The best explorer yachts for adventurous charters

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. They also need to have a specialised focus on area for crew operations - this topic, and the challenges that finding the right crew presents, will be a hot talking point at BOAT International's upcoming Explorer Yachts Summit, among other discussions.  Ahead of the event, BOAT International takes a look at the best explorer yachts on the charter market, starting with the legendary 126.2 metre Octopus... 

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 Camper & Nicholsons, starting from $2,200,000 per week.

Heeus

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 Jacuzzi, bar, dining and sun lounger 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.

U Boat Navigator

Stats: 24 metres, Rena Umut Kocali, 2008, 6 guests sleeping, 11 cruising, 6 crew

Expedition capabilities: Built for a family of divers, U-Boat Navigator was designed to offer out-of-this-world experiences below the surface of the sea. Her small size belies an impressive toy box and a robust, Lloyd’s Class steel hull that can manage charters to locations further afield. During her time as a popular charter yacht, the yacht has been home to two custom-designed Triton submersibles with a depth capability of 1,000 metres as well a professional dive centre with scuba gear for six guests.

Home comforts: After a day below the surface, guests can spend some time soaking up the sunshine with al fresco meals cooked on the BBQ or head to the sauna to relax.

U Boat Navigator is available to charter with Fraser, with charters starting from €70,000 per week.

Bold

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.

Legend

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

Expedition capabilities: Soviet icebreaker turned ultra-luxe explorer, Legend's 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 €595,000 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, with charters starting from $220,000 per week.