Quark Expeditions Launches Arctic 2028 and Antarctica 2028/2029 – New Ways to Explore the Polar Regions | News

Quark Expeditions, which has focused exclusively on the polar regions since 1991, today launches the Arctic 2028 and Antarctic 2028/2029 seasons, marking the first seasonal launch in the company’s 35-year history. With more than 70 sailings across the Arctic and Antarctica, the new season introduces new opportunities for exploration, including the Guided Photography Program, Quark’s first-ever Expedition Expansion, a new Canadian Arctic voyage through the Northwest Passage and the return of Tundra to Table, a culinary experience developed and delivered in collaboration with Greenland chef collective Igapall.

“What makes the Arctic so powerful is that no two experiences are ever the same,” says Sam Seward, president of Quark Expeditions. “This season offers travelers even more opportunities to explore these destinations through exploration, learning, wildlife encounters and cultural experiences, while staying true to the spirit of adventure that has defined Quark Expeditions for more than 35 years.”

Brand new: guided photography program
Launching in both Antarctica 2028/2029 and Arctic 2028, the Guided Photography Program builds on Quark’s longstanding commitment to photography and hands-on learning in the polar regions. Developed with support from Quark’s experienced expedition team, the program offers dedicated instruction and small-group access, designed around the unique conditions of polar photography. Each excursion has a maximum of 16 participants, is led by a dedicated Lead Photo Guide and is built around four key elements:

Priority Zodiac positioning for optimal field angles
Slower field time designed around shooting conditions
Daily workshops and image reviews with the Lead Photo Guide
A learn-shoot-share cadence throughout the expedition
Brand new: Expedition expansions
As part of its commitment to giving travelers more ways to explore, Quark is introducing its first-ever Expedition expansions. Available before and after select trips, the curated experiences showcase the landscapes, cultures and communities that serve as a gateway to the Arctic. Highlights include a guided exploration of Patagonia’s Torres del Paine National Park, visits to Iguazu Falls, wellness experiences in Finland, and travel through Iceland’s volcanic landscapes.

Antarctica 2028/2029: science, wildlife and the sub-Antarctic
Quark’s 2028/2029 Antarctic season explores five notable regions, including the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, Patagonia and the rarely visited Emperor Penguin colony on Snow Hill Island. Accessible by helicopter from Ultramarine and subject to ice conditions, Snow Hill Island remains one of the most exclusive wildlife experiences in Antarctica.

Research and conservation remain central to the season. Ari Friedlaender of the Friedlaender Lab at the University of California, San Diego, returns for the Antarctic Marine Mammal Journey aboard World Voyager, where guests can directly participate in marine mammal research, contribute to citizen science initiatives focused on whale identification, and listen to whale calls via portable hydrophones.

Throughout both seasons, Quark will offer 470 cruise nights to research partners and scientists conducting fieldwork in the Arctic, supporting ongoing wildlife, conservation and climate research initiatives. Confirmed partners include Seabird Watch, SmartICE, Penguin Watch and Saving Marion Island’s Seabirds.

Arctic 2028: five regions, new routes and the return of the tundra to the table
New for 2028, a Canadian Arctic voyage explores the remote Northwest Passage, continuing Quark’s tradition of taking travelers to some of the most remote and least visited regions on Earth. The route includes visits to Arctic Bay and Lancaster Sound and expands access to one of the Arctic’s most storied expedition routes.

In addition to the new journey, Arctic 2028 covers five regions: Spitsbergen, Greenland, Iceland, the Canadian Arctic and Atlantic Canada, with extraordinary wildlife, dramatic landscapes and diverse cultures.

Tundra to Table returns for four Arctic 2028 voyages aboard Ultramarine, exploring indigenous food traditions and culinary stories. Developed with Quark’s partners at Igapall, the program highlights regional ingredients, local perspectives and the cultural traditions that shape life in the North.

Previous guests received exclusive early access from June 16, 2026, before public bookings open on June 23, 2026. An early booking bonus is available for travelers who book while supplies last.

For more information about Quark Expeditions’ Arctic 2028 and Antarctic 2028/2029 seasons, visit QuarkExpeditions.com.