Quark Expeditions has unveiled its Arctic 2028 and Antarctic 2028/2029 seasons, the earliest season launch in the company’s 35-year history, which includes a raft of new experiences and itineraries as demand for polar travel continues to grow.
The polar specialist has opened bookings for more than 70 departures across the Arctic and Antarctica, with new photography programs, land-based expedition extensions and a fresh Northwest Passage itinerary among the headline additions.
“What makes the polar regions so powerful is that no two experiences are ever the same,” Quark Expeditions president Sam Seward said. “This season gives travelers even more opportunities to engage with 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.”
One of the most significant additions is the launch of a Guided Photography Program, available across both the Arctic 2028 and Antarctic 2028/2029 seasons. Designed for photography enthusiasts of all skill levels, the program offers small-group instruction led by dedicated photo guides, with each excursion limited to just 16 participants.
In the picture
The experience includes priority Zodiac positioning for optimal photography angles, extended field time tailored to shooting conditions, daily workshops and image reviews, and a structured learn-shoot-share approach throughout each voyage.
Quark is also introducing its first-ever Expedition Extensions, allowing guests to extend their journeys before or after selected departures. Experiences include exploring Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, visiting Iguazu Falls, wellness-focused programs in Finland and guided journeys through Iceland’s volcanic landscapes.
In Antarctica, travellers will have the opportunity to explore five regions, including the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, Patagonia and Snow Hill Island, home to one of the continent’s most elusive wildlife encounters – the Emperor Penguin colony.
Accessible by helicopter aboard Ultramarine and dependent on ice conditions, the Snow Hill Island experience remains one of Antarctica’s most exclusive wildlife adventures.
Research and conservation continue to play a central role in Quark’s operations. The company will provide 470 cruise nights to scientific and conservation partners during the upcoming seasons, supporting fieldwork focused on wildlife, climate and environmental monitoring.
Among the featured departures is the return of marine mammal researcher Ari Friedlaender aboard the Antarctic Marine Mammals voyage, where guests can participate in citizen science initiatives and gain insights into whale research.
In the Arctic, Quark is expanding its offerings with a new Canadian Arctic itinerary through the Northwest Passage. The voyage includes visits to Arctic Bay and Lancaster Sound, providing access to one of the world’s most storied exploration routes.
The company is also bringing back its Tundra to Table culinary program aboard four Arctic departures. Developed in partnership with Greenlandic chef collective Igapall, the experience showcases Indigenous food traditions, regional ingredients and cultural storytelling from communities across the North.
Public bookings opened this week, with early booking incentives available while inventory lasts as travellers increasingly look further ahead for once-in-a-lifetime expedition experiences.
