From ice-class giants to repurposed supply vessels and former Soviet spy ships, these yachts embody the explorer spirit while showcasing remarkable engineering and design. As explorer yachts gain wider popularity, it's clear that the appeal of explorer superyachts lies in their unique combination of luxury, autonomy, and adventure.
Explorer superyachts offer to combine ultimate luxury with the capability to visit the planet's most remote and unspoiled destinations. With the number of explorer yachts on order at an all-time high, it seems that their popularity is growing exponentialy in order to satisfy the owners' desires to venture to new parts of the globe in search of wildlife, adventure and untouched landscapes.
Here is a list of nine explorer superyachts that are turning heads in the yachting world.
All technical specifications referenced are sourced from the BOAT Pro database.
1. Octopus
Length Overall: 126m (414ft) • Builder: Lürssen
Photo credit: Lidija Jakovljevic
With an ice-class hull, two helipads, a helicopter hangar and a huge toy list, the iconic Octopus is the perfect base for extensive explorations. She also has her own internal marina which, when filled with water, allows a submarine and tenders to float in and out. Once they are secure, the water is pumped out before the yacht gets underway.
2. Planet Nine
Length Overall: 73m (240ft) • Builder: Admiral
Image via BOAT International
Built for extreme conditions, her imposing profile is reminiscent of a military vessel. Owner ensured that she was built to cruise the waters of Greenland, Antarctica and everywhere in between with ease. With her Ice Classed hull and 6,000 nautical miles cruising range, Planet Nine is capable of doing exactly that.
3. Bold
Length Overall: 85m (279ft) • Builder: Silver Yachts
Photo credit: Lidija Jakovljevic
Bold has all the hallmarks of a world-class explorer. Boasting a top speed of 23 knots and a unique shallow draft of 2.8m, allowing her reach areas that are inaccessible for most yachts her size. With a 7,000 nautical mile range and five months' provisions storage, she's built for extended off-grid ventures.
4. Naia
Length Overall: 74m (242ft) • Builder: Freire
Photo credit: Lidija Jakovljevic
While Naia might look like a standard luxury superyacht, she has all the characteristics of a rugged expedition vessel. With her commercially certified helipad and Ice Class hull for off-the-beaten-track expeditions, Naia offers the perfect combination of luxury and adventure. She also boasts a stunning observation lounge from which guests can enjoy 180-degree views.
5. Andromeda
Length Overall: 107m (351ft) • Builder: Kleven Verft
Image via BOAT International
One of the world’s biggest yachts and a true ice-classed explorer, Andromeda was built for expedition style cruising. She has a 8,500nm range and her extensive inventory of toys and tenders includes six motorbikes, two ATVs, a helicopter and a myriad of tenders, the largest of which is 22-meters long.
6. Q
Length Overall: 68m (224ft) • Builder: Royal Niestern Sander
Image via Shutterstock
Originally built as an ice-breaking supply vessel, Q was repurposed into a luxury explorer yacht with a 6,000 nautical mile range. Her collection of toys includes two Castoldi jet tenders, four jet skis, a submarine, a custom-built Ripsaw EV2 amphibious vehicle, four snowmobiles, and four quad bikes.
7. Olivia O
Length Overall: 88m (290ft) • Builder: Ulstein Verft
Photo credit: Lidija Jakovljevic
Recognisable by her striking reversed bow, Olivia O easily pierces smaller waves and reduces pitching and roll in high seas. She has an ice class hull and her features include a large gym, cinema room, swimming pool and helipad. Her remarkable bridge offers almost 360° views and her features include a gym, cinema room, large swimming pool and helipad.
8. Jester
Length Overall: 70m (230ft) • Builder: OY Laivateollisuus
Photo credit: Lidija Jakovljevic
Originally built as a Soviet spy vessel in 1972, Jester (previously known as Valerian Albanov) was designed to monitor NATO naval activity in the North Sea during the Cold War. Built with endurance in mind, her Ice Class hull and 9,000 nautical mile cruising range make her ideal for travelling the globe without limitation.
9. Scout
Length Overall: 63m (208ft) • Builder: Hakvoort
Image credid Jeff Brown via BOAT International
Named after the owners’ dogs, Scout is a unique yacht that captures the attention with her playful design. She has a 4,800 nautical mile cruising range, a high, Ice Class bow and cut down bulwarks, as well as forward-sloping windows that embody the trawler-aesthetic of her design.
Which one of these unique explorer yachts is your favourite?
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