Explorer yachts have gained in popularity over recent years. From the first 'true explorer', the 126-metre Octopus, to the pocket explorers that have been launched by shipyards across the industry, these yachts embody the purest essence of yachting and offer their owners the opportunity to explore the furthest reaches of the globe.

According to SYT iQ there are 61 explorer yachts currently on the market and here are our top picks of some of the most interesting explorer yachts under 35-metres on the market right now. Mimi La Sardine | CdM | 2018 | 33.85-metres

Mimi La Sardine presents in exceptional condition. Built in Ancona, Italy by Cantiere delle Marche, she was delivered in 2019 as part of the Nauta Air 110 series. Hydro Tec was responsible for her naval architecture, while her interior and exterior design was penned by Nauta Design, who committed to creating a cosy, five-stateroom yacht, perfect for family-and-friend cruises. Nauta Design curated a contemporary and elegant interior with curved lines, luxurious fabrics and organic shapes in muted tones. The main saloon features large plus sofas, plants, and warm lighting, creating a sumptuous home away from home. One of the jewels in Mimi La Sardine’s crown is her floating glass and balustrade staircase leading guests to the upper deck. Her defining boho-luxe interiors flow seamlessly into her exterior spaces, with reclaimed wood sprawled throughout her decks to provide rich textures. Located aft on the sundeck is her illuminated glass-walled hot tub that is elevated to provide the best panoramic views.

Mimi La Sardine is currently being listed for sale by SuperyachtsMonaco with an asking price of €13,500,000.Aquarius IV | Carpi Navi | 1993 | 35-metres

Aquarius IV was delivered in 1993 by Italian shipyard Carpi Navi. Voyaging across the seas for three decades, Aquarius IV has been meticulously maintained over the years, with her exterior design and naval architecture being penned by De Vries Lentsch.Aquarius IV presents a classic and timeless interior design, decorated with dark woods and tasteful artwood throughout. Her main saloon features leather sofas, a wide-screen television, impressive bookshelves, as well as a bar. There is a separate room designed for formal dining, surrounded by windows to provide plenty of natural light. Outside, Aquarius IV offers a wide array of seating options, with an alfresco dining area, armchairs, sofas, and sunbeds. Her twin Deutz engines allow her to reach a top speed of 15 knots, and a comfortable cruising speed of 10 knots.

Aquarius IV is currently being listed for sale by IYC with an asking price of €3,250,000. Ezgy | Blaundus Yachts | 2021 | 30-metres

Ezgy recently entered the market in turn-key condition. The 290 GT tri-deck yacht was built by Turkey-based Blaundus Yachts as part of the yard’s B30 series, and features exterior design and naval architecture by Unique Yacht Design, and interior design by Studio Urun Design. Ezgy’s interior features an open-plan saloon with large windows illuminating her natural colour palette and offering extensive views. She is able to sleep up to ten guests across five staterooms, including a full-beam master suite that benefits from a lobby and a spacious ensuite bathroom. Outside, Ezgy boasts ample space for relaxing and entertaining, with an impressive 65-square-metre bridge deck and a 22-square-metre beach club.

Ezgy is currently being listed for sale by Fraser with an asking price of €6,950,000.

Gayle Force | Bloemsma & van Breemen | 2003 | 29.26-metres

Gayle Force, launched in 2003, was built by Bloemsma & van Breemen in the Netherlands. She features exterior design from the boards of Vripack, while her interior was penned by Jonathan Quinn Barnett. Gayle Force is a tried and tested ocean explorer with an impressive track record, having completed trips to Antarctica, Nova Scotia, and Northern Alaska. Gayle Force can accommodate eight guests across three staterooms, including a generous full-beam master suite with lounge area and considerable storage space. Outside, Gayle Force features a large flybridge with dining and lounge areas, as well as a helm station and Jacuzzi. Her upper deck offers a number of sunbeds and has storage for an array of toys, such as a dinghy catamaran and paddle boards, so guests can turn the sea into their own personal playground.

Gayle Force is currently being listed for sale by Fraser with an asking price of $4,950,000.Maverick | Kuipers Woudsend | 2003 | 28.95-metres

Maverick is a classic Doggersbank, launched in 2003 by Kuipers Woudsend. She was designed in full by the Dutch studio Vripack, who penned Maverick with timeless exterior lines, creating a classy and elegant appearance. Don’t let her exterior fool you - this explorer yacht has been constructed with a steel hull to ensure her sturdiness in a wide range of weather conditions. Vripack curated her interior spaces with traditional cherry mahogany throughout, and her generous saloon is fitted with a mix-match of furnishings to give her a homely feel. In total, Maverick offers 179 GT of interior space, her three-stateroom layout providing space for up to six guests. Powered by twin Caterpillar engines, Maverick has an impressive 5,000 nautical mile range when travelling at nine knots.

Maverick is currently being listed for sale by IYC with an asking price of $6,200,000.O | Jade | 2010 | 27.9-metres

O was launched by the Taiwanese shipyard in 2010 as part of the Bandido 90 Explorer series. The 27.9-metre explorer yacht is well-known in the yachting sphere, frequently exhibited in shows such as the Cannes Yachting Festival. Previously named Saint Daria, O features exterior design by Espinosa Yacht Design, who also penned her interior design, while her naval architecture was designed by Vripack. Her interior is beautifully appointed in cream and neutral tones, which contrast nicely against her dark wooden walls. Aft lies double doors that lead out onto her exterior deck, where there is a large dining table that comfortably seats ten guests. The neutral palette continues into her five staterooms, with cream carpentry and warm lighting, enhancing the yacht’s cosy atmosphere. O is equipped with twin MAN engines that allow her to reach a top speed of 14 knots and a comfortable cruising speed of 11 knots.

O is currently being listed for sale by Drettmann Yachts with an asking price of €4,690,000.Belle Isle | Kingship Yacht | 2010 | 27.2-metres

Launched in 2010 from Kingship Marine, the first owner presents Belle Isle in immaculate condition. The 175 GT motor yacht was engineered and designed in full by Vripack and looks fresh as ever after undergoing a new exterior paint job in 2021. Designed for extensive travel, Belle Isle is perfect for those looking to spend long periods at sea. Belle Isle’s interior is light and smart, following a neutral colour palette, with subtle oriental influences which add a nice detailing against the neutral fabrics and oak cabinetry. Her four-stateroom configuration includes a master suite that offers a sweep of panoramic windows for 180-degree views, and an impressive ensuite with a full size bathtub. Belle Isle’s spacious exterior features an alfresco dining table, Jacuzzi, and freestanding sun loungers. With twin Caterpillar engines, she is able to reach a top speed of 12 knots and a cruising speed of 10 knots.

Belle Isle is currently being listed for sale by Camper & Nicholsons with an asking price of €3,180,000.Kama Bay | Richards Shipbuilder s | 1978 | 26.5-metres

Kama Bay was delivered in 1978 by Richards Shipbuilders, who also penned her classic exterior design. She has been meticulously maintained over the years and underwent a full refit in 2011. The explorer yacht offers an exceptional range of 12,000 nautical miles, making her a true go-anywhere superyacht. Kama Bay offers accommodation for up to 12 guests across six staterooms, alongside six crew to ensure her guests have a pleasant cruising experience. The 211 GT motor yacht is powered by one Mirrlees Blackstone engine that provides her with a top speed of nine knots. Kama Bay is currently being listed for sale by Ocean Independence with an asking price of €590,000.Elena | Kramer & Booy NV | 1968 | 26.2-metres

Elena was delivered in 1968 by Kramer & Booy NV. After being transformed from a fishing trawler and converted into a transatlantic explorer vessel in 2017 by her previous owner, Elena is an ideal adventure yacht ready to explore the globe. Showcasing an inviting Nordic-style interior penned by her builder, the explorer yacht can comfortably accommodate 6 guests across three guest suites along with additional space for 4 crew members onboard. Highlights of the explorer yacht include an impressive spacious aft deck and an open-plan classical yet contemporary saloon. The 138 GT yacht is powered by a single Deutz AG engine giving her a cruising speed of 8 knots and a top speed of 10 knots.

Elena is currently being listed for sale by Ocean Independence with an asking price of €840,000.