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.