Explorer yachts 101
What is an explorer yacht?
When it comes to specific build definitions, the yachting industry lacks specificity - if a yacht looks tough, does that make it technically capable of exploring? Perhaps not. An explorer yacht gives the client total freedom to explore all the world's oceans, allowing them to go wherever they want.
It is a yacht with a full-displacement hull that has been purpose-built or converted to enable long-distance cruising to remote areas while seaworthy for the world's roughest conditions. Another factor is the capability of dealing with ice; enter: The Polar Code, which provides the requirements for such vessels exploring these waters. Fuel tank capacity is also a vital component in being able to go far. The yacht must operate independently, hold adequate stock, spare parts, and resources, and be efficient and reliable to reduce system failures.
Where do explore yachts go?
The main driving factor of buying or chartering an explorer yacht is entering a new frontier, getting truly off the beaten track, and going to areas that have not been reached before. Not only can you go far, but you can also go far in luxury. Explorer yachts do not have to be designed with a practical approach of function over form; today, explorer yachts are designed with true comfort and luxury at the forefront.
Adventures onboard explorer yachts can be had in the Arctic, Antarctic, South Pacific, and remote Atlantic. All of these are challenging cruising grounds but ones that are viable on these capable yachts.
Destination examples:
South Georgia
Patagonia
South Pacific Islands
Papua New Guinea & The Solomon Islands
Svalbard archipelago
Galapagos Islands
The world really is your oyster! So, where would you go?
What are the benefits?
Aside from seeing and exploring some of the world's most breathtaking destinations, there are a whole host of other benefits to owning or chartering an explorer yacht.
The Space
Everything on an explorer yacht is extensive; from inside to out, these yachts are made with plenty of space for living and storage. Not only does it provide guests with ultimate comfort, but space also means there is enough storage for additional toys, tenders, and submersibles.
The Wildlife
Traveling into the unknown means you will meet the unknown; explorer yachts give the perfect base to meet rare and unique wildlife across various continents. Whether you are hiking in untouched lands from the tender or scuba diving pristine reefs, there are plenty of wildlife encounters to be had by an explorer.
The Opportunities
The opportunities are once in a lifetime; not only can you travel wherever you want, but there is also lots to get involved with both on and off the yacht. Cruising remote destinations puts you in a great position to become involved in marine research and scientific expeditions. With around 70% of the world still unmapped, what better way to help than to contribute to marine scientific studies? Some explorer yachts have even found new shipwrecks using the technology and toys onboard! The Activities
Picture heli-skiing down the side of a mountain ready for a glass of champagne back onboard, scuba diving with hammerhead sharks in the clearest of waters, watching whales breach just meters away from your Aft deck lunch, cruising in the tender past icy glaciers or finding the most secluded sandy bays in the middle of the ocean. Whether extreme sports, epic nature experiences, or connecting with remote communities, there is no limit to what can be seen and done onboard an explorer yacht.
My top 3 favorite explorers
There is so much diversity and scope when it comes to explorer yachts that it is hard to choose the best ones on the market today, but I have narrowed it down to my top 3.
Octopus
413ft: She was originally built for Paul Allen and is one of the most famous explorer yachts. Allen used Octopus as part of an eight-year search for a sunken ship where they discovered the Japanese Musashi shipwreck in 2015.
Ulysses
380ft: She boasts a vast selection of high-speed toys and tenders for even more exploration, including a one-of-a-kind 68ft Princess 68 yacht stowed inside the deck.
Voyager
298ft: She has a three-year conversion from a supply ship to an explorer and holds the title for the largest superyacht conversion ever in the US. She also has a deep dive center, perfect for adventures.
How do you get on board?
If you are convinced and are looking to charter or buy an explorer yacht or want more information, I would love to chat about your specific requirements. Shoot me a message!
