Built in 1963 as the first steel trawler in Canada, the Cape Race has a storied history, having served various roles before its conversion into a charming expedition vessel. Extensively refurbished in 2018/19, this ship combines nostalgic maritime character with modern comforts for an intimate, small-group polar experience. At approximately 125 feet long, the Cape Race is designed to carry a maximum of 12 guests, ensuring a highly personalized journey and a rare sense of a private yacht expedition. The vessel's ice-strengthened bow and protected propeller allow it to navigate polar regions with confidence. Its design prioritizes a connection to the sea, with classic interiors featuring varnished wood and brass. The common areas, such as the cozy saloon with a piano, encourage a relaxed and communal atmosphere among guests and crew. 

With seven cabins, all appointed with modern en-suites, the ship provides a comfortable retreat after a day of adventure. The Cape Race is equipped with two Zodiacs for shore landings and is capable of cruising over 4,000 nautical miles, making it an ideal choice for travelers who seek a genuine, unhurried polar exploration experience with a touch of timeless style

The Freya is a classic expedition ship with a high ice-class rating (1A), built to explore deep into the Arctic's pack ice. Originally a lighthouse-building vessel, it has since been refitted with modern, first-class comforts. The ship accommodates just 12 guests across seven "characterfully decorated cabins," ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. The Freya is built for immersive exploration, featuring multiple viewing decks and a large bridge area that is open to guests for wildlife spotting with the captain. 

After a day of exploring by Zodiac or on shore, guests can relax in the ship's sauna or outdoor hot tub, which offer unique perspectives on the Arctic landscape. Onboard life revolves around the dining saloon and bar, where guests can enjoy chef-prepared meals in a cozy, classic maritime setting. The Freya is ideal for adventure travelers who want to explore intrepidly with a knowledgeable expedition team, all from the comfort of a charming and sturdy small ship.

The M/V Kinfish, built in 1958, is a classic expedition and research vessel with a storied past, now offering micro-cruises to the Arctic. With a highly ice-strengthened hull and a compact length of approximately 122 feet, the ship is designed to navigate challenging Arctic waters, making it perfect for intimate explorations. The vessel accommodates a small group of just 12 guests, ensuring a personalized and low-impact travel experience. 

The Kinfish offers a comfortable and friendly atmosphere with a high crew-to-guest ratio. Guests can enjoy an air-conditioned saloon, an observation deck for wildlife viewing, and meals prepared by a dedicated chef. The ship is a budget-friendly and family-friendly option that emphasizes authentic, hands-on exploration. The Kinfish is an excellent choice for adventure travelers who want to experience the Arctic wilderness up close without the crowds of larger ships, in a vessel with genuine character and a history of research.

The Ocean Tramp is a unique 66-foot ketch-rigged sailboat offering a truly intimate and nostalgic expedition experience. Built in 1997, it accommodates just 8 guests in 5 cabins, along with a crew of 4, including a guide or guest scientist. The vessel is known for its speed and safety, making it a preferred choice for dynamic teams of photographers, scientists, and adventurers in Antarctica. Space is utilized efficiently on the Ocean Tramp, offering cozy accommodations and an open front deck that serves as a prime spot for whale watching. The experience is focused on immersive exploration, with the small group size allowing for extended landings and zodiac cruises without any waiting time. 

The ship's family-style atmosphere fosters a sense of camaraderie, making every journey a personalized adventure. For travelers seeking an authentic, no-frills, hands-on Antarctic experience that emphasizes flexibility and freedom, the Ocean Tramp is an unparalleled choice.

The M/V Polarfront is a historically significant vessel, known as the world's last weather ship. Following a comprehensive refurbishment from 2017 to 2018, it now operates as an expedition ship, blending its rugged history with modern comforts. At approximately 180 feet in length, this ice-strengthened vessel is designed for stability and endurance in the Arctic. Its intimate capacity of just 12 passengers ensures a private, exclusive, and highly personalized experience. The onboard experience is designed for comfort and elegance, featuring spacious twin cabins and an Executive Suite with four porthole windows for scenic views. 

The ship offers a sauna, an outdoor hot tub, and a small gym, providing amenities for relaxation after a day of exploration. The Polarfront offers a unique opportunity to sail on a legendary ship with a fascinating history, making it an excellent choice for discerning travelers who seek an authentic, boutique expedition to the poles.

The Explorer is a small, versatile expedition ship used by Secret Atlas for intimate micro-cruises, primarily in the Arctic and Antarctic. Accommodating just 12 guests, it offers a highly personal and immersive polar exploration experience. The vessel is designed to be agile and strong, allowing it to navigate deep into the pack ice and access remote areas that are inaccessible to larger ships. Its small size fosters a close-knit, communal atmosphere among guests and the expedition team. The onboard experience focuses on maximizing time in the wilderness, with less time spent waiting to board Zodiacs for shore landings and cruises. 

The ship is equipped for comfort, featuring modern Scandinavian interiors in its five double/twin cabins, each with an ensuite bathroom. Expedition gear, such as muck boots, is provided for the duration of the voyage. The Explorer is the perfect vessel for those seeking an authentic, unhurried, and intimate polar adventure, free from the crowds of a conventional expedition cruise.

The Hanse Explorer is a purpose-built luxury expedition yacht with a high commercial ice class rating (GL E3), allowing it to endure multi-year pack ice. Following a major overhaul in 2020, the vessel is now a premier choice for luxury polar expeditions, offering the comfort of a superyacht on a compact yet capable platform. With a highly exclusive capacity of just 12 guests, it is designed for an unparalleled, intimate experience, allowing passengers to feel the scale and solitude of the polar regions. The ship's interior is bright and open, designed to enhance the connection with nature. It features a deluxe Finnish sauna and an outdoor hot tub on the sky deck, perfect for warming up while surrounded by icy landscapes. The ship's expansive decks and accessible bow offer fantastic vantage points for spotting wildlife and taking photographs. 

The Hanse Explorer is equipped with new Mark IV Zodiacs, allowing for up-close encounters with wildlife, and is renowned for its ability to navigate areas inaccessible to larger ships. This vessel is an ideal choice for discerning travelers seeking an exclusive, top-of-the-line polar adventure that focuses on luxury, expert guidance, and access to remote wonders.

The M/V Nanook (meaning "polar bear" in Inuktitut) is a small ocean-going yacht with a history of patrol and assistance missions for the Danish Maritime Authority. Built in 1968 and completely renovated in 2021, the ship is now a modern expedition vessel that combines sturdiness with boutique-yacht luxury. At approximately 175 feet in length, it is designed to be both fast and robust, with a 1B ice-class rating that allows for easy navigation through ice-choked areas. The ship accommodates a maximum of 12 guests in eight thoughtfully designed cabins, all with ensuite bathrooms. The interior features comfortable and bright common areas, including a welcoming lounge, a panoramic hot tub, and a sauna. With two Zodiacs and an expert crew, the Nanook offers bespoke Arctic itineraries in regions like Svalbard and Greenland. 

It is an ideal vessel for travelers seeking a unique and exclusive polar journey, offering a high level of comfort and an emphasis on environmental responsibility through its fuel-efficient engines.

The Polar Athena is a competent expedition ship with a legacy of polar exploration, built initially as a research vessel. After a significant refurbishment in 2024, it has been transformed into a modern expedition vessel. The ship has the highest 1A Super ice-class rating, allowing it to navigate deep into the heaviest sea ice. It is designed for an intimate experience, with a capacity of just 42 guests —the smallest group size in Antarctica —ensuring no lines and no crowds. The ship's design prioritizes observation, with spacious decks, two observation lounges in the bridge, and an elevated viewing platform at the bow. Onboard amenities include a hybrid propulsion system for low-emission voyages, an enhanced wellness area with a sauna and hot tub, and a restaurant serving regionally inspired cuisine. 

The Polar Athena offers an exceptional balance of adventure, safety, and comfort, perfect for photographers and nature enthusiasts who want to explore the world's most remote scenic frontiers with a team of experts and a deep respect for the environment.

The M/V Vikingfjord is a new ice-strengthened expedition vessel that was rebuilt from the ground up and launched in 2023. It is one of the most environmentally friendly small ships in the polar regions, featuring new engines that reduce NOX emissions by 95%. The ship accommodates a small group of just 12 guests in 8 comfortable, modern cabins, all with ensuite bathrooms and windows. The Vikingfjord offers a blend of cruise-ship comfort and an intimate expedition feel. Onboard amenities include a large observation lounge with panoramic windows, an on-deck hot tub and sauna, and a bridge with a lounge area for guests to enjoy the view. It is equipped with two Zodiacs for shore landings and an experienced team of guides. 

The Vikingfjord is an ideal choice for travelers seeking a luxurious and environmentally conscious small-group expedition to Svalbard and Greenland.