Men Wanted for Dangerous Expedition: Low Wages for Long Hours of Arduous Labour under Brutal Conditions; Months of Continual Darkness and Extreme Cold; Great Risk to Life and Limb from Disease, Accidents and Other Hazards; Small Chance of Fame in Case of Success.

Ernest Shackleton

Is the Antarctic the final frontier for Expedition Travel? For those well traveled most likely, the Antarctic is at the top of the list. You think of Shackleton, Amundsen, penguins, blue ice, etc. and it excites you. The story of his survival, after having a ship crushed by the ice, makes you want to see those places with your own eyes. Yet, getting there and having the expedition experience seems a challenge. Antarctica isn’t a place where you arrive by plane and rent a car to get around. A ship will be involved to cross the most challenging seas in the world. The exciting Drake Passage will be the first test the strength of your inner sailor.

There are two top expedition companies who can get you to the heart of all Antarctica has to offer: Quark Expedition and Lindblad Expeditions. Both companies offer true expeditions, not just cruises. With these companies, you’ll be out on a Zodiac enjoying actual landings, or hiking on the islands not just floating by on a ship. They take the term expedition to heart and provide truly life-changing experiences.

Of equal importance, Quark and Lindblad have chosen to focus on sustainability and eco-consciousness as core to their business practices. By choosing to travel with one of them you support their deliberate consideration of how they impact the earth.

Quark in the Antarctic

An Antarctic Journey from Antarctica to South Georgia

Quark Expeditions began its specialized expeditions to the Antarctic in 1991 and continues to offer many options for exploring the southernmost continent every year.

For the centenary of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s death they have created a special itinerary. This 20-day itinerary traces the route of his Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1914–1917). This journey will be a celebration of Shackleton’s life and his unwavering spirit of exploration.

20-days to explore the end of the world – the heart of all Expedition Travel.

Luckily for guests, they will be exploring from a new state-of-the-art ship called the Ultramarine. With this ship comes new ways to explore, and guests will get to experience the full splendor of Antarctica and South Georgia up-close from two helicopters, and 20 Zodiacs.

Guests can to relax at the end of busy day by enjoying the spa, fitness center, or the sauna before gathering in the dining room for a beautifully prepared meal. Evenings bring the option of learning through presentation by top polar experts or other professionals. If none of those options entice, guests can relax in the lounge gazing out the windows at the extraordinary landscape.

The Original Antarctic Company