Born from a
love of the wild.
TerraNova Expeditions was founded in 2009 by a marine biologist and a mountaineer who believed that the world's most remote places deserved to be experienced — not just documented.
Fifteen years at
the edge of the map.
TerraNova was founded by Dr. Eleanor Marsh and Kristian Haugen after a chance meeting at a Scott Polar Research Institute symposium in Cambridge. Eleanor had spent a decade studying ice-dependent marine mammals; Kristian had led commercial mountaineering expeditions from Tromsø for fifteen years.
Their shared conviction: that the people who most needed to witness polar change were not scientists, but influential citizens — those who could carry the story home and act on it. TerraNova became the vehicle.
Today, TerraNova operates eight purpose-built or chartered ice-class vessels and has guided 6,200+ guests to the Arctic, Antarctic, and sub-Antarctic. Every voyage contributes data to the Scott Polar Research Institute's long-term monitoring programs.
Guides who wrote
the field manuals.
Marine biologist, Scott Polar Research Institute fellow. 22 years studying ice-dependent mammals from Svalbard to the Weddell Sea.
Mountaineer and polar guide from Tromsø. Summited Svalbard's highest peak 14 times. IAATO board member since 2012.
Former Royal Geographical Society fellow. Designed 23 of TerraNova's 48 current expedition routes. Expert in logistics and risk management.
Ornithologist and climate science communicator. Has led 180+ expedition landings. Author of "Seabirds of the Southern Ocean."
The wilderness
we protect.
Every decision at TerraNova is filtered through a single question: does this protect the places we love? Our sustainability framework was developed with the Scott Polar Research Institute and goes far beyond industry compliance.
Carbon Neutral Since 2018
All voyages fully offset through verified reforestation and renewable energy projects. Net-zero target achieved 7 years ahead of IAATO industry goal.
Science Partnerships
Every expedition contributes wildlife population data to the Scott Polar Research Institute, British Antarctic Survey, and WWF Arctic Programme.
IAATO Certified
Founding member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. Our guidelines exceed minimum standards on every operational metric.
Small Group Policy
Maximum 12 guests per expedition, permanently. We have declined to scale despite demand. Intimacy and ecosystem protection are non-negotiable.
Local Employment
Minimum 40% of crew from host communities in Svalbard, Tromsø, and Ushuaia. Supporting local economies is part of our sustainability model.
Zero Waste Vessels
All waste processed onboard or returned to port for recycling. Zero overboard disposal policy since founding. Grey water treated to potable standard.
As featured in
the world's press.
"TerraNova sets the standard for what responsible polar tourism can be."
"The most scientifically credible expedition company operating in the polar regions today."
"Not just a trip. An education, an awakening, and the best decision you'll ever make."
"For the ultra-high-net-worth traveller who has done everything: this is what comes next."