top 10 explorer yachts

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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SYCOM's Top Explorer Yachts of 2020

By George Bains

The proliferation of explorer yachts shows no signs of slowing, and throughout 2020 we have been treated to some incredible designs and deliveries of long-range luxury superyachts. Here, we select a few of our personal favourites to have been featured over 2020.

42m Crowbridge – Cantiere delle Marche

Italian yacht builder Cantiere delle Marche is quickly becoming the authority on explorer yachts. The shipyard has specialised in this market since its inception in 2010, working with top design talent to satisfy an ever-growing global clientele.

This year saw the launch of 42m explorer Crowbridge from the Ancona shipyard. This was CdM’s first launch after lockdown and demonstrated the shipyard’s ability to stay on track despite considerable obstacles. Full custom explorer yacht Crowbridge features a rugged yet sleek exterior design by the renowned Tomasso Spadolini.

Crowbridge has been built with extreme conditions in mind, with high-performance capabilities to allow her to reach the most remote areas of the world. There are seven opulent guest suites and plenty of elegant guest spaces which provide a tranquil setting that contrasts the rugged exterior.

77m La Datcha – Damen Yachting

The Damen SeaXplorer La Datcha was a highly anticipated launch, and she certainly didn’t disappoint enthusiasts of Dutch superyachts.

The explorer yacht is part of the La Datcha Tinkoff Collection, assembled by Russian entrepreneur Oleg Tinkov. She is the first purpose-built expedition yacht to have a fixed itinerary and commercial goal, with her journey taking her to remote areas of the world to make the best use of her capabilities.  

La Datcha is the largest of Damen’s SeaXplorer range and boasts sumptuous interiors which have been bespoke designed by the Tinkoff Collection’s interior designer, Vasiliy Sphrits.

26.2m Project Ocean - Arksen

A smaller category than the aforementioned superyachts, but no less significant. Arksen’s first superyacht project is a milestone for eco-conscious and sustainable yachting.

The Arksen 85 ‘Project Ocean’ is the flagship of the Arksen Explorer Series, though the company will soon expand its portfolio with larger models. Arksen was founded with a mission to “create the world’s largest purpose-built private marine research fleet” and is committed to helping to solve crucial problems while delivering innovative and efficient designs.

With exterior design and naval architecture by Humphreys Yacht Design, and renowned studio Design Unlimited penning the interior design, Project Ocean is a striking superyacht with an opulent interior. Up to 12 guests will be accommodated in four cabins, including a full-beam master suite, while the Arksen 85 will reach an impressive range of 7,000nm.

"They decided to make the switch to a custom displacement yacht for family reasons and wanted to cruise in more leisurely comfort." Tommaso Spadolini on CdM Explorer Crowbridge

"They decided to make the switch to a custom displacement yacht for family reasons and wanted to cruise in more leisurely comfort."

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The 10 Most-Exciting Yacht Debuts at the Palm Beach International Boat Show

Besides the debut of smaller vessels, more than 60 yachts over 100 feet will be at palm beach this week. it promises to be a banner event., howard walker, howard walker's most recent stories.

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For superyacht shoppers, the Palm Beach International Boat Show, kicking off its four-day run this week, is set to break records with more than 60 yachts over 100 feet long on display. Last year was also a banner year for superyachts at the show. 

Headliners will include the likes of the 295-foot Corsair Nero ,  the 278-foot Victorious by AKYacht, the 230-foot Turquoise-built Talisman C , and 213-foot Benetti Triumph among brokerage yachts, and in new yachts, the 113-foot Ocean Alexander Puro 35 is making its world debut.  

There are so many gleaming white vessels over 100 feet, in fact, that the fleet will be split between the Palm Harbor Marina at the main show site on the downtown West Palm Beach waterfront and the Safe Harbor Rybovich Marina two miles north. 

Now in its 42nd year, PBIBS will also showcase hundreds of models of dayboats, cruisers, and fishing boats, as well as marine accessories. Running from this Thursday through Sunday, the show coincides with the Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary art show, a fortuitous opportunity for yacht owners wanting to add new art to their collections.

Here are 10 must-see boats at this year’s show.

Corsair Yachts ‘Nero’

The undisputed star of this year’s Palm Beach show? That would be the 295-foot, classically styled superyacht Nero , built in 2007 and inspired by American financier J.P. Morgan’s legendary 1930s steamer Corsair IV . Nero ‘s attendance at PBIBS marks its return to the charter market after an extensive refit in 2021. Now better than new, the boat is being managed by Burgess. With weekly charter rates from $497,000, the vessel offers five-star accommodations for 12 guests in six cabins, with pampering from a crew of 20. Part of the refit included a full interior refresh by Italian interior designer Laura Pomponi, plus a major focus on wellness. That meant the construction of a new, state-of-the-art gym and spa, the assistance of a certified onboard trainer, a masseuse and beautician. After PBIBS, Nero will spend the winter in the Caribbean before returning to the Med for the summer season.

Ocean Alexander Puro 35P

Ocean Alexander is debuting the first of its new Puro superyacht series at PBIBS. The 113-foot Puro 35P comes from the drawing board of Italian designer Giorgio M. Cassetta and is a step back from the polarizing lines of OA’s recent Revolution and Explorer series with their bold, vertical bow designs. Aimed at long-distance cruising, the 35P can carry over 5,000 gallons of fuel and is powered by twin 2,000 hp MAN V12s for a 24-knot top speed. Twin 55kW Kohler generators can also keep the yacht powered at anchor for long periods. Other standout features include extensive glazing in the chiseled fiberglass hull, a forward deck plunge pool, and spacious accommodations for 10 guests. 

Think of it as the “starter” Sirena. Aimed at a younger demographic, the Turkish builder’s brand-new Sirena 48 is making its U.S. debut at PBIBS after a global reveal at last fall’s Cannes boat show. Such is its appeal that 27 hulls have already been sold, with 13 of the orders coming from North America. Looking like a scaled-down version of Sirena’s popular 58, its distinctive, trawler-style lines are from Argentinian designer Germán Frers. With more interior space than a typical 48-footer, the yacht offers three staterooms—plus a crew cabin—a spacious, light-filled salon, a large cockpit, an oversized flybridge, and a vast forward social area. Take your pick from twin 550 hp Cummins QSB, or 670 hp Volvo D11 turbo diesels. Or the builder is also offering hybrid power with twin 285 hp electric motors charged up by variable-speed generators that are good for a 30-mile battery-only range.

Feadship ‘Olympus’

Picture purchasing a classic 180-foot Feadship superyacht, and then getting a $10 million bill for a major refit. That was the case with Olympus , built by the Dutch masters at Feadship in 1996 to a design by Britain’s Andrew Winch and the celebrated naval architect Frits De Voogt. Sold in 2022, the new owner sent it to the Monaco Marine refit center in La Ciotat, France for a major makeover. It included overhauling the 2,600 hp Caterpillar engines and generators, repairs to the structure, substantial upgrades to the guest areas and crew quarters, and new paint throughout. With the work completed just last year, the vessel is said to be in mint condition. Offered jointly by brokers Fraser and Edmiston, Olympus has an asking price of $28.5 million. With accommodations for 16 guests in eight cabins, the boat’s highlights include two primary suites, tropical-spec air conditioning, and Palm Beach-chic decor.

Benetti ‘Triumph’

Italian yachting powerhouse Benetti is showing off its superyacht-building skills with the 213-foot Triumph . Delivered in 2021, this Giorgio M. Cassetta-designed steel-and-aluminum world girder features six decks, a 1,400-square-foot primary suite with outdoor terrace and adjoining lounge, a 750-square-foot beach club, and a touch-and-go helipad. What sets Triumph apart, however, is its lavish interior furnishings put together by the owner along with Benetti Interior Style and Monaco-based Green & Mingarelli Design. It includes pieces by French glassmaker Lalique, marble from Marfil, Statuario and Armani, furs, silk and wool carpets, plus a collection of cool black-and-white wildlife photographs by British fine art photographer David Yarrow. The pièce de résistance? That would be the owner’s Triumph Bonneville motorcycle displayed in the salon.

Fjord 39 XP/XL

Germany’s Fjord Yachts, part of the Hanse Group, has a new 39-foot day boat that it’s unveiling at the Palm Beach show. The 39 XP and XL keep all the bold design cues of the bigger Fjord 41 XP and XL, like a big, open cockpit, walkaround center console, vertical bow, mile-high windshield and stretched hardtop. As for the differences between the XP and XL, it’s all about power. The XL comes with a choice of twin 320hp Volvo D4 diesels, or bigger 440 hp D6 versions, both with Volvo stern drives. Likely more appealing to U.S. buyers will be the XP powered by twin 400 hp Mercury Verado V10 outboards giving a 50-knot top speed. Pricing starts at around $500,000.

Turquoise ‘Talisman C’

Chandeliers don’t come more dramatic than this. Cascading down the central spiral staircase of the Turkish-built, 231-foot superyacht Talisman C , this jaw-dropping piece of art comprises an array of multi-colored glass balls threaded on stainless-steel rods and illuminated by hanging fiber-optic strands. It’s the creation of Prague-based Crystal Caviar and is one of a number of glass installations on this sleek, low-profile superyacht. Built in 2011 by the Proteksan Turquoise shipyard, Talisman C was designed inside and out by London-based studio H2 Yacht Design, with naval architecture by Italy’s Hydro Tec. With cabins for 12 guests, one of its highlights is a huge primary suite, which boasts more crystal chandeliers and a private library. Twin 2,447 hp Caterpillar diesels give a top speed of 18 knots and a transatlantic range of 7,000 nautical miles at 12 knots. It’s listed with Burgess for $59.9 million. 

Sanlorenzo 44 ‘Kamakasa’

Delivered in 2020 and sold to a new buyer just last August, the 146-foot Sanlorenzo 44 Alloy Kamakasa will be for sale at PBIBS. The asking price, through the Italian Yacht Group, is $23.75 million. Lack of use might also be the issue here; the yacht’s twin 2,600 hp MTU V16 diesels have a mere 289 hours on the clock. Built in aluminum to a design by Rome-based Zuccon International Project, Kamakasa was the second hull in the Sanlorenzo 44 Alloy series. One of the top features is a primary suite that spans three levels and almost 1,600 square feet; it also comes with a private Jacuzzi, separate bathrooms, a walk-in closet, and a private study. The yacht’s lightweight construction and MTU power combine to deliver an impressive 20-knot top speed.

Bahama 41 GT2

As ultimate, reel-’em-in, fishing center consoles go, the Bahama 41 from West Palm Beach-based Bahama Boat Works is as hard-core as they come. But when owners kept asking for a little more comfort for the family, the builder responded. The result is the brand-new flagship 41 GT debuting at PBIBS. While the proven, wave-slicing hull stays the same, the cockpit layout is new. In place of the single bench seat, there are now three-across bucket seats with a second row behind. The wider console now has space for a pair of 22-inch Garmin screens, while the new extended hardtop features sun shades and even a rain shower. Outboard choices stay the same with either twin Mercury V12 600s, or four 400 hp Mercury V10s, good for a 65-knot-plus top speed. Pricing is from around $920,000.

Heesen ‘Book Ends’

Launched in 2022, this 164-foot Heesen is part of the Book Ends collection, owned by an American couple who have had more than 18 yachts with the same name. The exterior design of this Heesen was by Omega Architects, while Dutch studio Van Oossanen did the naval architecture. The yacht is part of Heesen’s fast cruising series, which is more efficient than other vessels its size, and can reach 23 knots at full speed with its MTU 16V 4000 M65L engines. The yacht is listed through Ocean Independence for 42 million Euro, or about $45.7 million.

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The 10 Biggest Superyachts in the World

The yachting world is set for a shake-up with a revolutionary new vessel primed to steal the top spot.

By Emma Al-Mousawi

Superyachts represent the very pinnacle of luxury travel but they can vary in size dramatically; from those at the smaller end of the spectrum measuring under 100 ft to gargantuan 500-ft+ custom-built creations that command price tags in the hundreds of millions(or even billions). Here at Elite Traveler, we have been exploring the latter as we take a look at the 10 biggest superyachts in the world.

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El Mahrousa

Builder: Samuda Brothers Year of build: 1865 LOA: 478.1 ft Number of guests: U nknown Number of crew: 160

The oldest by over 100 years to make our list of the biggest superyachts in the world, Egypt’s presidential yacht El Mahrousa is an enormous floating piece of history. Nearly four decades older than the Titanic , she set sail on her first voyage just as President Lincoln was beginning his second term in office. 

Built by the now-defunct London shipyard Samuda Brothers, El Mahrousa was designed by the most celebrated master-shipwright of the day, Sir Oliver Lang. Commissioned by Khedive Ismail, Egypt’s Ottoman governor, she went on to play a central role in many of Egypt’s defining moments including the opening of the Suez Canal as well as ferrying three of the country’s rulers to exile, including the last king of Egypt. 

She has had numerous modifications over the years, growing 57 ft in length since she first left the Thameside dockyard in 1865.  Today, she is the world’s oldest active superyacht and was the first to pass through the new Suez Canal extension in 2015.

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Prince abdulaziz.

Prince Abdulaziz is one of the yachts owned by the Saudi royal family / ©Shutterstock

Builder: Helsingor Vaerf Year of build: 1984 LOA: 482.4 ft Number of guests: 64 Number of crew: 65

At 482.4 ft Prince Abdulaziz is the largest yacht built in the 20th century and is thought to be one of the last yachts built by the historic Danish shipyard, Helsingor Vaerf, which closed its doors for the last time shortly after she was completed. 

Commissioned by the Saudi royal family, Prince Abdulaziz has certainly stood the test of time, with regular sightings on the Mediterranean. Her original interiors were by iconic British interior designer David Hicks, famed for his use of color and pattern. Since then she has received fairly regular refits, with the most recent thought to have been in 2018. 

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A+ was originally named Topaz and is the first of four Lürssen-built yachts to make our list of the biggest superyachts in the world / ©Lürssen

Builder: Lürssen Year of build: 2012 LOA: 483.1 ft Number of guests: 62 Number of crew: 79

Built by famed yacht builder Lürssen at their Bremen shipyard, A+ , originally known as Topaz, is thought to have cost in excess of $500m. 

Not much is known about A+, and her owner has never been officially confirmed but she is widely believed to belong to Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahnan, the deputy prime minister of the UAE and the owner of  Manchester City Football Club.

Her exterior was designed by multi-award-winning designer Tim Heywood, and features two helipads, while her interior was placed in the hands of sought-after yacht interior designer Terence Disdale and includes 26 luxurious cabins. 

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Custom-designed superyacht Al Said was allegedly named ‘Project Sunflower’ when it was under construction/ ©Klaus Jordan

Builder: Lürssen Year of build: 2008 LOA: 508.6 ft Number of guests: unknown Number of crew: unknown

Commissioned by the late Sultan Qaboos Bin Said of Oman, the Al Said first set sail in 2008 and like many royal yachts, her details are held under lock and key.

We do know however that her exterior was designed by the famed naval architect, Espen Øino – the man behind many of the world’s most famous superyachts – while her interiors were created by the respected British design studio, Redman Whiteley Dixon.

The interior of the ship has never been photographed which has led to much speculation of what lies inside. As well as accommodation for up to 74 guests, she is rumored to include a mini-concert hall capable of accommodating a full chamber orchestra.

Dilbar has one of the biggest swimming pools ever installed on a superyacht /®Kyle Conlin

Builder: Lürssen Year of build: 2016 LOA: 511.10 ft Number of guests: 36 Number of crew: 96

When Dilbar was built in 2016, she was the world’s largest yacht in terms of gross tonnage, at 15,917 GT and the team at   Lürssen described her as “ one of the most complex and challenging yachts ever built, in terms of both dimensions and technology.” 

Owned by Uzbek-born investor Alisher Usmanov s he wowed the judges at the prestigious World Superyacht Awards in 2017 to scoop the top prize of  ‘World Superyacht of the Year’. Her ivory exterior was custom-designed by Espen Øino, while her interior was the work of celebrated design studio, Winch Design. She boasts an 82 foot swimming pool, making it one of the largest to ever be installed on a superyacht, as well as two helipads.

[See more: Twenty for 20: Innovative Yachts of the 21st Century]

Dubai serves Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum / ©Shutterstock

Builder: Platinum Yachts  Year of build: 2006 LOA: 531.5 ft Number of guests: 24 Number of crew: 88

Originally commissioned by a member of Brunei’s royal family as a joint project between shipbuilders Blohm+Voss and Lürssen, the build was halted in 1998. The structure was subsequently bought by the Dubai government and the build continued under the exclusive Dubai-based shipyard Platinum Yachts. Today it serves as the royal yacht of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s ruler. 

Designed by Winch Design , she spans over seven flowing decks and features an atrium nearly 70 ft in size. 11  luxurious guest suites have the benefit of their own private balconies while other features onboard include a swimming pool, a cinema and a disco.

Jetting off on an air excursion is easy as Dubai is equipped with a helipad for a Blackhawk helicopter while the yacht’s submarine and vast selection of water toys are housed in the yacht’s garage. 

[See also: These are the Yacht Interior Designers to Know]

Both the exterior and interior of Eclipse were designed by Terence Disdale / ©Shutterstock

Builder: Blohm+Voss Year of build: 2010 LOA: 533.1 ft Number of guests: 36 Number of crew: 70

The fourth-largest ship on our list of the biggest superyachts in the world is Eclipse. The German-built vessel   was voted ‘Motor Yacht of the Year’ at the World Superyacht Awards in 2011 and both her exterior and interior designed by the acclaimed Terence Disdale.

Owned by Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, the estimated $1bn+ superyacht was reported to have undergone a refit in 2015 and is packed with tenders and toys including two helipads, three launch boats and a mini leisure submarine. 

Her custom-designed interior includes a 183.7-ft deck and an expansive swimming pool which can convert into a raised dance floor. She also has her own missile defense system, a feature that appears to be increasing in popularity amongst the owners of the world’s biggest superyachts. 

Fulk Al Salamah

Very little detail has ever been released about the Fulk Al Salamah / ©Shutterstock

Builder: Mariotti Year of build: 2016 LOA: 538.1 ft Number of guests: unknown Number of crew: unknown

Very little detail has ever been released about the Fulk Al Salamah, which t ranslates into English as ‘ship of peace’.  Built for the Omani royal family by ultra-luxury shipbuilder Mariotti in its Genoa shipyard, her lack of outdoor entertaining space has led to unconfirmed reports that she is in fact a support vessel, used to shadow the late Sultan of Oman’s Al Said superyacht .

While it isn’t the longest superyacht in the world , when it comes to actual volume, the Fulk Al Salamah is thought to outsize both Azzam and REV (below), with an estimated total gross tonnage upwards of 20,000 GT (REV is 17,440 GT and Azzam 13,136 GT).

Azzam has held the title of world’s longest superyacht since 2013/ ©Klaus Jordan

Builder: Lürssen Year of build: 2013 LOA: 590.6 ft Number of guests: 36 Number of crew: 80

Thought to have cost well in excess of $500m, Azzam has held the title of world’s longest superyacht since 2013 however her reign is about to draw to a close thanks to the next superyacht on our list, REV . 

Owned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nayan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Emir of Abu Dhabi, Azzam’s sophisticated exterior was designed by Italian studio Nauta Design.  Much of the yacht’s interiors –  which were created by French designer Christophe Leoni – remain shrouded in mystery but Leoni describes the aesthetic as: “sophisticated, with luxurious decor inspired by the Empire style of the early 19th century”.

Azzam has every nifty feature you could wish for including a helipad, gym, pool and even a golf training room so guests can practice their swing onboard. Like Eclipse, she also boasts her own missile defense system. Despite her stature, she can lay claim to being one of the world’s fastest superyachts with a top speed of 33 knots. 

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

REV was designed by Espen Øino / ©REV Ocean

Builder: VARD Year of build: Due 2023 LOA: 600  ft Number of guests: 36 Number of crew: 54

Currently still in build, REV is set to steal the crown from Azzam to become the biggest superyacht in the world once she is delivered. But this is no normal superyacht. Funded by Norwegian business-man Kjell Inge Røkke, REV is a totally unique, state-of-the-art research and expedition vessel with one ambition: to make the ocean healthy again.

Designed by Espen Øino , the vessel is creating a huge amount of excitement within the industry due to the technological advances she is set to offer including cutting-edge marine science facilities. The super-sized vessel is equipped with the very latest observation and mapping equipment for conducting research encapsulating the entire marine ecosystem. One of many exciting features is the 25-ft moon pool in the hull, designed to lower scientific tools and submersibles into the ocean’s depths, including a three-passenger submarine. 

REV is expected to be available to charter for one-third of the year, which will include both conventional charters as well as on a single cabin basis to accompany experts on expeditions. 

[See also: How Much Does it Actually Cost to Charter a Yacht?]

Emma Al-Mousawi

Latest in luxury, the explorer.

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Your Head Start Gift! Kickstart Your Explorer Yacht Journey By Understanding How To Work With Your Shipyard. FREE DOWNLOAD

XPM - Explorer Yachts from Naval Yachts are capable, brutally rugged, well-equipped motor yachts designed for short-handed operation. Extreme range, low draft, self-righting capabilities, and fully redundant commercial equipment specification for exploring places unreachable with standard production yacht designs. Certified to CE Class A or UK MCA Category (0), these yachts will capably take you anywhere or that your insurance will cover!

Communication is Key: Building a Working Relationship between Shipyard and Owner

True Explorer Yacht and Passagemaker designs from Artnautica

As of 2023, 14 motor yachts designed by Artnautics brand are sailing or under construction to LRC and XPM specifications. These exploration yachts have been delivered from the Netherlands, Turkey, and New Zealand ship yards.

LRC range is the passagemaker of the portfolio. Rugged simplicity, low fuel consumption, extended range allied with self-righting capability, and low draft for exploring those small summer islands and inlets. Sleek and clean internal designs compliment the overall useability. LRC designs are built by best in class builders in the Netherlands and New Zealand.

XPM concept is the true explorer yacht of the portfolio. Arguably the strongest and most capable build specification of any expedition trawler you can buy on market today. Their massive construction and specifications are remarkable, one of the best explorer yacht designs classified to MCA Category (0). XPM designs can take you anywhere your curiosity or insurance will consider. These extreme long range vessels are built by the Turkish boat builder Naval Yachts.

XPM 78 Explorer Yacht

After an extensive design process, the XPM-78 motorboat was unveiled in 2016, showcasing its distinctive and innovative features. Two XPM-78 yachts have been delivered, each with different design options.

XPM 85 Explorer Yacht

The XPM-85 extreme range boat emerges as a natural progression of the XPM-78 yacht, offering the owner an array of enhanced layout choices with 3 and 4-cabin options, including crew facilities, making her suitable for chartering.

LRC 58 Explorer Yacht

The LRC-58 yacht is a forward-thinking passagemaker highlighting its distinct design and fuel efficiency. Its unique hull design features a sleek profile, maximizing waterline length while maintaining an efficient interior volume.

LRC 65 Explorer Yacht

The LRC-65 and XPM-65 bridge the gap between the LRC-58 and the XPM-78. Available in two versions, the LRC-65 has the attributes of long-range, economic construction, rugged simplicity, and short-handed operation.

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Discover the amazing potential of an explorer yacht charter

By Editorial Team |   Last Updated 25 October 2022

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Imagine witnessing a whale breaching across the bow? Or, heli-skiing down your own private mountainside? Perhaps you are keen to get involved with marine conservation? Explorer yachts allow you to enjoy a whole range of fascinating experiences, opening up the possibilities for once-in-a-lifetime adventures where the world really is your oyster. 

In this article:

What is an explorer yacht?

Seaworthiness, international polar code, long distance cruising, independence, what are the benefits of an explorer yacht, freedom to explore, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, superyacht luxury, need more information.

In recent years, the charter scene has witnessed an increase in demand for go-anywhere explorer yachts, with naval architects pushing the envelope with a raft of innovative concepts in response to discerning yacht travellers seeking ever-more thrilling adventures. 

Thomas O'Nial, sales manager at Campers & Nicholsons, confirms he's seen a marked increase in requests for explorer yachts in both the sales and charter sectors over the last few years, with the pandemic acting to accelerate this demand: "Clients are tired of the usual yacht charter circuit, and are expressing a desire to explore new territories and discover new things."

Damen's SeaXplorer Design Manager Enrique Tintore agrees, adding "SeaXplorer clients come from all manner of backgrounds and nationalities, but all share a passion for pushing the envelope and a love for fun and adventure. From tropical diving to heliskiing, they want the highest level of capability for fun."

Expedition yachts not only boast impressive cruising ranges and autonomy, but also come equipped with the latest toys, gadgets and state-of-the-art technology, offering a synergy of impeccably-styled interiors and luxury amenities – proving you can have your cake and eat it too.

However, there are some important distinctions between a superyacht and a true explorer yacht; 

First and foremost, while aesthetically rugged and robust, an explorer yacht must be seaworthy. This means safe enough to withstand the roughest sea conditions, and do so comfortably for its passengers onboard. 

A number of yachts also comply with IMO’s Polar Code, with hulls built to ice-class, such as Damen's SeaXplorer  yacht LA DATCHA (pictured), designed to venture to extreme polar regions.

Although not mandatory, it certainly opens up greater opportunities for extreme exploration.

All our clients share a passion for pushing the envelope and a love for fun and adventure

Explorer yachts should also have the fuel tank capacity and efficiency to cruise for longer distances, offering unlimited potential to access remote areas of the globe.

And they don’t need to be behemoths either, British shipbuilder Arksen’s flagship explorer model is a fairly diminutive 26m (85ft) with an impressive 7,000 nm oceangoing range.

Likewise, Italian shipyard Cantiere Delle Marche's latest explorer yachts, AURELIA and RJ are both under 500GT, yet still bear all the hallmarks of a true explorer: robust, seaworthy and designed for world cruising, with both offering a 5,500 nm range without compromising on comfort and luxury, illustrating just how diverse the growing market for explorer vessels can be.

Another important attribute of a true explorer yacht is autonomy, basically the ability to remain at sea for long periods while remaining totally self-sufficient.

To achieve this, as well as ample fuel capacity, the yacht needs sufficient storage space to carry adequate food supplies and other necessities to maintain crew and guests, including specialists such as local guides, helicopter pilots and ski instructors.

The vessel should also be able to generate fresh water and manage waste effectively. This last point is often something that gets overlooked, however is one of the most fundamentally important aspects of an expedition yacht charter, not only because the vessel will undoubtedly be exploring remote locations without convenient refuse services, but also because effective waste management is a crucial environmental issue for ocean going yachts given their autonomy at sea and global range.

With a clearer understanding of what makes an explorer yacht, the next question you might ask is: why should you charter one?

Below are some pretty compelling reasons why explorer yachts are a cut above the rest;

The best thing about an expedition yacht is the freedom to explore the world’s oceans, from the poles to the tropics, with the capacity and range to remain at sea for longer periods of time between stops.

Clients are tired of the usual yacht charter circuit, and are expressing a desire to explore new territories and discover new things

Space is another great feature common on ocean going yachts. From storage to outdoor living, everything about an explorer yacht is supersized, designed for your ultimate comfort and safety whilst at sea. 

Tintore explains the major reason for such large volume on explorer yachts like SeaXplorer La Datcha "is so that we can combine the capability you need to explore the world with the luxury space you want when you are there. Our SeaXplorers offers the best of both without compromise."

Having plenty of onboard space also means there’s more room for toys for use on land and at sea. O'Nial confirms one of the major bonuses in having plenty of space is that "there's much more room for jumbo toys, such as landing craft, especially for remote destinations without any convenient harbours or pontoons, as well as all-terrain vehicles, seaplanes and helicopters."

Some of the larger explorer yachts also come equipped with their own mini medical hospitals complete with trained staff, as well as research laboratories, ski lockers, hyperbaric dive chambers and much more. 

Explorer yachts by their very nature offer the kind of unique experiences that many standard yachts cannot, such as the opportunity to partake in scientific research, explore remote destinations and offer greater opportunities for adrenaline-fuelled adventures as part of the whole package; such as 4x4 off-road touring, heli-skiing and submarine exploration à la Jules Verne. 

Tintore underpins this point: “Explorer yachting offers the opportunity to experience the world with genuine adventure and rare experiences that are truly priceless."

there's much more room for jumbo toys

And there’s no need to compromise on luxury as most explorer yachts nowadays also offer an array of luxurious extras, such as wellness facilities, swimming pools, entertainment systems and movie theatres. 

With unlimited cruising potential coupled with superyacht standard luxury, it's clear to see why explorer yachts have become so popular. 

For some of the coolest places on the planet to visit by explorer yacht, read our article:  Best explorer yacht destinations for off-the-beaten-track adventures.

If you are interested in chartering an explorer yacht, or simply want some more information, please reach out to your preferred yacht charter broker who will be able to help you further.

For some more inspiration, please read our yacht charter destination guides , which offer lots of helpful tips and advice covering a wide range of destinations, as well as a sample of expert hand-picked itineraries.

You can also view the entire fleet of expedition yachts available for charter .

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FEATURED EXPLORER YACHTS AVAILABLE FOR CHARTER

126m Lurssen 2003 / 2021

85m SilverYachts 2019

85m Ak Yachts 2021

78m Piriou 2015

77m IHC Verschure 1974 / 2019

77m Damen Yachting 2020

75m Abeking & Rasmussen 2016

73m Admiral Yachts 2018

68m Royal Niestern Sander 2012 / 2020

63m Halter Marine 1978 / 2022

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Cheoy Lee Explorer

When the journey is just as important as the destination.

When the desire to venture further off the beaten path, to discover natural destinations only a few get to see, to add a level of adventure for you and your family, to escape the usual boating crowd, the Cheoy Lee Explorer Series can go anywhere and do anything. No destination is too far with the security of a steel hull and reliability of an aluminum superstructure, the Cheoy Lee Explorer series are rugged yachts that can handle the blue oceans as well as the extreme latitudes. Take in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest Inside Passage, or explore exotic destinations in Central or South America. In collaboration with American naval architect Jon Overing of Overing Yacht Design, Cheoy Lee introduces the line of Explorer yachts for the American market. Explorer Series yachts are custom built in model sizes of the 107’, 126’, 130’ and 132’. All are built with an “Aft House” design and crafted of steel hulls and aluminum superstructures. Unique to these yachts is the central corridor from bow to stern, to allow for crew movement with minimal interruption to the owner and guests. With four decks and all-weather cruising the Cheoy Lee Expedition Series are the perfect yachts to get there and back and fully enjoy the stay.

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

107 Explorer

Wrapped in luxurious furnishings and an inviting ambiance, the Cheoy Lee 107 Explorer is a perfect entry-level globetrotting yacht.

126 Explorer

If desiring more interior space for a larger salon or staterooms, the Cheoy Lee 126 Explorer is a logical step up to fulfill growing needs.

130 Explorer

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

132 Explorer

Designed for uncompromised seaworthiness, comfort and self-sufficiency on long-range voyages.

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The top 25 largest yachts in the world

Every year, shipyards from around the world push the boundaries of superyacht design to deliver bigger and better yachts. The Samuda-built El Mahrousa may have carried the title unchallenged for a remarkable 119 years, but in the 21st century, she has descended down the pecking order to make room for even larger and longer yachts. German shipyard Lürssen currently holds a near monopoly in the construction of supersized superyachts, having delivered 13 of the world’s top 25. But the list is ever-changing with the 158 metre Blue breaking into the top five in 2022. These yachts, all measuring over 100 metres, are impressive not only for their hull length but for what they carry above and below deck. From submarines and helicopters to swimming pools , cinemas and science labs, the onboard features of these superyachts show them to be truly ground-breaking pieces of engineering. Read on to discover our official list of the largest, privately owned yachts in the world.

1. Azzam | 180.6m

In October 2013, Lürssen delivered the largest privately owned superyacht in the world in the form Azzam . Originally, she was designed to be 145 metres, but in the process of optimisation grew to 180 metres. Other stunning facts about Azzam’s impressive design include her staggering 13,000 GT and accommodation for 36 guests and as many as 80 crew members. The behemoth was reportedly built for Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan of Abu Dhabi’s royal family, for use as a dayboat to reach his favourite diving grounds. The main saloon alone encompasses nearly 522m² and has a relaxed French Empire style and mother of pearl finishes, designed by Christophe Leoni . On board features include a gym, pool and a special ‘golf training room’.

Exteriors have been penned by Nauta Yacht Design , and the technical engineering was directed by Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi for the owner. The yacht has an impressive speed for her size owing to her innovative water-jet propulsion system (two fixed jets, two directional), which catapults her along at a staggering 31.5-plus knots. At 17.5 metres longer than Roman Abramovich’s Eclipse , this boat takes the prestigious title of the world’s largest yacht. The all-white superyacht has held her title unchallenged for nearly seven years, but this reign will come to an end with the expected delivery of 183 metre REV .

• Builder: Lurssen
• Country of build: Germany
• Delivery year: 2013
• Length Overall: 180.61 m
• Gross Tonnage 13136 t

More about this yacht

More stories, 2. eclipse | 162.5m.

After five years of intensive design, development and construction, Eclipse left the Blohm + Voss yard in December 2010. She carried the title of world’s largest superyacht for just three years before being usurped by Azzam . Managed by Blue Ocean Yacht Management, Eclipse features a diesel-electric propulsion system with generators powering rotating Azipod drives, dramatic exterior styling and a stunning interior design by London-based Terence Disdale Design , which has been responsible for all aspects of aesthetic design and layout, including the superstructure design, deck layouts, interior design and construction supervision. Eclipse was voted Motor Yacht of the Year at the World Superyacht Awards in 2011 and Motor Yacht of the Decade at the 10th World Superyacht Awards in 2015.

Her accommodation includes an owner’s deck of 56 metres in length and facilities for up to 92 crew. Her interior boasts hundreds of custom finishes exclusively developed especially for this project, while her deck areas include a 16 metre swimming pool which can be transformed into a dance floor. The yacht can also accommodate three helicopters, one on each of the two helipads and the third in a storage hangar below the fore deck.

• Builder: Blohm & Voss
• Delivery year: 2010
• Length Overall: 162.5 m
• Gross Tonnage 13564 t

3. Dubai | 162m

Dubai was originally commissioned by Prince Jefri of Brunei with exterior styling and interior design by Andrew Winch . The Blohm & Voss project was suspended in 1998 with just the bare hull and partially complete superstructure. It was eventually sold to the Dubai government, and responsibility passed to Kostis Antonopoulos of Platinum Yachts , which prepared a new in-house interior design completed in 2006.

The aptly named Dubai is the royal yacht of Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum of Dubai. The accommodation, styled by Nakheel Interiors , is designed for 24 guests and comprises an owner’s suite, five VIP suites and six guest suites, all with open balconies. Special features include a 21.3m-wide atrium, a swimming pool, barbecue area, cinema, disco, a landing platform for a Blackhawk helicopter, a gymnasium, and a garage for the yacht’s submarine and a vast array of water toys. Full certification was obtained from Lloyds Register of Shipping in October 2006 and she has since made several voyages. She can reach a maximum speed of 25 knots.

• Builder: Platinum
• Country of build: United Arab Emirates
• Delivery year: 2006
• Length Overall: 162 m
• Gross Tonnage 12488 t

4. Blue | 158m

Taking her place at number four in the list of the world’s longest yachts, Lürssen’s Blue is so voluminous that she beats all the longer boats in terms of gross tonnage. Built for a Middle Eastern owner, she is exceeded for internal space only by those behemoths Dilbar (15,917GT) and Al Said (15,850GT). Terence Disdale has penned classic exterior lines with a sharply raked bow and gentle curves to the deep overhangs of the decks. The main helipad is positioned on the bow, with a smaller one aft. Other exterior features include a pool under cover on the main deck aft, a bathing platform at the stern and twin balconies flanking the owner’s cabin forward. Blue ’s interior is designed to be timeless and rich in “feminine elegance”, a deliberate contrast to the exterior. 

Blue is equipped with a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system that was developed in-house. An electric Azimuth pod drive can manoeuvre the boat alone or in conjunction with the twin propeller shafts. To reduce noise, vibration and NOx levels, Blue has a state-of-the-art exhaust treatment system. The boat is also equipped with new membrane technology that means her treated waste water achieves drinking water quality.

• Delivery year: 2022
• Length Overall: 160.6 m
• Beam: 22.5 m
• Gross Tonnage 14785 t

5. Dilbar | 156m

With a total interior volume of over 15,000 GT, Dilbar is the largest yacht in the world by gross tonnage, if not by length. She was built in steel and aluminium by Lürssen to a design by Espen Øino . In 2016, she was delivered in the Mediterranean for her owner, the Uzbekistani billionaire Alisher Usmanov. She replaced Usmanov’s previous yacht of the same name, which has since been renamed Ona . She is usually spotted cruising around the South of France, northern Spain and sometimes Cyprus.

Record-breaking features on board this SOLAS-class superyacht include her 180 cubic metre swimming pool and her 30,000KW electric diesel power plant. Her interiors, styled by Winch Design, can accommodate up to 24 guests served by nearly 100 crew members. She also has two helipads, 3,800 square metres of living space amd an expansive garden complete with a specially developed variety of grass that tolerates salt air, according to its creator Axel Massmann. Dilbar has a single colour for her exterior, a buttery cream shade, that makes her instantly recognisable at sea and can reach a top speed of 21 knots.

• Delivery year: 2016
• Length Overall: 156 m
• Beam: 23.5 m
• Gross Tonnage 15917 t

6. Al Said | 155m

This Lloyd’s-classed vessel, known as Project Sunflower during construction, was delivered by Lürssen’s Vegesack yard to her owner, Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of Oman, in March 2008. Measuring an impressive 155 metres, Al Said is the principle vessel of the Oman Royal Yacht Squadron. Designed by Espen Øino with the looks of a classic cruise liner, she sails under the Omani flag and her home port is Muttrah Harbour in Muscat. 

This Germanischer Lloyd-classed, 15,850GT yacht can reach a top speed of 25 knots and is reported to have a crew capacity of 150. Her panelled interiors, designed in a traditional style by Jonathan Quinn Barnett , offers huge entertaining spaces and accommodation for 65 guests. Her pièce de résistance is the on-board concert hall that can accommodate a 50-strong orchestra, but across her six decks she also has a helipad and a cinema.

• Delivery year: 2008
• Length Overall: 155 m
• Gross Tonnage 15850 t

7. El Mahrousa | 150.6m

El Mahrousa was first delivered by the Samuda Brothers shipyard in 1865. She held on to the title of longest yacht in the world for over a century before finally being usurped by the delivery of Prince Abdulaziz in the 1980s. She was originally built for the Ottoman governor of Egypt, Khedive Ismail, receive visiting dignitaries. and was present at the opening ceremony of the Suez Canal in 1869, when she was used to receive visiting dignitaries. She was lengthened by 12.1 metres in 1872, when her paddle wheels were removed, and by a further 5.2 metres in 1905. Her last major rebuild was in 1950.

Significant moments in her lifetime include her participation in 1976 as the Egyptian representative at the Bicentennial Fleet Review in New York harbour. She slipped into disrepair after this while being used as a museum ship. In 1992, a major effort was put into making her seaworthy enough to travel to Italy for the Christopher Columbus Fleet Review. She now serves as the Egyptian Presidential Yacht but is seldom seen in public. She is usually berthed in Alexandria, where she is cared for by the Egyptian Navy, which lists her as a training ship. Powered by three Parsons steam turbines, she can achieve a top speed of 16 knots.

• Builder: Samuda
• Country of build: United Kingdom
• Delivery year: 1865
• Length Overall: 150.57 m
• Beam: 12.98 m
• Gross Tonnage 4560 t

8. A+ | 147.3m

Formerly known as Topaz , the Tim Heywood -designed A+ was launched by Lürssen in 2012 and uniquely features Heywood’s signature illuminated on her superstructure. Although she flies a Cayman flag, her owner is a member of the UAE elite – reportedly Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan, who also owns the UK’s Manchester City football club.

Having previously been chartered twice by Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio, the 147.25 metre superyacht features a helicopter landing pad located at the bow and her interiors have been designed by Terence Disdale – but not much else is known about this superyacht, as many of her details are still shrouded in secrecy.

• Delivery year: 2012
• Length Overall: 147.25 m
• Beam: 21.5 m
• Gross Tonnage 12532 t

9. Prince Abdulaziz | 147m

The 5,200-tonne Prince Abdulaziz was delivered by Danish shipyard Helsingor Vaerft in 1984 to her first owner, King Fahd of Saudi Arabia. Since then, she has continued to serve the Saudi royal family and is berthed beside the king’s palace in Jeddah. She has been refitted three times; in 1987, 1996 and in 2005.

Prince Abdulaziz was built at a reported cost of $184m to a design by Maierform . Her interior, designed by the late David Hicks , blends ancient and modern. One notable feature is the large lobby, said to be designed to mimic that of the Titanic . She includes a hospital, a mosque and a cinema, and there are also rumours of surface-to-air missiles and an underwater surveillance system on board. The mega yacht can accommodate as many as 64 guests and is manned by a crew of 65.

• Builder: Helsingor Vaerft
• Country of build: Denmark
• Delivery year: 1984
• Length Overall: 147.01 m
• Beam: 18.3 m
• Gross Tonnage 8233 t

10. Opera | 146.4m

Reportedly built for a senior Emirati royal, Opera 's size and gross tonnage catapult her directly into the ranks of the world's 10 biggest private yachts. The 146.4-metre yacht certainly has some of the hallmarks of a Middle Eastern boat, with deep overhangs between decks and lots of enclosed deck space hinting at use in an aggressive climate. Pictures taken during a maiden voyage from Bremen to Portsmouth last summer showed lots of floor-to-ceiling glass across six guest decks, as well as two helicopter landing spots and a beach club whose twin staircases must climb two decks to reach a 10-metre, stone-lined pool aft of the main deck. The pool rises to form a dance floor.

Lürssen has kept the project shrouded in secrecy, but designer Terence Disdale confirmed that interior facilities include a cinema and an extensive spa and wellness centre, plus other features that are being kept under wraps. He also mentioned an upper lounge with a 110-inch television and bay windows.

• Delivery year: 2023
• Length Overall: 146.35 m
• Gross Tonnage 12518 t

11. OK | 146m

This unusual vessel spent decades plying the seas as a float-on yacht carrier for DYT Yacht Transport with the unglamorous moniker Super Servant 3 – and it is this carrying ability that caught the owner’s eye.

40 years after its original launch by Japan’s Oshima Shipbuilding , the yacht emerged from a root-and-branch refit at Karmarine in Turkey. The exterior has been smartened up, with a new matt-black paint job, gold-tinted glazing, teak decking at the bow, stern and sides and an expanse of artificial grass on the submersible aft deck – an idea of the owner’s, to enliven the guest cabins’ view. There are reports that this space doubles as a tennis court and, at 32 metres by 100 metres, there would certainly be the room for it.

With a strengthened hull, the boat’s original role as a yacht carrier has been enhanced. Pumping ballast into tanks under the aft deck allows the platform to lower so that the owner’s 46-metre ketch can be floated aboard and secured. There’s also a 40-tonne crane for positioning other toys – reportedly up to 70 of them, from launches and cars to a seaplane.

Under the direction of Bozca Design , Karmarine has stripped out and rebuilt the accommodation area at the front of the yacht. There are cabins for up to 20 guests, a glazed sundeck spa pool, a "botanical" garden and an outdoor cinema. The lift between decks runs through a glass tower outside the superstructure. 

• Builder: Oshima Shipbuilding
• Country of build: Japan
• Delivery year: 1982
• Length Overall: 146 m
• Beam: 32.01 m
• Gross Tonnage 11296 t

12. Sailing Yacht A | 142.8m

This Philippe Starck -designed vessel is the second superyacht commissioned by Russian businessman Andrey Melnichenko, after his first Motor Yacht A . She was built in Germany by the Nobiskrug yard and delivered in February 2017.

A sail-assisted yacht like no other, Sailing Yacht A comprises eight decks, and her rotating curved carbon fibre masts tower to 100 metres. She is made to set 3,747 square metres of sail and is manned by crew of 54. She sports an underwater viewing pod (moulded into the keel) and balconies enclosed by the largest pieces of curved glass ever. There are 24 shell doors in her hull, and she has a diesel-electric power plant controlled by computer. Records claimed by the Starck superyacht include the world's tallest carbon masts, with the tallest standing at 100 metres above sea level.

• Builder: Nobiskrug
• Delivery year: 2017
• Length Overall: 142.81 m
• Beam: 24.88 m
• Gross Tonnage 12700 t

13. Nord | 142m

Nord started life as Project Redwood, then Opus. Everyone involved in her design and build has remained tight-lipped about the details, but build manager Rob Moran shared some exclusive insight with BOAT International .

First up, she has an Ice Class hull for real exploration. Her aluminium superstructure runs to four decks, contained within the dramatic sweep of a black-painted arch – a key part of the vision of designers Nuvolari Lenard . Not one but two helipads are in evidence, while a vast beach club and tender garage gives  "space to store a plethora of toys including 16 tenders, a submarine and an ROV", according to Moran. The largest tender reportedly measures 15 metres, and there is a watersports and dive centre on the lower deck. Nord has a generous touch-and-go helipad at its heavily flared aircraft carrier bow, but there is also a much bigger space aft up on the bridge deck that offers landing, parking and bunkering for the owner’s helicopter, as well as an entire hangar for protection during longer passages. 

Also visible to onlookers was the exceptional 25-metre-long swimming pool on the main deck aft, plus a spa pool on the upper deck. Her interior is reported to include a gym, spa, sauna and a whole deck devoted to the owner.

• Delivery year: 2021
• Length Overall: 141.6 m
• Beam: 19.5 m
• Gross Tonnage 10154 t

14. Yas | 141m

Delivered in 1978 by De Schelde as a navy frigate, Yas was rebuilt in 2013 by Abu Dhabi MAR. Previously known under the project name Swift 141, she was completely modified with new machinery and electronic systems and outfitted with a luxurious interior. It has been suggested that her owner is a member of the Emirati royal family.

She has been designed inside and out by Pierrejean Design Studio of Paris . The unique superstructure of Yas is built in advanced composites and glass and was supposedly inspired by the profile shape of a dolphin. She is reportedly able to accommodate 60 guests and 56 crew, and on-board features include a heli-pad and al fresco dining spaces aft, and a Jacuzzi on her top deck. Her beach club Jacuzzi is complemented by a waterfall feature and a spiral staircase connects her the multiple decks. Powered by twin MTU diesels, Yas has a top speed of 26 knots.

• Builder: De Schelde
• Country of build: Netherlands
• Length Overall: 141 m
• Beam: 14.6 m
• Gross Tonnage 5002 t

16. Scheherazade | 140m

Another titan by Lürssen , Scheherazade carries the same name as the enigmatic story-teller of the Middle Eastern epic One Thousand and One nights . She hit the water in July 2019 and offers phenomenal volumes at 10,167 GT. Her Espen Øino exterior features a four-deck aluminium superstructure with elegant tapering roofs and an eclectic range of coloured LED exterior lighting. She also has two large helipads – one at the bow and one on the upper deck – plus a prominent beach club aft. 

There is very little information regarding her interior by François Zuretti , but if the work of the French design house on 106-metre Amadea is anything to go by, it is imperious and sophisticated. With the owner known to be a Middle Eastern billionaire, this yacht is designed with warmer climates in mind. Temperatures in excess of 45 degrees Celsius are quite normal in the region during the summer months, so Scheherazade has relatively little exterior space for a yacht of this size. There is limited covered deck space at the aft end of the main and upper decks, but it is well enclosed by glass sides for cooling. Even the sundeck is completely shaded by a hardtop, which all helps to give her an astonishing internal volume.

• Delivery year: 2020
• Length Overall: 140 m
• Beam: 23.3 m
• Gross Tonnage 10167 t

15. Ocean Victory | 140m

Ocean Victory was completed at Fincantieri’s Muggiano yard in Italy after launching in April 2014. This seven-deck yacht is based on a design by Espen Øino and her interior is by Alberto Pinto and Laura Sessa . She has internal seawater dockage for a 14-metre tender and six pools of up to 8 metres in length. There’s a certified helideck and a hangar to store the aircraft, while inside Ocean Victory boasts an underwater observation room and more than 300 square metres of spa facilities. She is SOLAS-classed and is the largest yacht ever built in Italy. 

In 2016, the superyacht world was shocked and saddened to hear of the death of one of Ocean Victory’ s crew members, who suffered critical leg injuries while setting the anchor off the coast of Mu Ko Similan National Park in Thailand. Little else is known about this top-secret yacht, which is kept much under wraps and away from prying eyes.

• Builder: Fincantieri
• Country of build: Italy
• Delivery year: 2014
• Gross Tonnage 8506 t

17. Solaris | 140M

The 140-metre expedition yacht Solaris was launched in the city of Bremerhaven in February 2021 as the flagship model of German shipyard Lloyd Werft . She is the debut project of Australian designer Marc Newson , who has given her a dramatic grey and white superstructure which features a unique fashion plate which wraps around the mast and connects both sides of the hull. Spanning eight decks in total, Solaris has been constructed in aluminium and steel and offers a 26-metre beam. Little information has been shared about her interiors, but her exterior is equipped with a large helipad, a sun deck and a spacious beach club aft.

Turning to the technical elements, Solaris is reportedly outfitted with a power and energy management system from ABB and features two Azipods powered by nine megawatts – the most powerful propulsion system of its kind to ever be installed on a yacht. She runs on a total of eight MTU diesel engines, providing 19,040hp. Little else is known about the superyacht, on which construction first began in 2018.

• Builder: Lloyd Werft
• Length Overall: 139.7 m
• Gross Tonnage 11247 t

18. Al Salamah | 139.3m

Built by the consortium of Howaldtswerke Deutsche Werft (HDW) in Kiel and the Lürssen shipyard in Germany, Al Salamah is often referred to as "Mipos", the code name used during the construction of this most secret of yachts. Mipos was short for "Mission Possible" – a statement proved correct by her delivery in 1999.

She has a length of 139.3 metres, a massive beam of 23.5 metres, and is reported to have a top speed of 21.5 knots. Both the interior design and the exterior styling are by the London-based Terence Disdale Design . Al Salamah was owned by the late Sultan bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia, who also owned 147 metre Prince Abdulaziz . She was refitted by Lürssen in 2007 and is rumoured to carry a hospital room with an underwater treadmill for physical therapy on board.

• Delivery year: 1999
• Length Overall: 139.29 m
• Gross Tonnage 12234 t

19. Luminance | 138.8m

Espen Øino is repsonsible for this giant yacht's crisp exterior lines. Despite a traditional raked bow, she looks bang up to date with a gleaming hull and superstructure that counterpoise dark blue and silver to create a masculine look. Øino has played with the profile of the overhangs to give the illusion of reverse sheer amidships. The effect is especially striking when viewing the yacht from beam-on. Her twin helicopter pads – one on the foredeck and another high up aft – will make her capable of ambitious explorer programmes. She also boasts a large beach club and an infinity pool, with a private spa pool area on the foredeck of what may be an owner's deck.

Luminance was expected in 2023, but delivery has fallen back a fraction. It is a mammoth project, whose true length has only just been confirmed at 138.8 metres. Her Ukranian owner, mining and financial services mogul Rinat Akhmetov, told The New York Times last year that he was mulling the boat's sale following Russia's invasion of his homeland, but it's not known whether he followed through.

• Delivery year: 2024
• Length Overall: 138.8 m
• Gross Tonnage 8999 t

20. Rising Sun | 138m

Rising Sun was built for Larry Ellison, co-founder and CEO of Oracle. She's the last yacht that ever came from designer Jon Bannenberg’s drawing board, with interiors styled by   Laura Seccombe . Rising Sun ’s naval architecture experimented with an extensive use of structural glass for a clean and stripped-down profile.

In 2006, Ellison sold half ownership to media mogul David Geffen, who bought the remaining half in 2010. Rising Sun is reported to have cost more than $290,000,000 and was extended by 18 metres in-build to ensure she was larger than the 126.2-metre Octopus , belonging to Microsoft’s co-founder, Paul Allen. Her 8,000 square metres of living space can accommodate 45 crew members, and includes a wine cellar and basketball court, plus accommodation for 16. One of her tenders, a catamaran, carries the yacht’s 4x4 vehicle ashore.

• Delivery year: 2004
• Length Overall: 138.01 m
• Gross Tonnage 7600 t

21. Flying Fox | 136m

Formerly Project Shu, PYC-compliant Flying Fox was built by Lürssen for a serial charter yacht owner and completed her sea trials off the coast of Germany in May 2019. The 136-metre, six-deck yacht towers 32 metres above the waterline – as tall as three London buses balanced end on end. Her elegant, well-balanced profile by Espen Øino conceals an extraordinarily voluminous interior by Mark Berryman , including a double-height atrium that forms the main deck lobby. There are 11 cabins for 36 guests, all with private sea-view terraces, and expansive outdoor living spaces, such as a 12-metre swimming pool transversing the main deck aft, swim platforms and two helipads. The 400-square-metre spa is the stand-out feature. It has heated limestone floors, a Hammam, massage and beauty treatment rooms and the first cryosauna ever installed on a yacht, with a main chamber that reaches a chilly -110C. There’s also an on-board hospital.

One of the most expensive superyachts in the world available for charter , Flying Fox is crewed by an experienced team of 54. She boasts a toybox stuffed with jet skis and other Seabobs, hoverboards, room for a submarine and and nine different tenders. Plus, she even has her own dive centre and kite surf store on board.

• Delivery year: 2019
• Length Overall: 136 m
• Beam: 20.5 m
• Gross Tonnage 9100 t

22. Savarona | 135.9m

Built by Blohm + Voss for American bridge cable heiress Emily Roebling Cadwalader in 1931, Savarona was sold in 1938 to the Turkish government and became the presidential yacht of Kemal Atatürk. In 1989, Kahraman Sadikoglu obtained a 50-year lease and, with investors, spent $35,000,000 on the refit of this classic superyacht, including a library suite dedicated to the memory of Atatürk and furnished with his personal artefacts. In 2010, after an alleged scandal, the Turkish government cancelled the lease and resumed ownership. In 2014, she was refurbished and now serves as the state yacht of Turkey. 

Savarona was, for a time, offered on the market for superyacht charters around Istanbul, although she is no longer available to the public. Key features onboard this superyacht include a marble-finished Turkish hammam bath that spans the entire 16-metre beam, a swimming pool, a gold-trimmed grand staircase and a private cinema. She is named after a type of black swan found in the Indian Ocean region.

• Delivery year: 1931
• Length Overall: 135.94 m
• Beam: 16.12 m
• Gross Tonnage 4701 t

23. Crescent | 135.5m

Crescent , formerly Project Thunder, has what the yard called a "traditionally-styled" interior by Zuretti , exterior design by Espen Øino and naval architecture by Lürssen . Øino went to great lengths to maximise what he calls the "vision lines" from the interior and the decks – especially from the centreline, which on such a beamy boat is a long way from the sides – by having full height windows and keeping the bulwarks as low as possible.

She has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure and was built to DNV GL standards. Her striking black hull is matched with a silver superstructure that has distinctive wing stations amidships. Just forward of the wing stations are three-deck windows, providing spectacular views for her 18-strong guest list.

• Delivery year: 2018
• Length Overall: 135.5 m
• Gross Tonnage 9194 t

24. Serene | 133.9m

Built for a Russian owner, Serene was the first superyacht delivered by Italian yard Fincantieri . She can accommodate up to 24 guests and 52 crew, and boasts 4,500 square metres of interior space designed by Reymond Langton .

Serene has seven decks, two helipads and a hangar, carries a custom submarine certified to 100m depth and has underwater viewing ports in her Nemo room. A "snow room" can make up to four inches of snow, while the impressive spiral staircase rises through six decks and is lit by a large skylight. Serene won Best Motor Yacht of 3,000GT and Above at the 2012 World Superyacht Awards. Powered by a diesel engine, Serene can reach a top speed of 20 knots and has a maximum cruising range of 6000 nautical miles.

• Delivery year: 2011
• Length Overall: 133.9 m
• Beam: 18.6 m
• Gross Tonnage 8231 t

25. Al Mirqab | 133m

Al Mirqab was built by Peterswerft - Kusch for Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani – the former prime minister of Qatar. Her exterior design is by Tim Heywood and her interiors were styled by Winch Design . She is propelled by five generators that power two electric motors driving conventional shafts and a centrally positioned azimuthing electric pod drive. A grand staircase floats through four floors and surrounds suspended glass artwork by Dale Chihuly. 

Al Mirqab won Motor Yacht of the Year at the World Superyacht Awards 2009 and Best Interior Design among motor yachts. She can accommodate 60 guests and is manned by an equal number of crew.

• Builder: Peterswerft - Kusch
• Length Overall: 133 m
• Gross Tonnage 5000 t

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Planned Outage for Some Cornell Lab Services

Several Cornell Lab of Ornithology services will be unavailable beginning March 19 through 6:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern time on March 21 . This is a one-time disruption while we migrate more than 1.6 billion eBird observations and additional project data to new servers. After the move, our websites will have improved reliability, stability, and room to grow. Thank you for your understanding during this outage.

Don’t worry, your data (checklists, media, Bird Academy courses, Merlin life list, etc.) will be safe during the migration and will be unaffected when we come back online.

Unavailable: The following websites and services will be down during this period:

• eBird.org , including eBird portals, eBird Alerts, the eBird API, eBird Science, and data downloads
• Macaulay Library
• Birds of the World

Partially affected: Several Cornell Lab projects will remain up but services that require a login will be unavailable:

• Bird Academy login and store will be unavailable. Users will be able to access most course materials if they were logged in to the site before the outage. Snap ID quizzes will not function during the outage.
• NestWatch and Project FeederWatch login and data entry will be unavailable both on the website and the app. Please record your data on paper and enter it after the outage ends.
• eBird Mobile app : The Explore and My eBird functions will not work during the outage. You can use the app to create checklists and then submit them after the outage ends. Your eBird data will be safe.
• Merlin Bird ID app : Sound ID will continue to work, as well as Photo ID, Step-by-Step, and Explore, using your recent locations only. You will not be able to save sightings, refresh your life list, update your location, or log in to your account. These functions will return when the outage ends and your data will be safe.

Unaffected: The following sites will continue to function as normal:

• Cornell Lab of Ornithology institutional website
• All About Birds
• Cornell Lab YouTube channel

What Can I Do During the Outage?

Go out birding.

• If you already have Merlin Bird ID app installed, you can still use it for some purposes. Though you won’t be able to update your location, save sightings, or refresh your life list, the ID functions will still work with your saved locations, and you can still browse species using Explore Birds
• If you already have the eBird Mobile app installed on your device, you can start eBird Mobile checklists during the downtime and submit them once eBird is back online. Learn how to Enter Sightings with eBird Mobile

Explore Birds Online

• Read about science, conservation, and birdwatching on All About Birds and in our magazine, Living Bird
• Watch wild birds live on Cornell Lab Bird Cams
• Browse our natural history films on the Cornell Lab YouTube channel
• Watch recorded webinars on everything from Merlin tips and tricks, to feeding birds at home, to conversations with scientists, and more

Stay Connected

• Watch for status updates on our Facebook and Instagram channels
• Join us for two days of fun activities on the  @Team_eBird Instagram  account
• Have some fun by sharing your “life without eBird” on social media. If you’re missing your live eBird access during this outage, share how you’re coping with the hashtag #eBirdLife. We’ll be right there with you!

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Golden-cheeked Warbler by  Bryan Calk/Macaulay Library