Quark Expeditions


Quark Expeditions is an expedition travel company. The company offers Polar Region expeditions aboard purpose-built expedition ships and icebreakers and land-based trips.

History

Quark Expeditions was founded in 1991 by Lars Wikander and Mike McDowell, specializing in expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic aboard purpose-built expedition vessels. In 1998, Lars Wikander became the majority owner of the company. Three years later, Lars became Chairman of the Board, when Patrick Shaw joined the company as President and CEO.
On May 2007, the company became part of the UK-based TUI Travel PLC Group of Companies; subsequently in 2016, it became part of Travelopia, a division comprising some brands from the former TUI Specialist Group.
The company has mounted an expedition involving internet personalities and YouTube creators including Ben Brown, Tim Kellner and Tom Scott led by retired Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield on an Arctic expedition.
The company's summer 2019 program in the Arctic will include sailings to Greenland, Canada's High Arctic, the Northwest Passage and the North Pole.

Polar Fleet & Land Expeditions

Quark travel offers both cruise and land-based expeditions. The company has the largest and most diverse fleet of passenger vessels in the Antarctic. Expeditions are held on the following ships:

Icebreakers

Quark Expeditions is a long-time, active member of IAATO and AECO, and promotes various sustainability initiatives. In 2012, Ocean Diamond made a carbon-neutral voyage to Antarctica.

Recognitions

Quark has received several industry awards, including some from Travel Weekly and National Geographic.