• Cars, Jets & Yachts

Top 10 Explorer Yachts in the World

Exploring the seven seas on an explorer yacht is one of the most life-affirming experiences out there.

By Ellie Brade

the best explorer yachts

Over the past decade, the popularity of luxury explorer yachts has soared. And with good reason — is there a better way to see the world than from the deck of your own superyacht? Exploring the seven seas while authentically connecting with their natural beauty, is undoubtedly one of the most desirable and life-affirming experiences out there. Here, Ellie Brade presents 10 of the finest explorer yachts currently available for the intrepid travelers among you.

[See more: What are Explorer Yachts?]

Builder : McConaghy Year of build : 2012 LOA : 139.7 ft Number of guests: 9 Crew : 6

There is no mistaking Adastra (pictured above) thanks to her distinctive futuristic design and trimaran hull. Adastra has more than demonstrated her explorer credentials and has traveled the world, turning heads wherever she goes. Highly fuel efficient, she has a very small eco footprint, and her stable hull ensures a comfortable ride. With a trans-Pacific range of 10,000 nm she can cross the Atlantic twice before needing to refuel. An impressively shallow draft of just four feet allows her access to cruising grounds that other explorer yachts cannot visit, meaning very few places are off limits. Her 52-ft beam provides generously proportioned spaces, including the main saloon and a shaded outdoor deck. A light-filled, modern interior ensures an inviting base to conduct adventures from and accommodations include a full-beam master cabin. Adastra’s garage door folds out to create a platform for diving, and she carries plenty of toys and tenders for getting out and enjoying the water.

[See more: Step Inside the Adastra Trimaran Yacht]

Itinerary: Raja Ampat, Indonesia

the best explorer yachts

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Adastra explorer yacht interior

A light-filled, modern interior ensures an inviting base to conduct adventures

Originally built for use in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, Adastra is at home in Indonesia’s warm waters. The archipelago of Raja Ampat — meaning Four Kings — straddles the Equator and has over 1,500 islands and islets, which surround the four main islands of Waigeo, Salawati, Batanta and Misool. Very few explorer yachts visit here due to strict regulations, and the area is largely uninhabited, meaning you will often feel as if you have the ocean all to yourself. Crystal-clear waters, endless beaches, and a variety of dive sites and reefs are all waiting to be sampled. Adastra’s draft works to her advantage here, allowing the yacht to move easily between even the shallowest of anchorages.

Start your cruise with a visit to the paradisiacal rain forest-covered island of Kri before cruising towards Gam Island, which offers incredible diving — step straight into the water from Adastra’s dive platform. Move on to Wayag Island, where you can take kayaks into the Wayag lagoon, which is mesmerizingly blue. If you’re feeling energetic, hike inland and upwards to enjoy long views across the water. Cruise through Dampier Strait and spot hundreds of manta rays before visiting Pulau Gam to try and spot the rarely sighted red bird of paradise. Diving fans won’t want to miss traveling south and visiting Misool, which is renowned for its myriad of underwater sites. Venture into the Gua Sacral ancestral caves, which were once an indigenous burial site. Kayaking through Misool’s Blue Water Mangroves, which are peppered with reefs, will have you in awe of the natural beauty.

For sale $10m. Contact Ian Sherwood, sales broker, [email protected] , +44 207 766 4300, burgessyachts.com

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Exterior of Octopus explorer yacht

A helicopter takes off from the Octopus landing pad

Builder: Lürssen Year of build: 2003 LOA: 414 ft Number of guests: 26 Crew: 63

One of the world’s most traveled yachts, Octopus is a groundbreaking expedition vessel that set the tone for the many explorer yachts that have followed in her impressive wake. With eight decks and at a gargantuan 414 ft, it’s no surprise that Octopus is packed with feature after feature, from a full basketball court to the entertainment-focused bridge deck. Her glass-bottomed underwater observation lounge means you can watch fish and sea creatures in their natural habitat. Huge storage capacity lets her carry no less than seven tenders, two helicopters, a submersible for eight guests and two crewmembers that’s capable of diving for up to eight hours, and even a large SUV for onshore adventures. Octopus has undertaken some truly special adventures, including recovering the ship’s bell from the wreck of the HMS Hood, cruising the coast of Antarctica and discovering the wreck of the WWII battleship IJN Musashi off the Philippines. Now, her legacy can continue with a new owner, as she’s currently for sale.

[See more: The Most Expensive Yachts for Charter]

Itinerary: Patagonia

Deck of the Octopus explorer yacht

At a gargantuan 414 ft, it’s no surprise that Octopus is packed with features

Octopus explorer yacht deck

The sun sets over the horizon on one of Octopus’s many decks

Often a gateway to Antarctica, Patagonia possesses an unspoilt beauty. Ripe for adventure, it offers an incredible mix of landscapes with glaciers, hot springs, mountains, remote islands, beaches and a wide variety of wildlife. Begin your journey at Puerto Montt, which ushers you into the company of the Patagonian Fjords and Andes Mountains. Make for the Corcovado Volcano and take in the awe-inspiring National Park. Explore by tender, or even take in the landscape from above in one of Octopus’s helicopters.

The waters boast a diverse ecosystem, and you are sure to spot whales as you cruise — there are many whale research programs around these waters, and the explorer yacht’s glass-bottomed lounge provides an unrivaled view into the kingdom of these giants of the sea. Make your way to the Piti Palena Fjord, located in the delta of the Palena River — this is an excellent spot for fishing. Continue onwards to the Guaitecas Archipelago, which has eight main islands and waters famed for being home to yet more whales and dolphins. North of the archipelago is one of the world’s largest nursing and feeding grounds for blue whales — a sight not to be missed.

For sale €235m (approx. $285m). Contact Matt Emerson, senior partner-director, Americas, [email protected], +1 212 223 0410, burgessyachts.com

[See also: The Best Luxury Yacht Builders in the World]

Exterior of The Beast explorer yacht

The Beast delivers adventure with a side of luxurious living / ©Aaron March

Builder: Profab Engineering Year of build: 2019 LOA: 128.7 ft Number of guests: 12 Crew : 9

With the  yacht’s camouflage exterior, The Beast’s owner describes her as “a little different.” What an understatement! Built to explore, and incredibly stable (no need for sickness pills on this one), this catamaran explorer-style yacht can tackle just about any cruising ground except Antarctica and has a long range of 5,000 nm. Thanks to her 39.4-ft beam, she has an incredible 4,000 sq ft of living space, elegantly fitted out with a modern interior. The Beast is packed with all the equipment needed for enjoying remote itineraries, not the least of which is a 42-ft custom composite fishing boat adorably dubbed The Baby Beast . An industrial-style, 49-ft aft deck is packed with water equipment that includes a custom amphibious tender for driving straight from water to land. A favorite spot is the upper deck with its teppanyaki grill and bar.

Itinerary: New Zealand

Deck of The Beast yacht

The Beast’s sunlit bridge / ©Aaron March

Often described as ‘the whole world in one country’ New Zealand packs a punch as a destination, delivering 9,300 miles of coastline, snow, rain forest, white-sand beaches and a rich local culture. As a relatively young country, New Zealand is a blend of cosmopolitan cities and wild, remote beauty that begs to be explored by superyacht.

Join The Beast in Auckland and soak up the skyline as you head for Great Barrier Island, where you can visit the Glenfern Sanctuary and learn about the country’s native birdlife. The island is a Dark Sky Sanctuary with incredible stars — learn about the significance of the stars to the local culture as you gaze up at the Milky Way and Magellanic Clouds.

Head for the Poor Knights Islands, an incredible marine reserve, where you can make the most of The Beast’s diving setup, using The Baby Beast as a base for daily adventures. Continue north to the Bay of Islands, home to a cornucopia of marine life and more than 100 different islands; come ashore and explore the island of your choice on board The Beast’ s amphibious tender. Northland has great spiritual importance, so take the opportunity to learn about the local culture and experience an authentic cultural performance.

Cruise onwards towards Cape Reinga, the very tip of New Zealand where the Maori people believe that souls depart this life for the next, and watch the meeting of the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea, which is an unusual and powerful sight. On the west coast, Ninety Mile Beach is a seemingly endless stretch of golden sand dunes. Away from the marine reserves, make sure to take advantage of The Beast’ s extensive fishing gear Below and right The Beast ; her sunlit bridge and land some fresh seafood to cook on her teppanyaki grill for lunch. Make your way back down the east coast, calling in at Auckland’s Waiheke Island on the way to enjoy a long vineyard lunch before reluctantly returning to civilization.

Charter from $185,000 per week. Contact Fleur Tomlinson, charter director, [email protected] , +64 930 201 78, 37, southyachts.com

[See also: How Much Does it Actually Cost to Charter a Yacht?]

Exterior of Ragnar explorer yacht

Ragnar has been designed to look like an explorer yacht

Builder: Royal Niestern Sander Year of build: 2012 (rebuilt 2020) LOA: 223.8 ft Number of guests: 12 Crew: 17

There is nowhere on earth that Ragnar can’t take you, from glistening ice to remote desert islands. Named for the Norse King of the Vikings, Ragnar is a powerful and luxurious explorer yacht, with full ice-breaking functionality and an impressive 6,000 nm range. Ragnar is able to tackle all conditions, so make the most of your surroundings by taking your pick from her abundant toy and tender collection, with something to suit every type of cruising ground. These include an Airbus EC145 helicopter for heliskiing, a three-passenger submarine, snowmobiles, quad bikes, a 30-ft Marelli ice condition tender and more. Expansive onboard spaces include a top deck hot tub and pool, an observation deck, fully equipped gym and tranquil spa center for soaking away the day’s activities.

[See more: Explorer Yachts with Their Own Land-roving Vehicles]

Itinerary: The Philippines

Deck of Ragnar

Enjoy sunsets in far-flung locations

Guest in hammock onboard Ragnar

High-stakes hammocks aboard Ragnar

Helipad onboard Ragnar

The heli-landing zone on Ragnar

Although well-equipped for colder climates, Ragnar has plenty of warm destinations in her cruising plans, and 2022 will see her visit the Philippines, which is fast gaining popularity as a desirable charter location. Why? With more than 7,000 islands it is an ideal spot for exploring by yacht. Beautiful beaches and clear waters are a given, but each different island group — Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao — has its own character.

Board the yacht in bustling capital city Manila before heading for quieter cruising grounds. As you cruise towards Palawan, the largest province in the Philippines with over 1,700 islands, stop off at the hidden gem island of Busuanga and climb the 700 steps to the top of Mount Tapyas, which delivers incredible views across the region. Busuanga offers unparalleled cruising and plenty to do on land and on the water; hike through rain forests and dive the crystal waters, which are home to several wrecks. Nearby Coron has sacred freshwater lakes that are carefully maintained by the indigenous population — take a swim beneath impressive limestone cliffs that overlook the lakes.

A must-do is a visit to Palawan’s underground river, as is a stop at Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site where you’ll be able to sample what is arguably the country’s best diving. Make your way back to Manila, island-hopping as you go, and relax on board as you admire the landscape.

Charter from $525,000 per week. Contact James Clark, head of retail charter, [email protected] , +44 207 766 4300, burgessyachts.com

Planet Nine

Helicopter taking off from Planet Nine

A helicopter takes off from Planet Nine / ©Studio_M

Builder: Admiral Year of build: 2018 LOA: 240 ft Number of guests: 12 (plus 4 staff) Crew: 20

A world-class explorer yacht, Planet Nine has a guest-centric design with edgy naval-inspired styling. She is ice-classed, allowing her to tackle polar waters, and has an MD-600N Explorer helicopter, hangar and commercial landing pad for arriving and departing in style. Abundant spaces across her five decks, which are all connected by elevator, include social areas such as the cinema room, Jacuzzi, numerous dining spaces, beach club, sea terrace and an entire owner’s deck for ultimate privacy. Three Rupert Marine RIBs are tailored for use in extreme conditions — so you can explore secluded coves or glide past ice floes while spotting local wildlife. Back on board, the observatory delivers stunning 180° views.

Itinerary: Saudi Arabia

Interiors onboard Planet Nine

Ample lounge space for lounging inside / ©Studio_M

Dining area onboard Planet Nine

Al fresco dining aboard Planet Nine / ©Studio_M

As the spiritual home and birthplace of Islam, Saudi Arabia is rich with history and cultural significance, and has long been a center for pilgrims. Follow in their footsteps on your own journey of discovery. Explore the exquisitely blue waters of the Red Sea, seek endless sand dunes, and immerse yourself in the bustling towns and markets. Fans of diving will delight in all the Red Sea has to offer and can make the most of Planet Nine’s extensive dive gear.

Tabuk, just 62 miles off the border with Jordan, is the start of the Saudi coast and bears Egyptian and Ottoman influences — check out some of the area’s wild beauty spots and walk in the footsteps of the prophet Moses, who lived east of the city for many years. Cruise south towards the town of Al Wajh, which has over 60 miles of untouched beaches on either side. Continuing down the coast, Umluj (called the ‘Maldives of Saudi Arabia’) has 104 islands to its north. Jump on board one of Planet Nine’s RIBs and pick out your own private island. An hour inland of Umluj takes you to Harrat Lunayyir, a black lava field filled with cones and craters.

Visit Yanbu, an ancient spice trading post that was once home to TE Lawrence. A huge desert sits north of the town and gives way to the stunning ocean — a helicopter ride over the dunes will provide an unbeatable view before you touch down back on board for an aperitif as the sun sets. Round off your charter with a visit to historic Jeddah, the gateway to Mecca and crossroad of traders and pilgrims. Marvel at the beautiful architecture, visit the local souk (maamoul, anyone?) and revel in the city’s blend of old and new.

Charter from €650,000 (approx. $791,000) per week, for sale €85m (approx. $103m). Contact Charlie Carveles, sales and charter broker, [email protected] , +377 933 054 44, edmiston.com

Exterior of Latitude

Latitude was built in 1973 and refitted in 2020

Builder: Hitzler Schiffswerft Year of build: 1973 (refitted 2020) LOA: 179.4 ft Number of guests: 12 Crew: 16

In beautiful condition following a mammoth two-year refit completed in June 2020, Latitude will suit outdoor enthusiasts. An expansive lineup of water toys and vast deck spaces — bigger even than yachts twice her size — will keep you outside and busy all day long. This is truly an explorer yacht for connecting with nature and discovering new and remote destinations away from the stresses of everyday life. For those looking to wind down and disconnect, she has a strong focus on wellness and relaxation with a two-tier yoga deck, private masseuse/yoga instructor and a fully equipped open-air gym. Fishing fans will particularly enjoy Latitude — her explorer qualities and hardy design can take you to remote fishing grounds where you can take your pick from her comprehensive lineup of all the latest fishing gear.

Itinerary: French Polynesia

Outdoor deck onboard Latitude yacht

Latitude has a strong focus on wellness and relaxation

Set in the heart of the South Pacific, French Polynesia is a picture-perfect destination that combines a friendly welcome with incredible diving, idyllic beaches and unspoilt beauty. Plus, there’s a string of islands for yacht-hopping. With Latitude planning to spend two years in the region, the explorer yacht and her crew will know all the best secret spots. Join the yacht in Moorea, which pairs volcanic mountains with sandy beaches.

Dive off the coast, where you’ll be in the company of Tahitian stingrays — this will be just the first encounter with impressive sea life during your time on Latitude . Cruise onwards to Huahine, which presents a beautiful backdrop for a morning yoga session. Come ashore and meet the locals, who will be only too happy to tell you stories of French Polynesia’s history.

Next you’ll visit Taha’a, a white-sand island dotted with thatched villas. There is colorful coral off the island’s shores — dive and explore before heading ashore by tender for a picnic and a walk in the lush jungle. Raiatea is well worth a visit; it is regarded as a central point in French Polynesia and is believed to be the source of many ancient migrations to countries such as New Zealand and Hawaii. Finish your visit in Bora Bora, an extinct volcano set amidst an achingly serene lagoon.

Bora Bora is known as one of the world’s most beautiful islands, and with good reason. The vibrant shoreline contrasts with the blue waters, which are teeming with fish, and vibrant hibiscus flowers carpet the side of Mount Otemanu. Make the most of Latitude’s water toys and spend the day in the warm water before a final wind down back on board.

Charter from $161,000 per week. Contact James Clark, head of retail charter, [email protected] , +44 207 766 4300, burgessyachts.com

Exterior of Yersin

Yersin is 95% recyclable

Builder: Piriou Year of build: 2015 LOA: 251.4 ft Number of guests: 18 Crew: 24

One of the world’s most sustainable and green yachts, Yersin ensures guilt-free cruising with an incredibly low cruising footprint — she is even 95% recyclable. This spectacular explorer yacht was built with science and discovery at the forefront of her design. She offers an unmatched opportunity to cruise the world and learn about its oceans firsthand. Able to travel from the Poles to the Equator, Yersin is a true explorer. There has been no compromise on comfort, and her many features include a gym, hammam, spa, cinema, dining spaces, an owner’s suite and eight guest staterooms. Thanks to her history as a luxury research vessel, her setup also includes classrooms (hello, homeschooling), laboratories, a hospital, media room and multifunction tenders. This is a unique yacht that is fully equipped to visit the most remote destinations.

[See more: Yersin: The Eco Superyacht for Sustainable Explorers]

Itinerary: Arctic Circle

Interiors onboard Yersin yacht

The elegant interiors aboard Yersin

Impressive green credentials make Yersin the perfect vessel for exploring the pristine wilderness of the Arctic Circle. A charter aboard this luxurious yet intrepid explorer yacht showcases the region, from epic icebergs and polar bear sightings, to fjord landscapes and fine dining beneath the shimmering Northern Lights. With Greenland acting as your gateway to the Arctic Circle, step on board Yersin in the quaint settlement of Nuuk before raising anchor and cruising towards the vast Jakobshavn Glacier in Ilulissat. One of the highlights of Greenland is the ice itself, with its pure, imposing beauty, and the town of Ilulissat, meaning ‘iceberg,’ is the obvious spot for enjoying this natural wonder.

Travel further to the impressive Eqi Glacier. From here, take Yersin’s tender to enjoy a ringside seat to witness ice calving, where new icebergs are formed as fragments of the glaciers fall into the sea. Having hiked through icy landscapes, sampled the extreme sports of glacier skiing and ice diving, or immersed yourself in the rural communities of this unique region, it’s time to depart Greenland. Watch Uummannaq Mountain recede into the distance as you take the passage to Canada’s Baffin Island. It is full of marine life, so look out for whales and seals as you cruise — they swim undisturbed by the near-silent Yersin. The coastline of Baffin Island is an excellent place to spot the most iconic creature of the Arctic region, the polar bear.

Cruise up the fjords and observe these majestic animals from the comfort of the vessel’s deck or, for a closer encounter, take a private wildlife tour with a local expert. Enjoy a lunch of fish caught fresh by the crew, and after a day in the crisp polar air, warm up by enjoying a sauna in the opulent spa.

For sale from €72m (approx. $87.6m, VAT paid). Contact David Legrand, [email protected] , +377 931 004 50, and Antoine X. Larricq, [email protected] , +377 931 004 50, fraseryachts.com

Exterior of Bold yacht seen from above

Bold’s striking profile from the air / ©Guillaume Plisson

Builder: Silveryachts Year of build: 2019 LOA: 279.8 ft Number of guests: 16 Crew: 20

Designed by fabled aesthetic powerhouse Espen Øino, Bold has a naval-inspired design and is the biggest yacht built by Silveryachts to date. Described by her builders as “a fast, world explorer vessel with a genuine, fully-fledged superyacht finish,” Bold is the world’s fastest explorer yacht with an extraordinary top speed of 23 knots. Her low draft, unparalleled in other yachts of her size and length, also affords access to shallow waters. Accommodation is for 16 guests and includes the master suite with a private salon. Social spaces inside and out include large entertaining decks and a huge open plan ‘loft style’ main salon, with floor-to-ceiling windows that lead directly out to a large wintergarden. An outdoor cinema on the sundeck calls for family movie nights under the stars. Ready for adventure, Bold has a large inventory of water equipment including three different Rupert tenders. A heli-hangar and heli-landing deck allow the use of helicopters if desired.

Itinerary: The Whitsundays, Australia

Bold is set to return home to Australia this year for the first time since her launch — she is the largest Australian-built yacht in the world, and she will be available for charter all around her country of origin. Venturing around Australia’s expansive coastlines requires a yacht with serious muscle, and Bold more than fits the bill. Begin your cruise by heading to Hook Island where you can snorkel before traveling to Blue Pearl Bay for more world-class snorkeling off the back of Bold’s tender. Nearby Langford Island, home to reefs and coral, is another inviting dive spot. Spend some time relaxing on the island’s sandy beach before departing for Chance Bay, where you can hike along the Ngaro Sea Trail towards Whitehaven.

Cruise south to Lindeman Island, which has some beautiful national park walking tracks. Escape even further towards the seclusion of the southern anchorages off Thomas and Shaw islands. Here, you can take your pick from Bold’s toy garage and explore the anchorage. The explorer yacht will then make its way back towards Whitehaven Beach, which some claim is Australia’s finest. Take a walk inland through the rain forest and drink in the views across Hill Inlet before being collected by tender and whisked back to your floating home.

A visit to the Whitsundays wouldn’t be complete without a glimpse of the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system — a helicopter ride will guarantee the best views.

Charter from €985,000 per week (approx. $1.2m). Contact Romina Rastelli, EU charter manager, [email protected] , +377 931 029 29, hillrobinson.com

Exterior of Legend yacht with snow covered mountains

Legend is packed with every tender and toy you can possibly imagine / ©Chistopher Scholey

Builder: Icon Yachts Year of build: 1974 (refitted 2015) LOA: 254 ft Number of guests: 22 Crew: 28

Legend is packed with every tender and toy you can possibly imagine. Carrying submersibles, dive gear, snowmobiles, tenders, diving apparatus and more, she has something to suit every climate. Legend has extensively traveled the world, visiting Antarctica, Greenland, Iceland, Northern Europe and the Baltics, moving effortlessly from sun to ice. Transformed from a Soviet icebreaker in a no-expenses-spared refit, Legend offers high luxury on board with unique features such as a waterfall-fed 16-seater Jacuzzi, 14-person cinema, Balinese spa, modern gym, piano and whisky bars. Her sheer size and impressive internal volume mean that even the longest trips at sea won’t feel claustrophobic — there’s plenty of space to both gather and retreat. For serious expeditions, there is accommodation flexibility on board for up to 10 extra expedition staff. A commercial helideck and two helicopters mean it is easy to join the explorer yacht even in remote anchorages.

Itinerary: Antarctica

The main deck onboard Legend

Legend’s main deck comes complete with Jacuzzi / ©Quinn Bisset

Journey on board Legend to Antarctica, where you’ll become one of the lucky few to have ventured 66-degrees south. Make the most of your mobile nature and get out on the water, whether kayaking through icy waters or gliding across the snow on Legend’s snowmobiles. As a Class 1 icebreaker, she can venture into pack ice sheets.

Join Legend at her anchorage off King George Island in nearby Maxwell Bay. Sail into the Bransfield Strait, passing penguins and icebergs as you go. On your first morning, a mandatory International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) briefing will outline the environmental responsibilities of visitors to Antarctica. Head for mainland Antarctica via the Gerlache Strait, spotting humpback whales along the way. The next morning, travel through the Neumayer Channel and watch calving Weddell, leopard and crabeater seals — an unforgettable sight. Legend’s crew will launch the Zodiac tender so you can cruise through brash ice for up-close encounters with local wildlife. Visit Andvord Bay to spot humpback whales and killer whale pods. Hop into the Zodiac again to visit Cuverville Island and its huge colony of Gentoo penguins. Later, drop anchor at Foyn Harbor and kayak around the wreck of the Governoren — keep an eye out for fur seals.

Cruise to Deception Island, where you can sail into the crater of a live volcano. Atmospheric whale factory ruins and the old bones of Whalers Bay hark back to the area’s past as a whaling center. Enjoy a hike up ‘The Nipple’ with views across steaming lava fields, then round off your charter with a visit to the chinstrap penguin colony on Baily Head, spotting plenty of other wildlife as you go. Disembark at Frei Station and visit the Russian Orthodox Trinity Church, where you can reflect in peace on this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Charter from €490,000 (approx. $597,000) per week. Contact [email protected] , y.co

Exterior of La Datcha

La Datcha can let charter guests “set out on the journey of a lifetime to places others can’t reach”

Builder: Damen Year of build: 2020 LOA: 252 ft Number of guests: 12 Crew: 25

One of the newest explorer yachts to hit the water, La Datcha, was designed to fulfill the owner’s brief for a yacht that could let charter guests “set out on the journey of a lifetime to places others can’t reach.” The resulting yacht delivers luxury in spades and is the ultimate crossover between comfort and performance. From her head-turning profile, care of Azure Yacht Design, to countless tenders and toys including two helicopters, snow scooters and a submersible, it is near impossible to narrow down her best features. La Datcha’s six decks boast a modern interior, and when hanging out on board you’ll have plenty of options — head to the luxury spa to unwind or relax after a day of exploring in the observation lounge. Two master cabins make her ideal for two families to share her unforgettable experiences. Able to operate autonomously at sea for up to 40 days, the world is her oyster.

Itinerary: Kamchatka, Russia

Profile of La Datcha from above

La Datcha’s striking profile from above

Dramatically dubbed Russia’s ‘Land of Ice and Fire,’ the Kamchatka Peninsula lies in eastern Russia and stretches over 740 miles. With glaciers, geysers, snow and over 300 volcanoes, Kamchatka’s landscape is like nowhere else on earth. There is plenty of wildlife to spot, including the Kamchatka brown bear. Start your charter in the peninsula’s capital city, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, which is surrounded by three snow-capped volcanoes. Settle in on board, then fly to a nearby mountain top to ski a run or two. Cruise the fjords to reach Vilyuchinskaya Bay and fish abundant waters, whale watch or heli-ski. Enjoy incredible views from the top of the Vilyuchinsky Volcano before heading south towards Russkaya Bay. Take a helicopter flight over the Mutnovsky and Goreliy volcanoes; the brave can ski into the crater of the Mutnovsky volcano, which is home to a hidden glacier.

Back on board, your crew will take you by tender to spot Steller sea lions and sea otters. Cruise north to Cape Shipunsky and Bechevinskaya Bay, once a top-secret submarine base, and enjoy heli-skiing en route. Visit the ‘Valley of Geysers’ in the heart of Kamachatka — this spectacular Unesco World Heritage Site is home to a number of volcanoes including Karymsky, one of the most active in the world. Next, visit Klyuchevskaya Sopka and Morzhovaya Bay, home to yet more spectacular volcanoes. Round off your visit by heli-skiing on Zhupanovsky Volcano before relaxing at the Nalychevo Nature Park. Here, you can bathe in wild springs and hot thermal pools with a chilled glass of champagne in hand.

Charter from€740,000 (approx. $900,500) per week. Contact Stefano Feltrin, managing director, [email protected] , +39 349 858 2600, ladatcha.com

[See more: Luxury Yacht Itineraries to Suit Any Occasion]

Ellie Brade

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9 Explorer Yachts Made to Cruise the World’s Most Remote Destinations

You don't need a 250-footer to reach the ends of the earth. serious explorer yachts now come in owner-operated 85-foot lengths., howard walker, howard walker's most recent stories.

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These Nine Explorer Yachts Are Redefining the Mini-Expedition Yacht Category.

With last year seeing a record number of explorer-style yachts under construction, it’s clear a new generation of superyacht buyer is no longer content to jostle for moorings in crowded harbors of the Med or Caribbean. They want open space and adventure.

Expedition yachts have traditionally been converted freighters or supply vessels, like the 223-foot Ragnar or 250-foot Yersin. But this new generation of compact superyachts, many below 150 feet, is designed for  similar missions in smaller packages, thanks to utilitarian hull designs and expanded fuel capacities.

One in this group is designed to be self-sufficient for 30 days as it explores remote regions. Another has a top speed of 25 knots, giving it the ability to outrun storms. Several have enough rear deck space to land a helicopter.

Name-brand builders such as Holland’s Damen and Italy’s Sanlorenzo and Cantiere delle Marche have been joined by a number of specialist Turkish yards, like Bering and AvA, in offering capable, adventure-ready vessels with luxury interiors.

Here are nine of the finest. Most are new, but we’ve included several recent launches, and even a decade-old classic, to show just how far this field has come.

Damen SeaXplorer 58 ‘Pink Shadow’

the best explorer yachts

Nothing screams “explorer yacht” louder than the 190-foot SeaXplorer 58 Pink Shadow from Damen Yachting. This oceangoing beast was just launched from the Dutch brand’s yard in Antalya, Turkey. The heavily customized Pink Shadow (it’s painted green) has a towering, ice-crushing, vertical bow and a distinctive open forward gallery. The boat is designed to explore the most remote corners of the globe. The vessel can be completely self-sufficient for up to a month, with the ability to cruise at 11.5 knots for over 5,000 nautical miles. Need to fly in more supplies? There’s a basketball-court-sized helipad at the stern. The yacht’s huge in-hull garages can also be filled with a fleet of toys, including two multipurpose tenders, motorcycles, ATVs, and a 4×4 SUV, plus a custom 37-foot racing sailboat.

Lynx Crossover 27 ‘Avontuur’

the best explorer yachts

Paint numbers on the bow and you might mistake this new 88-foot explorer from Lynx Yachts for a military vessel. There’s even space on the open aft deck for a Navy SEAL–style RIB. But the Crossover 27 is all about adventure (“Avontuur” is the Dutch word for exactly that.) Designed by Holland’s Bernd Weel with a hull shape by Diana Yacht Design, the Lynx comes with a pair of 850-horse Caterpillars that can power it to a top speed of 14 knots. At 10 knots, it has a range of over 3,000 nautical miles. This first example was commissioned for an adventure-loving Californian who had the 750-square-foot aft deck designed to carry both an Air Nautique G23 wakeboard boat and 16-foot RIB. The garage on the deck below can transport Jet Skis, paddleboards, and scuba gear.

the best explorer yachts

One of the baseline requirements for legitimate explorer yachts is that they be safe and stable in rough seas. Which is why the 85-foot explorer is so impressive. With no fewer than three stabilizer systems, the Arksen can stay upright even if slammed side-on by some Perfect Storm– sized rogue wave. The all-aluminum hull is even designed to recover from a 180-degree knockdown. The Arksen’s semi-displacement hull and glass-filled superstructure come from U.K.-based Humphries Yacht Design. Twin, heavy-duty 330 hp Cummins diesels give the boat a top speed of 14 knots. At nine knots, it has an astonishing range of 7,000 nautical miles.

Sanlorenzo 500EXP ‘Para Bellum’

the best explorer yachts

The 154-foot 500EXP , the newest and biggest addition to the yard’s luxury explorer yacht range, has space for a helicopter on its stern. It also features an ice-crushing full-displacement steel hull and towering bow that gives it serious expedition cred. But the 500EXP is designed to cruise to the most remote corners of the planet in comfort. The vessel has a range of more than 4,500 nautical miles at 11 knots with the twin 970-horse Cat C32s powerplants. Below decks, the generous 31-foot beam delivers copious amounts of space for 10 guests in five cabins. The latest version of the yacht, the gray-hulled Para Bellum , can now be chartered from $300,000 a week. Helicopter not included.

Alpha Yachts Alfresco 125 ‘Piccolo’

the best explorer yachts

Turkey’s Alpha Custom Yachts go-anywhere 125-foot Piccolo focuses on big spaces to enjoy the great outdoors. The flybridge itself sprawls across 1,180 square feet, with features such as a plunge pool up front and uncluttered entertaining spaces at the rear. The sleek, clean lines are from Britain’s H2 Yacht Design, with the semi-displacement fiberglass hull from naval architects Laurent Giles. And unlike most explorer yachts, the boat is fast. Twin Caterpillar C32s can punch her to a top speed of 17.5 knots, though throttle back to 10 and it will cover over 2,300 nautical miles. The first in the Alfresco 125 series, Piccolo, was launched in 2020. It is now on the market for $12.5 million.

Bering B145 ‘Heeus’

the best explorer yachts

The flagship of Turkey’s Bering Yachts is the 145-foot Heeus . It has a range of over 4,600 miles, which means it can run from San Francisco to Hawaii, and back, on a single tank of fuel at 12 knots. In addition to its twin main Caterpillar engines, the B145 can also be powered by electric motors and batteries. The hybrid system is designed to ease the yacht silently into more eco-sensitive anchorages and run overnight without generators. The outside decks are huge—the sundeck alone spans almost 1,000 square feet. The boat is available for weekly charter this summer for around €230,000 ($250,000).

AvA Yachts Kando 110 Explorer ‘Infinity-Nine’

the best explorer yachts

AvA’s Kando110 Explorer series hit the headlines last November after it emerged that the Turkish yard’s newest launch had been purchased by former San Antonio Spurs’ basketball star Tony Parker. He called the boat Infinity Nine . The 110-foot, steel-and-aluminum world-girder was designed to crisscross the Atlantic, courtesy of its 6,500 mile range and fuel-sipping 650 hp Volvo D16 diesels. Distinguished by a four-deck layout, towering topsides, and expansive hull-side glass, the Kando110 has six staterooms, including a 290-square-foot full-beam master.

CdM Flexplorer 130 ‘Aurelia’

the best explorer yachts

Superyacht cranes have never been this cool. The towering A-frame heavy-lifter on the rear deck of CdM 130 Flexplorer Aurelia can lift and launch the yacht’s hefty 28-foot tender over the stern without breaking a sweat—in fact, it can hoist up to 3.5 tonnes. But even more impressive is that, when stowed, the crane disappears completely into recesses in the yacht’s teak deck. Sergio Cutolo’s Hydro Tec studio did the yacht design. The Flexplorer series lives up to its name: Yachts can be built from 127 to 154 feet. Power-wise, Aurelia , the first of the series, has twin Caterpillar C32s to give a 14-knot top speed. At 10 knots, it has a 5,000-nautical-mile range.

Canados Oceanic 143 Fast Expedition

the best explorer yachts

Traditional explorer yachts tend to chug across oceans at single-digit speeds. But there are times when you need to outrun a storm or punch against a fast-flowing tide. That’s the beauty of Italian builder Canados’s new Oceanic 143 tri-deck: speed. Powered by three 2,400hp Caterpillar C32 12-cylinder turbo diesels, the boat can reach a top speed of 25 knots. With a fuel capacity of 8,320 gallons, if you ease back to an eight-knot cruise speed, range extends to over 6,000 miles. Much of this comes down to the yacht’s innovative “Dis-planing” hull (see image above). Canados gave it the unusual name because the design is a rare combination of “displacement” and “planing”—topped off by a wave-slicing, straked-bow design.

Read More On:

  • Bering Yachts
  • Expedition Yachts

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Hanse Explorer yacht for charter

The best explorer yachts for adventurous charters

Related articles, superyacht directory.

From heli-skiing in North Kamchatka to scuba diving in the Red Sea, the possibilities are endless when chartering an explorer yacht . Equipped with ice-breaking hulls, transoceanic cruising ranges and toy boxes fit for adrenaline-pumping activities, explorers are designed to travel to the farthest corners of the globe and offer guests the adventure of a lifetime. To mark the launch of the 2024 Explorer Yachts Summit, BOAT International takes a look at the best explorer yachts on the charter market , starting with the legendary 126.2-metre Octopus ... 

Stats: 126.2 metres, Lürssen , 2003, 12 guests, 45 crew

Expedition capabilities: With an ice-class hull and cruising range of 12,500 nautical miles, the iconic Octopus is more than capable of reaching the earth’s most remote corners. She’s got just the right kit for off-the-grid adventures too, offering two helipads, an ROV, Triton submarines, a fully-equipped dive centre, seven tenders and her own float-in tender garage.

Home comforts: With an interior volume of 9,932 GT there’s more than enough space on this superyacht for luxury amenities. Highlights include a private cinema, a wellness centre complete with a spa, gym and treatment rooms, a swimming pool and an aquarium.

Octopus is available to charter with Big Blue Expeditions, starting from $2,200,000 per week.

Stats: 44.2 metres, Bering Yachts , 2022, 12 guests, 9 crew

Expedition capabilities : The first in Bering's line of compact explorer yachts, Heeus is small but mighty with her high-latitude ice belt and generous fuel capacity of 95,600 litres. Unsurprisingly, another highlight is her well-stocked toy box – onboard amenities include a 9.2-metre chase tender, three Jet Skis and a selection of towable and inflatable toys. A 25-square-metre tender garage is also on hand to store all nautical gadgets and accessories.

Home comforts: Heeus has a heavy focus on al fresco spaces, with a large 92-square-metre sundeck fitted with a Jacuzzi, bar, dining and sunlounger area, as well as a barbecue and cinema screen. She also boasts a 40-square-metre beach club complete with a swim platform, Hammam and steam shower for resting and recharging at sea.

Heeus is available for charter with West Nautical , starting from €200,000 per week.

Stats: 85.3 metres, Silver Yachts , 2019, 12 guests, 20 crew

Expedition capabilities : Technically classed as a “sports activity vessel” (SAV), the SOLAS-compliant explorer Bold can carry several toys perfect for expeditions. The helipad can host an AW109S Grand helicopter while the other 400 square metres of deck space accommodates a 15-metre tender and crane. A cruising range of 5,000 nautical miles and provisions storage for up to five months means that Bold can certainly handle going off the grid – and she also has scuba diving equipment for enjoying those remote destinations to their fullest.

Home comforts: Ideal for exploring warmer climes, Bold features vast outdoor entertaining areas complete with a bar and Teppanyaki grill, an outdoor cinema, an eight-person hot tub and a lounge surrounding a firepit for balmy cocktail hour(s).

Bold is available to charter with Hill Robinson with charters starting from €875,000 per week.

Stats: 77.4 metres, IHC Verschure , 1974, 22 guests, 28 crew

Expedition capabilities : Soviet icebreaker turned ultra-luxe explorer, Legend is primed for polar expeditions with her commercial-standard helideck, state-of-the-art fire extinguishing systems and eight-tonne helifuel storage tank and bunker systems. She can also accommodate an expedition crew of 10 (helicopter pilot, doctor, expedition leaders, naturalists and so on) in addition to her roster of guests.

Home comforts: Don't be fooled by her Cold War aesthetic – Legend has all the leisure hallmarks of successful charter yacht. In particular, her 2016 refit saw the stern extended by 3.6 metres, allowing for both a new swim platform and a 16-person superyacht spa pool with a waterfall. An ultra-heated on-deck hot tub, Balinese spa, well-equipped gym and private cinema room provide ample entertainment for icy, long-term expeditions. 

Legend is available to charter with Y.CO with charters starting from €625,000 per week.

Planet Nine

Stats : 73.2 metres, Admiral - The Italian Sea Group , 2018, 12 guests and 20 crew

Expedition capabilities: Planet Nine ’s meticulous owner ensured that she was built to cruise the waters of Greenland, Antarctica and everywhere in between with ease. This is realised in the specially-designed ice-classed hull, constructed with thick hull plates, strong frames and bulkheads, and careful protection for her seawater intakes, to protect from cold temperatures and deal with sea ice up to 15 centimetres thick. Planet Nine also boasts an impressive 6,000 nautical mile cruising range that allows her to cross the oceans with minimal fuel stops. 

Home comforts: If you’re not exploring the great outdoors, enjoy 180 degree-views from the forward observation lounge, take a dip in the sundeck Jacuzzi, or relax in the spacious cinema. The dedicated owners' deck also comes complete with its own private lounge, terrace and study.

Planet Nine is available to charter with Burgess with charters starting from $650,000 per week.

Hanse Explorer

Stats: 47.8 metres, Fassmer , 2006, 12 guests, 18 crew

Expedition capabilities : Hanse Explorer has all the requirements of a hardy expedition yacht. Her steel hull boasts the highest level of commercial ice classification, plus she also has a cruising range of 8,000 nautical miles and six-week autonomy capabilities. Her toybox is well-equipped for expeditions with two Zodiac tenders on board, scuba diving equipment, and cold weather gear for polar expeditions.

Home comforts: Equipped for both warm and cold climes, the refurbished top deck boasts a hot tub, al fresco cocktail lounge and Bali beds for sunbathing and sleeping under the stars.

Hanse Explorer is available for charter with EYOS Expeditions .

Stats: 37m, Tenix Defence, 2003 (2020), 8 guests, 7 crew

Expedition capabilities : With zero-speed stabilisers, impressive deck space and a range of 4,800 nautical miles, Ourway is a top choice for those looking to veer off the beaten path. Delivered in 2003, the explorer yacht had a refit in 2020 which saw new interiors. She can house keen anglers, divers and intrepid explorers.

Home comforts: Accommodating up to eight guests, Ourway has four elegantly designed cabins, including a spacious full-beam master suite. After a thrilling day on the water, guests can retreat to the sundeck to unwind in the hot tub or enjoy a cocktail in the luxurious main saloon.

Ourway is available for charter with Fraser with a weekly rate starting from €85,000.

Pink Shadow

Stats: 58.3m, Damen Yachting , 2023, 12 guests, 17 crew

Expedition capabilities : Delivered in 2023, Pink Shadow is certainly a head-turner of an expedition yacht with her striking green hull and gunmetal superstructure. She also has many exploration credentials that make her an epic adventurer. The 58.3-metre yacht has a range of 5,000 nautical miles at 11.5 knots, an ice-class hull, and 30 days of autonomy, which fares well for those who want to visit remote locations. Pink Shadow also has an impressive toy box brimming with inflatables, Jet Skis, and tenders.

Home Comforts: Pink Shadow’s magnificent interior design celebrates the spirit of exploration and features a Tiki Plage and a cabana-style bar, among much else. In keeping with her exploration credentials, Pink Shadow’s interiors were inspired by the 1982 Amazonian film Fitzcarraldo.

Pink Shadow is available for charter with Y.CO with a weekly rate from €510,000.

Bleu De Nîmes

Stats: 72.25m, Clelands, 1980, 28 guests, 23 crew

Expedition credentials: Life began for Bleu de Nîmes in 1980 as a British Royal Navy degaussing vessel, but in 2005 she was converted into an explorer with an enormous range of 20,000 nautical miles. Built in steel, the yacht today (having undergone another transformation, completed in 2020) is as exciting as ever for the charter market with exceptional credentials such as huge deck space, a wellness area and a dive centre.

Home Comforts: Perfect for larger groups or extended families, the yacht has 13 cabins across her Pier Vittorio Cerruti -designed interiors. The large sundeck is another crowdpleaser with its two large Jacuzzis, drinks bar and ample sunloungers.

Bleu de Nîmes is available to charter with SuperYachts Monaco with a weekly rate from €490,000.

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Triton Charters

Top 5 Explorer Yachts In The World

Imagine cruising in one of the best explorer yachts in the world with our list of the top 5!

What could be more exhilarating than exploring the open sea on a magnificent yacht?

If you’re an enthusiast of all things nautical, then you’ll definitely want to check out some of the best explorer yachts in the world.

These vessels are designed for long-distance travel and offer plenty of amenities and creature comforts to make your journey as enjoyable as possible.

Here are five of the most outstanding explorer yachts available today.

octopus explorer yacht

#1: Octopus – 414 Feet

Are you looking for the ultimate in opulence? Then you’ll want to take a closer look at Octopus, one of the world’s largest yachts. This vessel was designed by Espen Oeino and boasts an impressive 414-foot length.

In 2003, it was purchased by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen for a whopping $200 million after Lürssen completed construction.

The Octopus can accommodate up to 26 guests in its 13 luxurious staterooms. It also has two helipads, a swimming pool, a cinema, a music studio, and a 10-person submarine.

If you’re planning a lengthy voyage, this yacht has everything you need to stay entertained. The explorer yacht also has a crew of 63 to take care of your every need.

Moreover, there are wellness facilities on board, including a gym, a sauna, and a jacuzzi. The gym is well-equipped with the latest in fitness equipment, and the sauna and jacuzzi offer the perfect way to relax after a workout.

These among many other reasons make the Octopus one of the best explorer yachts in the world.

adastra explorer yacht

#2: Adastra – 140 Feet

Adastra is a sleek and stylish superyacht that was launched in 2012. It was designed by John Shuttleworth and built by McConaghy Boats .

The fuel-efficient explorer yacht has a range of 10,000 nautical miles meaning that you can travel just about anywhere in the world without having to refuel severally.

The Adastra can accommodate up to 9 guests under the care of a crew of 6. This explorer yacht can access shallow waters that other vessels of its size cannot.

This is because of its unique shallow draft. The trimaran design also makes it stable and ensures a smooth ride even in choppy waters.

Some of the amenities that you’ll find onboard include a jacuzzi, a gym, and a library. You’ll also enjoy plenty of outdoor deck space where you can sunbathe or take in stunning views.

The Adastra is one of the best explorer yachts for those who enjoy spending time outdoors.

the beast explorer yacht

#3: The Beast – 128 Feet

The Beast is an explorer yacht with a difference. It was built by New Zealand’s Profab Engineering in 2019 and is one of the newest yachts on our list.

This vessel was designed with long-distance travel in mind and can accommodate up to 12 guests.

The Beast has a crew of 9 to take care of your every need. This vessel is fuel-efficient and has a range of 5,000 nautical miles. It’s also equipped with the latest in navigation and safety technology to ensure a smooth and safe journey.

Therefore, you don’t have to worry about running into any difficulties while out at sea.

The amphibious tender also makes it possible to explore land as well as water. Moreover, there is a teppanyaki grill and bar on the upper deck where you can enjoy a delicious meal or relax with a drink.

The Beast is one of the best explorer yachts for those who want to enjoy the best of both worlds.

planet 9 explorer yacht

#4: Planet Nine Explorer Yacht – 240 Feet

Exploring the world has never been more comfortable than on Planet Nine. This vessel was launched in 2018 by Admiral Yachts and can accommodate up to 12 guests. It was designed by Tim Heywood and boasts an impressive length of 240 feet.

This explorer yacht adopts a guest-centric design with all staterooms and suites located on the main deck. This ensures that guests have plenty of privacy.

The yacht also has an MD-600N Explorer helicopter for those who want to travel in style. There is a hangar on board where the helicopter can be stored when not in use.

Some of the social amenities on this vessel include a cinema, a beach club, dining areas, and a jacuzzi. There is also a sea terrace to ensure that you have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the breathtaking views.

bold explorer yacht

#5: Bold – 280 Feet

Built in 2019 by Silveryachts, Bold is among the top-rated explorer yachts in the world. The vessel was designed by Espen Øino who is known for his work on some of the world’s most luxurious superyachts.

This particular explorer yacht can accommodate up to 16 guests and a total of 20 crew members.

It has a range of 5,000 nautical miles with a shallow draft that allows it to explore shallow waters. The yacht is also equipped with cutting-edge technology that makes it fuel-efficient.

When it comes to amenities, Bold doesn’t disappoint. There is an outdoor cinema to ensure that you have plenty of entertainment options.

There is also a master suite where you will have your own private salon. Moreover, if you want to use a helicopter to explore the area, there is a hangar and landing deck on board.

These are some of the best explorer yachts in the world. As you can see, they come with a wide range of features and amenities to make your journey as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

So, if you’re looking for an adventure, be sure to choose one of these yachts and take the world by storm!

To learn even more about renting a yacht in San Diego, please visit our articles page!

CHARTERING, SALES

Ice Breaker: Best Explorer Yachts for Global Exploration

March 31,2019

Yachting is no longer just about cruising the Caribbean in search of sunshine. These days, exploration charters are increasingly in demand with guests seeking thrills in unchartered waters. Here we highlight the best yachts that are built to explore

Remote corners of the world such as Alaska, the Arctic and the Amazon are all becoming popular  yachting destinations  thanks to powerful explorer yachts, built for smooth sailing under any conditions. More rugged and powerful than a classic superyacht from the outside, charter explorer yacht interiors are every bit as elegant and luxurious, with all the latest tenders and toys as standard. We’ve put together a short guide to some of the best of these high-endurance yachts to give you a taste for your next adventure at sea.

72.5m  superyacht CLOUDBREAK  is a perfect example of the new breed of luxurious explorer yachts. Designed by Espen Oeino with a magnificent Christian Liaigre interior, she has a cruising speed of 12 knots and features anchor stabilisers for maximum comfort in port or in rough waters. Equipped with an impressive ice belt, she is capable of taking you anywhere in the world. Her interior was inspired by the comfort of a traditional ski chalet and features a cosy fireplace and underfloor heating for expeditions in cooler climes. CLOUDBREAK sleeps 12 guests in style, and the on-board gym, jacuzzi and beach club are sure to keep you entertained during your charter. The two-tier observation platform over the sundeck offers the best view on the ship, and the outdoor bed is bound to be popular for nights spent stargazing in exotic locations. CLOUDBREAK is the ideal choice if you want to travel to new and exciting destinations without sacrificing any of the luxury and comfort that comes with chartering a superyacht.

Charter  CLOUDBREAK

Ice Breaker: Best Explorer Yachts for Global Exploration

Custom expedition yacht  LEGEND  is another explorer yacht who can go anywhere. A 77.4m yacht, she enjoyed a full refit in 2016 and comes with a sophisticated John Misiag Design interior. Combining performance and luxury, she can sleep up to 26 guests and has a comfortable cruising speed of 13 knots. Her heli-pad ensures quick and easy transfers to remote on-shore destinations, and she features optional helicopter and submarine charters and even a snow scooter charter in the Arctic region. On-board, guests can enjoy a movie theatre, deck jacuzzi, spa and sauna amongst other amenities and her tenders include two 12m sport fishing boats for up-close encounters with the local marine life.

Charter LEGEND

Ice Breaker: Best Explorer Yachts for Global Exploration

A dynamic and powerful expedition vessel, the award-winning explorer  yacht I NOVA is listed for sale . Spacious and modern, her bold profile is more than matched by her sophisticated interior and her wealth of onboard amenities. Created by renowned designer Cristiano Gatto, this 49.75m yacht was custom-built by the dream team of Cosmo Explorer, Vripack Naval Architects and Van Oossanen Naval Architects. An ice-class explorer yacht designed for stability, I NOVA is equipped with 2 powerful twin engines and is fitted with the very latest cutting-edge technology. She cruises at 13 knots and is compact enough to explore shallow-water cruising grounds all over the world. Featuring an extremely functional layout I NOVA has expansive interior and exterior living areas including a beach club, outdoor gym and spa pool. Packed with the latest water toys, her aft deck houses a powerful Fabio Buzzi tender capable of flying over the water at 50 knots, there’s simply no better way to explore your far-flung destination.

Purchase  I NOVA

Ice Breaker: Best Explorer Yachts for Global Exploration

A long-distance cruiser with an impressive pedigree,  SHERAKHAN  is a classic explorer yacht. Built in 1965 by Dutch shipyard Vuyk Engineering, she was completely redesigned in 2017 and effortlessly combines comfort and state-of-the-art technology. Equipped with an ultra-modern stabilisation system, SHERAKHAN cruises comfortably at 11 knots and is fully equipped to take you to even the most remote destinations in style. Ideal for large groups, she can accommodate up to 26 guests overnight and has an elegant interior packed with innovative features. Onboard highlights include a glass-bottomed jacuzzi and a high-tech gym plus a full spa with a sauna, Jacuzzi and beauty salon. Perfect for a destination charter, SHERAKHAN has spacious outdoor living areas and a long list of water toys and tenders including a fantastic 8m inflatable superyacht slide.

Charter SHERAKHAN

Ice Breaker: Best Explorer Yachts for Global Exploration

In a past life, 49m explorer yacht  ASTERIA  was a robust salvage tug but since 2002 she has been sailing the globe as a luxury superyacht. An accomplished adventurer, ASTERIA has safely navigated the Northwest Passage plus both Poles and is ready to take you to the ends of the earth and beyond. Featuring a versatile layout ASTERIA has accommodation for 12 guests and is capable of being self-sufficient for long periods of time. Her stylish interior is warm and welcoming while her rugged exterior can withstand even the most extreme sailing conditions. Designed for wild expeditions, she has a vast helipad plus onboard accommodation for pilots and local guides. ASTERIA carries 3 separate tenders plus a full range of water toys for diving, snorkelling and water-skiing wherever you are in the world.

Charter ASTERIA

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IMAGES

  1. The best explorer yacht concepts

    the best explorer yachts

  2. Best Explorer Yachts

    the best explorer yachts

  3. Best explorer yacht destinations for unique charters

    the best explorer yachts

  4. Top 20 Largest Explorer Yachts

    the best explorer yachts

  5. Top 20 largest Explorer Yachts

    the best explorer yachts

  6. The Best Explorer Yacht Concepts

    the best explorer yachts

COMMENTS

  1. The 10 Best Explorer Yachts for High-Seas Adventures

    Turkish boatbuilder Bering Yachts revealed details of its new 162-foot flagship explorer yacht, the B165, at the Dubai International Boat Show in March. The yacht can carry 18,400 gallons of fuel ...

  2. Top 10 Explorer Yachts in the World

    Builder: Lürssen Year of build: 2003 LOA: 414 ft Number of guests: 26 Crew: 63 One of the world's most traveled yachts, Octopus is a groundbreaking expedition vessel that set the tone for the many explorer yachts that have followed in her impressive wake. With eight decks and at a gargantuan 414 ft, it's no surprise that Octopus is packed with feature after feature, from a full basketball ...

  3. Top 10 largest explorer yachts in the world

    One of the most memorable launches of 2021, the 139.7 metre super explorer yacht Solaris travelled to the top of this coveted list of expedition yachts when she hit the water last year. The highly secretive project is built by Lloyd Werft, which also delivered the 115m explorer Luna in 2010, the fourth largest explorer yacht in the world. Spread across an impressive eight decks, Solaris was ...

  4. The most exciting explorer yachts of 2024

    Maverick is the inaugural yacht in the shipyard's Flexplorer 146 series. In true explorer style, her robust displacement hull and hardy Hydro Tec exterior houses a custom-built crane with a lifting capacity of 4.4 tonnes, a 22-millimetre "ice belt" above and below the waterline and a diving centre. Leisure highlights include a sauna, a gym, a 135-square-metre beach club and a large infinity ...

  5. 2024 Ultimate Explorer Yacht Guide

    Feadship is a well-known shipyard for its luxury yachts and has delivered several explorer yachts in recent years, including the 55m explorer yacht Shinkai. What are the Best Small Explorer Yachts? Smaller expedition yachts (sometimes referred to as "Pocket Explorer Yachts") are an attractive proposition for owners as they are fuel ...

  6. The Best Expedition / Explorer Yachts & Trawlers

    Most expedition yachts and trawler yachts have full-displacement hulls with deep draft, making them not so fast, but stable and efficient. Steel is the most common material for the hull, and aluminum for the superstructure. Some of the recent explorer yacht builds also use composite materials for the hull.

  7. 9 Explorer Yachts Made to Cruise the World's Most Remote Destinations

    And unlike most explorer yachts, the boat is fast. Twin Caterpillar C32s can punch her to a top speed of 17.5 knots, though throttle back to 10 and it will cover over 2,300 nautical miles.

  8. Best explorer yachts for charter on an expedition cruise

    Stats: 44.2 metres, Bering Yachts, 2022, 12 guests, 9 crew Expedition capabilities: The first in Bering's line of compact explorer yachts, Heeus is small but mighty with her high-latitude ice belt and generous fuel capacity of 95,600 litres. Unsurprisingly, another highlight is her well-stocked toy box - onboard amenities include a 9.2-metre chase tender, three Jet Skis and a selection of ...

  9. Top 5 Best Explorer Yachts In The World

    The Beast is one of the best explorer yachts for those who want to enjoy the best of both worlds. #4: Planet Nine Explorer Yacht - 240 Feet. Exploring the world has never been more comfortable than on Planet Nine. This vessel was launched in 2018 by Admiral Yachts and can accommodate up to 12 guests. It was designed by Tim Heywood and boasts ...

  10. Best Explorer Yachts

    We've put together a short guide to some of the best of these high-endurance yachts to give you a taste for your next adventure at sea. CLOUDBREAK. 72.5m superyacht CLOUDBREAK is a perfect example of the new breed of luxurious explorer yachts. Designed by Espen Oeino with a magnificent Christian Liaigre interior, she has a cruising speed of ...