If the thought of sailing with thousands (or even hundreds) of other passengers has kept you from booking a cruise, new ultrasmall ships from three luxury brands may just persuade you to get out on the water. With no more than 30 guests, these floating hideaways explore some of the world’s most scenically spectacular — and remote — destinations. And the luxurious onboard amenities are just as impressive as the exciting excursions.

South American Adventures

In June, &Beyond launched the 124-foot &Beyond Galapagos Explorer. This expedition yacht accommodates just 12 guests in four cabins and two suites, providing an unusually intimate experience in Ecuador’s most famous islands. To ensure that passengers get fully acquainted with the archipelago’s extensive variety of flora and fauna, two expert guides accompany every sailing. Guests choose between two seven-night itineraries, either east or west of the main islands. Travelers can get quite close to tame blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, pelicans and sea lions, as well as swim with marine iguanas, green sea turtles, nocturnal Port Jackson sharks and harlequin tuskfish, depending on the location and season. On board, take in the panoramic views from floor-to-ceiling windows in the public areas and relax in the sundeck’s hot tub. It looks like the seven-cabin Aqua Mare might have some competition!

Beaches and Dragons

Ponant launched its own 12-guest vessel in June, Spirit of Ponant. As of this writing, the sleek 79-foot catamaran is plying the waters around Corsica. Come winter, it moves to the Seychelles for sailings around Mahé, the archipelago’s largest island. The seven- and 14-night cruises are mostly charters, although Ponant does offer some per-cabin sailings. The Corsica itinerary explores the Lavezzi archipelago, where a nature preserve delights divers and snorkelers, plus scenic beaches between Rondinara and Santa Giulia. In the Seychelles, glorious stretches of sand (like Anse Source d’Argent) are also on the itinerary, as is a visit to the island of Curieuse, home to the giant tortoises of Aldabra. Back on the ship, guests can take advantage of a spacious living room and enjoy sundowners at two outdoor lounges.