Did you know that Quark Expeditions has been polar-obsessed since 1991? That was the year they brought the first-ever group of consumer travelers to the North Pole. Smitten with polar exploration, they’ve focused exclusively on Arctic and Antarctic travel ever since. Navigating on a fleet of small polar vessels, Quark pioneered more polar firsts than anyone else. In fact, they were the first to visit the legendary Emperor penguin colony at remote Snow Hill—thanks to their polar-obsessed team. They offer guests the most off-ship adventures—from heli-hiking to kayaking. Trust their pioneering spirit to create unforgettable polar experiences no one else can. 

The Emperor Penguins of Snow Hill Island, Antarctica 

The Oscar-winning 2006 film “Happy Feet” introduced the world to the adorable Emperor penguins, captivating audiences by highlighting on screen the unique traits and quirky behaviors of the largest of all penguin species. Quark Expeditions, however, was already intimately familiar with Emperor penguins. In 2004, not only did Quark Expeditions confirm the existence of the Emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill—before anyone else—but became the first polar operator to reach the colony for a successful ground visit.  

Since that history-making milestone, Quark Expeditions has brought more guests to the rarely seen colony of 8,000 Emperor penguins and their chicks than any other operator. In fact, in November 2023 Quark Expeditions made two successful landings at Snow Hill. 

Guests who book the newly-launched Snow Hill to the Peninsula: Shackleton’s Emperors will explore on the technologically-advanced Ultramarine, equipped with two helicopters and 20 quick-deploy Zodiacs which allow unrivalled off-ship adventures.  

This unique itinerary was designed for travellers who dream of visiting the legendary Emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill—but who also want the traditional Western Antarctic Peninsula experience of glaciers, icebergs, snow-capped mountains, whales and seals. In addition, the team tapped into their 30-plus years of expedition experience to incorporate time on the rarely-visited east coast of the Peninsula, where few operators ever visit. 

Snow Hill to the Peninsula truly is a once-in-a-lifetime wilderness experience. 

Trip Details: Snow Hill to the Peninsula: Shackleton’s Emperors 
Duration: 18 days 
Ship: Ultramarine 
Departure date: October 30 – November 16, 2025  

Included for every guest: Heli-Flightseeing, Zodiac cruising, daily presentations by polar experts, complimentary bar service and Wi-Fi, Quark Parka, hiking excursions and more. 

Soar Above the Remote East Coast of Antarctica

Explore the rarely-visited east coastline of Antarctica on Ultramarine’s twin-engine helicopters. Our cutting-edge 12-day “Antarctica by Helicopter: Icebergs, Mountains and Remote Lands” offers heli adventures no one else can. This brand-new itinerary maximizes opportunities to explore the interior of the magical 7th Continent, as well as Erebus and Terror Gulf, Antarctic Sound and the great Weddell Sea. Anticipate unrivalled views you never dreamt possible: sculpted icebergs arising from the depths of the sea; and snow-capped peaks you’re tempted to reach out and touch as you fly by. 

Bonus: Every guest experiences at least two heli-flightseeing excursions and one heli-landing amidst Antarctica’s vast mountain ranges—all included in the cost of the trip.

Trip Details: Antarctica by Helicopter: Icebergs, Mountains and Remote Lands  
Duration: 12 days 
Ship: Ultramarine 
Departure date: November 27th – December 7th, December 7th – December 17th   

Included for every guest: Two heli-flightseeing opportunities, one heli-landing on the Antarctic ice sheet, Zodiac cruising, daily presentations by polar experts, complimentary bar service and Wi-Fi, Quark Parka, hiking excursions and more. 

Antarctica reaches a level of beauty that is unmatched in its simplicity, flawlessness and fragility. Your voyage to the end of the Earth yields unparalleled adventure in every sense of the word.