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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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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’

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’

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.

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 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’

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 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’

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’

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

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.

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20 Largest Explorer Yachts in the World

By Alex Holmes

Updated on January 3, 2023

Humans have always been curious to find out what’s behind that mountain range, how’s the view from the top, what new and exciting places lie beyond that next forest, that next road, that open sea. Beyond the horizon.

We’ve always been discoverers longing to go onto our next adventure. And since our planet is mostly explored on land and space is a little bit too far away, the only thing with plenty of mysteries left to uncover is the ocean.

And to explore oceans, nothing is more suited than an explorer yacht.

Fully equipped to take on adventures to some of the most remote places on Earth, and large enough to house an impressive range of toys and plenty of storage space for all that’s needed for a few weeks away at sea, these yachts will tickle that desire to leave everything behind and go chasing that blue horizon.

For those for whom cruises are a waste of time, these 20 largest explorer yachts in the world will make a lot more sense:

• 20. Sea Ranger – 255’1″ (77.73m)

The 255 feet Sea Ranger was built in 1973 in Germany as an ice class tug and converted in 1994 by Malta Drydock Company into a luxury yacht for Jackie Setton, a French entrepreneur.

It received its current name in 2013 when it was auctioned and changed ownership. The vessel has an unbelievable range of 31,000 nautical miles, and has already seen most of the world, including both the Arctic and the Antarctic.

• 19. Bart Roberts – 265′ (80.77m)

An ice class vessel built in 1963 by Canadian Vickers for the Canadian Coastguard, Bart Roberts was formerly called Narwhal. It got its new name – one belonging to a notorious pirate – back in 2002, when it was sold to a Florida businessman Arnie Gemino, who converted the ship into a charter yacht through his company, Tradepower International.

The refitted ship now comes with a new and luxurious interior with a pirate theme, plus all sorts of water toys, but it has a new owner, who keeps it for private use.

• 18. Pacific – 279’6″ (85.2m)

Launched in 2010 by Lürssen, the Pacific, formerly named Project Josi, is an 85.2 meter explorer yacht with an intriguing exterior designed by German Frers, an iconic Argentinian naval architect well known for projecting some of the largest sailing yachts in the world. The interior was made by Bannenberg & Rowell Design.

The yacht is large enough for carrying two helicopters, and apparently it has been already spotted navigating all over the world.

• 17. Bold – 279’8″ (85.3m)

A 2019 creation of Silver Yachts, Bold was a collaboration between exterior designer Espen Øino and interior designer firm Vain Interiors. The result is a 279 feet, or 85.3 meter long explorer yacht with no less than 300 square meter of usable surface inside, plus an impressive and luxurious interior that resembles more a New York loft than a yacht.

Bold can accommodate up to 16 guests in its eight staterooms situated on the main deck. In total it can carry up to 96 passengers while cruising. It also features two helipads, two Rupert Marine tenders, and comes with a total range of 5,500 nautical miles before needing to resupply.

• 16. OceanXplorer 1 – 285’7″ (87.1m)

OceanXplorer 1 is one of, if not the most advanced research vessel in the world right now. The 285 feet, or 87 meter, ship was built in 2010 by Freire Shipyard and equipped to both be able to explore the underwater world and also transmit its findings through various digital outlets, including social media and a TV show.

The research part of the vessel will benefit from two custom made Triton manned submarines able to dive down to 1,000 meters, plus an ROV and an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) that has the capability to dive as deep as 6,000 meters below sea level.

• 15. Arctic P – 287’4″ (87.6m)

Built by Schichau Unterweser in 1969, the 87.6 meter Arctic P is a deep sea ice-breaking salvage tug that fulfilled its purpose until 1993, when she was sold to a company called Magenta Investment. From then on, it was taken to Malta Shipyards and converted into a superyacht, now called Arctic Research.

The exterior was designed by Kusch Yachts, and Schichau Unterweser, the original builder, remade the naval architecture. The interior was refitted between 2019 and 2020, now able to accommodate 12 guests in seven staterooms, one of which is an astonishing 90 square meter master suite.

• 14. Olivia O – 290’3″ (88.5m)

The grandiose 290’3″ feet (88.5m) Olivia O was put to sea in 2020 and she already started a cruise in the Mediterranean. The ship was built by the Norwegian yard Ulstein Verft, and uses an X-Bow hull shape that gives it the ability to withstand any kind of weather conditions.

Espen Øino was the exterior designer, and he included a helipad, a 10 meter pool, and a full beam tender garage among the vessel’s most important features.

• 13. Ice – 295’6″ (90.1m)

Belonging to Suleiman Kerimov, Ice is one of the most iconic and impressive yachts that roams the planet’s oceans. Amazingly stylish and with an imposing construction, the 90.1 meter explorer yacht was built in 2005 by German yard Lürssen.

The performance of this yacht is no less than impressive, since it’s incredibly quiet and vibration free, a feat achieved through the use of two Azipod units powered by eight Deutz engines. Top speed is 18.6 knots and range reaches 6,000 nautical miles.

Among the features, it counts various water toys and sailing dinghies, plus a helicopter landing pad made specifically for the Eurocopter EC 135 helicopter.

• 12. Voyager – 299’8″ (91.4m)

The 91.4 meter long Voyager was built back in 1997 by the Swiftships yard in the United States, and by 2020 it had already travelled over 27,000 nautical miles, exploring some of the most far-flung places on Earth, including Antarctica, South Africa, and Madagascar.

But Voyager wasn’t always an explorer yacht. It was converted into one in 2019, and was a supply ship before starting the three year conversion. It was initially named Candy Trader and had a length of only 63 meters, was renamed in 2003 as HOS Trader, and now is the beauty called Voyager, with five luxurious decks and a crew of 70.

• 11. Tranquility – 300’2″ (91.5m)

Originally called Equanimity, the 91.5 meter explorer yacht was the first ever to be built to PYC standard. It was launched in 2014 by the Dutch yard Oceanco.

On board, it features five decks with premium accommodation, spa and wellness area, swimming pool, tender garage with two 10.5 meter Hodgson tenders, and also a foredeck helicopter landing pad. Among the water toys, there’s Jet skis, Wave Runners, SeaBobs and an electric surfboard. How’s that for a fun yacht?

• 10. Icecap – 351′ (107m)

The 107 meter, or 351 feet, Icecap explorer superyacht will be launched next year, in 2023. Designed by Norwegians at Salt Ship Design and built to ice class spec, the vessel will be well fit to do some off the beaten path exploring, able to reach some of the most remote corners of our world.

Among the features, there’s a sunken helicopter hangar, and a helipad. So far, not much is known, and she was first seen earlier this year when she was uncovered.

• 9. Andromeda – 352’3″ (107.4m)

Formerly known as Ulysses, the 107 meter Andromeda was built in 2016 in Norway, by Kleven Verft, for Graeme Hart, New Zealand’s richest man. The new owner of the ship is apparently Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook.

Andromeda is built to withstand all weather conditions, and comes equipped with all sorts of toys for exploring distant lands. Among them, there’s six motorcycles, two ATVs, a Sealegs amphibious RIB, a twin hull support boat capable of a max speed of 50 knots, helicopter, and a full-on landing craft.

• 8. Freire 112m Explorer – 366’9″ (111.8m)

The Freire 112m Explorer, built by Spain’s Freire Shipyard, is an explorer superyacht that boasts amazing interiors, and a tough looking exterior. The ship’s exterior was designed by Marin Teknikk and British studio Bannenberg & Rowell Design.

The interior of the yacht was designed by the British studio alone. The vessel was launched in the summer of 2021, and spent the time getting ready for its delivery in 2022.

• 7. Le Grand Bleu – 370′ (112.8m)

Le Grand Bleu was launched in 2000, after being built by the German shipyard Bremer Vulkan. Powered by two Deutz engines, it’s capable of reaching a top speed of 17 knots.

It was initially owned by John McCaw, a US telecommunications tycoon, and was then sold to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, who had it refitted to his own desires. The ship changed ownership again, and is now reportedly owned by Eugene Shvidler, a friend and business associate of Abramovich.

• 6. Luna – 377’3″ (115m)

Delivered in 2010 by German yard Lloyd Werft, the 115 meter ice class yacht Luna was built for the Russian businessman Roman Abramovich. The vessel boasted the largest swimming pool ever installed on a yacht at launch.

In 2014, Luna was purchased by Farkhad Akhmedov from Abramovich, and followed a 14 month and €50 million refit in Germany. The modernized yacht features two helipads on the upper deck, two tender garages, gym, beach club, spa, steam bath, plunge pool, and sauna.

• 5. Ulysses – 380’9″ (116.1m)

Following its predecessor, the 107 meter Andromeda (formerly called Ulysses), the current Ulysses was launched in 2018, and measures 116.1 meters, 10 meters longer than its precursor.

It was built by Norwegian yard Kleven for the same owner who commissioned the first Ulysses, and brings on board a Bell 429 helicopter, and several high speed tenders. Its 18 meter beam can house up to 66 guests.

• 4. J7 Explorer – 393’7″ (120m)

The J7 Explorer was launched this year in Indonesia, by the PT Bahtera Bahari Shipyard. The 120 meter (393’7″) ship boasts a military style exterior, with a large, open aft deck that characterizes most explorer superyachts today.

There’s little else known about the vessel, so the owner or the purpose are both unknown. What is clear is that it’s the first ever superyacht built by the shipyard, which so far only built tankers, diving vessels, tug boats, commercial vessels, and landing crafts.

• 3. Octopus – 414′ (126.2m)

The 414 feet Octopus was built in 2003 by Lürssen in Germany for one of Microsoft’s founders, Paul Allen. The vessel is already famous worldwide, sitting among the top 3 largest explore yachts, with a capacity for two helicopters, and plenty of water toys, including a 20 meter submarine and a similar size tender.

One of the missions Octopus was involved in was an eight year search for a sunken ship, the Japanese ship Musashi, which was sunk during the Second World War. The wreck was discovered in 2015 by Paul Allen and Octopus’s crew.

Octopus was reportedly sold for an unbelievable €235,000,000 in 2021.

• 2. Solaris – 458’3″ (139.7m)

Launched in 2021, the 139 meter Solaris made world fame for its incredible length. The vessel was built by the same German yard Lloyd Werft who built the 115 meter Luna.

Solaris boasts no less than eight decks, with an interior designed by Australian Marc Newson. When it comes to features, not much is known, but existing pictures show at least a large helicopter landing pad, sun deck and a huge beach club aft.

The Solaris is currently the largest explorer yacht in the world.

• 1. REV Ocean – 600′ (182.9m)

The REV Ocean is a project by VARD Group AS that was supposed to leave for its first research voyage last year, in 2021. The 182.9 meter (600′) long ship would have dethroned Solaris by 40 meters if it wasn’t for a delay of its launch.

The next launch date was scheduled sometime in 2024. The yacht will provide accommodation for up to 55 scientists and 35 crew for a research and exploration trip, or 36 passengers and 54 crew for a luxury voyage.

The delay seems to be related to technical issues relating to the ship’s weight.

It’s said that the difference between boys and men is only the size of their toys, and explorer yachts seem to prove that.

These are some of the best vessels for exploring our oceans and seas, able to reach the farthest and most remote corners of our planet, and providing an impressive array of options for exploring the world under the surface.

About Alex Holmes

With over 10 years of experience in media and publishing, Alex is Luxatic's director of content, overlooking everything related to reviews, special features, buying guides, news briefs and pretty much all the other content that can be found on our website. Learn more about Luxatic's Editorial Process .

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The Rise of Explorer Yachts in the Top 100 Market

By Frances Flannagan

Over recent years, the rise in explorer yachts has been unprecedented, with more superyacht owners wishing to combine luxury travel with worldwide exploration. This increasing demand has resulted in not only the rise in explorer yachts in general, but the rise of these vessels within the Top 100 market.

There are many reasons why superyacht owners may decide to turn towards explorer yachts for their next custom build as opposed to traditional luxury motor yachts. 

Explorer yachts can broadly be described as superyachts which have been built with the added intention of long-distance cruising to some of the most remote destinations in the world. Depending on the purpose of the vessel, each yacht will be equipped with a series of unique specifications, features and amenities to assist in these long cruises whilst retaining the high levels of luxury and comfort onboard. 

Often, explorer vessels feature sophisticated technology, striking designs and innovative sustainable features to successfully fulfil the purpose of their build. This does not, however, mean that superyacht owners are willing to compromise on traditionally important features of these vessels, for instance: length, performance capabilities and overall design. This is why the rise of these vessels is becoming more and more apparent in the Top 100 market, as these innovative features that allow for long-distance cruising, combined with luxury elements, are highly appealing to those who wish to engage in lavish lifestyle cruising as well as exploration. 

2023, for example, saw a number of exciting industry updates with regards to explorer vessels, including the launch of Lürssen's 107m SHACKLETON, which is still under construction, and the resumed build of 194.9m REV OCEAN: a ground-breaking research vessel as well as one-of-a-kind charter opportunity.

Ultimately, the ability to explore beyond typical superyacht destinations means becoming even more immersed in the natural world, something that, often, only the most sophisticated vessels have access to. The two largest explorer yachts in the world, 140m SOLARIS and 126.20m OCTOPUS, highlight this type of vessel’s growing importance within the Top 100 market, as with expedition comes increased opportunity, all within the confines of a luxury superyacht. 

140m SOLARIS 

Delivered in 2021, 140m SOLARIS is currently the largest explorer yacht in the world. She was built by Lloyd Werft, whose shipbuilding capacity was truly put to the test on this complex project, which notably saw several industry firsts including the inclusion of 2000 square metres of glass and the largest ABB Azipod system ever installed on a superyacht. 

The inclusion of Azipod propulsion highlights the future-proof elements of this explorer yacht’s design, as this innovation contributes to sustainable, efficient and silent operations with increased reliability.

SOLARIS features eight decks and a helipad, with an ice-grey hull and white superstructure designed by Marc Newson; an evolution of the exterior design of sistership 115m LUNA that was launched in 2010. The inclusion of the helipad highlights the spectacular accessibility prospects of this build, as guests onboard have full access to the sea as well as to the skies. 

126.20 OCTOPUS

OCTOPUS was custom-built in 2003 by Lürssen and refitted in 2008, boasting a LOA of 126.20m. Alongside a striking Espen Oeino exterior, with a blue and white hull and superstructure, two helipads and a hangar aft, OCTOPUS is also an exceptional example of an exploration vessel, equipped with highly sophisticated technology.

This yacht is capable of exploration and research voyages for months at sea, a key feature of her design being an integrated dock for a 20m guest tender and two submarines for exploring marine life. This allows guests onboard to become even more connected with the marine environment, elevating at-sea experiences by means of ultimate underwater exploration. 

These excellent exploration features do not outweigh the luxury lifestyle elements on board, of which OCTOPUS boasts a gym and wellness area, a cinema, and a glass-bottomed aquarium. She is the perfect example of how exploration and high-class living can be combined, and therefore showcases why these vessels have become increasingly more popular, as guests on board can experience the best of all aspects of yachting. 

This rise in explorer yachts sheds light on an exciting time in the superyacht industry, one where opulence can be seamlessly combined with adventure, and cutting-edge design meets unparalleled expedition.

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• Cars, Jets & Yachts

What are Explorer Yachts?

As explorer yachts become more popular with curious and adventurous travelers, we discover exactly what these extraordinary vessels are.

By Elite Traveler

Much like cars and jets , yachts come in an impressive range of categories and sizes, from sports fishers to sailing , motor yachts and super yachts , there is really something for everyone out there. The type of yacht an individual selects can vary based on what they want to do, where they want to go and how many crew and passengers they want to take with them.

In recent years, many yacht owners have been straying away from some of the classic centres of yachting, namely the Mediterranean and the Caribbean and have begun to look for adventure far further afield. This is where the subcategory of explorer yachts comes into play.

But what exactly is an explorer yacht? Why are they growing in popularity with the super-rich? And how exactly do they differ from the standard yacht?

[See more: Top 10 Explorer Yachts in the World]

In essence, explorer yachts – also known as expedition yachts – are yachts that have been purpose-built or converted to be able to travel long distances without needing to find a port. Another major factor is that an explorer yacht should be able to reach some of the most remote areas in the world, giving those onboard total freedom to explore the world’s oceans unhindered.

Each vessel’s specific features can vary, depending on where they are going and what those onboard wish to do. For example, those who are chartering a yacht for a remote diving expedition will most likely travel on a yacht that is different from what a family doing an extended holiday or a group of friends on a big game fishing trip might choose. Saying this, there are some features that explorer yachts will have in common, separating them from other superyachts that are more fair-weather vessels.

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Seaworthiness.

[ See also: How to Charter a Superyacht ]

True explorer yachts must be extremely seaworthy, capable of safely sailing through the roughest seas and harshest weather while also keeping guests comfortable. One of the most important aspects of a yacht’s design that will influence its seaworthiness is the form of the hull. Most vessels will have what is called a full displacement hull form – a deep and wide hull that is designed to cut through the water rather than riding on top of it.

While not all explorer yachts travel to arctic regions , if travelers want to explore polar waters the yacht they travel on needs to be certified as Polar Code B compliant. Whether a yacht is compliant or not will depend on how robust the hull is and the vessel’s ability to deal with ice. The best explorer yachts will follow the International Polar Code (set up in 2017), which provides details and requirements of how a yacht can be designed and operated in order to be certified to sail these treacherous waters.

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Explorer yachts are some of the most autonomous yachts in the world, meaning that they are able to travel long distances without visiting a port or having to refuel. This is why an explorer yacht’s fuel tank capacity is so important – the yacht should be able to travel around 5,000 nautical miles or more (at about 10 knots) without refueling.

The crew’s ability to easily maintain the vessel is also of vital importance, considering how far an explorer yacht can travel and how remote its surroundings can be. Whether it’s because of difficult weather or harsh seas, wear and tear on an explorer yacht can be extreme – making it essential that routine maintenance or any repairs are easy to complete. It is also why many vessels are made with the highest quality materials and have the best systems, in order to simplify upkeep.

As the duration of a voyage on an explorer yacht is often longer than other types of yacht, the vessel should be able to store all the necessary equipment and supplies for the journey. This is when a full displacement hull also comes in useful: being wide and deep, it will often have ample internal space. The best vessels are able to generate freshwater, appropriately manage waste, and hold all necessary spare parts and provisions – all while offering guests a luxurious and comfortable stay onboard.

[See more: The 10 Biggest Superyachts in the World]

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Expedition Yachts for Sale

34 explorer yachts for sale.

Northrop & Johnson is proud to offer an extensive and all-encompassing selection of explorer yachts available for sale on the global market. Explorer yachts are ideally suited for those who want to cruise farther afield and explore off-the-beaten-path destinations. We hope you find your dream yacht below. When you do, please contact a Northrop & Johnson sales broker to begin the buying process.

With an expedition yacht, you can discover new locales luxuriously and safely. Our experienced team will have you cruising the seas in style.

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Reach Remote Destinations in Your New Expedition Yacht

Almost all expedition yachts are custom built and designed to offer the highest level of luxury, stability, and comfort as you explore faraway horizons. Their ability to cruise to unique world areas allows you to experience these remote destinations through an extraordinary lens.

Your expedition yacht is designed for longer trips at sea, equipped with the safety and power of a motor yacht with robust hulls shaped to move effortlessly through any weather, and built with long-range capabilities. With these features, there will be no limits to your exploration. Venture through icy waters, to remote islands, and into bustling cities.

Purchasing an expedition yacht is not for the faint of heart, and if you’re choosing this extraordinary lifestyle, you’ll want a team of experienced brokers behind you.

Finding your dream expedition yacht for sale is easier than ever with Northrop & Johnson

Our brokers have a comprehensive knowledge of the yachting industry, so you can rest assured you’re in the best hands in the business. Contact Northrop & Johnson’s team of expert brokers to get started.

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Master of the Seas

Right at the top of our Xplorer range, the Xplorer 105 represents what has instigated our status as the market leader in luxury expedition yachts. This concept design incorporates decades of ship and superyacht building as well as expedition know-how, practicalities and developments. A future facing Xplorer geared up to become the master of the seas and adventures alike.  

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Exterior excellence

Xplorer yachting means taking the safety, reliability and performance you expect from your yacht right to the edges of the world. Excellent exterior design is integral to this and for the Xplorer 105, Azure Yacht Design, the highly experienced Dutch design and naval architecture studio, was selected as the design partner for the exterior lines. The masculine and virile lines communicate the yacht's exceptional nature and the deep heritage of Damen Yachting's shipbuilding.

Custom interiors calling

Bring in your interior designer of choice to create truly personalised and custom interiors that perfectly match your style, personality and use of the yacht. Interior design customised to meet your superyachting and explorer yachting needs so you can travel in style and comfort in an environment completely tailored to you.

Specifications

• My Cheoy Lee

Explorer Series

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Cheoy Lee Explorer

When the journey is just as important as the destination.

The new designs offer the comfort of a highly refined Overing architected full displacement hull and stikes a nice balance by allowing the owner to enjoy cruising areas such as the Bahamian islands while offering global range with superior sea keeping abilities.

Jon Overing, Yacht Designer

130 Explorer

Robust and seaworthiness at its core, the 130 Explorer will allow you to live unforgettable adventures

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Explorer Yachts For Sale

Adventurous yacht owners eventually tire of the popular Mediterranean and Caribbean cruising grounds and start looking for more challenging cruising areas. This explains the growing popularity of long-range expedition yachts with vast storage capacity for food, fuel and water, enabling them to roam the world’s oceans for weeks at a time. Here we present examples of world-girdling explorer yachts currently for sale.

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Arksen 65 first look: Brand new British explorer yacht

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The Arksen 65 is an impressive new explorer motor yacht from the British builder that offer 3,700nm range from its 9,200 litre. fuel tank

British yard Arksen has released more details of its new 65ft explorer yacht. Like its bigger sister, the tri-deck Arksen 85, the first of which was launched earlier this year, the smaller two-deck 65 is designed for low-impact, self-sufficient adventures. The aluminium low displacement hull from Humphreys Yacht Design is built for ultra-efficient long-range cruising in all climates.

At the heart of the yacht is an open-plan saloon with aft galley and lounge forward to make the most of the views through the panoramic wraparound glazing. Then there’s a choice of two or three cabins on the lower deck – a forward ensuite owners’ cabin, an ensuite twin or double aft of the central engineroom, and a smaller space between them that can be specified as a third ensuite double, an owners’ study, workshop, laundry or lower galley to free up space in the saloon.

A big plus of the all-aluminium construction is the ability to offer semi-customised interiors without the constraints of the fixed bulkheads that moulded GRP hulls require. It’s also a more sustainable material that contains up to 70% recycled metal and can easily be recycled again.

Conventional diesel and parallel diesel/ electric hybrid propulsion packages are available. The proposed engines are heavy duty John Deere diesels delivering a modest 160hp at 2,300rpm on straight shafts for maximum reliability, refinement and a top speed of 12 knots.

The range from its 9,200 litres of fuel is predicted to be around 3,700nm at 9 knots or as much as 5,000nm at 8 knots. The hybrid variant uses the same engines but will also have a zero-emissions mode for environmentally sensitive areas and silent running at anchor.

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The raised-helm position aft can be either partially or fully enclosed beneath its hardtop.

Twin freshwater tanks fore and aft can be used to trim the yacht under way with fin and/ or gyro stabilisers taking care of roll. Twin skegs also allow the yacht to dry out without damaging the sterngear. A tender of up to 3.4m (11ft) can be carried on or above the bathing platform and launched using an aft deck crane.

An Arksen 65 should take about 18 months to build. Prices start from £3.2 million, excluding taxes, with a typical spec nearer £4 million.

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