ARCTIC
EXPEDITION
TEAM
LEADING YOU THROUGH
ARCTIC EXPLORATIONS
Our expedition leaders, guest lecturers, researchers and other experts in their fields guide and educate you through your Arctic expedition. Immersing you in your remote destinations with FREE shore landings and Zodiac safaris, they bring you closer to extraordinary wildlife and landscapes. Their expert guidance enriches your explorations while helping to keep the environment pristine.
EXPEDITION LEADER
EKATERINA URYUPOVA
ABOARD WORLD TRAVELLER™
Ekaterina Uryupova grew up in Siberia. She holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences from Lomonosov Moscow State University and a master’s in international journalism from the University of Salford. Her disciplines include marine biology, oceanography, climate impact on ecosystems and interdisciplinary research efforts in environmental protection. Her experience in the Antarctic includes an internship at the Secretariat of the Antarctic Treaty in Argentina and at the Smithsonian Institution in the US. She is currently a member of the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) and Permafrost Young Researchers Network (PYRN). She has worked in both Antarctica and the Arctic for over 10 years.

WORLD-CLASS EXPEDITION TEAM
Every Arctic expedition is led by an experienced, international team that consists of up to 16 wilderness guides, naturalists, tourism professionals and other experts with decades of combined experience. They have explored Antarctica, the Arctic, Canada, Patagonia, the Galápagos and many more remote destinations of the world, bringing this experience to your expedition for a comprehensive exploration.
JOHANNE KUHLE ABOARD WORLD TRAVELLER
SVALBARD RESIDENT & LECTURER
Johanne Kuhle is from southern Norway but has had a love for the Arctic since she was a young girl and lived a year in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, with her family. She moved back 13 years later to finish her bachelor’s degree in biology, with a specialty in Arctic biology. She is generally fond of everything outdoors and likes to hike, kayak, snowboard and ski. This is her second year of guiding in the Arctic.
LIVE WÅLBERG ABOARD WORLD TRAVELLER
LOCAL RESIDENT
Live Wålberg was a local Svalbard resident during her childhood. From a young age, she was introduced to dog sledding there. For the last four years, she has lived in Alta to work with Alaskan Huskies. She has guided dog sledding trips and competed in several long-distance dog sled races, recently finishing a 600 km race in northern Norway. She has been on several longer overnight trips on skis, on foot and by dogsled, including a four-day ski trip on Svalbard. Most of her interests include being outdoors, such as going hiking, hunting, mountaineering, tenting and climbing.
EXPEDITION GUIDES & ZODIAC OPERATORS
Expedition guides and Zodiac operators with experience in Antarctica, Patagonia and the Arctic will lead the way during your shore landings and Zodiac safaris, bringing you closer to epic scenes and wildlife.


MARINE BIOLOGY & CONSERVATION
Look to the water and learn more about the whales, seals and walruses that make these waters their home with the help of professionals in marine biology, as well as Zodiac safari guides. Discover the importance of delicate ecosystems and how to help keep them unspoiled.
ORNITHOLOGY
Experts who studied bird biology and behavior help you identify the various species of seabirds found throughout the polar regions. They’ll pass their knowledge onto you as you keep your eyes on the sky, appreciating the different birds that make the biodiversity of these regions.


HISTORY & CULTURE
Professional historians share their knowledge of natural history, local and indigenous communities and the history of polar exploration in Svalbard and the Arctic.
POLAR METEOROLOGY & CLIMATE CHANGE
Experts who study polar weather and atmospheric changes help you understand the importance of these regions and how they affect the world.


MOUNTAINEERING & HIKING EXPERTS
Expedition guides with experience in mountaineering, hiking and shore landings in polar regions, help bring you to incredible vantage points as you step foot in remote landscapes.
ARCTIC EXPEDITION EXCURSIONS
INCLUDED EXPERIENCES
Your expedition team leads the way on your watersport excursions, Zodiac safaris and daily landings. With their assistance, you experience the polar regions to the fullest.
ZODIAC SAFARI | INCLUDED
Come closer to your environment on a custom-made Zodiac for Atlas’ Polar Class yachts. As you navigate, stop and listen for the sounds of wildlife. Focus on the soft but distinct rush of water and watch for bubbles just before a breach.



EXPEDITION LANDINGS | INCLUDED
Your expedition guide may lead you to dedicated points for the best views and instruct you on how to properly interact with wildlife at a safe distance so that you leave only footprints behind aboard World Traveller. Pique your curiosity with field interpretations on location.

POLAR PLUNGE | INCLUDED
Connect with your wild side as you plunge into icy waters. Feel free to cheer on your fellow explorers while they take the dive.

