Svalbard Summer Photo Tour w/ Randy Hanna
Svalbard Summer Photo Tour with Randy Hanna
Sail under the midnight sun, camera in hand, as Svalbard’s wildlife comes to life.
Designed for dedicated photographers, this journey unfolds at the peak of Arctic summer, when the archipelago teems with activity. Led by acclaimed nature photographer Randy Hanna, you’ll explore the ice edge in search of polar bears, visit walrus haulouts, and aim for northern highlights such as the dramatic bird cliffs of Alkefjellet.
Expedition Highlights
Svalbard’s wildlife at its most abundant-polar bears, whales, walruses, Arctic foxes, and vast colonies of seabirds
24 hours of daylight under the midnight sun-perfect conditions for photography
Expert tuition from award-winning polar photographers who teach in the field, not the classroom
Why a Micro Cruise?
Not just small. Micro.
Intimate group size for a more personal, transformative experience
Expedition vessels that reach hidden coves and landing sites inaccessible to large ships
Leaders with decades of polar experience and hundreds of expeditions behind them
No queues, no crowds-just time in nature
A flexible approach: the journey follows opportunity, not a fixed schedule
Meet Your Guide – Randy Hanna
Randy is an internationally published wildlife and landscape photographer whose work has appeared on book covers, posters, and in leading magazines. With more than three decades of guiding experience, he combines deep technical knowledge with a hands-on, one-to-one teaching style that helps photographers of all levels refine their skills.
What to Expect
This isn’t about waiting on a ship-it’s about maximising your time in the wild. Expect at least two excursions each day, from Zodiac cruises along icy shores to hikes across colourful Arctic tundra, always with camera in hand.
Summer transforms Svalbard: snow retreats, tundra blooms, and wildlife thrives under endless daylight. Golden midnight sun sets the perfect stage for unforgettable images-polar bears hunting on sea ice, walruses hauled out on beaches, whales surfacing in glassy fjords, and Arctic foxes darting through wildflowers.
Together with Randy, you’ll scout the best conditions, seize fleeting opportunities, and venture as far north as the season allows. Every day offers new chances to create remarkable images in one of Earth’s most photogenic frontiers.
Flexible Itinerary
We don’t believe in rigid schedules. Instead, we embrace spontaneity, adjusting to ice, weather, and wildlife for the most authentic expedition possible. Each day’s plan is shaped by opportunity, ensuring no two voyages are ever the same.
For even greater freedom, this journey can also be arranged as a private yacht charter.
What your expedition could look like
Day 01
Depart Longyearbyen at 4pm.
Alkhornet, at the opening of Isfjorden, showcases the change in geology from plateau to edge-dominated, alpine mountainous landscape.
Days 02–07
Explore Poolepynten, a headland on Prins Karls Forland, home to a walrus colony and burial site.
Take a fjord cruise down Magdalenefjord, with its stunning natural architecture of pointed mountains.
Sail to Smeerenburg, a former whaling settlement and source of an enduring myth, now home to a walrus colony.
Possible landing in Virgohamna, a historical site, to learn about the attempts to reach the North Pole by air that departed from here and see remains of blubber ovens from the 1600s.
Landing and hike on Ytre Norskøya, up to bird cliff (little auk), arctic tern colony, and common eider and goose nesting area.
Sail along the continental shelf, scouting for fin and blue whales that gather in the upwelling zones.
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 guillemots.
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.
Days 08–09
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.
Cruise down Liefdefjorden, standing in awe where the Monaco glacier meets the sea, and/or landing at Texas Bar, an historic trappers’ hut.
Land at Sallyhamna, a hut built in 1937, rich in history and cultural remains from the 1600s whaling period.
Take a Zodiac cruise of Fjortende Julbreen, a stunning glacier, and Fjortende Julibukta, a scenic bay in Krossfjord.
Return to Isfjorden and Longyearbyen.
Day 10
Disembark Lonngyearbyen at 9 am
| Inside | Outside | Balcony | Suite |
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$16,500.00
Cat: SINTW $1,833.33 per night |
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| More Pricing Information | |||
| Inside | Outside | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A |
$16,500.00
Cat: SINTW $1,833.33 per night |
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| Balcony | Suite | ||
| N/A | N/A | ||
| More Pricing Information | |||
- 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.
| SINTW | Signature Twin/Double | $16,500.00 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.
| SINTW | Signature Twin/Double | $16,500.00 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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