Svalbard Summer Solstice Micro Cruise
Longyearbyen to Longyearbyen
Extended Arctic Micro Cruise: Wildlife & Ice Under the Midnight Sun
Our longest micro cruise departs at the peak of the Arctic summer, when the midnight sun casts its endless glow over Svalbard’s northern ice edge. This is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of the Arctic wilderness and capture unforgettable wildlife encounters, bathed in 24-hour light.
Sailing during the summer solstice, when the sun never sets, this extended voyage ventures deep into the remote, lesser-seen north of Svalbard. It’s the perfect time to witness the region’s iconic wildlife — polar bears prowling the sea ice, whales slicing through icy waters, Arctic foxes on the hunt, and towering bird cliffs alive with thousands of seabirds.
About This Expedition
Experience Svalbard’s wildlife awakening under endless daylight.
Our longest micro cruise is perfectly timed to make the most of the Arctic’s extended summer days. Over two weeks of exploration, our experienced guides will help you seek out incredible wildlife moments along the ice edge and within the archipelago’s hidden reaches.
With more time, more daylight, and more freedom to explore, this is your chance to create lasting images of Svalbard’s remarkable wildlife and landscapes, far from the usual tourist routes.
What your expedition could look like
Day 1
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 2–3
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 4–7
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 8
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 9–11
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
Disembark in Longyearbyen.
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 airport to hotel and hotel to airport (within 48 hours of embarkation/disembarkation time)
Transfers from hotel to vessel for embarkation and vessel to airport/hotel after disembarkation
What's not included?
Flights
Travel and cancellation insurance
Any additional expenses such as museum entry
What to Expect
You didn’t come all this way to wait in line — or to watch the Arctic pass by from a deck chair.
This photography-focused expedition maximises your time on land and sea. With expert tuition from your guide, including onboard talks, in-the-field instruction, and personalised feedback, you’ll develop your craft while capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments.
Our Expedition Micro Cruise philosophy is simple: more adventure, more freedom, more time in nature. Expect at least two daily excursions, from scenic Arctic hikes to Zodiac cruises along ice-choked coastlines.
No Fixed Itinerary — True Expedition Spirit
Flexibility is the key to true Arctic exploration. Our itineraries are designed to adapt to ice, weather, and wildlife — giving you the best opportunities possible.
Each day brings new possibilities. All landings are made in line with AECO regulations and site permissions.
Looking for total freedom? Speak to us about arranging a private yacht charter for a fully bespoke Arctic adventure.
Expedition Highlights
Explore the far north of Svalbard at the height of summer, under the endless daylight of the solstice
Witness wildlife at its most active: polar bears, whales, Arctic foxes, walruses, and seabirds in their natural habitat
Sail the ice edge, where dramatic Arctic scenes unfold beneath golden skies
Enjoy the best light for photography — 24 hours of soft, golden sun
Micro Cruise Highlights
No crowds. Just camera clicks.
Travel with an acclaimed polar photographer for expert guidance and tuition
Intimate group size ensures a more personal and rewarding experience
Agile micro expedition ships reach places larger vessels simply cannot
Led by expedition leaders with decades of polar expertise and hundreds of voyages behind them
No queues. No crowds. No fixed schedule — just true Arctic exploration
| Inside | Outside | Balcony | Suite |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A |
$21,200.00
Cat: SINTW $1,927.27 per night |
N/A |
$21,200.00
Cat: SIGPE $1,927.27 per night |
| View Prices for Additional Cabin Categories | |||
| Inside | Outside | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A |
$21,200.00
Cat: SINTW $1,927.27 per night |
||
| Balcony | Suite | ||
| N/A |
$21,200.00
Cat: SIGPE $1,927.27 per night |
||
| View Prices for Additional Cabin Categories | |||
- Photography
- Photography Safari
- Safari, Animals, and Wildlife
About MV Freya
A classic expedition ship with a hull of the highest ice class rating (1A), Freya's strength means she can explore deep into the pack ice, while her modern interior offers first-class comforts. Originally a lighthouse-building vessel, MV Freya boasts spacious cabins and multiple viewing decks to immerse yourself in the wonders of the Arctic.
| SIGPE | Signature Penthouse | $21,200.00 USD |
| SINTW | Signature Twin/Double | $21,200.00 USD |
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.
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.
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?
"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
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.
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.
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.
Explore. Respect. Protect.
"We're set on keeping the wilderness wild!" — Mariano Curiel, Secret Atlas owner
We explore the most beautiful, powerful, and fragile environments on Earth. It’s a pleasure, a privilege, and a responsibility.
To us, responsible polar travel is about continually acting to lower our impact and being transparent about the steps we are taking.
Whether it’s growing important partnerships, leading on-the-ground action, or improving our operations, we will keep you updated on everything we are doing to move our industry forward, help communities and wildlife, and reduce our footprint.
What's important
“No one will protect what they don't care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced.” — Sir David Attenborough
What we're doing
Compliance
Our vessels must abide by the Polar Code and all IMO regulations, which enforce strict rules on ship design, construction, training, and more. We are members of the IAATO and AECO, organisations that set the gold standard for responsible polar travel in Antarctica and the Arctic respectively.
Direct action
We participate in beach cleans across Svalbard each season. During every expedition, if we see something that shouldn’t be there – bottles, discarded fishing nets – we take it away.
Operations
Our ship MV Vikingfjord is an eco standard-bearer in the polar regions, with an energy efficient engine and NOx filters recently installed, reducing emissions by 95%.
Hiring
As well as focusing on climate and wildlife, the local communities of the remote destinations we explore are a big part of our sustainable polar travel philosophy. From guides to the remote towns of Greenland, to operations staff on-the-ground in Svalbard, we hire locally where possible.
The benefits of being small
Our size helps us reach our ambitious impact goals. Our Expedition Micro Cruise model allows us to offer lower impact polar tourism, with a smaller footprint than traditional, large operators.
Arrive as a visitor, leave as an ambassador
When you explore the world’s most precious environments, you gain a deep and everlasting respect for them – and become all too aware of the need to protect them.
Explore. Respect. Protect. This is something that motivates us, and it’s something we pass on to each of our Expedition Micro Cruise guests.
Our guests arrive in the polar regions as visitors. They leave as passionate ambassadors for these remote destinations, inspired to help protect and preserve them – and encouraging their family and friends to do the same through sharing their story.
Partnerships
We seek our partnerships that make a real difference to the planet.
We’re proud members of 1% for the Planet, donating at least 1% of our annual revenue to environmental causes, and we actively support the Yachts for Science initiative by welcoming scientists and researchers aboard our vessels to carry out critical work.
By joining the Conscious Travel Foundation, we’re excited to stand alongside a global community of changemakers who are redefining the future of travel with purpose, responsibility, and care.
A classic expedition ship with a hull of the highest ice class rating (1A), Freya's strength means she can explore deep into the pack ice, while her modern interior offers first-class comforts. Originally a lighthouse-building vessel, MV Freya boasts spacious cabins and multiple viewing decks to immerse yourself in the wonders of the Arctic.
| SIGPE | Signature Penthouse | $21,200.00 USD |
| SINTW | Signature Twin/Double | $21,200.00 USD |
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.
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.
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?
"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
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.
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.
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.
Explore. Respect. Protect.
"We're set on keeping the wilderness wild!" — Mariano Curiel, Secret Atlas owner
We explore the most beautiful, powerful, and fragile environments on Earth. It’s a pleasure, a privilege, and a responsibility.
To us, responsible polar travel is about continually acting to lower our impact and being transparent about the steps we are taking.
Whether it’s growing important partnerships, leading on-the-ground action, or improving our operations, we will keep you updated on everything we are doing to move our industry forward, help communities and wildlife, and reduce our footprint.
What's important
“No one will protect what they don't care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced.” — Sir David Attenborough
What we're doing
Compliance
Our vessels must abide by the Polar Code and all IMO regulations, which enforce strict rules on ship design, construction, training, and more. We are members of the IAATO and AECO, organisations that set the gold standard for responsible polar travel in Antarctica and the Arctic respectively.
Direct action
We participate in beach cleans across Svalbard each season. During every expedition, if we see something that shouldn’t be there – bottles, discarded fishing nets – we take it away.
Operations
Our ship MV Vikingfjord is an eco standard-bearer in the polar regions, with an energy efficient engine and NOx filters recently installed, reducing emissions by 95%.
Hiring
As well as focusing on climate and wildlife, the local communities of the remote destinations we explore are a big part of our sustainable polar travel philosophy. From guides to the remote towns of Greenland, to operations staff on-the-ground in Svalbard, we hire locally where possible.
The benefits of being small
Our size helps us reach our ambitious impact goals. Our Expedition Micro Cruise model allows us to offer lower impact polar tourism, with a smaller footprint than traditional, large operators.
Arrive as a visitor, leave as an ambassador
When you explore the world’s most precious environments, you gain a deep and everlasting respect for them – and become all too aware of the need to protect them.
Explore. Respect. Protect. This is something that motivates us, and it’s something we pass on to each of our Expedition Micro Cruise guests.
Our guests arrive in the polar regions as visitors. They leave as passionate ambassadors for these remote destinations, inspired to help protect and preserve them – and encouraging their family and friends to do the same through sharing their story.
Partnerships
We seek our partnerships that make a real difference to the planet.
We’re proud members of 1% for the Planet, donating at least 1% of our annual revenue to environmental causes, and we actively support the Yachts for Science initiative by welcoming scientists and researchers aboard our vessels to carry out critical work.
By joining the Conscious Travel Foundation, we’re excited to stand alongside a global community of changemakers who are redefining the future of travel with purpose, responsibility, and care.
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