Secret Atlas

Here are some highlights from one of our most recent trips.

Our journey aboard Freya began with warm welcomes and spectacular Arctic views. Our Zodiac cruises revealed Atlantic Puffins, a cliff-climbing Arctic Fox & humpback whales feeding gracefully.

The serene weather offered stunning wildlife sightings, including polar bears and walruses, and we explored bird cliffs, meeting friendly reindeer along the way. We found ancient fossils and observed s***m whales diving and logging. We even watched a young polar bear hunt.

Walking on sea ice was one of the highlights and we felt really immersed into Svalbard’s nature. We hiked under sunny skies, discovering vibrant flora and each moment, from walking in the lush tundra to marveling at the diverse wildlife, enriched our adventure.
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Credits to for these nice shots

Dive into wellness with a polar plunge in Svalbard! ❄️ Embrace the chill to boost circulation, reduce inflammation, and elevate your mood. The shock of cold water releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, leading to euphoria and a sense of well-being. Plus, it builds mental resilience!

There are many ways to take the plunge: cannonball, head first, or walk the plank. Afterwards, regain your warmth with a shot for the throat and a proper session in our sauna ♨️. Stay safe, stay strong, and embrace the cold! Ready to take the plunge?
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The Greenland shark, living up to 400 years, is an Arctic marvel.

Scientists estimate its age by analyzing eye tissue, akin to tree rings. Unlike other sharks, it thrives year-round in freezing waters, with a body temperature of -1 to 5°C❄️. This gives it a slow metabolism which may explain its longevity.

Inuit legends tell of kayak attacks, but the real danger is its toxic skin, which can be very harmful for humans of consumed ☠️.
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via .app

Here are some highlights from one of our most recent expeditions.

The first morning on board, we sailed along the coasts and spotted wildlife and historical sites with the Zodiacs. During the fog, we cruised slowly around Fuglefjorden with the ship and heard some really powerful glacier calving. We were given a true taste of natures raw power and it created both a peaceful and intimidating experience.

We explored bird cliffs at Alkefjellet, saw polar bears and hiked the ice. At one point, during our landing we discovered a really well preserved polar bear skull. It’s not everyday you get that close to a polar bears teeth, so we took our time to study it closely and carefully, before leaving it where we found it. The panoramic views as Kinnvika’s was nothing short but spectacular and the enchanting flora only added to this otherworldly Arctic experience.

In Ny Ålesund we took a walk and were charmed by the colorful houses, and the everything-north-stuff that you could buy in their souvenir shop.

What an expedition!
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Credit to for all these fantastic shots!

Here are some highlights from our recent expedition on board the beautiful MS Freya

We witnessed spectacular geology and spotted polar bears, with the mesmerizing sight of thousands of Brünnish Guillemots at Alkefjellet. We even encountered a polar bear among walruses and freed a ringed seal pup from a fishing net at Bråsvellbreen’s glacier front.

Kvitøya’s misty ice cap revealed around 150 walruses blending perfectly with the island’s rocks. Some of us took a polar plunge and marveled at the sight of four majestic blue whales. On our Zodiac ride at Poolepynten we discovered polar bear footprints in the sand 🐻‍❄️.

This week, we were thrilled to host Dr. Paige Maroni from in collaboration with . Their mission: to explore the benthic structures and diverse marine life of Svalbard. The team captured some fascinating footage that we can’t wait to share with you!
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We have a lot of exciting things in store for 2025!

Happy 100th birthday, Qassiarsuk! 🎉🇬🇱
This charming village in the South of Greenland is not only rich in history but also home to the Norse ruins of Brattahlíð, where Erik the Red settled in the 10th century. 🌍✨ Did you know that Qassiarsuk was originally known as “Erik the Red’s Land”? 🏞️
Today, it’s a vibrant community celebrating a century of stories and traditions.
Join us and let’s together honor this special milestone and the incredible heritage of Qassiarsuk!
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credits to , Mads Pihl & for these amazing photos to celebrate Qassiarsuk with

We are getting closer and closer to our first expedition in Greenland, the destination where it all started. As we prepare to witness the majestic icebergs, stunning landscapes, and diverse wildlife, this journey promises to deepen our connection with nature’s splendor. Join us on this incredible adventure and experience the Arctic wonder firsthand!
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Hi, I’m Kinfish! Let me tell you my story. ⛴️
Born in 1958, I began my life as a Norwegian research vessel, commissioned by the U.S. Ambassador in Norway. Crafted with great care, I was donated to the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue, where I bravely saved 57 lives and assisted 571 ships. In 1985, I transitioned to the oil and gas industry as a hydrographic survey vessel.

In 1994, the Norwegian government lovingly upgraded me, allowing me to map the coastline and pioneer charting Svalbard’s waters. Today, I’m reborn as a expedition ship, eager to explore Spitsbergen’s icy waters.
With my new advanced safety equipment and room for just 12 passengers, I offer intimate journeys through hidden fjords and secret coves. ❄️
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credits to .barbas for fantastic photos!

Today the MV Vikingfjord will depart for the first Svalbard Pioneer Expeditions Micro Cruise of the 2024 season.

This expedition has been designed to to be an unhurried slow circumnavigation all of Svalbard! 🌊

Our 12 guests will witness towering glaciers, serene fjords, and majestic wildlife up close🐾.

The 2025 dates are out, we will run the same expediton on both MV Freya and MV Vikingfjord.
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Credits to , , , & for these absolut amazing shots from Svalbard

Guillemots are exceptional divers, using their wings to “fly” underwater and reach depths over 100 meters (330 feet) to hunt fish and marine prey. While some populations are resident, others migrate significantly. Common Guillemots (Uria aalge) breed in the northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and migrate south in winter. Adapted to cold environments, they have dense plumage and a high metabolic rate to survive frigid conditions.
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credits to & ,

BEST YEAR FOR NORTHERN LIGHTS! 🌌
2024 is set to be the year of the Aurora, with scientists predicting a solar maximum that promises the best Northern Lights displays in over a decade!
Ready to tick this magical experience off your travel bucket list? Join us this fall in East Greenland for unparalleled views and vibrant colors lighting up the sky.
We’re excited—are you?
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Only few spots left!
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Credits to

Puffins, often referred to as “sea parrots” or “clowns of the sea,” enchant us with their striking black and white feathers and vibrant orange beaks and feet.
During breeding season, their beaks turn even more colorful to woo their mates, then shed this bright layer afterward.
These incredible and loyal birds form lifelong bonds, returning to the same burrow every year. Their unique habits and colors make puffins endlessly fascinating!
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credits to &

Today we celebrate the World Orca Day.
Orcas, (killer whales), are actually the largest members of the dolphin family! 🐬 Their striking black and white patterns aren’t just for show – they use them to communicate and even confuse their prey.

With a top speed of 34.5 mph (55km/h), they’re some of the fastest marine mammals out there. And get this – each orca pod has its own unique dialect! 🎶 Talk about family bonds. 💙

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Uncover the mesmerizing beauty of Greenland’s ancient icebergs! Their stunning blue hues result from the compression of pure snow, creating a magical sight. ✨
Each iceberg is a unique masterpiece, sculpted by nature, and can tower as high as a 15-story building! 🏔️ Witnessing these incredible ice formations up close is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering a window into Earth’s ancient past.
Embark on an adventure and witness the magic of Greenland’s icebergs with us this year!
Are you ready to embark on the expedition of a lifetime?

On this day, James Marr’s life changed forever... While Marr studied at university in 1921, Ernest Shackleton at the same time sought a “handy lad” for the Shackleton-Rowett ‘Quest’ expedition. He invited Boy Scouts to apply.
The boy scout movement was something Shackleton admired deeply. Out of 1,700 applications 18-year-old Marr, was chosen together with 17-year-old Norman Mooney. What James Marr didn't know back then, was that this was just the beginning of his incredible journey! 🚢

Marr’s newfound passion for research and the polar regions led him to join major Antarctic expeditions, including the British Australian and New Zealand Research Expedition (BANZAE). He also conducted vital krill studies on Royal Research Ships, contributing greatly to our understanding of these crucial marine creatures. 🦐

Tall, gaunt, and humorous, Marr was known for his resilience and genial personality. "He is the type of man that will not give in but keeps on and on" - Surgeon Lieutenant E. H. Back. He had a knack for inventing jingles and loved entertaining with his mouth organ, making him a beloved figure among his peers.

picture 2: Marr on the left together with Norman Mooney
picture 3: Marr sits centered with hat together with crew of the Quest
picture 4: Marr is seated on the far left, together with crew.
picture 5: Crew unloades supplies in port Lockroy on Wiencke Island. 1945
picture 6: Operation Tabarin. Survey field work
picture 7: Marr fixing a sledge

🦅Ready to embark on the bird-watching adventure of a lifetime? Join us for our Svalbard Expedition in the summer of 2025! Witness the spectacular beauty of Arctic birdlife up close and personal. Here, you have a chance to see Brünnich's Guillemots, Glaucous Gulls, Atlantic Puffins, Arctic Terns and much much more. Meet us at the Bird Fair this summer 2024 to learn more and secure your spot!



Lars Korvald Video and Nir Tal thank you for these amazing photos!

Crossing Greenland requires extreme endurance, both physically and mentally. Mariano, our Head of Operations & Sustainability, shares his experience: "There’s not much to see. I felt trapped within the same white walls day after day. Today was the same as yesterday, and the same as tomorrow. I trained myself to decide what to think about during each hour of marching."

The physical demands were brutal. The frigid temperatures demanded additional energy just to maintain core body temperature. Every day, Mariano and his team marched for many hours, pulling a 100kg pulk of supplies through snow and rough terrain. They also faced the thin air of Greenland’s high-altitude ice cap and relentless winds that made every step a Herculean effort.

Discover Alkefjellet, the grand “Auk Mountain” in Svalbard! 🦅 Famous for its dramatic cliffs and vibrant seabird colonies, it’s a paradise for birdwatchers. Marvel at thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots amongst other species such as kittiwakes, and glaucous gulls nesting in this pristine Arctic wilderness.
An unforgettable experience awaits amid spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife. 🌍

🕊️ Witness the Arctic Tern’s dedication to its young! These tough birds, despite their small size, embark on an epic migration from the Arctic to Antarctic and back—a journey spanning over 70,000 kilometers! Now, they’re busy plunge-diving into the ocean, to catch small fish and marine invertebrates to nourish their chicks, using their expert hunting skills. The Arctic Tern can communicate with many different sounds, posing a great benefit, for the chicks when they demand more food, from their already working parent.

Here's a cool fact about 🧊 glacier ice

When light enters glacier ice, it interacts with the ice crystals. This ice is very dense and compact, with fewer air bubbles than regular ice, affecting how light travels through it. Over time, pressure and weight from above compress the lower layers, squeezing out air bubbles and making the ice even denser.
This density gives glacier ice its stunning blue appearance. Why? The compact ice scatters blue light, making it more visible.
The blue color is most noticeable in thick ice. In thin layers, the ice may still appear white because the light doesn't travel far enough to absorb the red wavelengths significantly.

The more the ice is compressed and free of air bubbles, the bluer it appears 💎

Thank you Chase Teron and Virgil Reglioni for these marvelous shots

We’re thrilled to see GEC PR being just as excited for our upcoming Greenland expeditions as we are.

A vessel of seasoned experience, Freya, once a lighthouse transport and an oil spill rescue ship, now revels in the discovery of the Arctic alongside her guests. Eyes alight with the thrill of discovery, she guides her precious cargo through narrow straits and fjords. Each day brings new challenges—sheets of ice brush against her hull, testing her resilience, as she presses onward, fueled by the shared determination to unravel the Arctic's mysteries.

In preparation for the crossing of Greenland, Mariano our Head of Operations & Sustainability gained 15kg. Despite consuming 4000 calories a day and drinking 4 liters of water, he still lost 15kg along the way. One method to meet the 4000-calorie intake was by eating chocolate. But at -35°C, it’s less W***y Wonka and more ice pick. As Mariano explains, "Frozen chocolate, is not easy... sometimes it hurt."

After a month of marching everyday in Greenlands gruelling conditions, it’s no wonder they "ate like animals" when they finally reached the first restaurant

Secret Atlas would like to introduce you to the harp seal, also known as the saddleback or Greenland seal. These earless seals have been around for 20 million years! Their scientific name Pagophilus groenlandicus, means "ice-lover from Greenland”. This highlights their affinity for the icy waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic. Harp seals spend most of their lives in the water, including their sleeping hours.

Pups are born without blubber, relying on their woolly white fur for warmth. Mothers can identify their pups among thousands of seals. After 6 weeks, the mother seal departs from her pup. At this time the pup begins to master the right hunting techniques. With these newfound skills, it can live up to 35 years! Harp seals are not picky eaters and have been known to swallow whole up to 130 different species of fish and invertebrates.

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Disclaimer: Baby harp seal found on wikimedia

It’s such a pleasure to hear this kind of feedback from one of our best photography guides, Paul Goldstein. We can’t wait to share these experiences with you next year

🌍✨ Happy National Greenland Day! ✨🌍
Today, we celebrate Greenland, the world's largest island, known for its stunning contrasts and frozen beauty. From towering icebergs and vast glaciers to vibrant tundra and rich cultural heritage, Greenland offers an unparalleled adventure for true explorers. ❄️🏔️

When you travel with Secret Atlas, you are provided an immersive and personal experience where you can truly connect with the pristine landscapes and unique wildlife of this remote destination.🦅
Is Greenland one of your top destinations to visit? As we navigate the icy waters you will get to witness the raw power of nature. Join us! Our commitment to sustainable travel ensures we leave a minimal footprint, preserving Greenland's delicate beauty for generations to come. 🌿💚