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Svalbard Summer Solstice Micro Cruise

LONGYEARBYEN 78°22’N, 15°65’E

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Svalbard Summer Solstice Micro Cruise

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Svalbard Summer Solstice Micro Cruise

Rates from

€18,350 pp

Duration

12 days

Dates

Jun — Jul

Guests

Our extended micro cruise sets sail when the midnight sun is at its zenith, scouring the ice edge in the far north of Svalbard for unforgettable wildlife encounters.

In the glowing 24-hour sun of the Svalbard summer, experience Arctic wildlife in their natural habitat. Make the most of the superior conditions on an intrepid itinerary, where great swathes of the archipelago bring a new encounter with the wild.

See Svalbard come alive with wildlife.

Our longest micro cruise sets sail when the Svalbard day is at its longest, giving you the perfect conditions and all the time you need to scout the ice edge far to the north of the archipelago and capture beautiful, indelible wildlife images.

Over the course of a full fortnight’s exploration, our guides will help you scope out incredible opportunities along the ice edge. Sailing under the midnight sun, this micro cruise maximises the extended daylight hours at the height of summer, when Svalbard’s wildlife is at its most abundant.

Expedition highlights

Explore the ice edge in the lesser-seen north of Svalbard during the summer solstice (June 21), the longest day of the year, when the sun never sets.
This is the best time to witness Svalbard’s wildlife at its most active, under uninterrupted daylight that reveals the full drama.
Enter a world where whales glide through icy waters, polar bears roam the sea ice, and Arctic foxes hunt beneath towering cliffs teeming with thousands of seabirds.

Svalbard reindeer standing on hill Secret Atlas

The Expedition Micro Cruise concept

Group photo of guests on deck of Vikingfjord in front of Brasvellbreen Glacier in Svalbard

Transformative small-group experience

Disconnect from modern life on a small-ship expedition. Just you, your crew, and the world at its wildest.

portrait of Virgil Reglioni a Secret Atlas guide and photographer

World-class expedition leaders and guides

Our polar superstars. Tap into their knowledge and passion, with the best guide-to-guest ratios in both polar regions.

Two zodiacs carrying guests passing through the Arctic sea

Exciting Zodiac cruises and shore landings

Out in the field is our happy place. We explore as one, with no queuing or waiting for excursions.

Zodiac cruise in Svalbard with guests photographing a bird as it flies over, Secret Atlas

Open-ended exploration

We prefer to embrace spontaneity and make the most of every opportunity nature presents us with.

Women enjoying beer whilst in hot tub onboard ship in Svalbard with Secret Atlas

Comfortable accommodations

Our fleet of ships are decked out to be your home-from-home. The biggest luxury we offer? The time and freedom to explore.

Transformative small-group experience

World-class expedition leaders and guides

Exciting Zodiac cruises and shore landings

Open-ended exploration

Comfortable accommodations

couple enjoying group experience Secret Atlas

guides teaching photography in the field

Group of people exploring ice in Svalbard with Secret Atlas

Hot tub experiences onboard with Secret Atlas

Close encounter with Arctic fox in Svalbard summer

"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 Navigation 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

Depart

Day 01 78°22'N, 15°62'E

View over Longyearbyen from above, Svalbard, Norway

Depart Longyearbyen at 4pm.

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

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

Days 02–03 78°44'N, 11°89'E

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

Visit Ny-Ålesund Research Station, the world’s northernmost year-round research facility, and Kongsfjorden, with landings and cruises to its two glaciers, Kronebreen and Kongsbreen.

Sail along the continental shelf, scouting for fin and blue whales that gather in the upwelling zones.

Days 04–07 80°82'N, 19°50'E

Vikingfjord by ice wall in Bråsvellbreen Svalbard 24 Giancarlo Gallinoro Secret Atlas

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

Marvel at Alkefjellet, a stunning bird cliff, nesting location of Brünnich guillemot.

Take a Zodiac cruise to see Storisstraumen and a ship cruise to Bråsvellbreen of the Austfonna ice cap, Europe's third-largest glacier by volume and area.

Explore the island of Kvitøya, taking in the walrus colony and cultural remains of the Andreeneset headland.

Day 08 80°72'N, 20°50'E

Walrus sitting on the ice at Austfonna Svalbard Shutterstock Secret Atlas

Hike on an area of Sjuøyane, or “Seven Islands”, the northernmost part of Svalbard, home bird cliffs, overflowing in the summer with black guillemots, ivory gulls, and kittiwakes, cultural remains, and walrus haulouts.

Days 09–11 79°60'N, 12°87'E

Two zodiacs carrying guests exploring the pack ice

Cruise down Liefdefjorden, standing in awe where the Monaco glacier meets the sea, and/or landing at Texas Bar, an historic trappers’ hut.

See the historical site at Bruceneset in beautiful Alicehamna bay, during a Zodiac cruise or hike.

Take a fjord cruise down Magdalenefjord, with its stunning natural architecture of pointed mountains.

Stand before Lilliehook glacier, in search of calving ice.

Tour St. Johnsfjord, landing at Copper Camp to view cultural remains.

Sail past Alkhornet (Bird Mountain), home to extensive seabird colonies, and marvel at Sveabreen, one of Svalbard’s largest and most active glaciers. Return to Longyearbyen.

Day 12 78°22'N, 15°62'E

Polar bear walking on the rocks in the Hinlopen straight

Disembark in Longyearbyen at 9am.

Return

What your expedition could look like

Day 01 78°22'N, 15°62'E

Depart Longyearbyen at 4pm.

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

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

Days 02–03 78°44'N, 11°89'E

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

Sail along the continental shelf, scouting for fin and blue whales that gather in the upwelling zones.

Days 04–07 80°82'N, 19°50'E

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

Marvel at Alkefjellet, a stunning bird cliff, nesting location of Brünnich guillemot.

Take a Zodiac cruise to see Storisstraumen and a ship cruise to Bråsvellbreen of the Austfonna ice cap, Europe's third-largest glacier by volume and area.

Explore the island of Kvitøya, taking in the walrus colony and cultural remains of the Andreeneset headland.

Day 08 80°72'N, 20°50'E

Days 09–11 79°60'N, 12°87'E

Cruise down Liefdefjorden, standing in awe where the Monaco glacier meets the sea, and/or landing at Texas Bar, an historic trappers’ hut.

See the historical site at Bruceneset in beautiful Alicehamna bay, during a Zodiac cruise or hike.

Take a fjord cruise down Magdalenefjord, with its stunning natural architecture of pointed mountains.

Stand before Lilliehook glacier, in search of calving ice.

Tour St. Johnsfjord, landing at Copper Camp to view cultural remains.

Sail past Alkhornet (Bird Mountain), home to extensive seabird colonies, and marvel at Sveabreen, one of Svalbard’s largest and most active glaciers. Return to Longyearbyen.

Day 12 78°22'N, 15°62'E

Disembark in Longyearbyen at 9am.

Your ship

Your home-from-home in the Arctic.

Freya

MV Freya is a classic expedition ship. The sturdy, ice-strengthened 1A hull makes her perfect for exploring the Arctic waters.

See Ship

12 Guests

Interior

The bridge of MV Freya showing computer navigation system

Exterior

boat sailing deck pov svalbard cloudy mid aug summer 2024 ross dixon ms freya 24-sva-25-jpg

Out on deck with views of mountains onboard MV Freya

Guests enjoy hot soak in hot tub on board MV Freya

Signature
Twin

Sleeps two in lower twin berths
Ensuite shower and toilet
Window

Deck 1

10M²

2 Guests

Signature
Penthouse (double)

Signature Penthouse suite onboard MV Freya

Sleeps two in a double bed
Ensuite shower and toilet
Window

Deck 1

15M²

2 Guests

Signature
Single

Sleeps one in a lower berth
Ensuite shower and toilet
Window

Deck 1

10M²

1 Guest

Deck

Films

Watch

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

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 of guests on the deck onboard Vikingfjord

Hot tub on deck onboard Vikingfjord Secret Atlas

Sauna on deck onboard Vikingfjord Secret Atlas

Signature
Twin/Double

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

Comfortable single bed
Ensuite shower and toilet
Window, wardrobe, desk and chair

Deck 1 and 2

10M²

1 Guest

Deck

Films

Watch

Svalbard Summer Solstice Micro Cruise

From £15,600 From €18,350 From $21,200 From CA$27,800 From AU$30,000 pp

Signature
Twin

£15,600 €18,350 $21,200 CA$27,800 AU$30,000 pp

Sleeps two in lower twin berths
Ensuite shower and toilet
Window

Deck 1

10M²

2 Guests

Signature
Penthouse (double)

£15,600 €18,350 $21,200 CA$27,800 AU$30,000 pp

Sleeps two in a double bed
Ensuite shower and toilet
Window

Deck 1

15M²

2 Guests

Signature
Single

£17,700 €20,750 $23,900 CA$31,600 AU$33,900 pp

Sleeps one in a lower berth
Ensuite shower and toilet
Window

Deck 1

10M²

1 Guest

Book Dates Contact us

Signature
Twin/Double

SOLD OUT

Comfortable double bed/twins
Ensuite shower and toilet
Windows, wardrobe, desk and chair

Deck 1

15M²

2 Guests

Signature
Penthouse (Double)

SOLD OUT

Comfortable double bed
Ensuite shower and toilet
Window, wardrobe, desk and chair

Deck 3

15M²

2 Guests

Signature
Single

SOLD OUT

Comfortable single bed
Ensuite shower and toilet
Window, wardrobe, desk and chair

Deck 1 and 2

10M²

1 Guest

Join Waitlist

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

Why Secret Atlas?

Meet 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 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.

What's included?

Expert guide team and photographer

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, particularly on our photo voyages – 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 photo tours 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.

LONGYEARBYEN TRAVEL GUIDE

Do I need to be an experienced photographer to join?

Not at all. We welcome guests that share an interest not only in photography but in learning more about nature and observing wildlife in its natural habitat.

Our Svalbard photo tours are designed for guests that are looking to spend time out in the field taking photos. We welcome all levels of photographer. Whether you’re an experienced professional or completely new to photography, this is a great opportunity to spend time in nature capturing images.

In addition to our photography guide, we also have a highly experienced expedition leader and guide on board, giving you plenty of opportunity to learn about Svalbard.

Can I get one-on-one photography coaching?

Our photography guides are in-field tuition experts, experienced in group and one-on-one coaching. They’ll be on-hand throughout the expedition to offer in-field advice, scout photo opportunities, and deliver lectures and workshops.

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.

BREAKING DOWN NEW SVALBARD REGULATIONS 2025

For more information regarding your booking, please refer to our booking terms and conditions

What's included?

Expert guide team and photographer

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

Solo explorers

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?

Where does this expedition depart from?

LONGYEARBYEN TRAVEL GUIDE

Do I need to be an experienced photographer to join?

Not at all. We welcome guests that share an interest not only in photography but in learning more about nature and observing wildlife in its natural habitat.

In addition to our photography guide, we also have a highly experienced expedition leader and guide on board, giving you plenty of opportunity to learn about Svalbard.

Can I get one-on-one photography coaching?

Are there any photo or video restrictions in Svalbard?

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.

BREAKING DOWN NEW SVALBARD REGULATIONS 2025

For more information regarding your booking, please refer to our booking terms and conditions

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

Looking to explore the world with friends, family, or colleagues?

Plan a private charter with us.

TALK TO US

Svalbard Summer Solstice Micro Cruise

Photography

Svalbard Summer Solstice Micro Cruise

Expedition highlights

The Expedition Micro Cruise concept

Transformative small-group experience

World-class expedition leaders and guides

Exciting Zodiac cruises and shore landings

Open-ended exploration

Comfortable accommodations

Transformative small-group experience

World-class expedition leaders and guides

Exciting Zodiac cruises and shore landings

Open-ended exploration

Comfortable accommodations

Transformative small-group experience

World-class expedition leaders and guides

Exciting Zodiac cruises and shore landings

Open-ended exploration

Comfortable accommodations

Experiences

Experiences

We don’t follow a fixed itinerary

What your expedition could look like

What your expedition could look like

Your ship

Freya

Interior

Exterior

Signature Twin

Signature Penthouse (double)

Signature Single

Deck

Films

Vikingfjord

Interior

Exterior

Signature Twin/Double

Signature Penthouse (Double)

Signature Single

Deck

Films

Svalbard Summer Solstice Micro Cruise

Signature Twin

Signature Penthouse (double)

Signature Single

Signature Twin/Double

Signature Penthouse (Double)

Signature Single

Why Secret Atlas?

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

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

Why Secret Atlas?

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

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

What's included?

Not included

Solo explorers

FAQs

How physically fit do I need to be?

Where does this expedition depart from?

Do I need to be an experienced photographer to join?

Can I get one-on-one photography coaching?

Are there any photo or video restrictions in Svalbard?

What are the new 2025 regulations in Svalbard?

What's included?

Not included

Solo explorers

FAQs

How physically fit do I need to be?

Where does this expedition depart from?

Do I need to be an experienced photographer to join?

Can I get one-on-one photography coaching?

Are there any photo or video restrictions in Svalbard?

What are the new 2025 regulations in Svalbard?

Explorer's Handbook

21 Animals to See in Svalbard

21 Animals to See in Svalbard

What to Pack for the Arctic

What to Pack for the Arctic

Signature
Twin

Signature
Penthouse (double)

Signature
Single

Signature
Twin/Double

Signature
Penthouse (Double)

Signature
Single

Signature
Twin

Signature
Penthouse (double)

Signature
Single

Signature
Twin/Double

Signature
Penthouse (Double)

Signature
Single