Quark Snow Hill achievement in Antarctica

Saturday, December 16, 2023

Quark Expeditions, the globally renowned leader in polar adventures, has once again demonstrated its expertise in Antarctica by successfully landing 208 adventurers on two extraordinary voyages. This unique experience allowed fortunate individuals to step onto the pristine sea ice and journey to the remote Snow Hill Island colony of Emperor penguins, a privilege bestowed upon only a select few.

Executing these remarkable Snow Hill voyages in November and December, Quark Expeditions harnessed the cutting-edge capabilities of its advanced expedition ship, Ultramarine. During these expeditions, the company also hosted a special onboard ceremony on the fringes of Antarctica’s Weddell Sea, officially appointing Dr. Sian Proctor as Ultramarine’s godmother.

Accompanied by the esteemed Expedition Leader, Shane Evoy, and the ship’s Captain, Jurak Zekan, along with the entire Expedition Team and inspired Snow Hill guests, Dr. Proctor participated in a maritime tradition celebrating strong women as symbols of good fortune and safe passage at sea. With her multifaceted background as an artist, astronaut, educator, geoscientist, and advocate for inclusivity, Dr. Proctor also envisioned her role as a trailblazer and storyteller, guiding the ship and its polar ambassadors into the future.

In Dr. Proctor’s words, “My mission as an astronaut and artist is to ignite inspiration. It is a tremendous honor to be named Ultramarine’s godmother—a role that will enable me to lead by example and share personal narratives that inspire others to explore the world, discover new experiences, and become, in their unique way, the next generation of explorers.”

Andrew White, President of Quark Expeditions, reflected, “Two decades ago, we achieved the extraordinary by landing at Snow Hill, but our passion drives us not just to be the first but to continuously pursue the extraordinary. We remain at the forefront of capability and technology, accumulating a wealth of experience. While we may not venture beyond our planet as Dr. Proctor has, we will always journey alongside our polar explorers to unearth life-changing experiences at the farthest reaches of our world.”

In the recent Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition to Snow Hill, Quark Expeditions’ guests aboard the Ultramarine came within 20 nautical miles of Snow Hill Island, nestled at the northern edge of Antarctica’s Weddell Sea. Small groups were transported by Ultramarine’s Airbus H-145 helicopters to a staging area a considerable distance from the Emperor penguin colony. Every guest undertook a several-kilometer trek across the sea ice to reach the colony, adhering strictly to IAATO wildlife protocols during their visit. Both guests and experts, including researchers from the British Antarctic Survey and the Smithsonian Institute, who accompanied the expedition, were elated to witness the thriving Emperor penguin colony, consisting of both adult and young birds in robust health.

Although this season’s Snow Hill sailings to visit the Emperor penguins have concluded, Quark Expeditions advises that Antarctica still beckons with a profusion of penguins. Limited last-minute availability remains for voyages in the upcoming weeks, offering the chance to embark on unforgettable journeys—discover more about the company’s upcoming Penguin Safari and Epic Antarctica expeditions!

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