Secret Atlas

Expedition
Yacht
Small ship
About
Secret Atlas
Polar expeditions reduced to a handful of guests
Secret Atlas specialises in expedition micro-cruises and private charters, using a varied fleet of converted expedition vessels and small yachts rather than standard passenger ships. Many scheduled Arctic departures carry only 12 guests, while the purpose-designed Aureum takes 36 in Antarctica; larger charter options are available for private groups. The small numbers change the practical experience: everyone can board Zodiacs quickly, land together and spend longer responding to wildlife, ice and light. Accommodation ranges from characterful working-ship conversions to more polished explorer yachts, so vessel choice is an important part of the decision.
Secret Atlas
at a glance
Voyage style
Micro-expeditions, photography voyages and private charters with flexible field time.
Ship style
A mixed fleet of 12-guest expedition vessels and yachts, plus small polar ships for up to 36 guests on selected programmes.
Key regions
Svalbard, Greenland, Norway, Antarctica and South Georgia.
On board
Close contact with guides and crew, informal shared spaces and little separation between ship life and fieldwork.
the experience
Twelve guests can change an expedition
On the smallest ships, the group moves as a single unit rather than in numbered rotations. Zodiacs can be launched quickly, landings remain flexible and guides have time to work closely with individual guests, particularly on photography departures. The atmosphere is informal and communal, with meals, briefings and image reviews taking place in compact saloons. Comfort depends on the vessel: a converted polar workboat such as Freya feels very different from a modern explorer yacht, though both place deck access, open-bridge contact and responsiveness to conditions ahead of resort-style facilities.
THE Destinations
Small-group access to the polar regions
Secret Atlas concentrates on Svalbard, Greenland, the Norwegian Arctic, Antarctica and South Georgia. Arctic routes seek sea ice, glaciers, wildlife and remote settlements, while Antarctic voyages use their low guest counts to maximise Zodiac time and shore access within local regulations. Dedicated photography departures slow the pace further around light and wildlife behaviour. Private charters can be shaped more specifically, but all routes remain subject to weather, ice and the judgement of the expedition leader and captain.
BOOKING THROUGH MARBURY
Additional value,
where available
Selected voyages booked through Marbury may include additional benefits or amenities. These vary by sailing, fare and suite category and will always be confirmed as part of your quote.
BEFORE YOU BOOK
Important details
to know
Currency
Bookings made through Marbury may be processed in USD, EUR, GBP, CAD or AUD, as confirmed in the quote.
Booking eligibility
Booking eligibility and any residency restrictions will be confirmed as part of your Marbury quote.
BEFORE & AFTER THE VOYAGE
The journey extends
beyond the ship
A cruise is often one part of a wider journey. Marbury can arrange the hotels before departure and after arrival, from a well-placed overnight stay near the port to a few additional days spent exploring the destination at a more considered pace.
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