Svalbard Summer Photo Tour w/ Paul Goldstein
Longyearbyen to Longyearbyen
Photograph Svalbard’s Wildlife Under the Midnight Sun with Paul Goldstein
Peak season in Svalbard means endless daylight, the magic of the midnight sun, and the Arctic’s wildlife at its most active — perfect conditions for photographers.
Join renowned wildlife photographer Paul Goldstein, whose four decades of experience span all seven continents. Searching for wildlife alongside Paul — on Svalbard’s shores and drifting sea ice — is a bucket-list opportunity for photographers, whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out.
A Word from Paul Goldstein
"Spitsbergen has haunted me for over 20 years. The landscape is mesmerising: the snap, crackle, and pop of sea ice, the thunderous crash of a calving glacier, the perfect arc of a northern fulmar gliding above a gunmetal sea, or the mischief in the eyes of an Arctic fox.
And then there are the walruses, sprawled across cobalt sea ice, and of course, the patience it takes peering through optics, searching for that distant ivory blur — until that magical moment when one polar bear becomes a family.
Twenty charters in 20 years might seem like a lot, but once I saw this ship paired with two guides I've trusted for almost two decades, it was an easy choice.
This vessel is ideal for this kind of voyage, and John and Mette bring a nautical polar pedigree that’s second to none. Rest assured: we’ll be working tirelessly to deliver those precious, unforgettable polar moments."
What your expedition could look like
The following itinerary is an example. The expedition is flexible and its course will be defined on a daily basis by the opportunities presented by weather, ice, and wildlife.
Day 1
Alkhornet, at the opening of Isfjorden, showcases the change in geology from plateau to edge-dominated, alpine mountainous landscape.
Days 2–7
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 8–9
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.
Day 10
Disembark in Longyearbyen.
Expedition Highlights
Summer offers the best opportunities to encounter Svalbard’s iconic wildlife — from Arctic foxes and whales to migratory birds, walruses, and polar bears
24 hours of daylight under the midnight sun gives photographers unparalleled flexibility and creativity
Learn directly from award-winning polar photography legends with expert tuition in the field — you’re in the very best hands
No crowds. Just camera clicks.
Journey alongside an acclaimed polar photographer for additional insight and guidance
Intimate group size designed for a truly immersive and transformative experience
Micro expedition vessels can explore remote places inaccessible to larger ships
Expedition leaders and guides bring decades of polar expertise and hundreds of successful voyages
No queues. No crowds. No fixed itinerary — follow the best opportunities as nature reveals them.
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 this far from civilisation to queue. Or to sit idle on a ship.
This is a photography-first expedition designed to maximise your time in the field. You’ll benefit from hands-on tuition with your expert guides through onboard lectures, in-field workshops, and one-on-one instruction. Our photo leaders know this environment intimately and will use every ounce of their experience to position you for unforgettable moments.
Our Expedition Micro Cruise ethos is about freedom and exploration. Expect at least two excursions daily — from scenic hikes to exhilarating Zodiac cruises through remote Arctic landscapes.
No Fixed Itinerary — Follow Nature’s Lead
We embrace the spirit of true exploration: following wildlife, weather, and ice as they dictate our route. Flexibility and spontaneity are key to an authentic Arctic adventure.
All itineraries are for guidance only; daily activities depend on conditions and comply fully with AECO regulations.
For ultimate freedom and privacy, ask about chartering your own private yacht.
| Outside | Suite | ||
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$19,000.00
Cat: SIGTW $2,111.11 per night |
N/A | ||
| View Prices for Additional Cabin Categories | |||
| Outside | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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$19,000.00
Cat: SIGTW $2,111.11 per night |
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| Suite | |||
| N/A | |||
| View Prices for Additional Cabin Categories | |||
- Photography
- Photography Safari
- Safari, Animals, and Wildlife
About MV Vikingfjord
Built for exploration
A new ice-strengthened expedition ship for 12 guests, with superb environmental credentials.
MV Vikingfjord offers cruise-ship comforts on a genuinely small ship, with eight ensuite cabins, an open-plan lounge with rear-facing windows, observation lounge in the bridge, on-deck hot tub and sauna, and a light and modern Scandinavian design.
| SIGSI | Signature Single | $22,000.00 USD |
| SIGTW | Signature Twin/Double | $19,000.00 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.
Built for exploration
A new ice-strengthened expedition ship for 12 guests, with superb environmental credentials.
MV Vikingfjord offers cruise-ship comforts on a genuinely small ship, with eight ensuite cabins, an open-plan lounge with rear-facing windows, observation lounge in the bridge, on-deck hot tub and sauna, and a light and modern Scandinavian design.
| SIGSI | Signature Single | $22,000.00 USD |
| SIGTW | Signature Twin/Double | $19,000.00 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.
About Secret Atlas
