat, which means “iceberg” in Greenlandic, we’ll encounter the impressive Ilulissat Icefjord. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to Sermeq Kujalleq, one of the most productive glaciers in the northern hemisphere. As we Zodiac cruise at the mouth of the fjord, you may be lucky to witness the wonders of calving ice (listen to the loud roars as the ice breaks off). Founded in 1741, the traditional town, which boasts more sled dogs than people, is famous in its own right: it was the birthplace of explorer and anthropologist Knud Rasmussen, the first to traverse the Northwest Passage by dogsled, in the early 1920s. Hikes here lead out to stunning views of the young icebergs as they float out the fjord to Disko Bay. In Sisimiut, you’ll be treated to a traditional kayaking demonstration. The kayak (an Inuit word borrowed by the English) has become a national symbol of Greenland and has been used by Inuit hunters for thousands of years. The town has several 18th-century colonial buildings, including the oldest surviving church in Greenland, so take time to wander through the historic area.
Day 14

Exploring West Greenland

Date of arrival 13 Sep 2026
With spectacular glaciers, soaring fjords and vibrant communities, the west coast of Greenland will leave you breathless. Each community visit in Greenland is a unique experience and Uummannaq might just steal your heart. The red-hued, heart-shaped mountain that rises above the village gives Uummannaq its fitting name, which means “heart-like” in Greenlandic. As your ship approaches the shore, you’ll want to be on deck to take in the incredible view of the twin peaks towering over the vibrantly painted wooden houses dotting the rocky terrain. The settlement was established as a Danish colony in 1758 on the mainland, but it relocated five years later because seal hunting was more plentiful here. As we arrive just south of Ilulissat, which means “iceberg” in Greenlandic, we’ll encounter the impressive Ilulissat Icefjord. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to Sermeq Kujalleq, one of the most productive glaciers in the northern hemisphere. As we Zodiac cruise at the mouth of the fjord, you may be lucky to witness the wonders of calving ice (listen to the loud roars as the ice breaks off). Founded in 1741, the traditional town, which boasts more sled dogs than people, is famous in its own right: it was the birthplace of explorer and anthropologist Knud Rasmussen, the first to traverse the Northwest Passage by dogsled, in the early 1920s. Hikes here lead out to stunning views of the young icebergs as they float out the fjord to Disko Bay. In Sisimiut, you’ll be treated to a traditional kayaking demonstration. The kayak (an Inuit word borrowed by the English) has become a national symbol of Greenland and has been used by Inuit hunters for thousands of years. The town has several 18th-century colonial buildings, including the oldest surviving church in Greenland, so take time to wander through the historic area.
Day 15
Day 16
Day 17

Exploring West Greenland

Date of arrival 14 Sep 2026
With spectacular glaciers, soaring fjords and vibrant communities, the west coast of Greenland will leave you breathless. Each community visit in Greenland is a unique experience and Uummannaq might just steal your heart. The red-hued, heart-shaped mountain that rises above the village gives Uummannaq its fitting name, which means “heart-like” in Greenlandic. As your ship approaches the shore, you’ll want to be on deck to take in the incredible view of the twin peaks towering over the vibrantly painted wooden houses dotting the rocky terrain. The settlement was established as a Danish colony in 1758 on the mainland, but it relocated five years later because seal hunting was more plentiful here. As we arrive just south of Ilulissat, which means “iceberg” in Greenlandic, we’ll encounter the impressive Ilulissat Icefjord. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to Sermeq Kujalleq, one of the most productive glaciers in the northern hemisphere. As we Zodiac cruise at the mouth of the fjord, you may be lucky to witness the wonders of calving ice (listen to the loud roars as the ice breaks off). Founded in 1741, the traditional town, which boasts more sled dogs than people, is famous in its own right: it was the birthplace of explorer and anthropologist Knud Rasmussen, the first to traverse the Northwest Passage by dogsled, in the early 1920s. Hikes here lead out to stunning views of the young icebergs as they float out the fjord to Disko Bay. In Sisimiut, you’ll be treated to a traditional kayaking demonstration. The kayak (an Inuit word borrowed by the English) has become a national symbol of Greenland and has been used by Inuit hunters for thousands of years. The town has several 18th-century colonial buildings, including the oldest surviving church in Greenland, so take time to wander through the historic area.

Reykjavík, Iceland

Date of arrival 15 Sep 2026

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation’s nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island’s population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík’s name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there’s no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city’s seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

Reykjavík

Reykjavík, Iceland

Date of arrival 16 Sep 2026

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation’s nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island’s population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík’s name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there’s no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city’s seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

Reykjavík
Day 15

Exploring West Greenland

Date of arrival 14 Sep 2026
With spectacular glaciers, soaring fjords and vibrant communities, the west coast of Greenland will leave you breathless. Each community visit in Greenland is a unique experience and Uummannaq might just steal your heart. The red-hued, heart-shaped mountain that rises above the village gives Uummannaq its fitting name, which means “heart-like” in Greenlandic. As your ship approaches the shore, you’ll want to be on deck to take in the incredible view of the twin peaks towering over the vibrantly painted wooden houses dotting the rocky terrain. The settlement was established as a Danish colony in 1758 on the mainland, but it relocated five years later because seal hunting was more plentiful here. As we arrive just south of Ilulissat, which means “iceberg” in Greenlandic, we’ll encounter the impressive Ilulissat Icefjord. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to Sermeq Kujalleq, one of the most productive glaciers in the northern hemisphere. As we Zodiac cruise at the mouth of the fjord, you may be lucky to witness the wonders of calving ice (listen to the loud roars as the ice breaks off). Founded in 1741, the traditional town, which boasts more sled dogs than people, is famous in its own right: it was the birthplace of explorer and anthropologist Knud Rasmussen, the first to traverse the Northwest Passage by dogsled, in the early 1920s. Hikes here lead out to stunning views of the young icebergs as they float out the fjord to Disko Bay. In Sisimiut, you’ll be treated to a traditional kayaking demonstration. The kayak (an Inuit word borrowed by the English) has become a national symbol of Greenland and has been used by Inuit hunters for thousands of years. The town has several 18th-century colonial buildings, including the oldest surviving church in Greenland, so take time to wander through the historic area.
Day 16

Reykjavík, Iceland

Date of arrival 15 Sep 2026

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation’s nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island’s population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík’s name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there’s no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city’s seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

Reykjavík
Day 17

Reykjavík, Iceland

Date of arrival 16 Sep 2026

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation’s nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island’s population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík’s name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there’s no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city’s seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

Reykjavík

Cabin Options

Quark Expeditions, Ocean Explorer Veranda Stateroom 1 ©Quark Expeditions.jpg

Veranda Stateroom

Welcome to the Veranda Stateroom aboard the Ocean Explorer from Quark Expeditions, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Outside
Occupancy 2 persons
Size 272ft² (25m²)
From £17,176 pp
Quark Expeditions, Ocean Explorer Owners Suite 1 ©Quark Expeditions.jpg

Owners Suite

Welcome to the Owners Suite aboard the Ocean Explorer from Quark Expeditions, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Suite
Occupancy 2 persons
Size 443ft² (41m²)
Quark Expeditions, Ocean Explorer Junior Suite 1 ©Quark Expeditions.jpg

Junior Suite

Welcome to the Junior Suite aboard the Ocean Explorer from Quark Expeditions, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Suite
Occupancy 2 persons
Size 296ft² (27m²)
Quark Expeditions, Ocean Explorer Penthouse Suite 1 ©Quark Expeditions.jpg

Penthouse Suite

Welcome to the Penthouse Suite aboard the Ocean Explorer from Quark Expeditions, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Suite
Occupancy 2 persons
Size 269ft² (25m²)
Quark Expeditions, Ocean Explorer Veranda Suite 1 ©Quark Expeditions.jpg

Veranda Suite

Welcome to the Veranda Suite aboard the Ocean Explorer from Quark Expeditions, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Suite
Occupancy 2 persons
Size 205ft² (19m²)
Quark Expeditions, Ocean Explorer Deluxe Veranda Forward 1 ©Quark Expeditions.jpg

Deluxe Veranda Forward

Welcome to the Deluxe Veranda Forward aboard the Ocean Explorer from Quark Expeditions, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Outside
Occupancy 2 persons
Size 182ft² (17m²)
Quark Expeditions, Ocean Explorer Studio Veranda Single 1 ©Quark Expeditions.jpg

Studio Veranda Single

Welcome to the Studio Veranda Single aboard the Ocean Explorer from Quark Expeditions, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Outside
Occupancy 1 person
Size 173ft² (16m²)
Quark Expeditions, Ocean Explorer Studio Single 1 ©Quark Expeditions.jpg

Studio Single

Welcome to the Studio Single aboard the Ocean Explorer from Quark Expeditions, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Outside
Occupancy 1 person
Size 186ft² (17m²)

Ship Facilities

Dining
Enrichment
Entertainment
Health & Fitness

Main Dining Room

Contemporary meets cozy in this modern dining room with its stylish lighting and contemporary art. Located on Deck 5, the Main Dining Room seats 144 guests, and features expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto the spectacular polar wilderness.
Main Dining Room

Private Dining Room

Tasteful and intimate. This stylish, private dining room on deck 5 provides a relaxed dining experience—with views of the polar landscape—for up to 36 guests.
Private Dining Room

Observation Bistro

With its marine blue and off-white colors—is your go-to spot for lighter fare and graband-go snacks. This relaxed eatery seats up to 44 guests, who can take in full views of their polar surroundings and wildlife while enjoying a light bite.

Observation Bistro
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Off-Ship Adventures

With four separate sea-level embarkation points and a fleet of 15 Zodiacs, Ocean Explorer offers a comprehensive breadth of off-ship activities including Zodiac cruising and paddling, allowing you to intimately connect with the polar wilderness.

Off-Ship Adventures

Expedition Team

The perfect polar expedition doesn’t just happen. It takes a team of talented, knowledgeable and experienced professionals to bring it all together. Our Expedition Team is comprised of seasoned veterans with rich backgrounds in marine biology, history, glaciology, geology and more. With the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the industry, our Expedition Teams safely deliver your trip-of-a-lifetime to maximize your polar adventure every step of the way.
Expedition Team

Zodiac Cruising

Zodiacs are used for transferring you ashore, transporting your luggage when necessary and for taking you ocean-level cruising among icebergs, whales and seabirds. During the expedition, you will visit remote and isolated sites that are accessible only by Zodiac.

These large, heavy-duty inflatable vessels are extremely safe and were specially designed for expedition work. Zodiacs are the workhorses of Polar expeditions. Separate air compartments retain a large reserve of buoyancy even if these sturdy boats are damaged. Their flat bottom design permits the craft to land directly onto the cobble and ice-strewn beaches that you will encounter on your Polar expedition.

Zodiac Cruising

Sea Kayaking

The kayak adventure option is open to all levels of experience. However, it is highly recommended that you have some sea kayaking related experience prior to kayaking in the polar regions with Quark Expeditions. Our sea kayaks are the ideal means by which to slow down and connect with the pristine natural environments and surroundings.

Positioning yourself in the seat of a kayak is one of the most intimate ways travelers can connect with the polar regions—at water level, up close, where you can touch and feel every polar sensation imaginable. The Sea Kayak Program enables a small group of like-minded individuals to forge bonds as they explore fjords, glacial faces or mazes of sea ice.

Conditions and logistics permitting, your kayak guide(s) will endeavor to have you paddling as often as possible throughout the voyage. Typically, sea kayakers are shuttled by Zodiac from the ship to an ideal starting point, where the kayak excursion begins. Guests return to the ship by Zodiac at the end of their paddling experience. Some kayak excursions are designed so guests can go ashore and explore.  

Sea Kayaking

Stand-up Paddleboarding

Stand-up Paddleboarding, popularly known as SUPing, originated in Hawaii. Quark Expeditions is the first company to bring this watersport all the way to Antarctica.

SUPing combines the immersive experience of kayaking but in a standing position. Participants, if they prefer, can kneel, sit or even lie down and stare up at the azure Antarctic sky. Because of their wide base and tail fins, SUP boards are quite stable, enabling participants – after a bit of practice – to stop staring at their feet and admire the surrounding scenery. Imagine seeing Gentoo penguins gliding below you, or making eye contact with a Weddell seal lying on a piece of ice as you paddle by.

Guests receive on-ship and on-water instruction from a qualified SUP guide. In addition, a safety driver (in a Zodiac) stays within range to offer assistance.

Stand-up Paddleboarding

Polar Plunge

The Polar Plunge is scheduled once during each voyage. Throughout the journey, the Expedition Leader and Captain constantly monitor conditions in order to choose the optimal time and location. The Polar Plunge sometimes takes place onshore or, in many cases, from the gangway or Zodiac. All participants wear a tethered harness and plunge into the polar waters from the side of Zodiac or safety of the gangplank cheered on, of course, by fellow passengers and Expedition Team.

Safety is paramount—the onboard physician always attends the Polar Plunge. Guides in survival gear circle the area in Zodiacs as guests take their turn jumping or cannon-balling into the polar waters.

Polar Plunge

Hiking

Hiking in the polar regions differs from your typical trail experience. Here, in a tree-less terrain, you are the tallest figure on the landscape as you walk over spongy tundra, crusty snow or sandy beaches in remotes parts of the Arctic and Antarctica. Stepping ashore anywhere in the polar regions means you’re not a distant observer.

Our organized hikes range from short jaunts to the top of lookouts or visits to see wildlife or longer walks of several kilometers over ice and rock and snow. Hiking excursions may last from two to three hours with plenty of time for photographs of wildlife, learning moments from your experienced guides, or just time to stand back and admire the incredible polar surroundings.

No experience is necessary but participants should be able to get in and out of a Zodiac and walk on uneven terrain. Hiking options are tailored to all interests and abilities, from those who want to contemplate the landscape in silence to photographers who want that perfect image to energetic travelers who want to summit a peak in the hopes of seeing wildlife in their natural habitat.

Hiking

Paddling Excursion

Explore the ocean from a more intimate vantage point on a sit-on-top kayak. No experience is required to manoeuvre these very stable kayaks, allowing you to enjoy an unforgettable experience on the water, taking in breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. Whether it’s your first time in a kayak or you want greater flexibility to try other Adventure options, this shorter excursion is for you.

Paddling in the Polar Regions is highly weather-dependent and a one-time experience. Your kayak guides will attempt to take you out on the water for 1-1.5 hours of paddling. Offered on most voyages, spaces are limited. All equipment, guides and instructions are provided by Quark.

Pricing subject to change based on season. Please proceed to checkout or contact a Polar Travel Adviser for more details. 

Paddling Excursion

Camping

Imagine for a moment, staring at the stars in the indigo glow of an Antarctic night as you bed down for the night outside in the elements. The buzz of your daily life becomes a distant memory as you listen to the bray of penguin, the ethereal calls of the Weddell sea – even the exhalation of a humpback whale. And then you fall asleep.

Antarctic Camping with Quark Expeditions is an unforgettable experience. After dinner onboard, you’ll be escorted ashore by Zodiac to camp out on the snow for the night in your ready-to-roll bivy sack (tents can be used upon request). Once you decide on your spot, you set up camp and enjoy the peace as the Antarctic night unfolds.

Camping in Antarctica is limited to 50 participants, all of whom will be briefed beforehand on the principals of basic camping. Prior to you settling down for the night, Quark Expeditions staff will prepare the site, including setting up a perimeter in safe, flat to gently-sloping and beautiful site. You’re free to choose where (within the perimeters) you want to settle down for the night.

You’ll be equipped with the following:

  • Mummy-style sleeping bag
  • Bivy sack
  • Insulated sleeping pad
  • Sleeping bag liner
  • 3 or 4 season tent provided upon request (pending availability)
  • Quark Expeditions Parka
  • Waterbottle (Small collapsible reusable water bottles provided onboard upon embarkation)
  • Muck Boots (insulated waterproof boots provided onboard upon embarkation)

Other recommended gear:

  • Base and mid-layer clothing
  • Warm hat
  • Warm gloves
  • Hand-warmers
  • Camera and accessories
  • Backpack
  • Eye mask if you wish complete darkness
  • Need a pillow? Roll up your parka!
  • Essential medication and or supplements

Camping

Explorer Lecture Lounge

Enjoy daily chats with and presentations by our world-class onboard polar experts—expedition guides, specialists, photography guides and other special guests who will introduce you to the fascinating history, biology, ornithology, glaciology and geology of the region, and much, much more.

Explorer Lecture Lounge

Photography

Documenting your voyage so you can take the memories home is a rewarding experience. Our photography guides will help you hone your skills to capture the beauty of the polar regions.
Photography
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The Latitude Bar

A popular social hub on Deck 5, the beautifully-lit Latitude Bar—with its lush sofas and faux marble-topped end tables—is large enough to seat 46 and is ideal for enjoying a quiet drink on your own or hanging out with friends.
The Latitude Bar

Observation Lounge

This stylish lounge at the top of the ship guarantees incredible views. Guests also frequent this spacious lookout on Deck 8 to enjoy cocktails and conversation with fellow travelers. Seats 63.

Observation Lounge

Discovery Library

Located on Deck 6 at the top of the gorgeous atrium staircase, this beautiful Library with floor-to-ceiling glass, accommodates up to 47 people

Discovery Library

Sun Deck and Bar

More information coming soon.

Sun Deck and Bar

Polar Boutique

The Polar Boutique can be located on Deck 5.

Polar Boutique
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Jacuzzis

Two outdoor Jacuzzis on deck 7, at the ship’s stern, mean you can relax alfresco while soaking up the breath-taking polar views.

Jacuzzis

Fitness Centre

Stay fit with the latest work-out equipment in the Fitness Center on Deck 7.
Fitness Centre

Dry Sauna

After a day of exciting off-ship adventure, guests can relax on the sauna’s traditional wood benches while gazing at the polar wilderness just outside the large sauna windows. Accommodates 15 people on Deck 7.
Dry Sauna
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Dining

Main Dining Room

Contemporary meets cozy in this modern dining room with its stylish lighting and contemporary art. Located on Deck 5, the Main Dining Room seats 144 guests, and features expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto the spectacular polar wilderness.
Main Dining Room

Private Dining Room

Tasteful and intimate. This stylish, private dining room on deck 5 provides a relaxed dining experience—with views of the polar landscape—for up to 36 guests.
Private Dining Room

Observation Bistro

With its marine blue and off-white colors—is your go-to spot for lighter fare and graband-go snacks. This relaxed eatery seats up to 44 guests, who can take in full views of their polar surroundings and wildlife while enjoying a light bite.

Observation Bistro
1 / 3
Enrichment

Off-Ship Adventures

With four separate sea-level embarkation points and a fleet of 15 Zodiacs, Ocean Explorer offers a comprehensive breadth of off-ship activities including Zodiac cruising and paddling, allowing you to intimately connect with the polar wilderness.

Off-Ship Adventures

Expedition Team

The perfect polar expedition doesn’t just happen. It takes a team of talented, knowledgeable and experienced professionals to bring it all together. Our Expedition Team is comprised of seasoned veterans with rich backgrounds in marine biology, history, glaciology, geology and more. With the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the industry, our Expedition Teams safely deliver your trip-of-a-lifetime to maximize your polar adventure every step of the way.
Expedition Team

Zodiac Cruising

Zodiacs are used for transferring you ashore, transporting your luggage when necessary and for taking you ocean-level cruising among icebergs, whales and seabirds. During the expedition, you will visit remote and isolated sites that are accessible only by Zodiac.

These large, heavy-duty inflatable vessels are extremely safe and were specially designed for expedition work. Zodiacs are the workhorses of Polar expeditions. Separate air compartments retain a large reserve of buoyancy even if these sturdy boats are damaged. Their flat bottom design permits the craft to land directly onto the cobble and ice-strewn beaches that you will encounter on your Polar expedition.

Zodiac Cruising

Sea Kayaking

The kayak adventure option is open to all levels of experience. However, it is highly recommended that you have some sea kayaking related experience prior to kayaking in the polar regions with Quark Expeditions. Our sea kayaks are the ideal means by which to slow down and connect with the pristine natural environments and surroundings.

Positioning yourself in the seat of a kayak is one of the most intimate ways travelers can connect with the polar regions—at water level, up close, where you can touch and feel every polar sensation imaginable. The Sea Kayak Program enables a small group of like-minded individuals to forge bonds as they explore fjords, glacial faces or mazes of sea ice.

Conditions and logistics permitting, your kayak guide(s) will endeavor to have you paddling as often as possible throughout the voyage. Typically, sea kayakers are shuttled by Zodiac from the ship to an ideal starting point, where the kayak excursion begins. Guests return to the ship by Zodiac at the end of their paddling experience. Some kayak excursions are designed so guests can go ashore and explore.  

Sea Kayaking

Stand-up Paddleboarding

Stand-up Paddleboarding, popularly known as SUPing, originated in Hawaii. Quark Expeditions is the first company to bring this watersport all the way to Antarctica.

SUPing combines the immersive experience of kayaking but in a standing position. Participants, if they prefer, can kneel, sit or even lie down and stare up at the azure Antarctic sky. Because of their wide base and tail fins, SUP boards are quite stable, enabling participants – after a bit of practice – to stop staring at their feet and admire the surrounding scenery. Imagine seeing Gentoo penguins gliding below you, or making eye contact with a Weddell seal lying on a piece of ice as you paddle by.

Guests receive on-ship and on-water instruction from a qualified SUP guide. In addition, a safety driver (in a Zodiac) stays within range to offer assistance.

Stand-up Paddleboarding

Polar Plunge

The Polar Plunge is scheduled once during each voyage. Throughout the journey, the Expedition Leader and Captain constantly monitor conditions in order to choose the optimal time and location. The Polar Plunge sometimes takes place onshore or, in many cases, from the gangway or Zodiac. All participants wear a tethered harness and plunge into the polar waters from the side of Zodiac or safety of the gangplank cheered on, of course, by fellow passengers and Expedition Team.

Safety is paramount—the onboard physician always attends the Polar Plunge. Guides in survival gear circle the area in Zodiacs as guests take their turn jumping or cannon-balling into the polar waters.

Polar Plunge

Hiking

Hiking in the polar regions differs from your typical trail experience. Here, in a tree-less terrain, you are the tallest figure on the landscape as you walk over spongy tundra, crusty snow or sandy beaches in remotes parts of the Arctic and Antarctica. Stepping ashore anywhere in the polar regions means you’re not a distant observer.

Our organized hikes range from short jaunts to the top of lookouts or visits to see wildlife or longer walks of several kilometers over ice and rock and snow. Hiking excursions may last from two to three hours with plenty of time for photographs of wildlife, learning moments from your experienced guides, or just time to stand back and admire the incredible polar surroundings.

No experience is necessary but participants should be able to get in and out of a Zodiac and walk on uneven terrain. Hiking options are tailored to all interests and abilities, from those who want to contemplate the landscape in silence to photographers who want that perfect image to energetic travelers who want to summit a peak in the hopes of seeing wildlife in their natural habitat.

Hiking

Paddling Excursion

Explore the ocean from a more intimate vantage point on a sit-on-top kayak. No experience is required to manoeuvre these very stable kayaks, allowing you to enjoy an unforgettable experience on the water, taking in breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. Whether it’s your first time in a kayak or you want greater flexibility to try other Adventure options, this shorter excursion is for you.

Paddling in the Polar Regions is highly weather-dependent and a one-time experience. Your kayak guides will attempt to take you out on the water for 1-1.5 hours of paddling. Offered on most voyages, spaces are limited. All equipment, guides and instructions are provided by Quark.

Pricing subject to change based on season. Please proceed to checkout or contact a Polar Travel Adviser for more details. 

Paddling Excursion

Camping

Imagine for a moment, staring at the stars in the indigo glow of an Antarctic night as you bed down for the night outside in the elements. The buzz of your daily life becomes a distant memory as you listen to the bray of penguin, the ethereal calls of the Weddell sea – even the exhalation of a humpback whale. And then you fall asleep.

Antarctic Camping with Quark Expeditions is an unforgettable experience. After dinner onboard, you’ll be escorted ashore by Zodiac to camp out on the snow for the night in your ready-to-roll bivy sack (tents can be used upon request). Once you decide on your spot, you set up camp and enjoy the peace as the Antarctic night unfolds.

Camping in Antarctica is limited to 50 participants, all of whom will be briefed beforehand on the principals of basic camping. Prior to you settling down for the night, Quark Expeditions staff will prepare the site, including setting up a perimeter in safe, flat to gently-sloping and beautiful site. You’re free to choose where (within the perimeters) you want to settle down for the night.

You’ll be equipped with the following:

  • Mummy-style sleeping bag
  • Bivy sack
  • Insulated sleeping pad
  • Sleeping bag liner
  • 3 or 4 season tent provided upon request (pending availability)
  • Quark Expeditions Parka
  • Waterbottle (Small collapsible reusable water bottles provided onboard upon embarkation)
  • Muck Boots (insulated waterproof boots provided onboard upon embarkation)

Other recommended gear:

  • Base and mid-layer clothing
  • Warm hat
  • Warm gloves
  • Hand-warmers
  • Camera and accessories
  • Backpack
  • Eye mask if you wish complete darkness
  • Need a pillow? Roll up your parka!
  • Essential medication and or supplements

Camping

Explorer Lecture Lounge

Enjoy daily chats with and presentations by our world-class onboard polar experts—expedition guides, specialists, photography guides and other special guests who will introduce you to the fascinating history, biology, ornithology, glaciology and geology of the region, and much, much more.

Explorer Lecture Lounge

Photography

Documenting your voyage so you can take the memories home is a rewarding experience. Our photography guides will help you hone your skills to capture the beauty of the polar regions.
Photography
1 / 11
Entertainment

The Latitude Bar

A popular social hub on Deck 5, the beautifully-lit Latitude Bar—with its lush sofas and faux marble-topped end tables—is large enough to seat 46 and is ideal for enjoying a quiet drink on your own or hanging out with friends.
The Latitude Bar

Observation Lounge

This stylish lounge at the top of the ship guarantees incredible views. Guests also frequent this spacious lookout on Deck 8 to enjoy cocktails and conversation with fellow travelers. Seats 63.

Observation Lounge

Discovery Library

Located on Deck 6 at the top of the gorgeous atrium staircase, this beautiful Library with floor-to-ceiling glass, accommodates up to 47 people

Discovery Library

Sun Deck and Bar

More information coming soon.

Sun Deck and Bar

Polar Boutique

The Polar Boutique can be located on Deck 5.

Polar Boutique
1 / 5
Health & Fitness

Jacuzzis

Two outdoor Jacuzzis on deck 7, at the ship’s stern, mean you can relax alfresco while soaking up the breath-taking polar views.

Jacuzzis

Fitness Centre

Stay fit with the latest work-out equipment in the Fitness Center on Deck 7.
Fitness Centre

Dry Sauna

After a day of exciting off-ship adventure, guests can relax on the sauna’s traditional wood benches while gazing at the polar wilderness just outside the large sauna windows. Accommodates 15 people on Deck 7.
Dry Sauna
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About the Ship

Ocean Explorer is modern, elegant and purpose-built for polar exploration. The 138-passenger vessel has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology. One of the ship’s key features is the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience thanks to the inverted bow. Located at the bow is the two-story, light-filled library, which introduces a welcome airiness to the expedition ship.

Ocean explorer

Ocean explorer Information

Launched 2020
Length 343 ft (104m)
Guest Capacity 138
Cabins 72
Crew Members 105

Deck Plans

Deck 3
Deck 4
Deck 5
Deck 6
Deck 7
Deck 8
Deck 9
Deck 3
  • Ready Room
  • Medical Facilities
  • Zodiac Embarkation Points
  • Studio Single
  • Elevator
Deck 4
  • Deluxe Veranda Forward
  • Veranda Suite
  • Veranda Stateroom
  • Expedition Desk
  • Elevator
Deck 5
  • Main Dining Room
  • Private Dining Room
  • Reception
  • Polar Boutique
  • Latitude Bar & Lounge
  • Explorer Lecture Lounge
  • Elevator
Deck 6
  • The Discovery Library
  • Junior Suite
  • Veranda Suite
  • Veranda Stateroom
  • Elevator
Deck 7
  • Penthouse Suite
  • Owners Suite
  • Veranda Stateroom
  • Studio Veranda Single
  • Polar Deck and Bar
  • Jacuzzis
  • Gym
  • Tundra Spa & Sauna
  • Bridge
  • Bridge Deck
  • Elevator
Deck 8

  • Observation Deck
  • Observation Bistro
  • Observation Lounge & Bar
  • Elevator

Deck 9

  • Top Deck

Deck 3
Deck 3
  • Ready Room
  • Medical Facilities
  • Zodiac Embarkation Points
  • Studio Single
  • Elevator
Deck 4
  • Deluxe Veranda Forward
  • Veranda Suite
  • Veranda Stateroom
  • Expedition Desk
  • Elevator
Deck 5
  • Main Dining Room
  • Private Dining Room
  • Reception
  • Polar Boutique
  • Latitude Bar & Lounge
  • Explorer Lecture Lounge
  • Elevator
Deck 6
  • The Discovery Library
  • Junior Suite
  • Veranda Suite
  • Veranda Stateroom
  • Elevator
Deck 7
  • Penthouse Suite
  • Owners Suite
  • Veranda Stateroom
  • Studio Veranda Single
  • Polar Deck and Bar
  • Jacuzzis
  • Gym
  • Tundra Spa & Sauna
  • Bridge
  • Bridge Deck
  • Elevator
Deck 8

  • Observation Deck
  • Observation Bistro
  • Observation Lounge & Bar
  • Elevator

Deck 9

  • Top Deck

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