Paul Goldstein View Profile
Nature Photographer
Peak season means sailing and photographing under the midnight sun, when Svalbard’s wildlife comes out to play.
Paul is a wildlife photography heavyweight, with four decades of experience across all seven continents. To search for wildlife with Paul, on Svalbard’s shores and sea ice, is a dream come true for wildlife photographers new and pro.
A word from Paul Goldstein
"Spitsbergen has haunted me for 20 years. Its scenery is mesmerising: the snap crackle and pop of the sea ice, the artillery-like concussion of a calving glacier, the perfect arc a northern fulmar describes over a gunmetal ocean, or the impishness of an Arctic fox.
Then there are the walruses hauled out on cobalt blue sea ice and of course the graft spent gazing through precision optics, looking for a distant ivory blob – and indeed the thrill when one bear suddenly becomes a family.
Twenty charters in 20 years may seem like a lot, but once I saw this vessel twinned with the two guides (friends of almost 20 years), it was not a hard decision.
This is a brilliant ship for this sort of voyage, and John is precisely the sort of guy I like to work with. Both he and Mette have a nautical polar pedigree longer than almost anyone, so rest assured we will be working every hour to deliver some precious polar moments."
Summer is when Svalbard’s wildlife – from Arctic foxes to whales, migratory birds, and polar bears – is at its most abundant and most visible
The midnight sun provides 24 hours of daylight, perfect for photography
We only work with award-winning legends of polar photography who are in-field tuition experts – you’re learning from the very best
“Preposterously vivacious, a guide of almost psychotic gusto.”
— The Sunday Times on Paul
Every expedition leaves a mark. Discover honest reflections, unforgettable moments, and personal highlights shared by guests who have explored the polar regions with us.
With 40 years of experience across all seven continents, Paul is a legend of wildlife photography. In particular, predators. And even more in particular, polar bears.
We prefer to embrace spontaneity and make the most of every opportunity nature presents to us. This is how we believe a true, authentic expedition should run. After all, the thrill of adventuring into the unknown is more rewarding than a journey that runs on tracks!
So all our listed itineraries are for guidance only. The day-to-day activities may vary depending on the ice, the weather, and the wildlife. Landings are subject to site availability and permissions, and always in line with AECO regulations.
For even more flexibility, get in touch about making this a private yacht charter.
Depart Longyearbyen at 4pm.
Alkhornet, at the opening of Isfjorden, showcases the change in geology from plateau to edge-dominated, alpine mountainous landscape.
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.
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 and Longyearbyen.
Disembark in Longyearbyen at 9am.
Your home-from-home in the Arctic.
A new ice-strengthened ship with industry-leading environmental credentials.
Paul Goldstein View Profile
Nature Photographer
We’re fuelled by the long-lost spirit of adventure, guided by environmental and cultural responsibility, and committed to creating transformative travel experiences.
We’re pioneers of the Expedition Micro Cruise, offering the smallest group sizes at both poles. That means a flexible itinerary. It means more time exploring and photographing. It means a deeper connection with your team and the natural world.
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’re fuelled by the long-lost spirit of adventure, guided by environmental and cultural responsibility, and committed to creating transformative travel experiences.
We’re pioneers of the Expedition Micro Cruise, offering the smallest group sizes at both poles. That means a flexible itinerary. It means more time exploring and photographing. It means a deeper connection with your team and the natural world.
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.
Lectures, workshops on board, and daily exploratory activities
Free use of ship’s Wi-Fi powered by Starlink
Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) beverages served during meals, while on board our micro cruises
Rubber polar standard boots for shore landings
One piece insulation suits available on board
IAATO and AECO fees, and operational fees and permits included
Due to restricted local service options, all transfers included - from the airport to your hotel on arrival, between your hotel and the ship for embarkation and disembarkation, and from your hotel to the airport on departure day
International flights – we recommend booking early. For excellent service and support, consider using our partner Exito Travel
Travel and cancellation insurance – we strongly recommend securing coverage to protect your expedition. For guidance, see our Travel Insurance Checklist
Additional expenses outside of what is included in the voyage or optional activities
Gratuities
Additional purchases or services on board
Other transfer or hotels unless specified as included as part of the voyage description
Solo travellers are welcome on all our voyages. We often host solo travellers, particularly on our photo voyages – the chances are you won’t be the only one. We offer the following accommodation options:
Single cabins (where available)
The option to share a twin cabin with another traveller of the same gender
The option to have your own double cabin for an additional supplement. Please contact us for this option as the price varies depending on trip and availability
To get the most from a Secret Atlas expedition, it’s important to be stable on your feet and able to undertake short hikes. But there’s no requirement to undertake any given activity, and we usually split into two groups: those who want to go to the top of the hill, and those who’d prefer a more leisurely stroll at the bottom (or a Zodiac cruise!).
All our Svalbard photo tours depart from and return to the town of Longyearbyen. Longyearbyen is easily reached by daily flights from Oslo in Norway, making it one of the easiest destinations to reach in the High Arctic. To find out more about how to get to Longyearbyen, please see our guide below.
Not at all. We welcome guests that share an interest not only in photography but in learning more about nature and observing wildlife in its natural habitat.
Our Svalbard photo tours are designed for guests that are looking to spend time out in the field taking photos. We welcome all levels of photographer. Whether you’re an experienced professional or completely new to photography, this is a great opportunity to spend time in nature capturing images.
In addition to our photography guide, we also have a highly experienced expedition leader and guide on board, giving you plenty of opportunity to learn about Svalbard.
Our photography guides are in-field tuition experts, experienced in group and one-on-one coaching. They’ll be on-hand throughout the expedition to offer in-field advice, scout photo opportunities, and deliver lectures and workshops.
Guests are not permitted to use drones during the expedition. In any case a drone is being used during your expedition, it will be for professional use only by a member of the Secret Atlas team with the required permissions.
Limitations are in place to protect the wildlife we encounter. Often, it is not possible to get up-close to the wildlife we see. For more information, check out the ‘Visitor Guidelines’.
In 2025, the Norwegian government introduced stricter environmental regulations in Svalbard to better protect its fragile Arctic ecosystem and wildlife.
At Secret Atlas, our Expedition Micro Cruise concept is built around conscious, responsible travel. These new rules align perfectly with our mission to explore with care and leave a minimal footprint.
We understand you may have questions about how these changes could affect your journey. To help, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about the updated regulations. And of course, if you’d like to chat through the details, our team is always here to help.
Everything you need to know to help you plan your polar expedition, from destination guides to weather insights and what to pack…
Share the journey with those who matter most.
This comfy cabin option comes with your choice of a double bed or twins.
The ship’s subtle Scandi design continues into your suite, creating a calming, rejuvenating atmosphere in which to unwind after a long day’s exploration.
The cabin boasts an ensuite toilet and shower room, along with a desk and chair, wardrobe, and windows.
The spacious master suite on deck 3 is seamlessly designed for double occupancy.
It boasts a particularly light and airy feel, courtesy of the windows in the main room and ensuite, as well as the cabin’s elevated position on the upper deck.
The Scandi-inspired penthouse features a desk and chair, along with ample storage space for two guests and plenty of room to relax and unwind in.
Ideal for solo travellers, this more compact cabin option still feels spacious and welcomingly serene, thanks to its light design and carefully considered layout.
Features include a wardrobe, ensuite, and a window on the wall of the main room.
Your cosy home-from-home as you explore the wildest places on the planet.
This comfy cabin option comes with your choice of a double bed or twins.
The ship’s subtle Scandi design continues into your suite, creating a calming, rejuvenating atmosphere in which to unwind after a long day’s exploration.
The cabin boasts an ensuite toilet and shower room, along with a desk and chair, wardrobe, and windows.
The spacious master suite on deck 3 is seamlessly designed for double occupancy.
It boasts a particularly light and airy feel, courtesy of the windows in the main room and ensuite, as well as the cabin’s elevated position on the upper deck.
The Scandi-inspired penthouse features a desk and chair, along with ample storage space for two guests and plenty of room to relax and unwind in.
Ideal for solo travellers, this more compact cabin option still feels spacious and welcomingly serene, thanks to its light design and carefully considered layout.
Features include a wardrobe, ensuite, and a window on the wall of the main room.
Your cosy home-from-home as you explore the wildest places on the planet.
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