Whether polar icebreaker, dive support vessel, luxurious yacht, or nimble sailing craft, EYOS will guide you to the best expedition yacht for your charter. In this ongoing series, we ask some of our staff about the yachts we regularly work with and what makes them so special. Here, we highlight OCTOPUS, an iconic yacht that is a destination in itself. She is an unparalleled platform for discovering the remote wild places of the world.
OCTOPUS represents an ideal blend of expedition capability and luxury. From an ROV that has allowed us to explore shipwrecks, to helicopter pads that enable a day of heliskiing. There’s just nothing that that ship can’t do. Every mission that we have been asked of our clients on OCTOPUS, we have been able to deliver. People think of OCTOPUS as this incredible luxury vessel because it’s so big but what really separates it is that it’s actually a very capable, well-thought-out expedition vessel that allows us to perform any mission that our clients have asked of us. – Tim Soper, EYOS Co-Founder
Aside from the impressive list of technical specifications, equipment and toys on OCTOPUS, one of the best features is the level of comfort and service you will experience on board. After a full day of activities and excursions, you have so many options to enjoy on the yacht itself. You could gather around the cozy fireplace in the library to share stories and photos of the day, see a movie or engage in a lecture from one of your knowledgeable guides in the cinema, soak in the surrounding views in one of three outdoor hot-tubs, or take full advantage of the extensive spa treatments on offer. If you’re still feeling energetic, you could also have a good workout in the modern gym, and/or have a sauna or massage. The crew are very professional, yet friendly, and will make you feel at home while providing top-notch service! – Jayne Hoskisson, EYOS Expedition Services & former OCTOPUS Chief Stewardess
I have been fortunate enough to work and travel on some of the greatest yachts ever built. OCTOPUS is a proven world luxury explorer yacht and has been used in rescue missions, exploration projects, and scientific research initiatives. I think what sets her apart is a fantastic knowledgeable crew that made our Antarctic helicopter and ski operations seamless. I am hoping to work with OCTOPUS again soon! – Douglas Stoup, EYOS Lead Ski Guide
It may seem like a little thing, but from my perspective as an ice pilot, the bridge was exceptionally well-designed and thought out. You can tell this was a vessel where the actual capabilities and mission profile of the vessel were considered from the design stage. For instance, the vessel is excellent– including enclosed bridge wings that extend far beyond the hull. These afford excellent sightlines down the hull, which is extremely important when navigating through ice. Again, it may seem like a small thing, but details matter, and OCTOPUS has that level of care and attention to detail throughout. – Ben Lyons, EYOS CEO
After having worked at sea for 15 years on some of the most prestigious yachts, joining OCTOPUS is an experience one cannot forget, it feels like walking on a James Bond movie set. Between the large marina opening up at the back of the vessel, the underwater observation lounge, the onboard cinema with synchronized motion seats, not to mention two helipads, an ROV, and a submarine. OCTOPUS is a one-of-a-kind expedition yacht! Olivia de Varreux, EYOS Field Staff Manager & former OCTOPUS Purser
OCTOPUS has a fantastic crew; a seamless team who each contributes an individual role in delivering excellence. Each of the team members is passionate about the boat, their role, and their fellow crew members, and the sense of adventure, camaraderie, and professionalism is palpable. Rob McCallum, EYOS Co-Founder & OCTOPUS Antarctica 2022/23 Expedition Leader
OCTOPUS is the most fit-for-purpose polar superyacht I have ever worked on. Her more than impressive capability, high-tech equipment, and amazingly competent and friendly officers and crew are a testament to what you get when you fit one of the world’s best adventure platforms with some of the world’s best expedition crew, guides, and technical experts. Nothing is too much for this team, their commitment to being the best in the business is outstanding. – Mick Davidson, EYOS Senior Polar Guide