Bespoke private family tours

Take your 'crew' on a different kind of holiday with a Secret Atlas private family tour. 

Photograph polar wildlife in its natural habitat. Uncover ancient fossils that tell the story of our planet. Explore high-drama fjords aboard a zodiac and hike snow-blanketed mountains. Whatever you and your family dream of doing together, you can make it happen on an itinerary built around you.

Set sail to the most pristine and inspiring destinations on Earth – Svalbard (Spitsbergen), Greenland, Northern Norway, and more – on one of our 12-guest, expedition-style ships. Head deep into these wild environments, sharing in the spectacle and reaffirming your bonds in nature’s theatre.

Customising your family expedition

Each Secret Atlas family expedition begins with detailed consultation to understand your specific interests and requirements. Our expedition team then crafts an itinerary that balances educational opportunities with engaging activities. 

Our small expedition vessels accommodate as few as 12 guests. This provides the perfect setting for intimate family exploration while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions and opportunities based on what you and your family are interested in.

The commitment to safety never compromises the sense of adventure that makes Arctic exploration so compelling. Professional guides, comfortable accommodations, and carefully planned itineraries ensure your family experiences the Arctic's many wonders in safety and comfort.

Below, we’ve put together some example itineraries and experiences to get your imagination going.

1. Arctic wildlife safari

Experience the thrill of encountering the Arctic's most magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Our expert naturalist guides lead specialised tours to observe polar bears, walruses, seals and various whale species – with a higher chance of spotting the elusive narwhal in Greenland's pristine waters.

These family-friendly wildlife trips provide safe and responsible viewing opportunities, ensuring Arctic wildlife is observed in its natural environment without disturbance.

Both Greenland and Svalbard offer the chance to see Arctic foxes, reindeer, and an array of Arctic bird species. However, Greenland is known for its musk oxen and a higher likelihood of narwhal sightings, while polar bears are rarer. In contrast, Svalbard is home to more polar bears than people, offering some of the best chances to observe these iconic predators in the wild. It is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, with puffins, king eider, guillemots, and kittiwakes among the highlights. Both destinations allow you to witness how these animals have uniquely adapted to thrive in the harsh polar conditions.

2. Land of Ice exploration

3. Age of Exploration sites

4. Fossil and dinosaur exploration

5. Human history and cultural encounters

The Arctic's rich cultural heritage spans from ancient Viking settlements to contemporary Inuit communities. In Greenland, engage with Inuit communities to understand their traditional practices and modern adaptations to Arctic life.

Visit historic trappers' huts in Svalbard, where early explorers sought shelter from Arctic storms, and explore remarkable Svalbard expedition sites including centuries-old whaling stations that tell tales of human perseverance in extreme conditions.

6. Geological marvels

Major geological events, such as the Caledonian orogeny and the Ice Age, profoundly shaped the landscapes of East Greenland and Svalbard, resulting in remarkable similarities and unique features. 

Devonian red stone formations in both regions create striking 'Mars-like' red terrains, complemented by sedimentary deposits such as limestones and sandstones. The Ice Age further sculpted these areas, with glaciers carving dramatic fjords, valleys, and moraines, leaving behind landscapes marked by erosion.

Fossil discoveries in East Greenland and Svalbard reveal an ancient marine history from the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras. These fossils tell the story of a time when the regions were much warmer, submerged beneath shallow seas, before tectonic forces moved them to their current Arctic latitudes.

East Greenland stands out with its significant regional uplift, which has resulted in towering mountain ranges, some reaching over 3,000 meters (10,000 feet). Additionally, its extensive areas of ancient, erosion-resistant rocks – granites, gneisses, and schists – have allowed these peaks to endure and rise above the surrounding terrain, distinguishing its geology from that of Svalbard.

Regardless of which destination your family chooses, you will find yourselves immersed in breathtaking landscapes shaped by millions of years of natural history. These remote Arctic regions promise an unforgettable experience, where every view is a testament to the Earth's raw and awe-inspiring beauty.

7. Adventure activities

Our customised itineraries incorporate activities suitable for all ages and abilities. Choose from snowshoeing expeditions across pristine tundra, or photography workshops focused on capturing Arctic light and wildlife. Multi-generational groups particularly benefit from our flexible approach to activity planning.

Each day brings new opportunities for exploration and adventure. Glide silently past towering icebergs in stable zodiacs, watching for seals sunbathing on floating ice. Trek across the tundra with our expert guides who adjust the pace and distance to match your family's preferences. You can even split into two groups if you want to, with a guide each.

For those interested in photography, our specialised workshops help capture the unique qualities of Arctic light, whether it's the midnight sun casting golden hues across snow-capped peaks or the soft pastels of polar twilight.

8. Arctic flora exploration

During the Arctic summer, the tundra transforms with remarkable plant life. Specialised botany walks reveal the diversity of polar flora – from hardy Arctic wildflowers to resilient mosses and lichens. These expeditions provide insight into plant adaptation strategies in extreme environments, offering engaging learning opportunities for family members of all ages. 

Even in lands so vast, against giant backgrounds, it is often the little things that stand out. Arctic wildflowers are amongst the most beautiful sights in nature. 

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