Walk on the Wild Side

Antarctica & Galápagos

Exploring remote wildernesses is the height of luxury, but ensuring that your presence contributes to the preservation of unspoiled and remote locations is the greatest privilege of all. Whether you’re looking to become a citizen scientist or to invite a marine biologist on board, a superyacht provides the perfect platform for both exploration and vital research.

There remain sweeps of this planet that only ships can get to, stretches of coasts separated from the rest of the land by mountains and volcanoes or miles and miles of ocean. For those looking to push the boundaries of exploration, the “White Desert", aka Antarctica, is one of the most inaccessible places on earth. Whether you opt to heli-ski down incredible first descents, explore life under the ice with the yacht’s submersible, or take a Polar Plunge (followed by a bake in the yacht’s sauna), rest assured a polar experience is bucket list nirvana. “What we are seeing more of is the desire for a “Blue Planet” experience,” says Charter Broker Carl Sputh. “Scientific research in the Antarctic Peninsula is essential to our understanding of global environmental issues including climate change, ocean depletion and sea level rise. Hosting a scientist on board will bring an added feel-good factor to any Antarctic expedition.”

A must-do for any nature lover looking to explore some of the most inaccessible cruising grounds, the Galápagos Islands abound with incredible wildlife both on land and beneath the waves. Experienced divers can jump in to discover an underwater world like no other. “From turtles and eagle rays to barracudas and more than twenty-eight species of shark, this is once-in-alifetime stuff,” says Charter Broker Sarah Piggin. Land-based activities include hikes through volcanic craters, encounters with a colony of albatrosses (the only one in the world, but this is nothing new when it comes to the Galápagos’ unique endemic wildlife encounters – think Darwin’s finches and Galápagos doves) and witness the elaborate mating dance of the Blue-footed Booby.

Giving back

Whether joining local conservation efforts or hosting a marine biologist on board, the opportunities to become a citizen scientist and to be involved in meaningful projects are plentiful. yachtsforscience.com

Designed specifically for intrepid travelers who covet immersive voyages to the most remote parts of the planet, the 253’11” (77.4m) LEGEND features an ice-strengthened hull, making her suitable for diverse environments while still maintaining the level of comfort and luxury for which superyachts are so renowned. Prices from €595,000 per week, plus expenses, for up to 22 guests

Step straight off the swim platform aboard the 141’ (42.98m) INTEGRITY* and onto her Zodiac tenders to discover the incredible wildlife ashore. Prices from $128,000 per week, all-inclusive, for up to 16 guests

Offering accommodations for up to 16 guests with crew numbers to match, the 164’ (50m) AQUA MARE* is the perfect explorer charter yacht for cruising the Galapagos. She even has two crewmembers who are professionally trained naturalists. Prices from $207,000 per week, all-inclusive, for up to 16 guests

The mighty LEGEND cruising in the Antarctic and with her ice-strengthened hull