Join Haitian Nomad on this extraordinary journey to the 7th Continent: Antarctica.
If this is your first visit, this classic Antarctic Explorer expedition offers the most comprehensive introduction to the breathtaking Antarctic Peninsula in 12 unforgettable days. Cross the legendary Drake Passage aboard the state-of-the-art expedition vessel Ultramarine; explore dramatic polar landscapes by Zodiac and on guided shore landings; encounter penguins, whales and seals in their natural habitat; and attend enriching presentations on history, marine biology and glaciology led by experienced polar experts.
This itinerary also gives you the opportunity to experience one of the most advanced polar ships ever built. Purpose-designed for exploration, Ultramarine extends the boundaries of traditional Antarctic travel, offering exclusive helicopter flightseeing and heli-landings (weather and logistics permitting), as well as optional adventure experiences such as sea kayaking.
Every day is shaped by the elements, wildlife activity and ice conditions—ensuring a dynamic, immersive expedition rather than a fixed cruise schedule. With spacious suites, expansive observation decks, refined onboard dining and a full-service spa and wellness area, you’ll experience true expedition travel without sacrificing comfort.
This is more than a voyage. It is an opportunity to stand at the edge of the world—and cross the 7th Continent off your list in the most powerful way possible.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
U.S. regulations allow you 24 hours to cancel your booking for a full refund. Should you need to cancel for any reason after 24hrs from booking, all payments will be final, non-refundable, non-transferable. & no credits issued per the nature of this trip and Flights being non-refundable/non-transferable. It is advised that you purchase travel insurance immediately after booking to protect you in case of any unforeseen cancellation or accident. Additionally, you are solely responsible for securing your international flights, failure to do so and waiting until the last minute usually results in higher fares for which Haitian Nomad isn't liable and any cancellation as a result will not result in any credits or refunds.
Haitian Nomad LLC reserves the right to cancel or postpone a trip due to extenuating circumstances.
Fees: On the 5th day of non-payment, you will automatically be charged a $50 late fee. Your booking will be automatically canceled due to non-payment after missing 2 monthly installments and all previously made payments will be forfeited. Setting payment reminders remain your sole responsibility and in no way is Haitian Nomad LLC responsible for payment reminders.
As a participant on any Haitian Nomad trip, it is your responsibility to make sure you are in compliance with all country, airline or vendor requirements including vaccines and other documents. No refund or credit will be issued if you fail to obtain the required documents or if there’s a sudden change in country/airline requirements resulting in your cancellation.
All requests for cancellation must be received in writing via email at haitiannomad@gmail.com. Cancellations cannot be made online.
I represent and warrant that I understand and will adhere to Haitian Nomad LLC cancellation and refund policy. As such, is relying on my representations and warranties, and neither the Haitian Nomad LLC will be liable or required to refund me beyond 24 hours of booking.
Any guest under the age of 18 must be accompanied in the cabin by another guest over 18 years of age. At date of embarkation, the minimum age restriction of our guests is 8 years and a minimum height and weight requirement of 64 lbs (29kg) and 48” (1.2m) must be met.
There are limited paid Adventure activates on this trip. These are available to book on a first come first served basis.
Must be 16 years of age or older to participate due to safety
Must be fluent in English to participate due to safety
Adventure options offered are very limited in space and sellout far in advance.
Adventure activates are non transferable aboard the ship
HELI–LANDING ($ extra)
You will be transferred from Ultramarine’s heli–decks via our twin–engine helicopters to a pre–selected Arctic destination. You’ll have time to explore the location, accompanied by Quark Expeditions team members, after which you’ll be picked up by the helicopters at the same location. Note: heli–landings are dependent on weather conditions and logistics.
INCLUDED | ONLY AVAILABLE ONBOARD ULTRAMARINE
SEA KAYAKING ($Extra)
Imagine gliding across the surface of a bay in the presence of icebergs and glaciers. Our Sea Kayaking program is a great way to intimately explore your surroundings. A small group of kayakers will plan to go out multiple times per voyage as an alternative to shore landings or Zodiac cruises.
POLAR PLUNGE
This rite of passage, scheduled only once per voyage, gives you the chance to jump safely into the bracing Arctic waters under the watchful eye of our staff.
INCLUDED
PADDLE EXCURSION
Sign up for a one–time paddle on our stable sit–on–top kayaks— perfect for anyone with minimal or no kayaking experience. Rotating groups of passengers will be taken out on calm days with our expert guides.
FLIGHTSEEING ON ULTRAMARINE
While polar landscapes are spectacular from the sea, they’re even more stunning from the air while seated in one of Ultramarine’s two twin–engine helicopters. You will experience an unforgettable aerial tour of the Arctic during a 10–to 15–minute flightseeing excursion that’s included in the voyage. Additional helicopter activities may also be available for purchase onboard. Please note: all helicopter operations are weather– and logistics–dependent.
INCLUDED | ONLY AVAILABLE ONBOARD ULTRAMARINE
Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders
Experienced Expedition guides including on all shore landings and other activities
All Zodiac transfers, shore landings and cruising as per the daily program
Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
Any welcome and farewell cocktails aboard.
10 breakfasts, 10 Lunches + 10 Dinners + meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage(Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals)
Select beer and wine served during dinner; plus, coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
Concierge-style group to answer all questions & provide important information
A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
An official 3-in-1 Quark Expeditions® parka to keep.
Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
All luggage handling aboard the ship
Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
While polar landscapes are spectacular from the sea, they’re even more stunning from the air, a view you can enjoy while seated in one of the two twin-engine helicopters stationed on Ultramarine.
Cruise at ocean level and explore
Hike the beautiful landscape of the 7th continent.
A pre-night hotel on Day 1 of the itinerary in Buenos Aires
A shared transfer on Day 2 from the Hotel to airport (AEP) in Buenos Aires
The charter flight from Buenos Aires (AEP) to Ushuaia (USH)
A shared transfer from the airport to the pier for embarkation on Ultramarine in Ushuaia
A shared transfer from the pier to the airport upon disembarkation of Ultramarine in Ushuaia
The charter flight from Ushuaia (USH) to Buenos Aires (EZE)
Breakfast included at the group Hotels
Complimentary spirits, and cocktails during bar service and dinner aboard.
A photographic journal documenting the expedition
Any airfare other than the transfer package
Any arrival transfer on Day 1
Any departure transfer on final day of the itinerary
Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
Passport and visa Expenses (if needed)
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
Non-refundable Credit card and bank payment Processing fees
Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—Required
Excess baggafe Fees on international flights
Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified
Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
February 29th: You may arrive in Buenos Aires at any time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (hotel night included).
Begin your expedition in seamless style with a private charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia—the southernmost city in the world and the gateway to Antarctica.
Instead of navigating commercial connections, you’ll board a dedicated charter arranged specifically for expedition guests, ensuring a smooth and coordinated transfer to the edge of the continent. As you fly south, watch the landscape transform beneath you—vast Patagonian plains giving way to rugged mountains and dramatic coastlines.
Upon arrival in Ushuaia, you’ll have time to explore this remote outpost nestled between the Martial Mountains and the Beagle Channel. Known as the “End of the World,” Ushuaia blends frontier energy with breathtaking natural surroundings.
Your time here may include:
• Strolling along the waterfront with views of snow-capped peaks
• Exploring local shops and cafés
• Photographing the colorful port town framed by mountains
• Taking in the crisp southern air before your Antarctic crossing
There is something symbolic about standing in Ushuaia—knowing that beyond this point lies only open ocean and the White Continent.
When the time comes, you’ll transfer to the pier and board Ultramarine, where the expedition team will welcome you aboard. As the ship departs the Beagle Channel and turns toward the Drake Passage, the true adventure begins.
From vibrant Buenos Aires to the very edge of South America—this carefully orchestrated transition sets the tone for an extraordinary journey ahead.
Begin your Antarctic expedition by crossing the legendary Drake Passage—the gateway to the White Continent.
Stretching between the southern tip of South America and Antarctica, the Drake is where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet. For generations of explorers, this crossing marked the true beginning of their polar journey. Now, it marks yours.
As you sail south aboard Ultramarine, the landscape gradually disappears behind you and the rhythm of the open ocean takes over. This is your transition—from the familiar world to one of the most remote regions on Earth.
During the crossing, you’ll settle into expedition life while enjoying:
• Mandatory safety briefings and Zodiac operation training
• Polar education sessions led by expert guides
• Wildlife spotting from deck—look for wandering albatross, petrels, and other seabirds gliding effortlessly above the waves
• Time to explore the ship’s observation lounges and panoramic decks
• Relaxation in the spa, sauna, or fitness center
• Conversations with fellow travelers as anticipation builds
Sea conditions vary. Some crossings are calm and smooth; others are more dynamic—earning the Drake its reputation. Regardless of the ocean’s mood, the ship’s experienced crew ensures safety and comfort throughout.
This is more than just a passage across water.
It is a mental and emotional shift. With each nautical mile south, anticipation grows. The air cools. The wildlife changes. And then—often suddenly—icebergs begin to appear on the horizon.
Crossing the Drake is a rite of passage.
It is the threshold between worlds.
And when Antarctica finally comes into view, you’ll know you’ve truly arrived at the edge of the Earth.
Explore the wild beauty of the South Shetland Islands and the breathtaking Antarctic Peninsula—the heart of your Antarctic expedition.
After crossing the Drake Passage, your first sightings of land often appear here: rugged islands rising dramatically from icy waters, glaciers spilling into sheltered bays, and seabirds circling overhead. The South Shetlands serve as a powerful introduction to Antarctica—remote, windswept, and alive with wildlife.
Conditions permitting, your days will be filled with guided shore landings and Zodiac cruises through some of the most visually stunning environments on Earth.
You may experience:
• Walking among thousands of gentoo and chinstrap penguins in active colonies
• Spotting Weddell and elephant seals resting along the shoreline
• Cruising by towering blue icebergs sculpted by wind and sea
• Visiting historic research stations and learning about polar science
• Photographing glaciers calving into the ocean in thunderous displays
• Stepping onto the Antarctic continent itself
As you continue south along the Antarctic Peninsula, landscapes become even more dramatic. Sheer mountain peaks rise directly from the sea. Narrow channels wind between ice-clad cliffs. Still, mirror-like bays reflect floating ice in surreal silence.
Every landing site is selected based on real-time ice and weather conditions, making each expedition uniquely shaped by nature. Flexibility allows the expedition team to maximize wildlife encounters and scenic opportunities while ensuring safety.
This region offers the perfect balance of accessibility and wilderness—providing deep immersion into Antarctica’s ecosystems without venturing into the extreme interior.
Here, the scale is humbling.
The silence is profound.
And the experience is unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula is not simply sightseeing—it is standing in one of the last truly wild places on the planet.
Often referred to as the “Kodak Gap,” the Lemaire Channel is one of the most spectacular stretches of water in all of Antarctica — and sailing through it is an unforgettable highlight of your expedition.
As our ship glides slowly through this narrow, 11-kilometer channel, you’ll find yourself surrounded by towering, glacier-draped cliffs rising dramatically on either side. The stillness here is extraordinary. On calm days, the water becomes a perfect mirror, reflecting jagged peaks and floating icebergs in a scene so surreal it feels almost unreal.
Keep your camera ready — this is one of the most photogenic places on the continent. You may spot humpback whales surfacing nearby, seals resting on drifting ice floes, or penguins porpoising through the icy waters alongside us.
Weather and ice conditions determine whether passage is possible — which makes the experience even more special when nature allows it. If conditions align, our captain will carefully navigate this iconic corridor, giving you ample time on deck to take it all in.
Moments like this are why so few people ever truly understand the scale, silence, and power of Antarctica. And you’ll be among the rare few who do.
Take part in one of Antarctica’s most iconic traditions: the Polar Plunge.
At a designated location—carefully selected by the Captain and Expedition Leader based on weather and sea conditions—you’ll have the opportunity to step (or leap!) into the icy waters of Antarctica under the supervision of the expedition team.
This is not mandatory—but for many, it becomes one of the most unforgettable moments of the entire journey.
Dressed in your swimsuit and surrounded by snow-covered peaks and floating icebergs, you’ll gather on deck as anticipation builds. One by one, brave guests make their way to the entry point. With safety personnel standing by and towels ready for your return, you’ll take the plunge into near-freezing polar waters.
The sensation is immediate.
Invigorating.
Exhilarating.
And then it’s over—often followed by cheers, laughter, and a quick retreat to the warmth of the ship’s sauna or hot shower.
The Polar Plunge is about more than cold water.
It’s about fully embracing the experience.
It’s about stepping outside your comfort zone at the edge of the world.
Whether you dive in or cheer from the sidelines, this moment captures the spirit of expedition travel—bold, unforgettable, and shared together in one of the most remote places on Earth.
Landing on places like Danco Island is one of the most magical moments of the Antarctic Peninsula.
As our Zodiac approaches the rocky shoreline, you’ll quickly notice the island is anything but empty. Gentoo penguins have claimed this dramatic landscape as their home, and their colony stretches across the snow-dusted slopes above the landing site.
You’ll watch them waddle along their established “penguin highways,” carefully navigating between nests made of small pebbles. During breeding season, you may see pairs tending to eggs or fluffy gray chicks waiting patiently to be fed. The activity is constant — some penguins diving into the icy waters, others returning from sea, and many simply going about their daily rhythm in one of the most remote places on Earth.
From higher vantage points on the island, you’ll also be rewarded with sweeping views of the Errera Channel, often dotted with sculptural icebergs drifting silently past.
As always, we follow strict Antarctic conservation guidelines — maintaining respectful distances and ensuring we leave no trace. We are visitors in their world.
Danco Island is more than a landing.
It’s a rare opportunity to stand among thousands of penguins in their natural habitat — raw, unscripted, and unforgettable.
And very few people on Earth will ever experience it the way you will.
One of the most enriching parts of your Antarctic expedition happens between landings.
While the landscapes outside are breathtaking, the knowledge shared onboard brings this remote continent to life in an entirely new way.
Throughout the journey, you’ll attend engaging lectures led by whale specialists, penguin researchers, marine biologists, glaciologists, polar historians, and seasoned expedition leaders — individuals who have dedicated their careers to studying and protecting this extraordinary region.
You’ll learn:
• How humpback whales feed and migrate across hemispheres
• The fascinating social structure and survival strategies of penguin colonies
• The science behind massive icebergs and glacial formations
• The history of early polar exploration
• The fragile environmental balance that makes Antarctica so unique
These sessions aren’t dry classroom presentations — they are dynamic, story-rich conversations filled with firsthand field experience, real research, and powerful imagery. Many of the experts you’ll hear from have spent decades working in polar regions and bring a rare depth of perspective you simply can’t get from a documentary.
And what makes it even more special?
You’ll often step out of a lecture about whales… and then witness one surface beside the ship.
You’ll learn about penguin behavior… and then observe it firsthand during a landing.
The education and the experience unfold together.
Elevate your Antarctic experience—literally—with a 15-minute helicopter flightseeing adventure from Ultramarine.
Weather and operational conditions permitting, you’ll lift off directly from the ship aboard one of Ultramarine’s twin-engine helicopters for an aerial perspective few travelers ever witness. Within moments, the landscape transforms beneath you—glaciers stretch endlessly toward the horizon, jagged mountain ridgelines carve through the ice, and floating icebergs appear like scattered sculptures in a frozen sea.
From above, Antarctica reveals its true scale.
What feels immense from sea level becomes even more dramatic in the air. You may soar over:
• Vast ice fields and crevassed glaciers
• Snow-covered mountain peaks
• Remote bays unreachable by ship
• Intricate patterns of sea ice and turquoise meltwater
The sensation is surreal—silent expanses interrupted only by the rhythmic sound of the rotor blades and the steady guidance of your pilot.
This short but powerful flight offers a completely different dimension of exploration. It’s not just sightseeing—it’s perspective-shifting. The sheer scale, symmetry, and untouched beauty of the continent become unmistakably clear from above.
All helicopter operations are strictly dependent on weather, visibility, and safety approvals. Timing cannot be guaranteed in advance, ensuring every flight is conducted under optimal conditions.
For many guests, this aerial experience becomes one of the most defining moments of the journey—an extraordinary view of the 7th Continent that few humans will ever see.
Cross the legendary Drake Passage once more as you make your return north toward South America—one final chapter in your Antarctic expedition.
Where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans converge, this storied stretch of water has long been considered a rite of passage for true explorers. For centuries, sailors rounding Cape Horn faced these powerful seas as they ventured into the unknown. Today, you follow in their wake—comfortably aboard Ultramarine—while still experiencing the raw energy of the Southern Ocean.
The return crossing is a time to reflect.
As Antarctica slowly fades beyond the horizon, days at sea are filled with:
• Expert-led lectures deepening your understanding of polar history, wildlife and glaciology
• Wildlife spotting from the outer decks—albatross, petrels and other seabirds soaring effortlessly above the waves
• Conversations with fellow travelers, sharing stories from your landings and Zodiac excursions
• Enjoying panoramic views from the lounge as the ship navigates these iconic waters
• Relaxation in the spa, sauna or quiet corners of the ship
Sea conditions can vary—from calm and glassy to lively and dynamic—adding to the authenticity of the experience. Regardless of the ocean’s mood, the expedition team ensures safety, comfort, and continuous enrichment throughout the journey.
Crossing the Drake is more than transportation.
It is a symbolic transition—from the stillness of Antarctica back to the rhythm of the world.
By the time you approach South America, you won’t simply be returning home—you’ll be returning changed.
Enhance your Antarctic expedition with an unforgettable day in Patagonia, one of the most visually dramatic regions in South America.
Following your time in Antarctica, trade icebergs for jagged peaks, glacial lakes, and vast windswept plains as you explore this legendary landscape at the edge of the continent. Patagonia offers a striking contrast to the White Continent—yet carries the same sense of scale, silence, and raw natural beauty.
Depending on final routing and conditions, your curated day experience may include:
• Scenic drives through expansive steppe landscapes framed by snow-capped Andes
• Guided exploration of glacial lakes and turquoise lagoons
• Up-close views of towering granite peaks
• Opportunities for light, scenic walks (no strenuous hiking required)
• Wildlife spotting including guanacos, condors, and native birdlife
• A refined regional lunch showcasing Patagonian flavors
This experience is designed to be immersive yet comfortable—allowing you to witness Patagonia’s grandeur without requiring intense trekking. Expect dramatic panoramas, crisp mountain air, and some of the most photogenic scenery in the Southern Hemisphere.
For many travelers, pairing Antarctica with Patagonia creates a powerful narrative: from the frozen frontier of the 7th Continent to the rugged majesty of South America’s southern edge.
It’s the perfect way to complete your journey—standing between glaciers and mountains, reflecting on an expedition few will ever experience.
March 11TH: You will be departing having checked off one of the places few people will ever step foot on from your bucket list.
Haitian Nomad is a premium group travel company specializing in immersive, culturally rich experiences around the world. Founded by world traveler Richard Cantave, Haitian Nomad brings together curious, like-minded travelers seeking meaningful connections, authentic local experiences, and exceptional accommodations. Our carefully curated journeys go beyond traditional tourism, offering exclusive access to local culture, cuisine, history, and communities while maintaining the comfort and service of premium travel. From vibrant cities and remote islands to once-in-a-lifetime cultural celebrations, every Haitian Nomad adventure is designed to create unforgettable memories, lifelong friendships, and a deeper understanding of the world.