A Magical Wildlife Charter Adventure

Awaken your inner explorer during a luxury yacht charter. Nature enthusiasts can venture beyond the horizon into unchartered waters and admire idyllic coastlines where flourishing flora and fauna await their discovery. Morley Yachts has prepared a selection of the most exquisite destinations to pique your intrigue for an unforgettable, magical adventure. Whether you seek complete seclusion for breathtaking photography uninterrupted by tourists or to participate in wildlife conservation projects in UNESCO reserves, these destinations will leave little to desire.

Alaska

Discover Alaska’s breathtaking beauty on a yacht charter. Marvel at the stunning icy fjords, listen to the thrilling sounds of glaciers calving into the depths below and witness the abundance of wildlife on land and sea. Experience the dramatic landscapes of an Alaskan yacht charter as you journey south through the straits from Juneau to Sitka.

Starting in Juneau, you can take a helicopter ride over the Mendenhall Glacier to get a breathtaking aerial view of this twelve-mile-long ice river and expansive ice field. For an unforgettable experience to kickstart your first day, combine the helicopter adventure with a dogsledding experience along the glacier, guided by beautiful Alaskan huskies.
Sail through the mesmerising green waters of the thirty-mile-long Tracy Arm fjord, where you can spot abundant wildlife such as sea lions, seals, and whales. This magnificent fjord will leave you breathless with its towering ice cliffs lined with cascading blue waterfalls, creating the perfect winter wonderland.

As you approach the majestic Sawyer Glacier, you will be astounded by its natural beauty. The eerie sounds of this incredible natural wonder calving into the depths below will captivate you. As you continue your passage to Endicott Arm, get your camera ready for sightings of black and grizzly bears fishing for salmon. You may also spot nearby residents such as Sitka black-tailed deer, wolves, moose, and mountain goats near the shoreline with a good pair of binoculars.

Choose between a visit to the second active calving glacier, the Dawes Glacier, where you can see harbour seals and their pups sleepily drifting by on the floating ice, or a fascinating experience at the mysterious mountainside of Ford’s Terror. The waterfalls at Ford’s Terror appear to plunge directly from the misty heavens into the pristine turquoise waters of this narrow fjord. On your cruise to Frederick Sound via Stephen’s Passage off Admiralty Island, you will pass The Brothers archipelago, where sea lions flounder on the rocks. Keep your camera ready to capture the glorious sights of orca pods, humpback whales, and their calves rising and falling in the surrounding waters. Remember to head to the foredeck to catch a glimpse of the playful porpoises dancing in the bow wave.

Stop at Pybus Bay for a hike among Stellar sea lions and brown bears amidst the lush green forest before motoring East to Red Bluff Bay for a sensational cruise below towering cascades from ice fields 915m above you. End your luxury Alaskan yacht charter with a relaxing soak in the geothermal waters of Baranof Hot Springs near the majestic Baranof Waterfall. Alternatively, continue North, passing Sitka to Glacier Bay National Park, where you can enjoy incredible views of sheer blue and green rock nestled below white-frosted mountain tops.

Galapagos

Dive into the paradise islands of the Galapagos, where unique birds and other wildlife, unknown to the rest of the world, roam freely in their undisturbed natural habitat. Explore this volcanic archipelago, teeming with exquisite flora and fauna, and retrace Darwin’s exploration onboard a luxury yacht.

Begin your adventure in the Galapagos at Baltra Island, where crystal clear waters speckled with regal sea lions meet sandy, white beaches formed by decomposed coral. The striking natural landscape of black and red lava rock frosted with vibrant green moss contrasts the idyllic coastline. Trek along untrodden paths abundant in wildlife and encounter magnificent flamingos, bright red sally lightfoot crabs and hermit crabs.

Head north for a short detour around Daphne Major and Minor islands to explore the conservation sites home to numerous bird species. These islands, formed by volcanic ash, are located just north of Santa Cruz. Although the island is inaccessible for non-permit holders, bird enthusiasts will enjoy the opportunity to observe blue-footed boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, pelicans, and Nazca boobies fishing along the shores. For those more interested in underwater life, the Daphne Islands offer a unique opportunity to dive in complete tranquillity alongside sea lions, rays, sea turtles, and colourful tropical fish.

Get underway a short distance to Bartolomé Island, where the awe-inspiring vistas give you the impression that you have left Earth and landed on the moon. Watch for penguins frolicking along the shores as you approach the most photographed island in the Galapagos. Dramatic volcanic rock formations such as the iconic Pinnacle Rock provide fantastic opportunities for photography. For an even more spectacular view, hike to the summit of Bartholomé. Along the trail, you’ll encounter a lava cactus stretching between the lava-sealed rock and the Tiquila plant with its short, spiky grey hairs. From the peak of this incredible island, you can appreciate the panoramic views over Sullivan Bay and its lava flows that separate the island from Santiago Island, and you can even spot the Daphnes. Trail across to Southern Beach to catch glimpses of Spotted Eagle Rays, stingrays and Black-tipped sharks gracefully gliding through the waters below.

Continue East around Santiago Island to arrive at Rabida Island, a bird-watching paradise. Alternatively, you can head to Pinzón Island to experience scuba diving around the circumference of the famous No-Name Rock. Cetacean lovers can enjoy a thrilling dive alongside hammerheads and Galapagos sharks.

Conclude your adventure-filled luxury charter with a visit to the Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island to explore the conservation efforts for Galapagos giant turtles. Take a horse ride into the Santa Cruz highlands from Puerto Ayora to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat at El Chato Tortoise Reserve. A thirty-minute hike will bring you along the volcanic hills to the base of 864m Cerro Crocker, where you’ll witness the vermilion flycatcher and the paint-billed crake. Keep a close eye out for the notoriously elusive Galápagos rail. Also, while hiking the hills, look for the Galapagos Petrel, which nests in the natural cracks of the rock. For the daring explorers, descend into the 2km lava tubes accessible from Bellavista.

Iceland

Explore Iceland’s unspoiled paradise and immerse yourself in the tales of the Old Gods. Discover an Icelandic yacht charter from the capital, Reykjavik, and journey to the waterfall of the gods. Feast your eyes on some of the most breathtaking views on Earth and delight in unparalleled adventure.

Beginning your luxury yacht charter in the Reykjanes Peninsula, home to the UNESCO Geopark, where lava fields lined with moss extend across the landscape, punctuated by unique cone-shaped mountains. This area offers the opportunity to swim or stand between the joining continents of Eurasia and North America. For a truly unique experience, dive beneath the water’s surface in Thingvellir National Park, where you can swim in the 60m Silfra fissure, an underwater canyon dividing the tectonic plates of these two continents. Above ground, trek the Mid-Atlantic ridge above ground for a postcard-perfect picture on the bridge connecting Eurasia and North America. If the day’s adventures have yet to wear you out, explore the thermal springs of Gunnevher, measuring 20m wide; this is Iceland’s largest mud pool. Alternatively, you can bask in the geothermal spa of the famous Blue Lagoon, whose mineral-rich waters offer the perfect rejuvenation after a long day.

As you cruise along the coastline of Reykjavik, nature enthusiasts will have the opportunity to spot some of the region’s twenty-eight species of marine animals, such as humpback and minke whales and white-beaked dolphins. You might be lucky to see a fin, sei, killer, or even a majestic blue whale. Approaching Breiðafjörður, a beautiful, wide, and shallow bay, watch for puffins and take the onboard kayaks out for a short excursion to explore the many protected bird species. The unique national park consists of three thousand rocky islands, protected by the border of Kirkjufell and the Snæfellsjökull glacier. Don’t miss God’s Bookshelf, a fascinating basalt rock formation that will provide a picturesque backdrop for your charter holiday photographs.

While sailing around the northern Snaefellsnes Peninsula, you will spot Kirkjufell Mountain perched on the sea in Grundarfjörður Bay. This unique natural formation is a 700,000-year-old stratovolcano topped by a glacier. Hiking up to the viewing point of this iconic 460-meter landscape will provide you with the most mesmerising photograph of your trip. Two waterfalls adorn the vista perfectly, and if you’re lucky, the Aurora Borealis will dance in the sky above, illuminating the shot. Take a moment to appreciate breathtaking panoramic views of Hellissandur, Rif, the bay of Breiðafjörður, and the West fjords (Látrabjarg cliffs).

Arriving at Flatey Island, avian and marine enthusiasts will be delighted by the magical photography opportunities this natural haven offers. Around twenty bird species inhabit this tiny island, measuring no more than 2km, including Red Phalarope, Black Guillemots and Arctic terns. During the day, visitors can witness the graceful movements of minke, humpback whales, and orcas surfacing and diving in the water. In the evening, guests can enjoy a peaceful dinner on the aft deck while admiring the enchanting dance of the dolphins in the sunset-lit waters.

Lift anchor for another day of magical waterfall exploration in Isafjordur. Upon arrival, admire the impressive mountainscape surrounding the town and watch for sea lions and birds. The drive to the magical Dynjandi Waterfall takes less than an hour and is well worth the short wait. This impressive feat of nature cascades from 100 meters high and resembles a staircase leading down to Earth from the heavens. To capture the entirety of this majestic waterfall, ensure you choose one of the viewing points a little further away. Alternatively, hike from Arnarfjordur fjord up the 200m trail to explore the Dynjandi waterfalls cluster in its totality, comprising seven waterfalls, where Dynjandi awaits at the top.

Marvel in the flourishing flora and fauna in the secluded town of Hornvik. Bordered by the cliffs of Hornbjarg to the east and Haelavikurbjarg to the west, Hornstradir National Reserve is only accessible by boat. Hike the magnificent 400m cliffs, where flora and fauna flourish in complete tranquillity. Discover some of the six million birds nesting on these cliffs and Arctic foxes, the only native land mammal in Iceland. A hunting ban in the nature reserve means the likelihood of spotting Arctic foxes hunting for birds is high. They have grown accustomed to visitors, even venturing surprisingly close to humans, hoping for a treat.

Get underway to Husavik, the whale-watching capital of Iceland, which lies only five miles from the Arctic Circle. A short cruise from Husavik into Skjalfandi Bay will offer sightings of countless cetaceans, including humpback, minke, blue and northern bottlenose whales, orcas, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises on a short cruise into Skjalfandi Bay from Husavik. End your day with a peaceful horse ride along the beaches and lava fields from Saltvik.

Arriving in the magnificent fjord of Eyjafjörður, where the quaint town of Akureyri is situated, protected by snow-covered mountains, enjoy more whale watching. Prepare to end your charter on a high note at the heavenly Godafoss waterfall in the highlands 50km from the port of Akureyri, where Christianity overthrew Paganism. Local folklore claims that the chief lawmaker discarded his statues of the old Nordic gods into the cascading waters, marking the end of the pagan gods.

Costa Rica

Explore magical mangroves, lush rainforest and UNESCO world heritage sites on a luxury yacht charter from Marina Papagayo to Rio Esquinas. Nature enthusiasts can immerse themselves in unrivalled wilderness, abundant history, and thrilling activities along Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. Despite only 51,100m2, Costa Rica is home to 5% of the world’s biodiversity.

Marvel at the idyllic coastline along the Papagayo peninsula, where you’ll witness pods of dolphins and humpback whales. Enjoy formidable snorkelling in the protected Culebra Bay before stepping ashore to head inland for hiking through lava fields among exotic wildlife as you venture to Rincon de la Vieja, an active volcano. Explore the stunning tropical rainforest home to jaguars, pumas, spider monkeys, sloths and exotic birds; remember to have your camera ready. From here, you can horse ride to the Rio Negro waterfalls and appreciate the natural hot springs to conclude the day’s adventures. Alternatively, wind down at the private Arnold Palmer Signature golf course, where 14 of its 18 holes boast breathtaking panoramas over the ocean.

Watch for sea turtles as you get underway to Tamarindo, where the secluded golden beaches of Las Baulas Marine Park and nesting Leatherback sea turtles await. Take part in the Leatherback sea turtle conservation programme at Playa Grande by volunteering or donating to The Leatherback Trust.

Approaching the South Coast of Costa Rica, spend some time around the paradise island, Isla Tortuga, situated on the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. Put on your hiking shoes and voyage through unspoiled nature in Curù National Wildlife Refuge, where white-tailed deer, iguanas and armadillos roam freely on land. Enter the pristine waters to explore the equally abundant aquatic life, where you will encounter manta rays, dolphins, octopuses and sharks. Discover the nightlife with a unique twist as you take a midnight trek through the Manuel Antonio Nature Reserve, revealing Costa Rica’s vibrant nocturnal life.

Step back in time at Caño Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you’ll discover the history of the Indigenous tribes that once inhabited the island. Now occupied by more than two hundred species of exotic fish and other marine life, this intimate setting awaits your discovery of its intriguing underwater mysteries.

Immerse yourself in ultimate seclusion amidst the diverse flora and fauna of the Piedras Blancas, thirty thousand acres of undisturbed nature. Relish the turquoise waters during the day and admire the bioluminescent marine organisms glowing beneath the stars at night. End your unforgettable yacht charter in Rio Esquinas with a thrilling kayak adventure through its magical mangroves. Prepare to capture Caiman crocodile idling in the water, vibrant crabs bustling along the Mangrove roots and avian enthusiasts will delight in spotting some of the forty migratory birds fishing on the river banks.

Discover our complete itinerary sample for a luxury yacht charter in Costa Rica onboard 99m Christina O.

Contact Morley Yachts to discuss an unforgettable luxury charter experience, exploring unique flora and fauna. We’ll assist you with building an itinerary in destinations where unrivalled photography opportunities will capture these inimitable memories for the family to cherish forever.