Skopelos is the greenest island in the Aegean, its mountains covered in dense pine forest that tumbles directly to the sea. For explorer yachts built to push beyond the beaten track, this combination of wild headlands, deserted coves and a pristine marine environment is ideal. The fleet of explorer yachts available in Greece numbers around fifteen vessels, ranging from converted expedition ships with range well beyond the Mediterranean to purpose-built steel-hulled cruisers designed for rough weather passages and shallow-draft anchoring in remote bays.
Explorer yachts are defined by endurance rather than speed, with reinforced hulls, extended fuel and water capacity, and stabilisation systems that make anchoring in open bays comfortable overnight. Crew aboard an explorer yacht typically includes a dedicated dive guide or naturalist on request, suited to the marine park waters around Skopelos and the adjacent Alonnisos National Marine Park.
Weekly charter rates for explorer yachts in Greece typically start at around 50,000 euros and rise to 250,000 euros for the larger vessels, with an advance provisioning allowance of around 30 percent covering fuel, food, drinks and marina fees. Explorer yachts consume considerably less diesel than planing motor yachts of comparable size, which makes a meaningful difference to the final provisioning bill.
The island chain of the Sporades forms a natural circuit: north to Alonnisos and the marine park, south to Skiathos, or east across the open Aegean toward Skyros and beyond. Autumn is particularly rewarding, with summer crowds thinned and sea temperatures warm enough for swimming through October.
