Quark Expeditions is an expedition travel company. The company offers Polar Region expeditions aboard purpose-built expedition ships and icebreakers and land-based trips.
Quark Expeditions (quarkexpeditions.com) has 572 customer reviews on Five Star Index, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5.
Also known as
quarkexpeditions.com
Website
quarkexpeditions.com
Category
Activities & Tours
Location
Seattle, Washington
Listed on Five Star Index
2026
About these reviews
Replies
The company replied to 46% of reviews.
Latest
Most recent review: October 2026.
Edits
Reviews are shown as their authors wrote them. The company can reply, but cannot edit them.
Score
This company cannot pay to remove reviews or change its score.
There is a reason Quark is the best in polar exploration! Everything was outstanding from the moment we arrived to check in at the Ushuaia hotel to the time we were dropped off at the airport after the ship docked, when the trip was over. The staff, communications, seminars, zodiac excursions, food, service, exploration team, cabin - all of it! - was exceptional. There wasn't a single thing that needed improvement. And of course, Antarctica is an amazing place full of life with experiences just waiting to be explored. Quark made it outstanding in every way!
Response from Quark ExpeditionsApr 16, 2026
Hi Darin,
Thank you for the incredible review. We’re thrilled to hear the experience felt outstanding from start to finish, and we really appreciate your kind words about our onboard service, programming, and teams.
Antarctica truly is extraordinary, and we’re so glad to have helped make it exceptional for you in every way.
Thank you,
The Quark Expeditions Team
WW
WAI WAI MICHELLE L.
the team is passionate and…
the team is passionate and knowledgable. all the arrangement is smooth and excellent. amazing experience
Response from Quark ExpeditionsApr 16, 2026
Hi Wai Wai,
Thank you for the wonderful review. We’re so glad you enjoyed such an amazing experience, and we really appreciate your kind words about the teams on board.
Thank you,
The Quark Expeditions Team
LK
LEAH K.
TheJourney of a Lifetime in Antarctica
It’s honestly difficult to put into words the experience I had with Quark Expeditions on my recent voyage to Antarctica. During this voyage, I reached my 7th continent, and despite traveling extensively throughout my life, this was easily one of the most magical experiences I’ve ever had.
From the moment I stepped aboard the ship, my first cruise ever, I was welcomed with warmth, enthusiasm, and kindness. Safety was clearly a priority, and once the briefings were complete, the adventure truly began.
Our Expedition Leader Shane was exceptional. It was clear how thoughtfully the entire journey had been planned months in advance to maximize every landing, Zodiac cruise, kayaking, and paddle opportunities.
The expedition team was phenomenal and the group that led presentations and educational talks were amazing. Seeing Antarctica from the Zodiac boats, glaciers, sculpted icebergs, whales, penguins, and seals, felt surreal and having the opportunity to learn about what we saw and would see was great.
A special mention goes to Vladimir, whose incredible wildlife-spotting ability and deep knowledge made every outing unforgettable while ensuring we remained safe and respectful of the animals. His warmth, humor, and constant smile added so much to the experience. I also had wonderful outings with Jens, another great wildlife spotter whose knowledge added incredible context, and Pete, who led an unforgettable stand-up paddle excursion.
Life onboard felt like a five-star hotel at sea. Our cabin steward Adarash kept everything spotless and welcoming, and dining was outstanding. Alan and the wait staff provided impeccable service and the chef provided an excellent and varied food selection throughout the voyage.
I’ve never cried leaving a destination before, but I did when this trip ended.
Antarctica is extraordinary…but the phenomenal team at Quark are the ones who turn it into the journey of a lifetime. I would recommend a room with balcony that allows you to go outside at any time, as well as taking advantage of all the outings, as well as planned talks during the day and after dinner. Quark provides an excellent packing list. . . use it. The staff is incredibly helpful and anticipates needs even before you have them.
Response from Quark ExpeditionsApr 1, 2026
Hi Leah,
Thank you for such a thoughtful review. We’re truly honored you chose to experience Antarctica with us! 🇦🇶
We really appreciate your positive comments about our onboard team and the care they put into making the voyage feel both safe and unforgettable.
We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Shane, Vladimir, Jens, and Pete, along with Adarash, Alan, and the wider hospitality team. They’ll be thrilled to know the experience left such a lasting impression.
Our team can't wait to welcome you back on board again soon, perhaps to the Arctic!
Thank you,
The Quark Expeditions Team
AZ
Andrea Z.
Everything was amazing
Everything was amazing, thebservice, staff, vibes, events on ship, knowledge of expedition leaders and their personability.
Response from Quark ExpeditionsApr 1, 2026
Hi Andrea,
Thank you so much for your positive comments. We hope to welcome you back on board soon!
Thanks,
The Team at Quark Expeditions
KB
K B.
Everything was top notch
Everything was top notch! The ship, the staff, the adventures exceeded our expectations. Of course, we were really lucky because the Drake Passage was smooth and beautiful weather the whole trip!
Response from Quark ExpeditionsApr 1, 2026
Hi K,
We’re so happy to hear everything felt top-notch, from the ship and staff to the off-ship excursions themselves.
And yes… a smooth Drake Passage and beautiful weather is the dream combo. We’re thrilled it all came together for you and helped make the whole trip exceed expectations.
Thank you,
The Quark Expeditions Team
MW
MITCHELL WILLIAM T.
Great staff and expedition team
Great staff and expedition team, very knowledgeable and really good fun to be with. We did the Sea Kayak program and highly recommend taking it up. Such an amazing experience paddling with Whales, Penguins and Leopard Seals.
Response from Quark ExpeditionsApr 1, 2026
Hi Mitchell,
Thank you for the fantastic review! We’re so glad you found our onboard teams knowledgeable, and just as importantly, genuinely fun to be around.
It’s awesome to hear you joined the multi-excursion Sea Kayak program on Ultramarine and loved it. Responsibly paddling near whales, penguins, and leopard seals is the kind of “only-in-Antarctica” moment that stays with you, and we’re thrilled you’d recommend it to future guests.
Thank you,
The Quark Expeditions Team
EM
EDWARD M.
I don't give out 5 stars often. I did here with ease!
The ship, staff and expedition team are top notch! The food was excellent, the equipment in near new condition and the adventure flawless. I've been on many trips like this and I don't give out 5 stars often. This company earned it with ease.
Even though the weather at the beginning and end of trip subtracted and then added days to our trip, the expedition team handled it with grace.
Response from Quark ExpeditionsApr 1, 2026
Hi Edward,
Thank you for your wonderful review! It genuinely means a lot to hear we earned five stars “with ease,” especially from someone who doesn’t hand them out often.
We’re so glad you enjoyed the ship, the excellent food, and the smooth, well‑equipped adventure. Most importantly, we appreciate your kind words about the Expedition Team's grace in navigating the weather‑related changes.
Can't wait to welcome you back onboard soon!
Thank you,
The Quark Expeditions Team
CU
customer
The Antarctica once in a lifetime experience
The whole of it especially the Zodiac and some of the talks