A yacht charter is the ultimate luxury experience where guests will be pampered by the crew who work tirelessly to create a dream vacation. But imagine also having a unique opportunity to encounter marine science in action – tracking Manta Rays in the Maldives or tagging sharks in the Mediterranean. 

Explorer Yacht Legend in the Antarctic – image from Nicolas Benazeth

Citizen science projects are attracting interest around the world from people willing to offer their time and volunteer to support the scientific community. And superyachts are getting involved too by including environmentally conscious components into their itineraries as well as embracing eco-conscious propulsion and energy usage.

Manta ray

Expedition charters are becoming more popular and there are now more explorer yachts hosting charter guests on voyages to remote locations around the world. Owners can sign up to allow their crews to take part as well – collecting samples from their travels. Finding important projects which are also fun for charter guests can be a challenge, but encouraging scientists on board with the promise of a coveted cabin can be a perfect education experience for families with kids.

Yachts for Science aims to pair researchers with yacht owners for scientific expeditions while The International Seakeepers Society leads marine research initiatives which include yachts, crew and guests in ongoing projects. “The largest expense, and often limiting factor, in ocean research is access to an at-sea research platform”, says The International Seakeepers Society.

Unique wildlife – image from Nicolas Benazeth

The yachting industry is becoming more socially and environmentally conscious with responsible tourism, which follows sustainable practices and makes a positive impact on the natural environment, becoming more important to charter guests.

So if you are considering a charter to anywhere from Antarctica, Costa Rica or Ecuador and even the Mediterranean, why not ask your charter broker about luxury yacht charters which can include citizen science projects in the itinerary. Imagine the thrill of helping count sea-turtles, relocating tortoise hatchlings or even identify whales while experiencing the wonders of your surroundings from the deck of a superyacht.