One of the many perks I love about being a yachting journalist is getting to see how different yacht designers and shipyards create a wide variety of yachts for a wide variety of purposes.

Some are designed and built to be ultra-private family retreats. Others are created to be the ultimate party platform complete with professional sound-systems, dance floors, DJ booths, and Hollywood-level lighting. All boast comfortable interior spaces and plenty of areas to catch some sun on deck. Most have a decent-sized stern platform to make it easy to swim and use the water toys. And many of the bigger yachts have full-on beach clubs that can be as big as a waterfront villa complete with couches, TVs, bars, and access to the sauna, cold-plunge pool, beauty salon, and wellness spa too.

But for me, nothing can beat a well-designed explorer yacht. And that’s especially the case with the 106-foot TROPA that was launched by Cantiere delle Marche in 2022. To my eye, few yachts that I’ve seen combine the capabilities of an explorer and luxury of a superyacht in such a compact package.

And if you’re into sport fishing, TROPA has something that I’ve not seen on other explorer yachts. Not only is the aft deck and extended swim platform the place to hang out, sunbathe, swim, and use the water toys at anchor off a remote cay in the Bahamas. It’s also set up for serious sportfishing with a fighting chair and all the equipment you’ll need to catch a marlin, tuna, wahoo, or other game fish. But just because this charter yacht is set up to do more than just fish too.

“We’re excited to head down to the Bahamas and Caribbean this spring,” says Captain Michael Brown. “We've got a dive compressor on board and we have a ladder that comes out the back that can sink into the water to become a dive ladder. Guests will be able to just walk right into a dive site.”

Other features that charter guests will love include the large top-level sundeck that provides places to sunbathe and a comfortable lounge area in the shade.

With its large mosaic-tiled Jacuzzi, full bar, and barbecue setup, the sundeck is the perfect spot for sunset cocktails or relaxed dining under the stars.

Inside, TROPA’s interior is flooded with natural light in the main salon thanks to all the large windows. And the spacious layout that connects the lounge and dining area with the aft deck area is just where I’d want to hang out after a fun day of getting maybe too much sun out on the water.

But as we all know, the crew may be the most important variable on a charter yacht and according to Captain Michael, TROPA’s crew loves being on board. “Our engineer Mike was born on a Viking fishing boat,” he says. “Bryce has got a lot of experience and is great with the kids and all the water sports. Our chief stew Molly came to us far from the ocean—Kansas City—but has hit the ground running and is doing an amazing job. Our second stew Hannah is friendly and smiley and wonderful. And all I can say about our Chef is that we are lucky to have him. He cooks with love.”

Meanwhile, down below, TROPA accommodates 10 guests in six cabins. The full-beam master stateroom on the upper deck enjoys total privacy and panoramic views, while the lower deck offers a VIP stateroom, additional double and twin cabins (one with a Pullman) that are all equipped with en-suite baths.

And since TROPA is bound for the blue waters of Bahamas this spring, her large selection of water toys and tenders will be in high demand.

The main tender is a high-performance Castoldi jet boat that’s perfect for the shallow water of the Bahamas as well as for stress free transfers. The boat is also equipped with two jet skis and two Sublue underwater scooters, and a full set of water skis that will be perfect for all skill levels. And as you’ll find on most charter yachts these days, TROPA also had two flight boards to try.

So, are you ready to explore the Bahamas? TROPA might just be the ideal yacht. Contact [email protected] for more information.