Expedition Micro Cruises to the poles and beyond.

By explorers, for explorers.

At Secret Atlas, we explore the polar regions as they deserve. It’s what makes us different.

Person standing in the landscape of Greenland Secret Atlas

We knew if we were to create expeditions that were different from everyone else’s, we needed an expert team behind us - seasoned professionals who share our ethos.

Our guiding team has over a century of combined experience exploring the wildest ends of the Earth. They know the best way to do this is on genuinely small-group expeditions.

Vikingfjord expedition ship in snowy fjord in East Greenland

Because smaller means more freedom.

Exploring in micro groups opens up your perspective in ways you may not expect.

Sure, films and photos can show you the beauty of the polar regions. And there are plenty of ways to see those breathtaking scenes in person.

But, do you want to tick it off your list or do you want to really connect to it?

Read our story of how Secret Atlas started…

"There’s always been a part of me that craves to go where few have ventured. Inspired by the heroic explorers of the past, I want to share real expeditions with our guests. Adventures that satisfy our craving to discover a world far bigger than the one we encounter daily - and explore it with appreciation and time."

— Michele D’Agostino, Secret Atlas co-founder

meet the team at Secret Atlas

Meet the team

Environmental conservationists, world-class marine biologists, geographical specialists, award-winning photographers, seasoned sailors, and modern-day explorers make up our team.

Drawing from years of first-hand experience, whether on deck or behind the scenes, we’re here to bring the magic of the polar regions to life for you.

Vikingfjord ship with people boarding from zodiac in Svalbard landscape Secret Atlas

Expedition Micro Cruises

Not just small. Micro.

The lands we explore at Secret Atlas are unfathomably vast and unpredictable. The wildlife we meet leaves a giant impression on us. You can’t compete with the natural world on this scale.

So we don’t try.

That’s why we’re pioneers of the Expedition Micro Cruise, offering the smallest group sizes at both poles.

As featured in

"The new luxury travel trailblazers"

The Times
Read article

"When it's time to cruise again, think small"

The Washington Post
Read article

"The slow travel trend is here to stay"

Condé Nast Traveler
Read article
Group of guests cruising past glacier in zodiac boat

Redefining luxury

Luxury to us is reaching untouched places, savouring more time in each destination, and exploring where few have ever set foot. If that resonates with you – welcome. You’ve found your place with us.

We understand that, out here, less is more. Less waiting to board Zodiacs, more time ashore. Less strict itineraries, more adventure. Less crowd, more immersion. 

We don’t aspire to be a massive corporation. Instead, we measure our growth by the quality of our expeditions and how you – our guests – feel when arriving home.

Our goal is to stand out in the cruise industry by charting a different course – one with purpose, that establishes a more responsible connection with the world. Because we are explorers and we care about these locations.

As featured in

Following the footsteps of giants…

Scott. Shackleton. Amundsen. Mawson. Bancroft.

When we explore the polar regions, we follow in the footsteps of giants. Their spirit of adventure guides Us.

So we’re adaptable. Our itineraries evolve to maximise the opportunities presented by the ice, wildlife and weather.

We’re agile. Our micro cruises go places larger vessels can only dream about.

We’re intrepid. Yes, our ships offer home comforts, but the main luxuries we offer are the freedom and time to explore.

We’re conscious. We lead the way in responsible travel wherever we set sail.

We’re transformational. We set the course for journeys of self-discovery, encouraging guests to connect with each other, nature, and themselves.

"We’re set on keeping the wilderness wild!"

— Mariano Curiel, Secret Atlas owner

..leaving small footprints

When you explore the polar regions, you gain a newfound respect for them - and feel an overwhelming urge to protect them.

Explore. Respect. Protect. It’s in our DNA.

To help with our impact goals, rather than just talking about change, we seek out partnerships that make a real difference.

Above all else, transparency is important to us. We’ll tell you what we’re doing to lower our impact - and where we can do better.

Featured expeditions

All our Expedition Micro Cruises are aligned with nature, itinerary-free, and take small groups into the wildest places on Earth.

Expedition Micro Cruises

Guests in zodiac taking photos in Krossfjord with Secret Atlas

Svalbard Spring Photo Tour

78°13’N, 15°38’E

Landscape photographers adore Svalbard in the early season, when puzzle-piece sea ice and snow-enrobed shorelines glow under pastel sunrises and sunsets.

  • 12 guests
  • 8 — 10 days
Zodiac expedition with guests

Svalbard Spring Photo Tour with Randy Hanna

78°13’N, 15°38’E

Head north with world-renowned photographer and tutor Randy Hanna, capturing the frozen Arctic landscape of Svalbard in the spring.

  • 12 guests
  • 10 days
Dark and moody mountains in Svalbard

Svalbard Spring Micro Cruise

78°13’N, 15°38’E

A frozen fairytale of iceberg-strewn fjords, snowy peaks, and puzzle-piece sea ice – as animals take their first steps following winter.

  • 12 guests
  • 8 — 10 days
Icy mountains scenic view glacier Secret Atlas

Svalbard Summer Micro Cruise

78°13’N, 15°38’E

Set sail in summer, when Svalbard blooms with life, the best time to spot wildlife in Europe’s last great wilderness.

  • 12 guests
  • 10 days
Svalbard-summer-Sophie-Dingwall-Secret-Atlas

Svalbard Summer Solstice Micro Cruise

78°13’N, 15°38’E

Our longest photo tour sails when the midnight sun is at its zenith, providing 24-hour photo opportunities in the company of your pro photographer guide.

  • 12 guests
  • 10 days
Arctic fox photography ice Secret Atlas

Svalbard Summer Photo Tour with Paul Goldstein

78°13’N, 15°38’E

Paul Goldstein is a nature-photography heavyweight, a go-hard, all-hours maestro – and the perfect guide to take your wildlife photography up a gear (or 10) in Svalbard.

  • 12 guests
  • 10 days
Svalbard summer sunset over mountains

Svalbard Circumnavigation Micro Cruise

78°13’N, 15°38’E

The big one. As the sea opens up under the midnight sun, take the unique opportunity to circumnavigate Svalbard, Europe’s last great wilderness.

  • 12 guests
  • 12 days
Svalbard landscape in Autumn by Virgil Reglioni Secret Atlas

Svalbard Autumn Photo Tour with Virgil Reglioni

78°13’N, 15°38’E

Set off on a late-season adventure, when sunsets and sunrises cast spellbinding colours the archipelago, and capture the meltwater waterfalls of the Austfonna ice cap with top polar photographer Virgil Reglioni.

  • 12 guests
  • 12 days
Iceberg scenic view drone shot in Scoresby Sund Secret Atlas

Northeast Greenland National Park Micro Cruise

76°50'N, 23°10'W

The ultimate Greenland experience – a unique two-week adventure into Northeast Greenland National Park, the world’s largest national park, and Scoresbysund, the longest fjord system on Earth.

  • 12 guests
  • 11 — 13 days
Beautiful sunset mountains ice in Greenland Secret Atlas

Scoresbysund Autumn Micro Cruise

70°50’N, 25°00’W

An autumn micro cruise to Scoresbysund, East Greenland. For landscape lovers and aurora chasers – the ultimate expedition of Earth and sky.

  • 12 guests
  • 9 days
Northern lights Secret Atlas

Scoresbysund Northern Lights Photo Tour

70°50’N, 25°00’W

Capture the heavens bursting with light above the monumental icebergs and high-drama landscape of Scoresbysund.

  • 12 guests
  • 8 — 9 days
Viewing the northern lights on the back of a camera in Scoresbysund Secret Atlas

Scoresbysund Northern Lights Photo Tour with Virgil Reglioni

70°50’N, 25°00’W

With 0% light pollution and insane iceberg sculptures, paired with the world’s finest aurora borealis photographer, you’re in for a treat.

  • 12 guests
  • 9 days
Aurora night BearIsland Scoresbysund Virgil Reglioni 2025 October Secret Atlas

Scoresbysund Northern Lights Photo Tour with Randy Hanna

70°50’N, 25°00’W

Photograph the northern lights illuminating the skies above Scoresbysund with nature photography legend Randy Hanna.

  • 12 guests
  • 9 days
king penguins south georgia marco miglionico secret atlas

South Georgia In Depth Expedition Micro Cruise

54°16’S, 36°30’W

15 days devoted entirely to South Georgia. Seven days ashore, early season, before the crowds arrive. Stand among king penguins in their thousands, elephant seals battling, and wandering albatrosses souring above. This is when the island at its most raw. 36 guests aboard Aureum.

  • 36 guests
  • 15 days
Detailed photo of a group of King Penguins in South Georgia

South Georgia and Antarctica Shackleton Special Expedition Micro Cruise

54°16’S, 36°30’W

19 days. South Georgia, Elephant Island, and Antarctica in a single voyage. The three places that define the Endurance expedition, followed in sequence. 36 guests aboard Aureum. Spring breathes new life as South Georgia’s vast king penguin colonies teem with activity. Fur seal pups begin to appear, while wandering albatross soar effortlessly overhead.

  • 36 guests
  • 19 days
Single Gentoo penguin icebergs Antarctica Piet van dem Bemd Secret Atlas

Antarctic Peninsula Expedition Micro Cruise by Air & Sea

54°16’S, 36°30’W

Sail the Drake Passage south from Ushuaia, then fly out of Antarctica direct to Patagonia. Four full days on the Peninsula, 36 guests, six senior polar guides, and a farewell night beneath Torres del Paine. The crossing is the point. The flight is the exit.

  • 36 guests
  • 9 days
Guests hiking frozen sea The Polar Circle Mariano Curiel Secret Atlas

Antarctic Circle Expedition Micro Cruise by Air

54°16’S, 36°30’W

Charter flight from Patagonia. Seven full days in Antarctica. A push for the Antarctic Circle at 66°33'S on every departure. Explore pristine ice, wildlife-rich bays, and iconic sites without crowds, and free from rigid schedules with only 36 guests, the first ship of this size in Antarctica.

  • 36 guests
  • 11 days
Iceberg in Antarctica with chinstrap penguins Secret Atlas

Antarctic Circle Christmas Expedition Micro Cruise by Air

54°16’S, 36°30’W

Christmas Day on the Antarctic Peninsula, in perpetual summer light. A charter flight from Puerto Natales, seven full days on the ice, and a push for the Antarctic Circle at 66°33'S.

  • 36 guests
  • 11 days
antarctica antarctic peninsula damoy point shutterstock secret atlas

Antarctic Circle New Year Expedition Micro Cruise by Air

54°16’S, 36°30’W

Welcome the New Year in Antarctica on a 36-guest Fly & Cruise expedition. New Year's Eve on the Antarctic Peninsula, in light that does not fade. Charter flight from Puerto Natales, seven full days on the ice, a push for the Antarctic Circle at 66°33'S.

  • 36 guests
  • 11 days
King penguins on the beach at Gold Harbour South Georgia Secret Atlas

Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica Micro Cruise

Combine Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica on a 78-guest cruise expedition in Spring. Follow in Shackleton’s footsteps, witness penguin chicks and whales, and enjoy uncrowded, pristine landscapes.

  • 78 guests
  • 21 days

Photography expeditions

Guests in zodiac taking photos in Krossfjord with Secret Atlas

Svalbard Spring Photo Tour

78°13’N, 15°38’E

Landscape photographers adore Svalbard in the early season, when puzzle-piece sea ice and snow-enrobed shorelines glow under pastel sunrises and sunsets.

  • 12 guests
  • 8 — 10 days
Zodiac expedition with guests

Svalbard Spring Photo Tour with Randy Hanna

78°13’N, 15°38’E

Head north with world-renowned photographer and tutor Randy Hanna, capturing the frozen Arctic landscape of Svalbard in the spring.

  • 12 guests
  • 10 days
Dark and moody mountains in Svalbard

Svalbard Spring Micro Cruise

78°13’N, 15°38’E

A frozen fairytale of iceberg-strewn fjords, snowy peaks, and puzzle-piece sea ice – as animals take their first steps following winter.

  • 12 guests
  • 8 — 10 days
Icy mountains scenic view glacier Secret Atlas

Svalbard Summer Micro Cruise

78°13’N, 15°38’E

Set sail in summer, when Svalbard blooms with life, the best time to spot wildlife in Europe’s last great wilderness.

  • 12 guests
  • 10 days
Svalbard-summer-Sophie-Dingwall-Secret-Atlas

Svalbard Summer Solstice Micro Cruise

78°13’N, 15°38’E

Our longest photo tour sails when the midnight sun is at its zenith, providing 24-hour photo opportunities in the company of your pro photographer guide.

  • 12 guests
  • 10 days
Arctic fox photography ice Secret Atlas

Svalbard Summer Photo Tour with Paul Goldstein

78°13’N, 15°38’E

Paul Goldstein is a nature-photography heavyweight, a go-hard, all-hours maestro – and the perfect guide to take your wildlife photography up a gear (or 10) in Svalbard.

  • 12 guests
  • 10 days
Svalbard summer sunset over mountains

Svalbard Circumnavigation Micro Cruise

78°13’N, 15°38’E

The big one. As the sea opens up under the midnight sun, take the unique opportunity to circumnavigate Svalbard, Europe’s last great wilderness.

  • 12 guests
  • 12 days
Svalbard landscape in Autumn by Virgil Reglioni Secret Atlas

Svalbard Autumn Photo Tour with Virgil Reglioni

78°13’N, 15°38’E

Set off on a late-season adventure, when sunsets and sunrises cast spellbinding colours the archipelago, and capture the meltwater waterfalls of the Austfonna ice cap with top polar photographer Virgil Reglioni.

  • 12 guests
  • 12 days
Iceberg scenic view drone shot in Scoresby Sund Secret Atlas

Northeast Greenland National Park Micro Cruise

76°50'N, 23°10'W

The ultimate Greenland experience – a unique two-week adventure into Northeast Greenland National Park, the world’s largest national park, and Scoresbysund, the longest fjord system on Earth.

  • 12 guests
  • 11 — 13 days
Beautiful sunset mountains ice in Greenland Secret Atlas

Scoresbysund Autumn Micro Cruise

70°50’N, 25°00’W

An autumn micro cruise to Scoresbysund, East Greenland. For landscape lovers and aurora chasers – the ultimate expedition of Earth and sky.

  • 12 guests
  • 9 days
Northern lights Secret Atlas

Scoresbysund Northern Lights Photo Tour

70°50’N, 25°00’W

Capture the heavens bursting with light above the monumental icebergs and high-drama landscape of Scoresbysund.

  • 12 guests
  • 8 — 9 days
Viewing the northern lights on the back of a camera in Scoresbysund Secret Atlas

Scoresbysund Northern Lights Photo Tour with Virgil Reglioni

70°50’N, 25°00’W

With 0% light pollution and insane iceberg sculptures, paired with the world’s finest aurora borealis photographer, you’re in for a treat.

  • 12 guests
  • 9 days
Aurora night BearIsland Scoresbysund Virgil Reglioni 2025 October Secret Atlas

Scoresbysund Northern Lights Photo Tour with Randy Hanna

70°50’N, 25°00’W

Photograph the northern lights illuminating the skies above Scoresbysund with nature photography legend Randy Hanna.

  • 12 guests
  • 9 days
king penguins south georgia marco miglionico secret atlas

South Georgia In Depth Expedition Micro Cruise

54°16’S, 36°30’W

15 days devoted entirely to South Georgia. Seven days ashore, early season, before the crowds arrive. Stand among king penguins in their thousands, elephant seals battling, and wandering albatrosses souring above. This is when the island at its most raw. 36 guests aboard Aureum.

  • 36 guests
  • 15 days
Detailed photo of a group of King Penguins in South Georgia

South Georgia and Antarctica Shackleton Special Expedition Micro Cruise

54°16’S, 36°30’W

19 days. South Georgia, Elephant Island, and Antarctica in a single voyage. The three places that define the Endurance expedition, followed in sequence. 36 guests aboard Aureum. Spring breathes new life as South Georgia’s vast king penguin colonies teem with activity. Fur seal pups begin to appear, while wandering albatross soar effortlessly overhead.

  • 36 guests
  • 19 days
Single Gentoo penguin icebergs Antarctica Piet van dem Bemd Secret Atlas

Antarctic Peninsula Expedition Micro Cruise by Air & Sea

54°16’S, 36°30’W

Sail the Drake Passage south from Ushuaia, then fly out of Antarctica direct to Patagonia. Four full days on the Peninsula, 36 guests, six senior polar guides, and a farewell night beneath Torres del Paine. The crossing is the point. The flight is the exit.

  • 36 guests
  • 9 days
Guests hiking frozen sea The Polar Circle Mariano Curiel Secret Atlas

Antarctic Circle Expedition Micro Cruise by Air

54°16’S, 36°30’W

Charter flight from Patagonia. Seven full days in Antarctica. A push for the Antarctic Circle at 66°33'S on every departure. Explore pristine ice, wildlife-rich bays, and iconic sites without crowds, and free from rigid schedules with only 36 guests, the first ship of this size in Antarctica.

  • 36 guests
  • 11 days
Iceberg in Antarctica with chinstrap penguins Secret Atlas

Antarctic Circle Christmas Expedition Micro Cruise by Air

54°16’S, 36°30’W

Christmas Day on the Antarctic Peninsula, in perpetual summer light. A charter flight from Puerto Natales, seven full days on the ice, and a push for the Antarctic Circle at 66°33'S.

  • 36 guests
  • 11 days
antarctica antarctic peninsula damoy point shutterstock secret atlas

Antarctic Circle New Year Expedition Micro Cruise by Air

54°16’S, 36°30’W

Welcome the New Year in Antarctica on a 36-guest Fly & Cruise expedition. New Year's Eve on the Antarctic Peninsula, in light that does not fade. Charter flight from Puerto Natales, seven full days on the ice, a push for the Antarctic Circle at 66°33'S.

  • 36 guests
  • 11 days
King penguins on the beach at Gold Harbour South Georgia Secret Atlas

Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica Micro Cruise

Combine Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica on a 78-guest cruise expedition in Spring. Follow in Shackleton’s footsteps, witness penguin chicks and whales, and enjoy uncrowded, pristine landscapes.

  • 78 guests
  • 21 days

Design your own private Expedition Micro Cruise with Secret Atlas

Share the journey with those who matter most.

Close up ice texture Secret Atlas

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