This Research Expedition Superyacht Charter Lets You Swim With Whales

EYOS Expeditions, curator of all things involving private excursions on the seas, just unveiled a new series of voyages that will let you explore regions around the globe aboard Feadship’s 187-foot superyachtSuperyachtA large, luxurious vessel typically over twenty-four meters in length, crewed by professionals and equipped with high-end amenities. Superyachts symbolize luxury at sea, and the segment is covered extensively inGo to Superyacht Glossary M/Y Solace, which just underwent a stunning refit. And the adventures aren’t just for spectacle: You can choose to hop aboard with scientists in tow, helping the vessel become a floating ode to ocean research. The experiences kick off with a journey to the Dominican Republic in February, where you’ll get to swim alongside humpback whales in one of the few areas of the world that you’re able to do so.

Overlooking the sea aboard Solace. *EYOS Expeditions and Vickers Studio*

For the inaugural adventure, you’ll head to Silver Bank, one of the most important breeding grounds for the species in the world. There, Solace will play host to you as well as marine researchers from the Caribbean Cetacean Society, who will be investigating the presence of deep-diving creatures, whales, and mapping the density of the animals. So you’ll get to see both the humpbacks and the scientists in action as they gather their intel. In particular, the researchers will use hydro-acoustic tech to track marine life that can’t be seen on visual recordings, eDNA sampling, and seafloor mapping to map the lives of our aquatic counterparts.

All those details can help the Dominican Republic in their mission to turn 30 percent of their waters into marine reserves by 2030. The data collected onboard, which will offer up more information about the various species and their habitats, will be used to help the government decide the location and size of those protected areas. Plus, a piece of your charter fee goes toward funding the missions and conservations programs.

“Solace’s investment in scientific research represents a new model for yacht chartering, where adventure, science, and conservation intersect,” said EYOS Expeditions CEO Ben Lyons said in a press statement. “CharterCharterThe rental of a yacht, jet, or villa for a set period, often with crew included. Charters give travelers access to extraordinary experiences without the commitment of ownership, and demandGo to Charter Glossary guests can discover the extraordinary, while simultaneously helping fund vital research and ocean conservation efforts to protect them, ensuring that their journey contributes to a larger legacy of scientific discovery.”

One of your bedrooms aboard *Solace*. *EYOS Expeditions and Vickers Studio*

As for your home base, Solace is fresh off a 10-month refit that was completed in September. First built in 2005, the vessel got a refresh from Vickers Studio, who added a modern, sophisticated design inside with a soft, neutral color palette. The superyachtSuperyachtA large, luxurious vessel typically over twenty-four meters in length, crewed by professionals and equipped with high-end amenities. Superyachts symbolize luxury at sea, and the segment is covered extensively inGo to Superyacht Glossary is home to five suites for up to 12 guests—with extra space for researchers, of course—alongside a sauna, a gym, and spacious decks. And if you’re looking for more adventure on the seas, there are plenty of tenders, eFoils, SeaBobs, diving gear, and more aboard for you to explore with.

For more details about any of the superyachtSuperyachtA large, luxurious vessel typically over twenty-four meters in length, crewed by professionals and equipped with high-end amenities. Superyachts symbolize luxury at sea, and the segment is covered extensively inGo to Superyacht Glossary’s turns about the seas, head to EYOS Expeditions’s website.

This article originally appeared in Robb Report US.