EXPLORATION OPTIONAL
Gemma Harris takes a look at how today’s explorer yacht market is blurring the lines between capability, luxury and lifestyle-led adventures
Boundaries continue to be pushed in the world of superyachts, not just in terms of design and technology but also the geographical limits as to where superyachts now cruise. In
recent years, the explorer yacht segment has been one of the fastest-growing, driven by an increasing desire for adventurous experiences and a growing craving for authenticity. “Younger owners have brought with them an increased explorer mindset – a curiosity about the world and desire to go beyond the classic destinations to seek out real-world experiences,” explains Rob McCallum, Founder of EYOS Expeditions.
Yachts and their owners are increasingly demanding trips beyond the comfortable milk runs of the Mediterranean and Caribbean. However, to venture into the far-flung corners of the oceans, owners require a yacht that can be designed to explore these areas. While legends of the category, such as Octopus and the highly anticipated REV Ocean, are seen to be leading the charge, the smaller versions, known as ‘pocket explorers’, now promise more capabilities for exploration, proving that perhaps you don’t need a large icebreaker to get off the well-trodden path.
As this growing appetite for adventure continues, it has begun to reshape market dynamics. The rise in experiential travel and scientific and purpose- led initiatives, alongside increased awareness of sustainability, all contribute to the development of the explorer market. ONBOARD sits down with leading players in the market to discuss the capabilities and philosophies shaping the explorer yacht landscape.
WHAT MAKES AN EXPLORER?
The term ‘explorer yacht’ has evolved over the years. Once considered a hardy, converted commercial ship or custom expedition vessel catering to a niche audience, it has now evolved into a broader category that has entered the mainstream market.
Practically speaking, an explorer yacht is one that is built to withstand unpredictable conditions, operate away from infrastructure and offer serious autonomy, all without sacrificing luxury. Modern explorers now combine capabilities with the comforts of a superyacht, designed as much for indulging in frequently visited anchorages as for more daring adventures in latitudes few venture to.
“The idea of an explorer yacht is that it can take you beyond, to places less explored and out of ordinary destinations,” explains Enrique Tintore, Product Manager for the Xplorer & Yacht Support series at Damen Yachting. “That doesn’t mean these yachts are only supposed to cruise remote areas, but the key element is having the choice,” he adds. It’s this flexibility to go where few have been, or not, that is redefining how explorers are built and showcased today.
THE DNA OF AN EXPLORER
Debates over what qualifies as a ‘true’ explorer continue. Some claim that explorer yachts need to be at least 40 metres to carry the range of equipment necessary for going the distance. However, as the pocket explorer market has demonstrated, the smaller end of the spectrum challenges that assumption, proving it isn’t just about size.
With the majority of yachts boasting transatlantic capabilities, genuine explorers are built to cruise further. “Long range is a key feature of any genuine explorer yacht,” notes Jim Mair, CTO at Arksen. Yet, range alone doesn’t completely cut it. “Many long-range cruisers could inherently be reasonably labelled as an ‘explorer yacht’, but a true explorer takes this further, taking owners to these places but in a higher level of comfort, safety and autonomy while providing them with a versatile platform for adventure,” he adds. Chris Gore, Sales and Marketing Director at Numarine agrees: “A true explorer isn’t defined by size or style. It’s about autonomy, durability and readiness for the unknown.”
The autonomy aspect demands more than just fuel; it means remaining self- sufficient for weeks, if not months, thanks to oversized tanks, robust systems, operational versatility and scalable storage solutions. “Built to handle remote and harsh environments, offering features like reinforced hulls and advanced autonomy systems – this is what distinguishes an explorer from a standard long-range cruise,” explains Vasco Buonpensiere, Founder and CEO of Cantiere delle Marche (CdM).
SELF-RELIANCE, STORAGE AND CREW
Genuine autonomy is about the ability to operate independently without relying on the comfort and convenience of the Mediterranean marina network. Extended expeditions into more remote waters mean the yacht, according to Gore, has to become a ‘floating basecamp’. And one that must be entirely self-sufficient when it comes to water generation, waste handling, provisioning and repairs.
Mair advises a pragmatic approach when assessing so-called explorer yachts. “When stepping onboard a yacht labelled as an explorer, ask yourself what would matter on a long ocean passage or when navigating a remote coastline.” He questions: “How many anchors does it have? Is there vertical or forward-facing glazing, and if so, what is its thickness? Could it resist an onrush of green water across the deck? Is there weeks’ worth of space for food and garbage?” Highlighting features that reveal a yacht’s true explorer credentials.
At Damen Yachting, Tintore explains that providing autonomy means finding the right balance between storage, tank capacity and operational range without sacrificing onboard lifestyle. He emphasises that part of designing for genuine self-sufficiency involves potentially adjusting the beach club or deck space to accommodate additional storage and a well-balanced specification.
It’s not just equipment and stores that need space; it’s also the people onboard. Longer trips to lesser-known cruising grounds typically require a specialised crew and experts onboard, such as ice pilots, wildlife specialists, qualified medics, dive instructors, helicopter pilots, or even scientific teams.
“Crew need higher levels of emotional intelligence, problem-solving and communication skills to ensure guests and crew enjoy the experience of venturing further afield,” explains Captain of an Arksen 85, Ben Bowley. With the operational logistics more intense and less reliant onshore support, Gore explains: “Expedition cruising demands a higher degree of self- reliance and technical knowledge. It’s a step above the typical Mediterranean crew dynamic.” For yachts expected to operate for long periods away from resupply, a skilled multi-role crew and logistics preparation become as important as the platform itself.
BEYOND THE MILK RUN
Once the range, autonomy and operational boxes are checked, where do these yachts end up going? “For many, it’s a mix of both, tropics and poles, as their curiosity leads them from one adventure to another,” says McCallum. When it comes to destinations, Mair says: “There is certainly a real demand for yachts capable of passagemaking in higher latitudes.” Destinations such as the Northwest Passage, Antarctica, and Svalbard continue to gain popularity year after year. “A voyage to the polar regions for many is to follow a dream, following in the footsteps of some of the world’s greatest explorers and to simply ‘go beyond’,” adds McCallum. As ambitions to explore the unknown continue, eyes point toward increasing regulation.
Operating in unpredictable weather conditions, such as the polar regions, requires not only robust hulls but also ones rated to the IMO’s Polar Code. A code that covers a vast spectrum, Damen’s Xplorer range is certified to Polar Class 7.
The shipyard worked closely with EYOS Expeditions, whose Antarctic credentials include pioneering heli-skiing charters on the white continent, to incorporate features such as ice-strengthened hulls, ice-breaking sterns, and fully certified helidecks. “We build all of our expedition yachts to Polar Code compliance, finding that sweet spot between capability and practicality,” Tintore explains. As a shipyard with a strategy of building on speculation, they aim to tick as many boxes as possible without making too many sacrifices. “The more extreme you go, the more design compromises you may face,” he adds.
However, for some, Polar Code compliance remains an aspirational feature rather than a necessity, but this might well change with new owner demographics stepping up. “Ice classing is still a niche. The real priority tends to be versatile autonomy, being able to roam the South Pacific or South America without resupply, more so than navigating ice fields,” notes Gore.
SUBSTANCE VS. STYLE, OR BOTH?
With their typical rugged exterior styling and promise of adventure potential, explorer yachts – both large and small – have become increasingly sought after. Their go-anywhere image taps into the romance of off-grid cruising, even if they can only, or choose to, remain in the Mediterranean.
Looks can be deceiving, as not every yacht termed an ‘explorer’ is built for the realities of true expeditions. “It’s fair to say that many designs lean toward aesthetics rather than substance,” explains Gore. He explains that for Numarine: “Our focus is functional exploration – integrating practical autonomy features that go beyond the ‘expedition look’.”
A thought also echoed by CdM, whose Darwin Class has gained respect in this compact explorer sector. “We see authentic pocket explorers maintaining high construction standards, range and capability. In contrast, some vessels adopt the explorer aesthetic without underlying capabilities, serving more as a status symbol,” explains Buonpensiere.
Arksen’s philosophy is that their explorer models can be used for genuine off-grid adventures as well as lifestyle-oriented positioning. “It is equally acceptable for someone to buy a genuine explorer yacht, like an Arksen, based on their love of styling and the romance of having the potential to set off on an adventure at any time,” Mair explains. “It’s the owner’s choice,” he adds.
While Damen Yachting doesn’t specialise in the sub-40-metre segment, their Xplorer line reflects the growing preference for varied expedition-inspired designs. “Different style expedition-looking boats are becoming more popular, thanks to the layout, style and lines,” says Tintore.
Ultimately, in a market increasingly shaped by personalisation and lifestyle, the line between style and substance is fading. The rise of pocket explorers signals a trend where explorer designs can coexist with capability, offering owners flexibility and freedom on their terms.
LUXURY WITHOUT COMPROMISE
As a segment within the superyacht industry, exploring further afield – or, in fact, just having the option and capability to – doesn’t mean foregoing the luxury touches that the superyacht world is defined by. Today’s explorer yachts combine exploration credentials with superyacht-level luxury, proving that the desire for exploration and indulgence isn’t mutually exclusive.
As Gore points out: “Luxury is increasingly defined by experiences, not just by materials.” For the explorer market, he adds: “Quiet propulsion, panoramic views, spa-like bathrooms, and stabilised anchoring in remote bays are now luxury features.”
Damen Yachting firmly believes that owners should no longer have to compromise between capability and luxury or any other expected superyacht feature. “It’s about purpose, design, functionality and versatility, offering everything you’d expect on a superyacht with the added option of adventure,” explains Tintore.
At Arksen, Mair explains the styling brief was achieved with this balance in mind: “A boldly- styled, rugged exterior, with functional, versatile deck space, yet upon entering the interior, the owner is transported into a light and luxurious space that would rival a conventional motor yacht for comfort levels.” Similarly, CdM’s Flexplorer range was created to bridge the gap between the capabilities of compact, long-range explorers and the refined comforts expected aboard a contemporary superyacht.
YACHTING FOR GOOD AND SCIENTIFIC SHARING
One of the most inspiring trends in this sector is the resulting rise of scientific collaboration and philanthropic endeavours. More owners and charterers are recognising the potential that yachts can have, making them more than just a platform for off- the-beaten-track adventure.
EYOS Expeditions, co-founders of the Yachts for Science initiative, have been at the forefront of this movement. “Yachts for Science allow scientists to conduct their important research using the yacht as a platform, giving the owner and crew the chance to give back and make a firsthand contribution to the ocean,” explains McCallum. The initiative helps facilitate research and scientific projects that need access to remote environments with owners willing to donate their time.
Damen Yachting is also reportedly seeing a trend in more clients wanting to get involved, especially in the weeks of downtime off-charter. “We actively encourage clients to partake in marine conservation and are very happy to facilitate this through raising awareness to crew and owners and also installing specific equipment onboard our yachts,” adds Tintore.
It’s not just about the scientific endeavours; EYOS has also witnessed clients becoming more engaged with the communities they visit. “We have seen clients come to understand the challenges isolated communities face and be able to give back to them. We have seen wonderful gifts of water tanks, health care, and education opportunities,” adds McCallum.
Explorer yachts like those from Arksen are built with this dual purpose in mind. Their Explorer Series was specifically designed to support research and conservation missions, including long-range capability and optimised power and networking infrastructure to support complex data collection and analysis. Eleanor Briggs, Marine Marketing Consultant for Arksen, explains that any yacht can technically be a research vessel: “The ability to support research is ultimately more about the people than the vessel capabilities.” Numarine agrees with this philosophy. “Even small adaptations, like increased freezer capacity for biological samples or the option for silent running modes, can make a yacht a meaningful contributor to conservation,” Gore explains.
Awareness remains crucial, and Arksen particularly champions this through its 10% for the Ocean initiative, which aims to increase funding for ocean-based projects and inspire action through increased awareness. Most recently, this has been highlighted through their co-producing Ocean, the new feature-length documentary with David Attenborough.
FUTURE-PROOFING EXPLORATION
For future explorer yachts, sustainability remains a significant hurdle. “Alternative fuels are still a long way off a viable use case for long-range explorer yachts of our size,” Mair explains. But efficiency plays an important part. Arksen has built a serial hybrid version of the Arksen 85, which is already touted as a highly efficient hull form and capable of operating in ‘zero emissions’ mode. “Efficiency is also a key part of growing awareness of the environmental cost of owning a yacht, in terms of consumption of resources and local and global impact of emissions,” Mair adds.
Like everything else in the sector, technology will play an increasingly significant role in reshaping the industry, including explorer yachts. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to enable smarter system management, predictive maintenance, and improved operational efficiency. Mair explains that utilising AI for preventative maintenance and monitoring systems could “prove vital in allowing explorer yachts to spend extended periods in remote locations while reducing their footprint on the local environment.”
Both Arksen and Damen Yachting also point out that, rather than technology and solutions holding things up for the explorer segment, it remains that the shoreside infrastructure is a barrier for the foreseeable future. Heiko van Roeden, Design and Proposal Engineer at Damen Yachting, adds: “We’ve been working hard on a future roadmap for our series, planning and preparing ourselves for the future, optimising our models, minimising consumption and energy use, and simplifying tasks onboard through the integration of AI.”
The Xplorer models are all hybrid, and although not yet in production, the Xplorer 80 is currently being designed to run on methanol and fuel cells across all systems. Building on speculation also considers potential future regulations, with the Norwegian fjords serving as a prime example of how regulations will likely become stricter as more yachts visit these increasingly environmentally sensitive destinations.
THE EXPLORER MARKET 2.0
The modern explorer and its smaller pocket siblings have evolved into versatile platforms of the superyacht world. According to Gore, this “multi-mission versatility” is driving the future of the market. The growing demand for pocket explorers is set to continue, as Buonpensiere notes: “The market is witnessing a trend towards smaller, more efficient explorer yachts that do not compromise on range or capability, catering to owners seeking adventure without the need for superyacht-scale vessels.”
Today’s explorer yachts have evolved to a point where they can navigate off-grid, contribute to conservation projects, host adventurous itineraries and activities, or remain as a floating base wherever desired. “Flexibility is the new luxury,” Gore concludes.
While some owners will chase high-latitude itineraries or cruise isolated South Pacific islands, utilising an explorer yacht as a genuine gateway to explore, others will never stray far from the milk runs and own a go-anywhere yacht, not for the destination but for the statement it makes. The reality today is that owning an explorer yacht doesn’t mean committing to cruising miles for an adventure, but knowing it can. Because as the market continues to be driven by experience, having the option to choose when, where, and how to cruise has become the luxury that most demand.
