Why wealthy travellers are chartering yachts to Antarctica: the world’s richest are splurging millions to visit extreme destinations – complete with 5-star luxuries and safety, of course

Aug 5 , 2023

Wealthy travellers are booking luxurious trips to extreme destinations like Antarctica. Photo: Handout

Travelling to extreme destinations doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your safety, with many being sceptical about certain trips after OceanGate’s Titan submersible tragedy

Eyos ensures that safety is at the forefront for guests as they embark on luxurious full-service yacht charters – with perks like helicopters, National Geographic photographers and ice pilots

After news about the Titan submersible tragedy, there’s a good chance you’ve judged wealthy travellers who want to blow their money on risky holidays to remote destinations. But not all companies are OceanGate, and not all of these trips have to be just as dangerous.

Travellers with ultra-deep pockets and an extreme travel itch to scratch have been turning to another option: Eyos Expedition. And while the travel company won’t bring you to the Titanic, it will bring its clients to destinations like Antarctica aboard a luxurious full-service yacht charter.

Scepticism on high-risk trips

Antarctica is one of the best places to visit as an adventurer. Photo: Handout

As of late, talk about the Titan submersible wreckage could make travellers nervous to go on high-risk trips. But travelling to extreme destinations doesn’t have to be a life-threatening adventure.

“Recent events have shown the importance of having experienced teams,” Ben Lyons, the CEO of Eyos Expeditions, told us.

“There’s really no substitution for experience and expertise,” he said, adding that clients need to understand which companies are taking a more responsible approach to extreme travel. Before starting his role at Eyos, Lyons was an officer and captain on the Queen Mary 2 and several expedition ships going to the Arctic, he told us.

No one is squeezing into a small submarine here

Luxury yachts are one of life’s best indulgences – especially for the super-wealthy. Photo: Handout

His company’s model is straightforward – and there’s no need to squeeze into a small submarine. Eyos’ clients can charter a full yacht with their friends and family to explore desirable and remote destinations. No need to travel with strangers when you have an entire luxury vessel to yourself.

As Lyons says, Eyos is in the business of “selling dream holidays and once-in-a-lifetime experiences”.

“If you see people reacting to a whale surfacing nearby, it’s a very different reaction than going to a museum or having a really good meal,” Lyons said.

Wealthy travellers are chartering yachts to go to extreme destinations. Photo: Handout

“There’s something more fundamental about it,” he said. It translates to a deeper experience and greater interconnectedness with a group.