Plan your trip

The Expedition Micro Cruise is how we see the world. 

• Genuinely small group sizes at both poles, for the most intimate and transformative experience

• Expedition leaders and guides with decades of polar experience and hundreds of expeditions between them

• No queueing for Zodiac cruises and shore landings

• Itineraries that evolve to maximise opportunities presented by ice, wildlife, and weather.

• Comfortable accommodations, where the real luxury is the freedom and time to explore

We call our pioneering way of exploring the Expedition Micro Cruise. It forms the basis of all our adventures, including our photography expeditions and private charters.

• OUR JOURNEY

That depends on what you want to see and do. 

As it passes through spring, summer, and autumn, the Arctic journeys through frozen landscapes, endless daylight, and stunning sunsets in every shade imaginable. As darkness returns in winter, the skies come alive with the magic of the northern lights. 

In Antarctica, our expeditions start in October, when penguins start their courting rituals, and run until February, when the resulting penguin chicks are born. 

We typically recommend that children be at least seven years old to join an Expedition Micro Cruise. There is no upper age limit.

Your expedition team will always speak English. Other languages depend on the expedition team accompanying you on your journey.

If you require a language other than English to be spoken, please get in contact.

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’.

Our expeditions are suitable for the vast majority of people and we aim to make them as accessible as possible. 

We ask that our guests have a good level of mobility, as it is a requirement that you can safely step down from the vessel into the landing craft and then exit the landing craft onto land. 

Due to the remote areas we visit and the distance from medical assistance, we advise that you have a reasonable level of fitness and are in good health. 

During shore landings, we have two guides, which enables us to split the group if we have some keen hikers and some other guests who want to keep things leisurely.

Our expedition ships are very stable in comparison to a sailing yacht. Seasickness varies from individual to individual. If you feel you may be susceptible to seasickness, we recommend bringing sea sickness medication with you, which is available at most pharmacies. 

Our crew will be able to give you advice on preventing seasickness. such as avoiding alcohol, keeping hydrated, and getting a good amount of rest.

All our expedition ships are equipped with basic first aid equipment and an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Travel insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in the case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all trips sold or operated by Secret Atlas and is a condition of booking. 

We will ask for a copy of your insurance certificate prior to departure. We cannot legally provide you travel insurance advice but we have put the following guide together to assist you in finding the right insurance for you. 

What we recommend your insurance policy covers:

• Evacuation (including by helicopter) to the nearest hospital for accident, injury & other medical reasons

• Medical expenses (at least $50k)

• Repatriation

• Emergency evacuation (at least $250k)

• Cancellation, curtailment & suspension

• Personal liability

• Loss of luggage and personal effects

• Death and illness

For more information check out our travel insurance checklist. 

That depends on where and when you go.

In Svalbard, top summertime spots include Arctic foxes, beluga and humpback whales, Svalbard reindeer, seals, walruses, and polar bears. 

In Greenland, we regularly see Arctic foxes, Arctic hares, reindeer, musk oxen, and (less regularly) polar bears. 

South Georgia, famed for its wildlife, is home to king penguins, elephant seals, and albatrosses. 

Antarctica’s wildlife is among the most resilient and wondrous on Earth. Penguins – gentoos, Adélies, and chinstraps; seals – leopard, elephant, crabeater, and Weddell; and whales and orcas are some of the many highlights of our Antarctic expeditions.

Only every moment of every day!

We explore some of the wildest, remotest, and most photogenic environments on Earth. The wildlife of Svalbard, the icebergs and northern lights of Greenland, the penguins of South Georgia and Antarctica. All provide some of the most captivating sights (and photo opportunities!) in nature. So. Bring. Your. Camera. 

For the ultimate photography experience, book one of our [photography expeditions]. Whether you are a pro, an enthusiast, or an absolute beginner, these tours are designed to get you the best photo opportunities and develop your skills under the guidance of a professional photographer-guide, with workshops, lectures, and one-on-one coaching.

We don’t follow a fixed itinerary, preferring 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 track!

So all our listed itineraries are for guidance only. The day-to-day activities may vary depending on the ice, the wildlife, and the weather.

During our cruises, we follow very strict guidelines as set out by AECO (Association Of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators) and IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) to ensure minimal impact on the wildlife and places we visit. This includes following strict rules about not disturbing wildlife in its natural habitat. 

We employ highly experienced expedition leaders to run our expeditions in accordance with the rules and safety codes laid out by AECO and IAATO. 

We are proud members of 1% for the Planet, pledging to donate at least 1% of our annual revenue to charitable causes that benefit our world. 

In addition, we support the Yachts for Science initiative, regularly taking scientists and researchers on our expedition vessels, giving them the transport and space they need to complete their important work.

We believe that working with local communities is a big part of responsible tourism and hire locally wherever possible. 

For more information on our commitment to the planet and what we’re doing to make our expeditions as responsible as possible, head to Our impact.

Yes, our expeditions are suitable for children aged seven and above.

We regularly welcome families on board our expeditions – grandparents, grandchildren, mums and dads, uncles and aunts, and everyone in between are welcome. Seeing such special environments as a family is a unique experience. 

You can join our Expedition Micro Cruises as a family, but why not book your own private charter and bring the whole gang? 

• CUSTOMISED PRIVATE FAMILY TOURS

Yes, you can. Every year we welcome solo travellers on board, where you will find a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Accommodation options for solo travellers include single cabins or sharing a cabin with travellers of the same gender.