Discover jungle-backed beaches, natural wonders and remote corners of the world on board some of the finest yachts available to charter in a handful of hard-to-reach destinations.
When it comes to superyachts and the cruising grounds on offer, the assumption that it’s all about languidly flitting from port to port while over-indulging en route is actually a long way from the truth. As more and more yacht owners choose to take their vessels further afield for a more genuine, exploratory experience, charterers too have the opportunity to discover the most remote and bewitching waters of our lovely planet aboard these luxury platforms.
Sailing the Indonesian Archipelago on Dunia Baru
The unspoiled waters of the Indonesian archipelago are one of the hottest yachting destinations on the world cruising map. A handful of modern yachts are now venturing into these exciting waters as part of their round-the-world tours, but there are also a few traditionally built luxury vessels (named phinisi) based in the area year-round. The 167.3-ft Dunia Baru is just one example of the elegant Indonesian phinisi schooners offering high-end luxury in a traditional package. There are numerous routes you can take around the thousands of islands / ©Nathan Lawrence There are numerous routes you can take around the thousands of islands, and as many variations in the daily activities available aboard Dunia Baru. From starlit beach parties and kayaking through secluded coves to uninhabited desert islands, the Indonesian waters are blessed with year-round warm temperatures and ideal sailing conditions. From April through October, Dunia Baru cruises around the Komodo Islands, taking in the islands of Sabolo, Rinca, Pantai Merah, Padar, Batu, Banta and Komodo itself. Alternatively, she generally spends the winter months (October through March) cruising in the Raja Ampat archipelago, which lies off the northwestern coast of New Guinea. Comprising four main islands and thousands of small islets, the largely uninhabited waters here provide ample opportunities to find peaceful anchorages. Under the surface, however, is a very different story, since these waters are home to the country’s largest marine national park, a huge number of world-class dive sites and the highest recorded marine biodiversity on Earth. [See more: A Closer Look On Board The Orient Express’s First Sailing Yacht] From April through October, Dunia Baru cruises around the Komodo Islands / ©Nathan Lawrence Step aboard Dunia Baru for a yachting adventure through the Komodo Islands on the island of Flores and discover the nearby islands and islets of the Komodo National Park. The waters surrounding all the islands in this region offer spectacular diving. Fortunately, Dunia Baru has ...
Cruising the Norwegian Fjords on Scintilla Maris
The Norwegian fjords offer epic scenery coupled with a wonderful feeling of tranquility. Scenes that have changed little over millennia create a unique atmosphere best enjoyed from the decks of a superyacht. One such yacht cruising the Baltic this summer is the 149.6-ft Scintilla Maris, which was built on a recycled trawler hull. Her seasoned yacht owner created a custom-designed, hybrid expedition yacht with a refined interior. She also boasts all the amenities required for pampered cruising, including a large beach club, multiple shaded deck areas and a large observation platform — the ideal spot to take in the dramatic fjords of southwest Norway. [See more: Into the Ice: Onboard Ponant’s Luxury Cruise in Antarctica] She also boasts all the amenities required for pampered cruising, including a large beach club, multiple shaded deck areas and a large observation platform / ©Scintilla Maris From mid-June to mid-July, there are endless days in the land of the midnight sun, punctuated by just a few hours of darkness, and while the climate and weather are very much influenced by Atlantic weather disturbances, the recommended time for cruising is from early May until late August. Springtime sees the snow line retreat to the mountaintops, leaving meadows and forests scattered with waterfalls and streams that flow to the fjords. Located on the southwest coast of Norway, the waterfront city of Bergen is the gateway to Norway’s famed fjords. The deep waters provide several unique itinerary options, the most popular of which starts in the colorful harbor and winds through the deep blue fjord waters of Sognefjord, passing sheer cliffs and cascading waterfalls en route. Stretching more than 127 miles from the sea to the mountains of Jotunheimen National Park, the coastline is dotted with dozens of villages where a yacht can stop. From here it’s a leisurely cruise along Norway’s western coastline with stops at Florø, Måløy and Ålesund, before taking a detour into the ...
Explore Alaska on Ocean's Seven
If your sense of adventure extends to more challenging waters than the Norwegian fjords, then turn your attention to southeast Alaska. Made up of glaciers, icebergs, uninhabited islands and snow-capped mountains, the increasingly visited Inside Passage is one of the latest cruising areas attracting a new breed of charterer looking for family adventures. Rich in marine life, the seemingly desolate waters surrounding the islands of America’s 49th state teem with wildlife like humpback whales, seals and orcas, while bald eagles and brown bears also call the shorelines home and are commonly seen. Although the setting may be rugged, a yacht charter still remains the height of luxury. You can be assured of action, discovery and excitement on board the 138-ft Ocean’s Seven. Tailor-made for high-sea adventures, she offers a combination of exploration yacht with traditional superyacht amenities, making her perfect for an unforgettable adventure charter. The owner of Ocean’s Seven is a keen philanthropist who has offered the yacht for research purposes with the Yachts For Science program. These nutrient-rich waters are perfect for this scientific research; guests can choose to get involved with it or not as they like. If you do choose to get involved this can be a great way to teach children in a practical way about how we all need to act to preserve our blue planet. [See more: Into the Ice: Onboard Ponant’s Luxury Cruise in Antarctica] The owner of Ocean’s Seven is a keen philanthropist who has offered the yacht for research purposes with the Yachts For Science program / ©Ocean Seven Venturing into the Alaskan wilderness is also escapism at its very best. Immerse yourself in the rugged wilderness as you head ashore on Baranof Island. Hike up to Baranof Lake, where you can bathe in the natural pools of water at Baranof Warm Springs. The island is also home to the world’s highest concentration of bears, thanks to its glut of ...
Exploring French Polynesia aboard Seawolf X
There is nowhere else in the world quite as remote and exotic as the islands of French Polynesia. Five archipelagos lying smack in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean thousands of miles from any real population center, their cruising grounds really are the ultimate tropical idyll. Planning a cruise here, however, is something of a balancing act — not only are there thousands of islands to explore, but each group offers something different. Adding to this, the best charter yachts only really incorporate these cruising grounds as part of a round-the-world tour, so catching them en route at the right time and in the right place requires some planning. [See more: Adventure at Sea: Three Cruises for Thrill Seekers] There is nowhere else in the world quite as remote and exotic as the islands of French Polynesia / ©Seawolf X One highly sought-after superyacht cruising the South Pacific this summer is the hybrid catamaran Seawolf X. Combining a spirit of adventure with sustainable elegance, her hybrid-electric credentials, solar panels and diesel generators, as well as artificial intelligence software used to enhance performance and guests’ experience, allow her to access and explore some of the most protected marine conservation areas in the world, including the stunning marine reserves in French Polynesia. The Society Islands and Tuamotu Islands are the two principal cruising grounds for superyachts. From Tahiti and the atolls of Bora Bora to the islands of Raiatea, Taha’a and Huahine, the Society Islands offer both natural and cultural hotspots, while the Tuamotu Islands are world-renowned for scuba diving. Combining these two archipelagos in one itinerary is ideal. Due to prevailing winds, it’s best to meet Seawolf X in Fakarava in the Tuamotus, sailing or cruising downwind to the Society Islands, going with wind and wave rather than vice versa. The Society Islands and Tuamotu Islands are the two principal cruising grounds for superyachts / ©Seawolf X Spend a few ...
Escape to Costa Rica aboard Firebird
Located in Central America with two ocean borders, Costa Rica’s tropical climate makes it ideal for an adventurous escape in nature. Plunge into this tropical wilderness as you embark on a charter on board the 227.7-ft motor yacht Firebird, taking in the Pacific Coast, from Papagayo in the north and on down to Golfo Dulce in the south. Join Firebird on day one at Marina Papagayo, and cruise to Bahia Huevos for your first dip in the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy some water sports and beach activities here surrounded by green forest, or take advantage of high tide to kayak or paddleboard into the Mangrove Palmares. Surfers in the charter party can tender to the location of the cult surfing classic Endless Summer II to ride the perfectly shaped waves of this famous break. ©Firebird Head inland to explore the rain forests of the Rincón de la Vieja National Park and enjoy a variety of fun activities. From zip-lining through the jungle canopy and canyoning down waterfalls to relaxing in hot springs, the landscape is tailor-made for adrenaline adventures. Nature lovers will also be keen to spot the abundant wildlife, with sloths, red-eyed tree frogs, howler monkeys and toucans being just some of the creatures that call Costa Rica home. Cruise on to Playa Conchal, keeping an eye out for humpback whales from the decks of Firebird. Regularly cited as one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, as a cruising ground Costa Rica offers a plethora of protected marine reserves that guarantee visitors a wide variety of marine life. Diving with Firebird’s scuba equipment and with the dive master among her crew, guests can encounter everything from manta rays and barracuda to bull sharks, whitetip sharks — and for the brave, even giant hammerhead and tiger sharks. ©Firebird For those who prefer to keep their heads above water, enjoy the anchorage in the bay at Conchal or, weather permitting, at ...
