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Early season photography images for spring tours walrus snow mountain Secret Atlas

Svalbard Spring Micro Cruise Lite

LONGYEARBYEN 78°22’N, 15°65’E
Micro Cruise

Svalbard Spring Micro Cruise Lite

Expeditions coming soon

We are currently working on the upcoming schedule.

A compact early-season adventure, seeing iceberg-strewn fjords, snowy peaks, and puzzle-piece sea ice – as animals take their first steps following winter.

See Svalbard still wearing its winter coat on a compact adventure into Europe’s last great wilderness. The wildlife is waking up and the sun has reintroduced itself following the long winter. The light it casts as it rises and sets is deliciously soft and beguilingly coloured, adding an otherworldly glow to the snow-wrapped land and frozen seascape.

Svalbard in springtime is Svalbard at its most compelling.

Emerging from the depths of winter, the archipelago presents its wilder side in the early season. Nature has turned the page on the year before. A fresh page of white snow lies before us. We are the pioneers, the first readers of nature’s new bestseller. 

This intrepid adventure is shorter than usual, but we maximise the time we have, showing off the best of the season as our agile expedition ship charts a path through the ice. Smothered in an unbroken blanket of snow, hemmed in by splintering sea ice, and awakened by wonderfully soft light, Svalbard in the spring is all about new beginnings and sublime scenery. 

Spotting wildlife in the early season requires patience, but there’s nothing like witnessing Arctic animals – reindeer, walruses, Arctic foxes, polar bears – against the springtime backdrop.

Expedition Highlights

  • The best time to visit for quintessentially Arctic scenery of frozen seascapes, crystalline icebergs, and snow-covered mountains, wrapped in the soft light of the early season

  • A chance to encounter wildlife, including whales, Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, walruses, seals, and polar bears, against a snowy backdrop

  • A shorter expedition, designed to make the most of your time

The Expedition Micro Cruise concept

couple enjoying group experience Secret Atlas
guides teaching photography in the field
Exiting zodiac cruises
Group of people exploring ice in Svalbard with Secret Atlas
Hot tub experiences onboard with Secret Atlas
View through the porthole onboard to mountains of Svalbard

"I felt like I was a part of a Discovery Channel programme. What you see and experience is beyond your wildest imagination."

— Annie, Secret Atlas guest in Svalbard

Svalbard Spring Map to plan your trip with Secret Atlas

Experiences

We don’t follow a fixed itinerary

We prefer to embrace spontaneity and make the most of every opportunity nature presents to us. This is how we believe a true, authentic expedition should run. After all, the thrill of adventuring into the unknown is more rewarding than a journey that runs on tracks!

So all our listed itineraries are for guidance only. The day-to-day activities may vary depending on the ice, the weather, and the wildlife. Landings are subject to site availability and permissions, and always in line with AECO regulations.

For even more flexibility, get in touch about making this a private yacht charter.

What your expedition could look like

Day 01 78°22'N, 15°62'E
Bow of the ship, Vikingfjord in pack ice, Secret Atlas

Depart Longyearbyen at 4pm.

Sail past striking Fuglefjella (Bird Mountain), a fine example of plateau mountainous landscape, as we leave Longyearbyen. 

Day 02 78°12'N, 13°49'E
Sail past ice field and plateau mountainous landscape

Alkhornet, at the opening of Isfjorden, showcases the change in geology from plateau to edge-dominated, alpine mountainous landscape. 

Explore Poolepynten, a headland on Prins Karls Forland, home to a walrus colony and burial site.

Day 03 80°45'N, 11°15'E
Polar bear and cub across the ice fields

Search the ice edge, a dynamic setting of texture and light, home to seals, seabirds, and polar bears.

Days 04–07 79°49'N, 11°38'E
Panoramic photo of Liiliehook glacier by Florian Ledoux

Land in Sallyhamna, a hut built in 1937, rich in history and cultural remains from the 1600s whaling period.

Continue south to explore Gravnesodden in Magdalenefjorden, with interesting cultural remains.

Land at Camp Zoe, an old trappers’ hut; take a Zodiac cruise of Lilliehook glacier, in search of calving ice. 

Continue south back to Isfjorden and Longyearbyen.

Day 08 78°22'N, 15°62'E
Ice and mountains of Svalbard

Disembark in Longyearbyen at 9am.

Your ship

Your home-from-home in the Arctic.

Vikingfjord

A new ice-strengthened ship with industry-leading environmental credentials.

See Ship
12 Guests
Vikingfjord ship in Svalbard landscape Secret Atlas

Interior

Observation lounge area onboard Vikingfjord
Observation lounge area onboard Vikingfjord
Observation lounge area onboard Vikingfjord
Observation lounge area onboard Vikingfjord
Observation lounge area onboard Vikingfjord
Observation lounge area onboard Vikingfjord
restaurant area onboard Vikingfjord
restaurant area onboard Vikingfjord
restaurant area onboard Vikingfjord
restaurant area onboard Vikingfjord
restaurant area onboard Vikingfjord
restaurant area onboard Vikingfjord
Bridge lounge area onboard Vikingfjord
Bridge lounge area onboard Vikingfjord
Bridge lounge area onboard Vikingfjord
Man looking at a map on the Bridge of a ship Secret Atlas
Bridge lounge area onboard Vikingfjord
Bridge lounge area onboard Vikingfjord
Bridge lounge area onboard Vikingfjord
Man looking at a map on the Bridge of a ship Secret Atlas

Exterior

View from Side deck onboard Vikingfjord Secret Atlas
Out on deck in the snow onboard MV Vikingfjord
View from the deck onboard Vikingfjord
View of guests on the deck onboard Vikingfjord
View from Side deck onboard Vikingfjord Secret Atlas
Out on deck in the snow onboard MV Vikingfjord
View from the deck onboard Vikingfjord
View of guests on the deck onboard Vikingfjord
Hot tub on deck onboard Vikingfjord Secret Atlas
Sauna on deck onboard Vikingfjord Secret Atlas
Hot tub on deck onboard Vikingfjord Secret Atlas
Hot tub on deck onboard Vikingfjord Secret Atlas
Sauna on deck onboard Vikingfjord Secret Atlas
Hot tub on deck onboard Vikingfjord Secret Atlas
Signature
Twin/Double

Signature Twin/Double on board Vikingfjord
  • Comfortable double bed/twins
  • Ensuite shower and toilet
  • Windows, wardrobe, desk and chair
Deck 1
15M²
2 Guests
Signature
Penthouse (Double)

Signature Penthouse suite onboard MV Vikingfjord
  • Comfortable double bed
  • Ensuite shower and toilet
  • Window, wardrobe, desk and chair
Deck 3
15M²
2 Guests
Signature
Single

Signature Single onboard MV Vikingfjord with Secret Atlas
  • Comfortable single bed
  • Ensuite shower and toilet
  • Window, wardrobe, desk and chair
Deck 1 and 2
10M²
1 Guest

Deck

Deck plan of MV Vikingfjord

Films

Watch

Expeditions coming soon

We are currently working on the upcoming schedule.

Why Secret Atlas?

Because we’re explorers, delivering expeditions for explorers like you.

We’re fuelled by the long-lost spirit of adventure, guided by environmental and cultural responsibility, and committed to creating transformative travel experiences.

We’re pioneers of the Expedition Micro Cruise, offering the smallest group sizes at both poles. That means a flexible itinerary. It means more time exploring and photographing. It means a deeper connection with your team and the natural world.

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.

That’s why we’re not just small. We’re micro.

Meet Secret Atlas

What's included?

Expert guide team

Lectures and tutorials

Use of Zodiacs (dinghies) for shore landings and photography opportunities

Polar bear protection guides for shore landings

Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner + alcoholic drinks with evening meal)

Bedding and towels

Highly experienced captain and cook

Rubber boots for shore landings

Transfers from hotel to vessel for embarkation and vessel to airport/hotel after disembarkation

Not included

Flights and transfers from airport to hotel

Travel and cancellation insurance

Any additional expenses such as museum entry

Blonde girl in the snow Antarctic Secret Atlas

Solo explorers

Solo travellers are welcome on all our voyages. We often host solo travellers – the chances are you won’t be the only one. We offer the following accommodation options:

  • Single cabins (where available)

  • The option to share a twin cabin with another traveller of the same gender

  • The option to have your own double cabin for an additional supplement. Please contact us for this option as the price varies depending on trip and availability

FAQs

How physically fit do I need to be?

To get the most from a Secret Atlas expedition, it’s important to be stable on your feet and able to undertake short hikes. But there’s no requirement to undertake any given activity, and we usually split into two groups: those who want to go to the top of the hill, and those who’d prefer a more leisurely stroll at the bottom (or a Zodiac cruise!).

Where does this expedition depart from?

All our Svalbard Expedition Micro Cruises depart from and return to the town of Longyearbyen. Longyearbyen is easily reached by daily flights from Oslo in Norway, making it one of the easiest destinations to reach in the High Arctic. To find out more about how to get to Longyearbyen, please see our guide below.

Why is an Expedition Micro Cruise the best way to explore Svalbard?

Unlike larger vessels with higher passenger capacities, our voyages are personal and unique in their approach. Travelling with a small group of guests means more time exploring, more flexibility, and less time waiting to board Zodiacs and go ashore.

Our small expedition vessels will get you closer to nature and more immersed in the landscape than larger ships, offering you a more transportative and transformative experience with no crowds or queuing.

Are there any photo or video restrictions in Svalbard?

Guests are not permitted to use drones during the expedition. In any case a drone is being used during your expedition, it will be for professional use only by a member of the Secret Atlas team with the required permissions.

Limitations are in place to protect the wildlife we encounter. Often, it is not possible to get up-close to the wildlife we see. For more information, check out the ‘Visitor Guidelines’.

What are the new 2025 regulations in Svalbard?

In 2025, the Norwegian government introduced stricter environmental regulations in Svalbard to better protect its fragile Arctic ecosystem and wildlife.

At Secret Atlas, our Expedition Micro Cruise concept is built around conscious, responsible travel. These new rules align perfectly with our mission to explore with care and leave a minimal footprint.

We understand you may have questions about how these changes could affect your journey. To help, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about the updated regulations. And of course, if you’d like to chat through the details, our team is always here to help.

For more information regarding your booking, please refer to our booking terms and conditions
Ice glacier peaks Secret Atlas

Explorer's Handbook

Everything you need to know to help you plan your polar expedition, from destination guides to weather insights and what to pack…

View Handbook
Ice snow capped glacier mountains Secret Atlas

Where is Svalbard?

It's almost certainly north of where you are right now, but where exactly is Svalbard?
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Inside of the restaurant of the Radisson Blue Hotel in Longyearbyen Svalbard

Svalbard Accommodation and Hotels

For a land so remote, Svalbard is well-served by excellent accommodation, in all shapes and sizes.
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Photographer capturing an Arctic fox up close, Secret Atlas

Svalbard Photography Guide

Everything you need to know to embark on your photography expedition to Svalbard. From what to pack and where to spot wildlife!
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What to wear – and what not to wear – on your Arctic adventure.
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Attention,polar bear crossing! Arctic North Pole, Svalbard. Secret Atlas

Do I Need a Visa to Enter Svalbard?

Explore essential Svalbard visa requirements in this comprehensive guide.
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Looking to explore the world with friends, family, or colleagues?

Plan a private charter with us.

Booking info
Micro Cruise

Svalbard Spring Micro Cruise Lite

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Signature Twin/Double

This comfy cabin option comes with your choice of a double bed or twins. 

The ship’s subtle Scandi design continues into your suite, creating a calming, rejuvenating atmosphere in which to unwind after a long day’s exploration. 

The cabin boasts an ensuite toilet and shower room, along with a desk and chair, wardrobe, and windows.

Signature Twin/Double

In your cabin

  • Starlink Wi-Fi
  • 220v 2-pin European plug socket
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Shower gel
  • Body lotion
  • Hand soap
  • Towels
  • Bedding and throw
  • Hairdryer
  • Rubber Muck boots (provided by Secret Atlas for the duration of your expedition)
  • Slippers
Signature Twin/Double Suite Location

Signature Penthouse (Double)

The spacious master suite on deck 3 is seamlessly designed for double occupancy. 

It boasts a particularly light and airy feel, courtesy of the windows in the main room and ensuite, as well as the cabin’s elevated position on the upper deck. 

The Scandi-inspired penthouse features a desk and chair, along with ample storage space for two guests and plenty of room to relax and unwind in.

Signature Penthouse (Double)

In your cabin

  • Starlink Wi-Fi
  • 220v 2-pin European plug socket
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Shower gel
  • Body lotion
  • Hand soap
  • Towels
  • Bedding and throw
  • Hairdryer
  • Rubber Muck boots (provided by Secret Atlas for the duration of your expedition)
  • Slippers
Signature Penthouse (Double) Suite Location

Signature Single

Ideal for solo travellers, this more compact cabin option still feels spacious and welcomingly serene, thanks to its light design and carefully considered layout. 

Features include a wardrobe, ensuite, and a window on the wall of the main room.

Your cosy home-from-home as you explore the wildest places on the planet.

Signature Single

In your cabin

  • Starlink Wi-Fi
  • 220v 2-pin European plug socket
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Shower gel
  • Body lotion
  • Hand soap
  • Towels
  • Bedding and throw
  • Hairdryer
  • Rubber Muck boots (provided by Secret Atlas for the duration of your expedition)
  • Slippers
Signature Single Suite Location

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