Lars Wikander and Mike McDowell, adventurers and founders of Quark Expeditions, did something unprecedented in 1991. Together with clients, they undertook the first-ever commercial trip to the North Pole. This expedition, which rewritten the history of tourism, when the first travelers aboard a Soviet nuclear icebreaker sailed the Northeast Sea Route, placed Quark Expeditions as a pioneer in the field of polar expeditions. Thirty years have passed since then, technology has changed the world and opened up new possibilities for learning. If you have ever admired the first polar explorers or you would just like to get to know these regions more comfortably, get inspired later in the article.
Spitsbergen Highlights: Spitsbergen quickly and to the maximum
Spitsbergen Highlights is one of the most popular Quark Expeditions. During it, you can indulge in an exceptional adventure as a passenger of the most luxurious polar vessel Ultramarine, which moves the possibilities of extraordinary experiences to other dimensions. The brand new machine will take you to places where another ship cannot, and this exclusivity of course brings with it a unique experience where you will get to know Svalbard differently. You can observe the majestic beauty of the surrounding nature through spacious panoramic windows or you can be even closer to nature because there are also twenty fast Zodiac inflatable boats. Although the island is mountainous and covered with glaciers, its ecosystem is very rich. The Ultramarine is a Rolls-Royce field for expedition vessels, and in addition to spacious luxury cabins and observation platforms, two helicopters are another way to enjoy the magic of the north. An environmentally friendly boat that turns waste into energy also thinks of wellness pleasures, there is a sauna, spa, and fitness on board. Thanks to the ubiquitous generous windows, you will not be deprived of the magic of the outside world, even when using this background.
On a seven-day journey through the lands of ice along the west coast of Svalbard, you will feel like discoverers hundreds of years ago, despite the comfort. Along the way, you will be watched by the inquisitive eyes of Arctic birds, walruses, and if you are lucky, you will also see the largest beast in the world, a polar bear.
Observing a total solar eclipse over Antarctica is a rare phenomenon. Sixteen years ago, Quark Expeditions clients were the first people to observe this phenomenon on the seventh continent. In December 2021, a unique opportunity opens up to experience the same. During the Solar Eclipse 2021 expedition, you will be engrossed in the sacred vastness of Antarctica, with its giant glaciers and mountains gripped by ice. You will go hiking, relax while boating, and experience fun encounters with penguins. While sailing on the comfortable ship World Explorer, which has been part of the Quark Expeditions fleet since 2019, where none of the cabins are deprived of their balcony, it is a pleasure to observe this still intact piece of the planet. From the guides you will learn many interesting facts about the polar landscape and its inhabitants, the team will also include Babak Tafreshi, a photographer awarded by National Geographic, an expert in night photography. David Baron, author of the world-famous book American Eclipse, will also take part in the cruise. From icy Antarctica, head further north, where on December 4 you will experience a miracle when the sun darkens. You will receive special glasses and there will also be a toast. You will end the expedition exploring South Georgia, known as the „Galapagos of the South Sea“.
Embark on an epic journey in the footsteps of Charles Darwin and sail aboard the Ultramarine to the end of the world. During the Essential Patagonia expedition, you will get to the southernmost as possible of the globe. In the town of Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, you board and sail around Cape Horn to one of the most isolated places on the planet, the Land of Fire. It was named in 1520 by the Portuguese navigator Fernão de Magalhães after the fires he saw on the island. Next up is Drake's Strait, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, a place that does not forgive sailors for mistakes. Like Charles Darwin, who gathered evidence for his groundbreaking theory in these places, you pass through the Beagle Channel. The landscape that the famous British naturalist first saw in 1833 is still just as beautiful and rugged at the same time. During this unforgettable expedition, you will explore the Chilean fjords and Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. You will be able to observe one of the most photogenic parts of the planet from a helicopter or while sailing on a boat along the breathtaking coast. Along the way, you will be accompanied by colonies of penguins, seals, and other representatives of the local fauna.
From the Czech Republic, you can embark on a polar adventure from Quark Expeditions with Exclusive Tours, our travel partner.
Life & style
