Unleashing the Luxury: Exploring the World of Yachts

The luxury explorer yacht has skyrocketed in popularity over the past ten years. And for good reason: is there anything better than seeing the world from the deck of your own superyacht? Unquestionably, one of the most enticing and life-affirming experiences is to explore the seven seas while truly absorbing their natural splendor. For the daring travelers among you, Ellie Brade has compiled a list of ten of the best explorer yachts currently on the market.

Due to her distinctive futuristic design and trimaran hull, Adastra (pictured above) cannot be misunderstood. Adastra has traveled the world and not only demonstrated her credentials as an explorer, but she has also made headlines wherever she goes. She uses very little fuel, has a very small environmental footprint, and her stable hull makes it comfortable to ride. She has a 10,000 nm trans-Pacific range, which allows her to cross the Atlantic twice without needing to refuel. She can access cruising grounds that other explorer yachts cannot, thanks to her impressively shallow draft of just four feet, so very few places are off limits. The main saloon and a shaded outdoor deck are among the spaces that benefit from her 52-foot beam’s generous proportions. A modern, light-filled interior makes for an inviting starting point for adventures, and the master cabin has a full beam. Adastra’s garage door can be opened to make a diving platform, and she carries a lot of toys and tenders so she can get out and enjoy the water.

Adastra is at home in the warm waters of Indonesia, where it was originally designed for use. Over 1,500 islands and islets make up the archipelago of Raja Ampat, which literally translates to “Four Kings.” These islands surround the four main islands of Waigeo, Salawati, Batanta, and Misool. Due to strict regulations, explorer yachts rarely visit this location. Additionally, the area is largely uninhabited, giving you the impression that you frequently have the ocean to yourself. 

Dive sites and reefs, endless beaches, and crystal-clear waters are all waiting to be explored. The yacht can easily maneuver between even the shallowest of anchorages thanks to Adastra’s draft, which works to her advantage in this situation.

Before heading to Gam Island, where you can jump right into the water from Adastra’s dive platform, your cruise should begin with a visit to the idyllic island of Kri, which is covered in rain forests. Gam Island has some of the best diving in the area. Continue your journey to Wayag Island, where you can paddle kayaks into the mesmerizing blue Wayag lagoon. 

Hike inland and uphill if you’re feeling energetic to take in long views of the water. Before going to Pulau Gam to try to spot the rare red bird of paradise, cruise through Dampier Strait and look for hundreds of manta rays. Divers should not miss a trip south to Misool, which is well-known for its numerous underwater attractions. Explore the ancestral Gua Sacral caves, which were once used as an indigenous burial ground. You’ll be in awe of Misool’s Blue Water Mangroves, which are dotted with reefs, when you kayak through them.

Octopus, an innovative expedition vessel that set the standard for the numerous explorer yachts that have followed in her impressive wake, is one of the world’s most traveled yachts. 

Octopus is crammed with feature after feature, from a full basketball court to the entertainment-focused bridge deck, thanks to its eight decks and massive 414 feet. You can observe fish and other sea creatures in their natural environment thanks to her underwater observation lounge with a glass bottom. She has a lot of storage space, so she can carry seven tenders, two helicopters, a submersible that can dive for up to eight hours for eight guests and two crew members, and even a big SUV for trips to the shore. Octopus has been on some truly extraordinary journeys, such as rescuing the ship’s bell from the HMS Hood, exploring the Antarctic coast, and discovering the WWII battleship IJN Musashi off the Philippines. Now that she is up for sale, her legacy can continue with a new owner.

Patagonia has unspoiled beauty and is frequently used as a entry point to Antarctica. It has an incredible variety of landscapes with glaciers, hot springs, mountains, remote islands, beaches, and a wide variety of wildlife, making it ideal for adventurers. Start your journey at Puerto Montt, where the Patagonian Fjords and the Andes Mountains greet you. Take in the breathtaking National Park by heading toward the Corcovado Volcano. Take in the scenery from above in one of Octopus’s helicopters or explore by tender.

There are numerous whale research programs in these waters, and the explorer yacht’s glass-bottomed lounge offers an unparalleled view into the kingdom of these sea giants. The waters boast a diverse ecosystem, and you are certain to spot whales as you cruise. Travel to the Piti Palena Fjord, which is in the Palena River delta and is an excellent fishing spot. Continue on to the Guaitecas Archipelago, which consists of eight main islands and is renowned for its waters, which are home to even more dolphins and whales. One of the largest blue whale nursing and feeding grounds in the world is located north of the archipelago, making it a sight not to be missed.