Imagine owning something bigger than a mansion, faster than most ferries, and fancier than a five-star hotel—all at once. That’s basically what having a superyacht means. These aren’t just boats for rich people; they’re floating palaces with insane features like pools, basketball courts, and even submarines. You might wonder, “What kind of yacht has its own concert hall?” Well, keep reading, because some of these yachts take luxury and power to a whole new level.
Some yachts are larger than cruise ships
If you think yachts are just oversized speedboats, wait until you see the Azzam. It’s a whopping 590 feet long—that’s nearly two football fields! Built for the royal family of Abu Dhabi, Azzam is also super fast. It can hit 30 knots, which is wild for something so massive. With its sleek design and Arabic-style interiors, it looks like something straight out of a futuristic movie.
Then there’s Dilbar, another jaw-dropping build. At 511 feet and weighing more than 15,000 tons, it’s basically a luxury hotel on water. It has an 82-foot pool onboard. Yep, a pool on a boat. That’s probably bigger than most backyard pools. Dilbar was built by German company Lürssen, who clearly know how to impress the super-rich.
Some yachts are built for billionaires only
What do billionaires do when they’re bored? They build yachts like Eclipse. This 533-foot beast cost around $1.5 billion. Yes, billion—with a “b.” It’s owned by Roman Abramovich, a Russian billionaire who clearly doesn’t do things halfway. Eclipse has two helipads, a mini-submarine, and even a missile defense system. Not kidding. It’s like a James Bond villain’s dream boat.
Another power yacht is Rising Sun. It was built for Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison and later sold to David Geffen. This 454-foot yacht includes a movie theater and a basketball court. Now imagine shooting hoops while cruising across the ocean. These yachts aren’t just boats—they’re private islands that move.
Some come with their own music halls
Most people go to concerts. But what if the concert came to you—on your yacht? That’s what the late Sultan of Oman did with his yacht Al Said. It’s not just 508 feet long; it also has a private concert hall big enough to hold a 50-piece orchestra. That’s not a typo. It’s like floating Carnegie Hall.
Al Said isn’t the only yacht with musical flair. The yacht Lady Moura includes a sound system strong enough to turn the deck into a mini nightclub. Partying in the middle of the ocean with your own DJ? Now that’s a different kind of Saturday night. You can check out some of these specs here.
Others are built to explore the wild
Some superyachts aren’t just about glamour—they’re built to go where few others dare. Take the yacht Dagon, for example. It’s built as a support ship for deep-sea exploration. It might not be the flashiest, but it’s built like a tank and can handle rough waters while helping scientists and adventurers.
Another beast is Blue Shadow. It’s a 66.8-meter (around 219 feet) yacht that’s actually been used for science research. So while some yachts are busy throwing dance parties, others like Blue Shadow are out discovering parts of the ocean we barely know. These explorer-type yachts bring the brains and the brawn.
Some have pools and movie theaters
Let’s talk about Octopus, one of the most famous yachts ever. Originally owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, this 414-foot yacht has not one, but two helipads, a music studio, and a full-on movie theater. Oh, and a submarine—because of course it does. This yacht is the ultimate party plus adventure combo.
Then there’s Flying Fox. This one’s all about chill vibes. It has a 40-foot swimming pool, a two-story spa, and enough space to host dozens of guests. People literally rent it for vacations at prices that’ll make your wallet cry. But hey, if you’re curious, you can read more about it here.
Some are American-built legends
While a lot of the big names come from Europe, the U.S. has built some pretty legendary yachts too. One standout is Voyager, a massive 91-meter conversion yacht originally made for oil supply runs. Now? It’s a luxury liner with all the fancy touches.
Another is Laurel, built by Delta Marine. At 73.2 meters long, it’s one of the largest American yachts since the Great Depression. It mixes elegance with durability, and its quiet engine makes cruising super peaceful. These yachts prove that the U.S. can compete in the glam-boat game.
Yachts with wild extras do exist
Some yachts don’t just stop at swimming pools. They add stuff that sounds made up. Take Kismet, for example. It’s got a multi-level deck, a full-blown sports bar, and a giant indoor jungle gym. Yes, a jungle gym. You can host a fancy dinner and then swing from ropes—just because.
Then there’s the yacht Black Pearl, known for its giant sails and eco-friendly design. But don’t let that “green” vibe fool you—it still has a hot tub, luxury cabins, and a cinema room. Check out the jaw-dropping list of features here. Some of these boats are more outrageous than celebrity mansions.
Not all are for showing off
Sure, some yachts scream “look at me,” but others are more about function. The yacht Global, for instance, is a “sport utility” yacht. It doesn’t have gold-covered sinks or a disco floor, but it can stay at sea for long periods and carry all sorts of gear—like snowmobiles and jet skis.
Then there’s Explorer, which has been refitted multiple times for various owners. It’s gone from being a regular yacht to one loaded with gadgets and comforts, depending on who’s at the helm. If you want versatility and don’t care about flash, these types of yachts make a lot of sense. See a few like this on this list.
So, next time you see a big boat off the coast, just know—it might not be a ferry. It could be a billion-dollar yacht with a concert hall, a spa, or even a submarine hiding below deck. Whether they’re all about glitz or built to explore, these yachts are way more than just boats. They’re wild, powerful, and totally unforgettable.