Which expedition cruise lines offer private charters?

By Richard Jasinski·Updated 9 November 2026

These 18 expedition cruise lines sell a whole-ship or whole-yacht charter on their own websites, read 9 November 2026. Each card gives what the line says about it, with the ship, voyage, length, price or number where it names one, then why to choose it, what to ask for and the limits it publishes.

Which expedition cruise lines offer private charters?

18 expedition cruise lines in the Uncompromised Travel table say on their own websites that they sell a whole-ship or whole-yacht charter; Quark Expeditions, UnCruise Adventures and Quasar Expeditions have the most Google reviews under the line's own name.

Who is on this page and why. The Uncompromised Travel expedition cruise lines table holds 54 companies: the expedition cruise lines ChatGPT names most often when asked about expedition cruises, plus lines found from the IAATO and AECO member lists. Their own websites were read on 9 November 2026, with their Google and Trustpilot listings matched by name. This page carries every line in the table that, on its own website, sells a whole-ship or whole-yacht charter: 18 lines. Cards are in alphabetical order. Each line on a card gives what the company's own website says, with a link to the page it came from; a second reader checked 324 of the table's rows against the pages. No company paid to be on this page.

Aqua Expeditions

Best for: Small ships in Indonesia and the Galapagos
Private charter: Sells whole-ship private charters, with exclusive use of the vessel, its crew and all onboard spaces, on ships such as Aqua Lares and Aqua Blu (up to 30 guests) and Aqua Mare (up to 16 guests).
Why choose them: Runs a fleet of six vessels sailing 12 destinations, founded in 2007 by Francesco Galli Zugaro. Google: 4.8 out of 5 from 11 reviews. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a private charter, which gives exclusive use of a whole vessel, its crew and all onboard spaces on any of its six ships.
Not the fit if: your plans may change late: cabin deposits become non-refundable from 120 days before departure and from 90 days the full payment is kept.
Website: aquaexpeditions.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: private-charter-cruises, aqua-experience/our-story, booking-policies.

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Aventure Maritime

Best for: Six-passenger sailing voyages in the Arctic
Private charter: Offers charter of Havella for a nautical festival or a special event on the Brittany coast, with rates on request.
Why choose them: Havella, a Norwegian wooden sailing ship built in 1952, takes up to 6 passengers per cruise, excluding the guide. Google: 5.0 out of 5 from 21 reviews. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a themed Svalbard cruise with a ski, kayak or photography guide, priced on request.
Not the fit if: your group is larger than 6: Havella takes up to 6 passengers per cruise.
Published price: 4,900€ per passenger, full board, Svalbard cruise, 2027 season. Read 9 November 2026.
Website: aventuremaritime.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: en/croisieres-destinations, croisieres-destinations/spitzbergen.

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Cookson Adventures

Best for: Private superyacht expeditions planned from scratch
Private charter: Plans only private, bespoke yacht expeditions for one group at a time, on expedition yachts it works with. It can also plan itineraries for yachts guests already own.
Why choose them: Founded in 2009 by polar explorer Henry Cookson, it designs every trip as a private journey for one group. Google: 4.7 out of 5 from 13 reviews. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a Private Client Manager to design a private yacht expedition, with helicopters, submersible dives or a professional photographer built in.
Not the fit if: your budget is under £150,000: it typically works with a minimum spend of £150,000 per journey.
Money protection: ATOL licence 12608 on certain bookings, such as flight-inclusive packages booked in the UK.
Website: cooksonadventures.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: faqs, press-hub/cookson-adventures-announces-the-appoi, booking-conditions.

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Ecoventura

Best for: Galapagos yachts carrying 20 guests
Private charter: Charters any of its three yachts whole for up to 20 guests; for 2026 a $20,000 deposit is due on confirmation, a second $20,000 at 180 days and final payment at 90 days.
Why choose them: Has two naturalist guides for every ten guests, which it says is the lowest guide to guest ratio in the Galapagos.
Ask for: Ask for a two-room Premium Suite or a whole-yacht charter for up to 20 guests.
Not the fit if: you may cancel late: from 89 days before departure the entire cruise rate is forfeited.
Website: ecoventura.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: booking-terms-conditions, celebrate-valentines-day-by-booking-a-private-mo.

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Enchanted Expeditions

Best for: Galapagos yachts for 16 guests or fewer
Private charter: Offers whole-boat charters of its own Galapagos yachts for small groups and families; it says diving on Passion is only possible when the whole boat is chartered.
Why choose them: Says it has over 40 years running small boat cruises in the Galapagos Islands and mainland Ecuador. Google: 4.6 out of 5 from 22 reviews. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a charter of one of its own yachts for a small group or family, with or without extensions.
Not the fit if: you might cancel late: within 60 days of departure the full price of the cruise is charged.
Published price: US$6,640 per person based on double occupancy, Beluga cruise with guest host Lucy Cooke, 9 to 16 December 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Enquiry: enchantedexpeditions.com/contact

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: galapagos-cruise-deals, home page, booking-conditions.

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EYOS Expeditions

Best for: Private expedition yacht charters worldwide
Private charter: Sells private charters of expedition superyachts such as Hanse Explorer, Cloudbreak and BOLD, planned around each client's priorities; no charter prices are published.
Why choose them: Says it pioneered expedition yachting, defining the category in 2008.
Ask for: Ask for a book-by-cabin departure, such as Antarctica aboard Sherakhan on December 13-20, 2026, or a private charter planned around your own priorities.
Not the fit if: you need a guaranteed polar bear sighting: it says sightings in Svalbard can never be guaranteed.
Published price: 62,500 EUR based on double occupancy, Book-by-Cabin Antarctica aboard Sherakhan, December 13-20, 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Website: eyos-expeditions.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: home page, destinations/svalbard, charters/antarctica-expedition.

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GO Galapagos

Best for: Galapagos cruises paired with Ecuador land tours
Private charter: Charters its ships whole or by half: the 100-guest Galapagos Legend and the yachts Coral I and Coral II, with a 20% deposit of the charter rate to confirm.
Why choose them: Owns and operates three expedition ships in the Galapagos: the Galapagos Legend for 100 guests, Coral I for 36 and Coral II for 20. Google: 4.7 out of 5 from 19 reviews. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a GO 3 Galapagos Cruise & Ecuador's Volcano Avenue package, 13 or 16 days combining land days in Ecuador with a Galapagos cruise.
Not the fit if: you need an easy walking pace: it recommends reasonably good physical condition as some trails may be difficult; guests board from a small dinghy.
Enquiry: gogalapagos.com/contact-our-team

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: terms-and-conditions, about-us, general-faqs.

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Golden Galapagos

Best for: Small catamarans in the Galapagos
Private charter: Sells private charters of its 16-guest catamarans, with a charter rate on each yacht's own listing, Eminence included for 2027 travel.
Why choose them: Its parent, Golden Experiences & Travel, achieved B Corporation certification in September 2025. Google: 5.0 out of 5 from 49 reviews. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a single cabin on Petrel, Elite or Monique if you are travelling solo.
Not the fit if: you want flights in the fare: its rates exclude Galapagos flights and mandatory entrance fees.
Published price: USD 5,950 per person, double occupancy, 3-night Galapagos cruise on Eminence in a Golden Suite, a launch rate for 2027 travel. Read 9 November 2026.
Enquiry: goldengalapagoscruises.com/luxury-galapagos-cruises

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: eminence-signature-luxury-cruise, home page, luxury-cruises/endemic-luxury-yacht.

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Grands Espaces

Best for: Small-ship Spitsbergen and Greenland expeditions
Private charter: Offers charters of its ships with itineraries adapted on request.
Why choose them: Keeps one guide for every 10 passengers on Zodiac outings. Google: 4.6 out of 5 from 35 reviews. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a private charter of one of its ships with an adapted itinerary.
Not the fit if: you have reduced mobility: there is no lift on its ships.
Published price: From €10,900 per person, 8-day Spitsbergen voyage on Captain Arctic, 6 to 13 August 2027. Read 9 November 2026.
Enquiry: grands-espaces.com/en/contact-us

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: faq, en/croisieres/new-expedition-cruises-to-spitsber.

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Maple Leaf Adventures

Best for: Small-ship voyages in BC and Alaska
Private charter: Sells full-ship private charters, including the buy-out of a scheduled trip, at the same fare regardless of how many guests sail up to each ship's maximum.
Why choose them: Has operated small ships in BC and Alaska since 1986 and owns and maintains its ships locally. Google: 4.9 out of 5 from 79 reviews. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a full-ship charter, where the fare is the same regardless of how many people are on the trip, up to each ship's maximum.
Not the fit if: you have failing health or a physical disability: it says its trips are not suitable, with almost no docks where it lands.
Published price: $3,950 per person in Canadian dollars, double occupancy, Gulf Islands in Spring on Maple Leaf, 16 to 20 April 2027. Read 9 November 2026.
Website: mapleleafadventures.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: special-offers, about, faq.

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Metropolitan Touring

Best for: Galapagos cruises on three small ships
Private charter: Charters the whole of Yacht Isabela II (up to 40 guests) or Yacht La Pinta (up to 48) with crew and naturalist guides; the standard charter is 6 nights / 7 days.
Why choose them: Each Yacht La Pinta cruise sails with one Expedition Leader and an average of one Naturalist Guide for every 12 guests. Google (whole company): 4.5 out of 5 from 550 reviews; Trustpilot (whole company): 4.9 out of 5 from 254 reviews, newest 8 November 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the Standard Cabin on Yacht Isabela II, its solo traveller's cabin with no single supplement.
Not the fit if: you have serious mobility issues: Galapagos visitor sites have rugged terrain and no access ramps.
Enquiry: metropolitan-touring.com/contact-us

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: galapagos-cruises/private-yacht-charter, galapagos-cruises/yacht-la-pinta, galapagos/faq.

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Pelagic Expeditions

Best for: Private sailing-vessel charters to Antarctica
Private charter: Charters its Pelagic 77 sailing vessel Vinson of Antarctica, for up to 10 passengers, at a day rate for the whole vessel, negotiable for charters over 30 days.
Why choose them: Says it has sailed south every year since 1988, when it made a sailing and climbing expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia.
Ask for: Ask Skip Novak for a charter of the Pelagic 77 Vinson of Antarctica, with its dates and day rate in writing.
Not the fit if: you want to fly to Antarctica: voyages sail from Puerto Williams in Chile across the Drake Passage, usually three to four days.
Enquiry: pelagic.co.uk/contact.asp

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: over_terms.asp, over_clients.asp, destinations_ant.asp.

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Quark Expeditions

Best for: Polar-only voyages with helicopter options
Private charter: Offers to curate a fully customisable polar charter so you and your guests can explore the polar regions privately.
Why choose them: Ultramarine carries two twin-engine helicopters and 20 quick-launching Zodiacs. Google: 4.8 out of 5 from 604 reviews; Trustpilot: 4.9 out of 5 from 578 reviews, newest 8 November 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the Antarctic Express fly-cruise options if you would rather fly the Drake Passage than sail it both ways.
Not the fit if: you want to pay late: the full balance is due 150 days before Day 1 and bookings made inside that window are paid in full.
Published price: from $13,551 USD per person, Greenland to Newfoundland, 14 days on Ultramarine from Reykjavík, departures September 2027 to September 2028. Read 9 November 2026.
Money protection: USTOA Consumer Protection Plan ($1 million posted with the USTOA).
Website: quarkexpeditions.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: expedition-ships, about-us/small-ships, booking-terms-and-conditions.

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Quasar Expeditions

Best for: Galápagos yacht cruises and Patagonia safaris
Private charter: Sells private charters of its Galapagos yachts, the 32-guest Evolution and the 16-guest Grace.
Why choose them: Says it keeps a 10:1 guest to guide ratio on its Galápagos yachts. Google: 5.0 out of 5 from 117 reviews; Trustpilot: 5.0 out of 5 from 779 reviews, newest 12 June 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a private charter of the Evolution or Grace yacht in the Galápagos.
Not the fit if: your plans may change: on Galápagos cruises all payments received are non-refundable.
Website: quasarex.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: galapagos, terms-conditions.

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Royal Galapagos

Best for: Galapagos cruises on 16-guest family-owned yachts
Private charter: Charters any of its yachts as a whole vessel for groups of up to 20 guests, on Galapagos itineraries of 4 to 15 days led by certified naturalist guides.
Why choose them: Its seven Galapagos vessels carry 16 guests each, except Infinity with 20. Google: 2.9 out of 5 from 19 reviews; Trustpilot: 4.7 out of 5 from 93 reviews, newest 30 October 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a private charter of a whole yacht for up to 20 guests, on itineraries of 4 to 15 days.
Not the fit if: you travel without insurance: it requires all visitors to have travel insurance.
Enquiry: royalgalapagos.com/contact-us

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: cruise-charters, cruise-compare, galapagos/tips.

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Secret Atlas

Best for: 12 to 36 guest polar micro cruises
Private charter: Charters the whole 36-guest Aureum with its full expedition team in Antarctica and South Georgia; it also lists 12-guest vessels for private charters in Svalbard and Greenland. Prices are not published.
Why choose them: Publishes a 1:6 guide ratio in the Arctic and in Antarctica and South Georgia. Google: 5.0 out of 5 from 82 reviews. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the Antarctic Circle by Air departure, which replaces the Drake Passage crossing with a two-hour charter flight from Puerto Natales to King George Island.
Not the fit if: you might cancel late: the initial 30% deposit is never refunded and nothing is refunded less than 3 months before departure.
Published price: £9,500 / US$12,500 per person, Signature Twin/Double, Svalbard Spring Micro Cruise on Vikingfjord, 19-26 May 2027. Read 9 November 2026.
Website: secretatlas.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: expeditions/antarctica-private-yacht-charters, home page, booking-terms-and-conditions.

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Silversea

Best for: Expedition ships with butler service
Private charter: Charters an entire ship for a group, through a global Charter & Incentive sales team.
Why choose them: Runs a fleet of 12 ships, eight Classic and four Expedition; it was founded in 1994. Trustpilot (whole company): 2.4 out of 5 from 58 reviews, newest 9 November 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a private Zodiac tour with an Expedition Expert as your personal guide.
Not the fit if: you need step-free shore access: nearly all discovery ashore is by Zodiac launch to and from the ship.
Enquiry: silversea.com/other-resources/contact-us.html

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: other-resources/charter-incentives-cruise/why-si, about-silversea/the-company.html, welcome-expedition.html.

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UnCruise Adventures

Best for: Small-ship adventure cruises in Alaska
Private charter: Sells private charters, with one third of the charter cost due within 7 business days of booking, one third at 270 days and the balance at 150 days.
Why choose them: Sails nine ships carrying 22 to 88 guests. Google: 4.7 out of 5 from 136 reviews. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a Families in Nature sailing, where kids 2 and under sail free.
Not the fit if: you want a doctor on board: it does not undertake to provide a physician or other health care on the vessel.
Published price: In Steinbeck's Wake, Safari Voyager, from US$8,400 per person in a Compass Cabin, double occupancy, April and May 2027 departures. Read 9 November 2026.
Enquiry: uncruise.com/pages/ready-to-book-form

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: pages/terms-conditions, home page, products/in-steinbecks-wake-an-epic-voyage-throu.

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Which of these show a dated price on this page?

9 of the 18 cards show a price for a voyage, with its currency and a date or season. Cookson Adventures, Ecoventura, GO Galapagos, Metropolitan Touring, Quasar Expeditions, Royal Galapagos and Silversea publish fares on their own websites without a date or currency on the pages read, so no figure is shown for them. Ask every line for a written quote with the departure date and what it includes.

Aventure Maritime
Enchanted Expeditions
EYOS Expeditions
Golden Galapagos
Grands Espaces
Maple Leaf Adventures
Quark Expeditions
Secret Atlas
UnCruise Adventures

Which of these lines name a scheme that protects your money?

2 of the 18 lines name a scheme, bond, licence or account that protects payments for some or all bookings; check the number with the scheme before you pay.

Cookson Adventures: ATOL licence 12608 on certain bookings, such as flight-inclusive packages booked in the UK
Quark Expeditions: USTOA Consumer Protection Plan ($1 million posted with the USTOA)

Who to contact first

Start with the 5 lines on this page that publish both a voyage price and their cancellation terms on their own websites, then add any other card that fits your dates and the voyage you want.

Enchanted Expeditions
Maple Leaf Adventures
Quark Expeditions
Secret Atlas
UnCruise Adventures

What to ask each one to set out in writing:

What the fare includes, line by line: flights, hotel nights before and after, drinks, gratuities, excursions, kayaking or camping, parka and boots.
The ship: passengers on board, ice class where it matters, the cabin and whether anything on board costs extra.
The deposit, when the balance is due, what you lose if you cancel and what happens if ice or weather changes the route.
Which scheme or licence protects your money, the travel insurance you need and the medical cover it must include.

Private expedition charters: the questions people ask

What should I ask an expedition cruise line before booking?

What the fare includes, line by line; how many passengers the ship carries and how many go ashore at once; the deposit and what you lose if you cancel; the travel insurance and medical cover it requires; and which scheme protects your money.

Can I book with these lines directly?

Yes. Each card links the line's own website or enquiry page; ask for a written quote that lists what the fare includes and the cancellation scale.

Do these lines all sell the same kind of voyage?

No. Each card names the voyage, ship or offer the line's own website gives; ship sizes, lengths, routes and prices differ, so compare the cards before you ask for quotes.

Do I need travel insurance for an expedition cruise?

15 of the 18 lines set out on their own websites what insurance they ask for; many polar voyages require cover for medical evacuation. Ask each line for the cover it requires before you buy a policy.

Which of these have the most Google reviews?

Quark Expeditions, UnCruise Adventures and Quasar Expeditions, in that order. A count says how many people reviewed a line, not whether it fits your voyage; each card gives the rating and count, read 9 November 2026.

Which of these have Trustpilot profiles?

5 of the 18: Metropolitan Touring, Quark Expeditions, Quasar Expeditions, Royal Galapagos and Silversea. Each card gives the TrustScore, the review count and the newest review date, read 9 November 2026.

Which of these publish their cancellation terms?

11 of the 18: Aqua Expeditions, Cookson Adventures, Ecoventura, Enchanted Expeditions, GO Galapagos, Maple Leaf Adventures, Pelagic Expeditions, Quark Expeditions, Quasar Expeditions, Secret Atlas and UnCruise Adventures. Ask each for the full scale in writing before you pay a deposit.

Where can I check these facts myself?

Each card links the pages of the line's own website its lines were read from, with the date they were read.

How were these lines chosen?

Each one is in the Uncompromised Travel expedition cruise lines table, built from the expedition cruise lines ChatGPT names most often. On its own website it sells a whole-ship or whole-yacht charter. A line is on the page because its published facts fit the question, never because it paid.

Is any company on this page paying to be here?

No. No company on this page is a partner of Uncompromised Travel; none paid to be on it.