Features of the Vessel

40-day Operational Range
Ultramarine is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and to immerse you in the best the region has to offer and relies on its best-in-class 40-day operational range to do so.

Four Embarkation Points
Embarkation points on the starboard, port, and stern of the ship mean we can load and embark Zodiacs faster, safer and easier than ever before.

MAGS
Micro Auto Gasification System (MAGS) is the industry-leading system that converts waste into energy at the site that it’s generated. MAGs eliminates the environmental impact of waste transportation, offering an innovative sustainability feature that exceed all industry standards.

Twin Engine Helicopters (Excluding Svalbard and Spitsbergen Voyages)
Two twin-engine helicopters operated from two helidecks allow more passengers to simultaneously experience new destinations accessible only by air, and to enjoy more unique aerial perspectives of the polar regions than on any other ship.

Please note that Ultramarine’s twin engine helicopters do not operate on our Svalbard and Spitsbergen voyages.

Water-level Zodiac Hangar
An internal Zodiac hangar quickly and safely deploys Ultramarine’s twenty Zodiacs, allowing for more spontaneous off-ship adventures and more intimate wildlife engagement. This unique design allows guests to get off the ship in half the time of other vessels.​

Wraparound Deck
The wraparound deck located on Deck 5 of Ultramarine offers generous outdoor viewing opportunities to take in the polar landscapes and seize the moment when wildlife encounters occur.

Features and Amenities

Ready Rooms
Designed for efficiency—with wider hallways, plenty of seating, and conveniently located bathrooms—our two ready rooms allow guests to quickly change in and out of their expedition gear.

Polar Boutique
Forgot something at home? Don’t worry. Our Polar Boutique is stocked with the industry’s top cold-weather expedition gear. ​

Ambassador Theater
A state-of-the-art, high-resolution LED screen wall in the main theater ensures high-definition viewing of presentations from your Expedition Team from any angle. ​

Balena Restaurant
Featuring table tops that accommodate 2 to 10, guests can enjoy a quiet dinner with a loved one or join a larger table of new friends. Guests will also enjoy views from every seat in addition to direct access to the wraparound deck.

Bridge
During your voyage you may be given access to the Bridge, where you can observe how the Captain and officers sail and navigate the ship.

Bistro 487
Guests can enjoy a meal in the Bistro which offers an indoor/outdoor dining experience. Perfect for enjoying the polar landscapes.

Tundra Spa
Offering a variety of treatments exclusively crafted for our guests, the spa and adjacent steam room allow passengers; to fully relax and unwind before their next off-ship adventure.

Tundra Sauna
Perfectly juxtaposed luxury: guests can rest and relax in the comfort and warmth of the sauna while enjoying the spectacular views outside.​

Fitness Center
In the fully-equipped fitness center, featuring a separate yoga space with views to the outside.

Panorama Lounge and Bar
Enclosed in glass and featuring unobstructed views, the Panorama Lounge and Bar allows guests to relax indoors while staying connected to the awe-inspiring landscapes drifting by. ​It serves as a cozy gathering point where guests can sip a glass of wine, engage in great conversation, indulge in a board game, or socialize at the bar—and, later in the evening, bust a move on the dance floor.

We Use Helicopters for More Than Just Flightseeing

Ultramarine features two twin-engine Airbus H145 helicopters that are designed to take travelers deeper into the Polar Regions than any other helicopter in its class. Our helicopters mean we can move people to explore further once they arrive in the Polar Regions, to set foot where few humans have ever walked—something our competition can’t offer.

Highlights of Quark Expeditions’ Industry-leading Helicopter Program

Unbeatable Polar Helicopter Experiences
Quark Expeditions’ two twin-engine Airbus H145 helicopters are able to take guests further over the polar landscape than any other helicopter in its category, and deliver the largest portfolio of off-ship adventure options in the industry.

Most Experienced Team
The Quark Expeditions team has the most experience getting guests off the ship—as much as possible—during polar voyages. Our guests also benefit from flying with helicopter pilots who have impressive track records, as well as worldly experience to share during flights.

Adventure Meets Luxury
Guests will enjoy superior comfort (with 6 window seats) in a sleek, best-in-class helicopter equipped with interior padding for a quieter flight, individual seats, and large scratch-proof windows that are perfect for photography.

Industry-leading Polar Safety
The H145 helicopter features advanced autopilot technology and cutting-edge safety features that make it the safest aircraft in its category.

Advanced Sustainability
The H145 helicopters—which are the most fuel-efficient in their class—are celebrated for their small external footprint and reduced noise pollution.

A once-in-a-lifetime trip is out there waiting for you

Whether you’re craving a food-focused trip, are in search of your next summit, or are looking for an adventure for the whole family, we have a theme to suit everyone.
 

18 to 35s
POV: your new besties have entered the chat

Move over rigid schedules and all-night partying – our 18 to 35s trips are designed for the next generation of socially conscious explorers. Don’t want to see Machu Picchu alone? You can visit all the bucket list sites and have off-the-beaten-path adventures with a whole new group of friends, all while stretching your travel budget a little further. Plus, you’ll have plenty of free time to roam on your own, at your own pace! Whether you're the photo friend who knows the best angles or the playlist friend who’s got the bops in the queue, consider us the planner friend who handles all the logistics. What’s a better way to forge lifelong connections than camping in the Sahara, anyway?

Multi-active
For some of us, it’s just not a vacation without some heart pumping adventures in the mix

Our multi-active trips are pulse-racing adventures for those who like their travel with a dash of adrenaline. Because who wouldn’t rather take a zip-line instead of a taxi? You'll still have plenty of opportunities to dive into local culture, but the outdoor thrills on these trips crank the excitement up a notch. Think flying past Sri Lanka's Golden Valley of Ceylon on two wheels, hiking the red rock ravines of Morocco's Todra Gorge or rafting past ancient Inca ruins in Peru's Sacred Valley. Ready to see some of the world’s most beautiful places from a different perspective?

Camping
It's not just about where you go; It's how you experience it.

Why settle for the ordinary when you can sleep under the stars, wake up to nature’s soundtrack and swap walls for wild horizons? Bask in the beauty of nature firsthand with a camping trip in the great outdoors. Camp beneath the stars along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, wake up to the wild sounds of the African wilderness or watch the sun rise over the rugged Aussie Outback. Whether you’re eager to pitch a tent in the wild or prefer the ease of glamping, our camping trips cater to everyone – from first-timers to seasoned campers and everyone in between.

Cruises
Forget shuffleboard and cabaret – adventure cruising is all about the destination.

Cruising is an adventure in itself, but the beauty of traveling on a small ship with less than 36 passengers is that the real fun begins when you drop anchor. This way, you'll get to know the locals, rather than outnumber them. You'll still be looked after by your crew and get to relax on the deck with a cold beer, but you'll also get to explore the waterfalls of Krka National Park, snorkel with green turtles in the Galapagos and taste locally produced olive oil, wine and lavender in Croatia. It's about exploring where the big ships can't go, so you can swim in hidden coves, view wildlife on remote islands and listen to live music in cobblestone laneways. This is cruising – Intrepid style. 

Cycling
Let the good times roll on a cycling adventure

With nothing but the wind between you and the open road, traveling on two wheels is all about getting up close and personal with the places you visit. You might find yourself riding through ethnic villages in Vietnam, getting stuck in a goat traffic jam in Morocco, or sharing the streets with vintage cars and horse-drawn carriages in Cuba. Intrepid style cycling isn’t the Tour de France – there'll be plenty of camaraderie with your fellow riders and the lycra shorts are definitely optional – but we promise it’s an unforgettable way to explore.

Expeditions
Adventure travel redefined.

You’ve heard of the same ‘must-see’ spots, but what about the destinations that hide their magic from the masses, waiting to be discovered by the truly adventurous? Welcome to a different type of travel, where under-the-radar expeditions await in places you’ve never even heard of. Think hiking through untouched landscapes of Pakistan or sharing home-cooked meals with local families in the remote villages of Borneo. This is more than travel – it’s immersion into the world far from the tourist traps.

Explorer
Explorer trips are the heart and soul of Intrepid

Our Explorer itineraries are true classics, inspired by a sense of adventure and that irresistible urge to see the world that all Intrepid travelers share. These trips are built for travelers who like to sample a bit of everything off the travel menu. They include a mix of activities and experiences so you can get a feel for the place through culture, history, adventure and good food all rolled up into one easy package.

Explorer trips come in a range of styles – from Basix to Premium – so you can choose the right level of service and inclusions to accompany you on your journey. 

Family
Who needs a buffet and a ball pit when you've got the whole world to play in?

Designed by parents for kids, both big and small, our family trips are the kind you’ll reminisce about for years to come. Full of authentic cultural experiences, the kids will have plenty to brag about at school. Think: playing soccer with Maasai warriors in Kenya, learning ancient martial arts with Buddhist monks in South Korea or sleeping in a traditional Navajo hogan in Monument Valley. With child-friendly accommodations and a local leader to handle the logistics, you can focus on making core memories. Your sense of adventure doesn't disappear when you have kids, so why should your family vacation options be limited?

Festivals
Go from spectator to insider at festivals around the world

It’s one thing to visit Rio for Carnival, it’s another to be in the parade. With a local leading the way, you’ll know where to go, what to do and how to really celebrate. Hit the right Carnival blocos for the ultimate street party in Brazil, sip mulled wine through Europe’s coziest and jolliest Christmas markets or take Halloween to the next spooky level at Dracula’s castle in Transylvania. Wherever you choose to go, you won’t just see the celebrations – you’ll be a part of them.

Food
Uncover a world of authentic, mouth-watering food.

Food brings people together. It anchors you in the present moment. That’s why, years after a trip, you can still remember the taste of fresh, juicy olives in Greece, or the fragrant smell of pho simmering on the stove in Vietnam. By pairing the classic grassroots Intrepid Travel style with a focus on food, you’ll get up close and personal with the world's most exciting food cultures. It might be spoiling your tastebuds with flavor-filled curries in Sri Lanka, mastering the art of making soba noodles in Japan or sharing a meal with Buddhist monks in South Korea.

Created with the culinarily curious in mind, these are real, local experiences with a foodie twist: one part culture, one part adventure and three parts delicious. From bite-sized trips to gastronomic odysseys, we’ll get you munching, crunching, sipping and slurping just like the locals. Hungry?
 

Polar
Untamed, unpredictable, unbelievable and not to be underestimated; this is polar travel

From one frozen end of the world to its icy northern counterpart, our polar regions are about as otherworldly as you can get. Whether you’re swayed by the penguin-inhabited Antarctica or the polar bear realm of the Arctic, a trip to either end of the Earth is a trip of a lifetime.

Rail
Discover the joy of slower travel

Forget busy airports, traffic jams and lack of legroom: rail travel is your ticket to slow down and enjoy the ride. Traveling by train isn't merely a means of getting from A to B – you'll share carriages with the locals and soak up the scenery before stepping off the platform into the heart of the action. Whether you want to embark on an iconic rail journey like the Reunification Express in Vietnam or zip through Japan on a super-speedy Shinkansen, climb aboard for a slower-paced, lower-carbon adventure.

Sailing
No traffic jams, no delays – just endless horizons and golden sunsets

We think the best way to explore a destination is via its waterways, and a sailing trip doesn't have to be an intimidating tangle of ropes and nautical jargon. Our speed is more like feeling the sun on your face as you clip through the waves or watching stars over the Aegean Sea with a glass of champagne. You can help navigate, tack and steer, or simply kick back on deck with a copy of Moby Dick and let the world float by. Whether you’re a fresh-faced novice or an old salt with calloused hands, we’ve got a sailing trip to suit you. These are small groups on small boats with big adventures.

Short breaks
Short on time, big on adventure

So, you’ve got a few free days, a whole lot of curiosity and maybe a dream destination in mind – but you don’t have a ton of time to spare. Our short itineraries are ideal for those who need a total reset or want to test out a destination or travel style without committing to the full bit. If you love it, come back for more.

Whether you’re new to travel, low on leave or just craving a quick escape from the every day, these short adventures are designed to make every moment count. You’ll travel with an expert local leader handling all the logistics for you, opening the door to genuine connection and bringing you on a packed itinerary for some in-depth exploration. It’s real, not rushed.

Just imagine – you leave work on Thursday, touch down in Guatemala, hike an active volcano, explore the streets of Antigua, and you’re back in the office on Tuesday with a new stamp in your passport and a wild story to casually drop in your next meeting. Maybe that’s what your manager meant about optimizing efficiency – let’s take a look at the trips and circle back.

Solo travel
Who says solo has to mean alone?

Got the urge to travel but no one to do it with? You’re not alone! Over 50% of our travelers go solo. There’s nothing like the thrill of setting off on a self-led journey, but being a party-of-one can be a little overwhelming. That’s why our trips are geared towards solo explorers. With a legendary local leader to show you around, a balance between immersive activities and well-earned downtime and a tight bunch of like-minded travelers to share the adventure with, you get the best of both worlds: the freedom of flying solo with the support and safety of a small group. So go ahead and go solo... your group's waiting.

Tailor-Made travel
Build your adventure your way

Our Tailor-Made trips show you the world on your terms. We turn dreaming into doing. All you need to do is tell us what your dream adventure looks like. Whether you tailor one of our trips or build your own - we’ll bring it to life.

So what are you waiting for? Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

Urban Adventures
So you’ve just arrived in a new city. You step outside your hotel, take a deep breath and…then what? Wouldn’t it be great to have a friendly local to show you all their favorite spots – the little bars, hipster cafes and cool underground galleries that tourists never find? Enter Urban Adventures.

Urban Adventures are day tours with a difference – helping travelers experience the essence of a city in just one day with a local guide by their side. Whether you're looking for a day tour with a foodie twist, wanting to splash out on a shopping crawl, or simply want to know where the locals are really hanging out, Urban Adventures will take you to interesting places away from the tourist trails.

With more than 300 tours in 50 destinations around the world, Urban Adventures tours are 100% locally designed and led, and tailored to give back to the communities they visit – from supporting family-run businesses to partnering with local NGOs. Urban Adventures travel in small groups of 12 people or less giving travellers a richer, more authentic experience.

Join an Urban Adventures tour for the Best. Day. Ever. 

Walking & trekking
Whether you just want to take a scenic stroll through the world’s most memorable landscapes or brave a trek up the tallest peaks, we’ve got you covered.

From trekking the challenging peak of Kilimanjaro to a more leisurely stroll through New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park or hiking through the slightly demanding Alps on the Tour du Mont Blanc, we have an adventurous trip to suit every level of fitness and expertise. All you have to do is put one foot in front of the other.  

Wildlife
Go ahead and channel your inner Attenborough narration...

Get ready to witness some of the world’s most epic wildlife experiences, from the iconic migrations across the Serengeti to the mystical gorillas of Rwanda and Uganda to the cheeky penguins on Antarctica’s drifting floes.

With incredible local leaders guiding the way and wildlife experts accompanying you on game drives, bush walks and educational talks, these trips offer an unforgettable chance to come face to face with animals you’ve only ever seen on Planet Earth.

At Intrepid, we ensure that any interactions with wildlife are done responsibly and with the utmost respect. We believe that wild animals should be viewed—without our interference—doing what they do best: living in the wild.

Women's Expeditions
Adventures where women lead the way

The world needs more women at the forefront. That’s why we created our Women’s Expeditions. Led by trailblazing leaders and packed with immersive experiences that open the door to everyday life for women around the world, these trips are all about shattering the barriers of traditional tourism and amplifying the voices pushing for gender equality. It’s adventure travel and female empowerment rolled into one. And sharing it all with a small bunch of like-minded women? That’s pretty special, too.

For travelers seeking adventure
Our trips are carefully designed to make sure you have an unforgettable experience. Our various trip styles mean no matter what kind of adventure you’re after, we’ve got one for you.

Basix
Our Basix trips are designed for travelers of any age on a budget, we use simple, clean and centrally located accommodation, local transport where we can and include plenty of free time. This means you can do the things that suit your budget and interests, rather than paying for inclusions you don’t want. 

Accommodation
Simple, clean and centrally located accommodation with a 2-to-2.5-star average rating. Typical accommodation types include budget hotels, local guesthouses, camping or homestays. 

Transport
Mostly uses local transport (tuk-tuk anyone?), which puts money back into the local economy and gives you a taste of local life. Use specialist overland and safari vehicles in some areas. 

Inclusions
With plenty of free time and optional activities, so you can choose how to spend your time and money. Meals are generally not included, but your experienced local leader will have some great suggestions!

Original
Our Original trips are what we built our reputation on! They're the perfect choice for those after a great mix of included activities and insights from a local leader, as well as free time to explore a destination on their own. Original trips use centrally located, locally run accommodation and include some meals. 

Accommodation
Local guesthouses and homestay experiences are featured on many itineraries and you may even camp from time to time. Expect 3-star accommodation on average.

Transport
Uses a mixture of private and local transport like tuk-tuks, camels, private safari vehicles, buses, trains, canoes – whatever is the best and most sustainable way to get around.

Inclusions
With a balance between free time and included activities, your experienced local leader will help you discover things you won’t find on your own. There are some meals included, but the rest are up to you!

Comfort
Our Comfort trips smooth away some of adventure travel’s rougher edges to craft a style of travel that has a few more pleasantries included. Enjoy a more relaxed pace of travel, inviting accommodation, more included activities and many meals along the way. 

Accommodation
Comfortable hotels at a 3-to-4-star level, with private amenities and often plenty of local character. Some itineraries also feature homestays or unique accommodation. 

Transport
Primarily uses private transport. Local transport is occasionally used when it adds to the experience, like hopping on the back of a camel in the Sahara. 

Inclusions
We’ve taken the hassle out of traveling, by including many of the activities, meals and an arrival transfer from the airport. Your experienced local leader will also have plenty of tips for how best to fill your free time.  

Premium
Our Premium trips have handpicked accommodation, exceptional included experiences, led by our most knowledgeable leaders, Premium trips are the sustainable choice for higher-end, locally led adventures. 

Accommodation
Handpicked for location and quality. All itineraries include a feature stay at an unforgettable and unique accommodation.

Transport
Primarily uses private transport. Use first-class trains where we can, or carbon-offset internal flights where necessary, as well as comfortable 4x4s in Africa. 

Inclusions
More included activities and extras than any other Intrepid trip, including tipping and an arrival transfer.  Breakfast is included every day, as well as many lunches and dinners. You’ll be led by our most experienced local leaders.