OAT’s privately chartered Small Ships
Our Small Ship Adventures in the Galápagos, along Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, and up and down the Amazon River feature small ships that we’ve privately chartered for the exclusive use of our small groups. These vessels were carefully chosen to provide us with the best access to the regions we’ll be exploring—while offering a consistently high level of comfort and convenience for our travelers.
Uncover the natural wonders of the Galápagos and the Amazon
Galápagos Small Ships
We use privately chartered small ships in the remote Galápagos Islands–vessels that accommodate just 16 OAT travelers. Since encounters with local wildlife and nature are paramount during your visit to the Galápagos, we’ve selected vessels that are best able to navigate the remote island chain.
We want to bring you as close as possible to the unique wonders that inspired Charles Darwin to write his theories of evolution more than 150 years ago.
You can experience a small ship adventure in the Galápagos on our Machu Picchu & the Galápagos and Ultimate Galápagos Exploration & Ecuador’s Amazon Wilds Small Ship Adventures
» Learn more about our Small Ships in the Galápagos.
La Arapaima
In the Amazon you’ll journey aboard La Arapaima, a vessel that accommodates just 24 OAT travelers and features an open-air top deck for the ultimate up-close experience through the wildlife-filled jungle and dark waters of the Upper Amazon.
You can cruise aboard La Arapaima on our Amazon River Cruise & Rain Forest Small Ship Adventure.
» Learn more about La Arapaima.
Explore the unspoiled vastness of Patagonia
Stella Australis
Via Australis
These 236-foot expedition ships were designed specifically for cruising southern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. Our 24 OAT travelers will mingle with other adventurers while absorbing the panoramas afforded by the viewing deck.
* Please note: these ships are not private charters. OAT's group consists of 24 travelers with a Trip leader aboard a 126-passenger expedition ship.
You can cruise aboard these ships on The Wilderness Beyond: Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego & the Chilean Fjords Small Ship Adventure.
» Learn more about the Stella Australis and Via Australis.
Enjoy a daylight transit of the Panama Canal
Discovery
During our Panama Canal transit cruise, we’ll stay aboard the 108 foot Discovery, a 24-passenger catamaran designed specifically for small group exploration and chartered exclusively for a group of 24 OAT travelers.
You can sail aboard the Discovery on our Panama Canal Cruise & Panama: A Continent Divided, Oceans United Small Ship Adventure.
» Learn more about the Discovery.
Relax aboard our private gulets in Turkey
Turkish gulet yacht
As we discover Turkey’s Magical Hideaways in our small group of 14 travelers—including the magnificent Turquoise Coast—we’ll cruise for four nights aboard a privately chartered traditional gulet-style yacht. Our private gulet is equipped with both sails and a motor to provide us with unparalleled access to the smaller ports, hidden coves, and seaside ruins dotting the Turquoise Coast.
You can sail aboard the Turkish gulet yacht on our Turkey’s Magical Hideaways Small Ship Adventure.
» Learn more about Turkesh gulet yachts.
Cruise the stunning gorges of the Yangtze River
China Cruise Ship
And while cruising along the waters of China’s mighty Yangtze River, you’ll be aboard one of several river ships operated by experienced partners in China with solid expertise in Yangtze River cruising. These ships reflect a more local standard of quality and we will share accomodations with other groups of international travelers.
* Please note: these ships are not private charters. OAT's group consists of 32 travelers in 2 groups of 16, each with Trip Leader aboard a 208-378 passenger river ship.
You can cruise aboard these ships on Imperial China, Tibet & the Yangtze River Small Ship Adventure.
» Learn more about China Cruise Ships.