There is something rather romantic about being at sea or gliding along calm river waters. As you board your vessel, you can relax knowing that you can explore a diverse range of landscapes from archipelagos of islands to remote dense jungle regions with no road access whilst enjoying a really comfortable base on-board and without having to constantly unpack between hotels, a very serene way to travel.
Whether it’s a small catamaran cruising the Galápagos archipelago or the coral cayes of Belize or a sleek river vessel with sumptuous suites plying the dark waters of the Amazon River, we have the inside track on the best and most comfortable yachts – and more importantly, those that have the best expedition crew and guides on-board.
We can offer advice on choosing from the simple fishing vessels that operate in the Pantanal searching out jaguar to the mid-size expedition ships that delve into the fjords and glacial valleys of Patagonia and Cape Horn, whether you want to sail the Beagle Channel looking out for pilot whales or access remote regions for superb fly-fishing via an on-board helicopter.
While cabins may be reasonably spacious, you should not expect the absolute height of luxury by European standards, or find the facilities you might have experienced on some large ‘cruise’ ships. These are often simple ships offering a casual, laid-back atmosphere and a perfect base from which to explore wildlife, local communities and a stunning natural environment.
There’s no dressing for dinner, no shows or entertainment – just a great relaxed atmosphere in which you can go over the day’s wildlife encounters with your fellow passengers and guides over an imaginatively prepared dinner of fresh local ingredients.
The Galapagos Islands are considered – and rightly so – to be one of the most spectacular wildlife destinations in the world. Exploring the unique species of each island is effortless when onboard a beautifully appointed and spacious small yacht, either with a small complement of like-minded fellow guests or chartered privately for your own party of friends or family.
Spend each morning and afternoon embarking at different island destinations where you may be walking amongst colonies of marine or land iguanas, blue-footed boobies or waved albatross and snorkelling with turtles and sea lions.
Equally it may be that the very best way to access remote densely forested regions that are the last remaining havens for rare species of wildlife and very traditional communities is by journeying along the river. On the Amazon River from Iquitos in northern Peru, you can do just this without relinquishing your comforts as you luxuriate in your balcony suite with Jacuzzi pool after a day spent discovering the magnificent flora and fauna of the jungle with your naturalist guide.
However you like to explore the oceans and rivers of South and Central America, we will help you select the right yacht or small ship for you, to make your own cruise experience very special indeed.
By Marcela Kunova - 20th April 2017
Nicola Shepherd, founder and CEO of The Exploration Company, organises unusual trips for HNW and UHNW clients ranging from birthday parties at an Indian Maharajah's palace to reliving Sir Vivian Fuchs's 1950s expedition to the South Pole. Citywealth caught ...
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