Journey to the Ultimate Frontier on a Private Expedition
Have you dreamed of following in the footsteps of great Arctic explorers like Roald Amundsen? How about circumnavigating remote islands, and seeing an abundance of polar wildlife? One of Secret Atlas’s private Arctic expeditions could be your answer.
Departing from Longyearbyen, the most northerly town on earth, you will set off on a private expedition vessel to explore the Arctic wonders, historic sites, and unforgettable wilderness of Svalbard.
You and your group will explore wild landscapes where polar bears roam, drop anchor at rarely-visited bays, and go ashore with our expedition leaders for hikes in the wilderness all with 24-hr summer sunlight.
Our expeditions take place on MV Villa and can accommodate up to 12 Guests. All itineraries are tailor-made and designed around your requirements.
The Authentic Arctic Expedition Experience
Creating an unforgettable expedition experience tailored to your group’s interests is at the heart of what we do. So whether you want to see where great explorers began their Arctic expeditions, hike across rugged valleys, go wildlife watching, or go skiing or kayaking – our team of expedition experts and professional activity instructors can make that happen. We’re here to help you design a custom itinerary based on what you want to see and do on your voyage.
Of course, Svalbard is the wilderness, so all itineraries are subject to weather and sea ice conditions. But, the spirit of any adventure is in adapting to nature, and we use our expert knowledge of the region to give the best possible chance of enriching exploration and seeing wildlife close up.
Small groups mean we can offer more flexible itineraries. Each of our private Arctic expeditions is led by a highly experienced leader and an additional guide, so for example, if some guests want to hike further than others during shore landings, it’s possible to split the group to make sure everyone gets the trip they hoped for.
Private Arctic Expeditions from 8 to 15 days
An 8-day cruise to explore Svalbard is suited to early in the season as the coast awakens from the winter months.
A 10-day expedition allows enough time to explore the rugged north-west coast of Spitsbergen in search of wildlife, sea ice and glaciers.
A 15-day in-depth expedition allows a comfortable amount of time to circumnavigate Spitsbergen and reach seldom visited places including the Austfonna ice cap.
Every Stage of Your Expedition Planning Taken Care Of
A private expedition doesn’t have to involve complex logistics or planning. From the moment you step on board, every stage is taken care of by our team. We’ll arrange all necessary permits, additional activities, and expedition planning.
You’ll be exploring on the MV Togo, a classic ice-strengthened vessel with comfortable accommodation for up to 12 guests, and built for exploration to remote, Arctic regions. Our Captain is a passionate explorer, with over 30 years’ experience exploring in Arctic waters.
Your expedition will be led by a highly experienced expedition leader and guide who will take you exploring, and share their deep knowledge of Svalbard’s wildlife, nature, and history as you travel together. The MV Togo is equipped with two Zodiac landing craft which we use to make daily shore landings, so you can explore and hike in unspoilt wilderness.
All Secret Atlas expeditions are bespoke to what you would like to see and do. We can customise itineraries for your needs and the adventure level of your group. You’ll have everything you need for a comfortable journey on board, including our chef who will prefer three meals a day, and a daily cabin cleaning service. And there are plenty of areas for rest, relaxation, and taking in the majestic scenery.
Your Vessel
Expedition Motor Vessel Villa
Step aboard M/V Villa an adventurous expedition vessel.
Join an adventure on a real expedition vessel. Villa is a former research vessel with an ice-strengthened hull that has been recently converted into a passenger ship that can accommodate 12 guests in tasteful cabins.
There is a large viewing area located on the bridge level which is perfect for viewing Svalbard’s stunning scenery from the warm. She features a large dining saloon, small library, wine cellar and a reading room.
Crewed by a team of experts with decades of experience navigating Arctic waters, she is a the ideal vessel for guests looking to go on a real expedition to hard to get to polar regions.
There is accommodation for 12 guests across 6 comfortable cabins with ensuite and shared facilities located next to the cabins. She is equipped with Zodiacs for shore landings and exploring.
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Fast and capable ice strengthened expedition vessel
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Small group size of 12 guests ensures an intimate experience
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Former research vessel built for the polar environments
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Refurbished to a high standard with warm, comfortable cabins
- Equipped with 2 x zodiacs for shore landings
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Large open deck space and raised areas for photography
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Expert team of crew and guides
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Full safety gear
The Cabins
MV Villa sleeps 12 guests in 6 well appointed cabins.
Nansen (Category A)
A suite with 2 lower twin beds, en suite toilet and shower, sitting area and window.
Arnesen (Category C)
A twin cabin with bunk beds, sink, wardrobe, seating, window and shared toilet and bathroom with Andree.
Boyd (Category C)
A twin cabin with bunk beds, sink, wardrobe, seating, window and shared toilet and bathroom with Shackleton.
Bathroom
Amundsen (Category B)
A twin cabin with bunk beds, sink, wardrobe, seating, window and en suite bathroom.
Andree (Category C)
A twin cabin with bunk beds, sink, wardrobe, seating, window and shared toilet and bathroom with Arnsen.
Shackleton (Category C)
A twin cabin with bunk beds, sink, wardrobe, window and shared toilet and bathroom with Boyd.
Bathroom
Deck Plan
Why Take a Private Arctic Expedition With Secret Atlas
Our team of passionate explorers, conservationists, and photographers started Secret Atlas with a vision to make Arctic cruises more personal, more sustainable, and lower-impact. It’s a dream we share with curious, climate-conscious, and adventurous travellers from all over the world.
We offer some of the smallest, most intimate private Arctic expeditions in the industry – which is better for both travellers and the environment. Secret Atlas designs tailored, transformational experiences led by experienced expedition leaders and guides to guarantee a truly unique, enriching, and unforgettable adventure for you and your fellow explorers. As a member of AECO, we follow strict rules to ensure our expeditions don’t have a negative effect on the wildlife or environment.
Get In Touch To Design Your Private Arctic Expedition
The first step to booking your dream expedition is to contact us and discuss your interests and any requirements. The team at Secret Atlas will then come back to you with a proposal for your expedition.