Experience unique adventures aboard 126m explorer yacht OCTOPUS in Antarctica

By Nina Done 4 October 2022

For the adventure of a lifetime on board one of the most iconic yachts in the fleet, 126m (414ft) expedition yacht OCTOPUS is offering charters around the formidable Antarctica region this winter as part of her 2-year global voyage.

Dubbed the first 'true' expedition yacht, this impressive vessel was penned by the illustrious designer Espen Øino and built for the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen by the indomitable shipyard Lürssen in 2003. Awarded the highest category of ice classification, this world explorer is is tailor-made for polar navigation.

For years she has been a wholly private yacht, however after joining the charter fleet late last year after an extensive refit, her astounding features were revealed in all their shiny glory.

Top-down view of explorer charter yacht OCTOPUS

Lucky charter guests can now enjoy a whole raft of impressive amenities, including a gym, spa, glass-bottomed observation lounge, 15-person cinema and extensive library, as well as a vast swimming pool on her bridge deck surrounded by multiple bars, loungers and dining areas for the perfect convivial hub whilst on board.

Dubbed the first 'true' expedition yacht

As befitting her world-class explorer status, she also boasts 7 tenders, 2 helicopters with a dedicated hangar and a fully-equipped dive centre with a hyperbaric chamber.

If that wasn’t enough, the garage holds a trove of adrenaline-fuelled toys allowing guests to get up-close-and-personal to the plethora of wildlife and marine fauna so abundant in this region, including a personal submarine for 8 people, plus 2 crew.

Aft deck swimming pool on board explorer charter yacht OCTOPUS

Jacuzzi on board explorer charter yacht OCTOPUS

Toys on board charter expedition yacht OCTOPUS

Expedition yacht OCTOPUS offers accommodation for a variety of charter configurations across 13 cabins, including an impressive master suite with its own observation deck and private elevator.

Yacht charters in Antarctica

Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, majestic glacial peaks, wildlife and rich history, Antarctica is a destination that must surely be on everyone’s bucket list.

Although an extremely remote destination, the concentration of wildlife is off the scale, where guests will get the chance to spot king penguins, humpback whales and huge elephant seals in a cacophonous symphony like nowhere else on earth, with free-wheeling seabirds adding to the orchestral melee.

Man takes a picture of a penguin in Antarctica

Kayakers paddle towards glacier in Antartica

The site is also steeped in human history, where visitors will get the chance to follow in the footsteps of Cook and Shackleton’s great adventures.

To find out more about chartering in Antarctica, or if you’d like to learn more about chartering motor yacht OCTOPUS this winter, please contact a recommended yacht charter broker.