Delta delivers 46-metre ZEMBRA, an expedition yacht with submarine and seaplane

Delta has delivered ZEMBRA, a 46-metre expedition yacht built to turn distant destinations into floating adventure camps. The 2026 delivery accommodates 12 guests and carries a suite of submersibles, aircraft and watercraft to let families explore beneath the surface, above it and ashore without leaving the yacht as their operation base, according to Northrop & Johnson, the yacht’s charter broker.

The centrepiece is a three-person U-Boat Worx submarine that descends to 300 metres with a transparent acrylic hull. It carries one pilot and two passengers, according to the broker. A Boxfish remotely operated vehicle supports underwater observation and can record dives, while an onboard wet lab accommodates marine research. The crew includes specialists in diving and marine biology.

Air and Water Support

ZEMBRA carries a two-seat ICON A5 amphibious aircraft, its wings folded on the bridge deck and deployed by a 3,500-pound crane. The seaplane launches directly from the water and can also use conventional runways. Guests can arrange instruction from a certified flight instructor to log flight hours during a charter.

A 50-foot JR Marine catamaran built as a dedicated support vessel carries the submarine via an A-frame launch system. It has a hydraulic bow ramp and beaching capability to enable diving, parasailing and watersports. A separate floating dock can serve as a recreation hub away from the main yacht, letting family groups split into different activities before returning for shared meals.

Water Sports and Relaxation

A 2025 Williams DieselJet is set up for wakesurfing, wakeboarding and waterskiing. Two SEABOB F9s, personal watercraft, paddleboards, a tandem kayak, a Hobie Cat, a FunAir slide and inflatable docks provide options for younger or less ambitious guests.

ZEMBRA’s forward sundeck includes a Jacuzzi and outdoor dining space. The aft sundeck can transition from a helipad into a dance floor or yoga venue, and a custom inflatable crow’s nest offers unobstructed sightseeing views. Interior design by Roger Thomas incorporates wood joinery and steel finishes, with hand-painted murals spanning three decks by Thomas’s daughter.

Accessibility and Operations

ZEMBRA’s layout includes an elevator serving every deck, no raised thresholds or sills, an accessible lower-deck stateroom and an onboard electric wheelchair. The crew has expertise in diving, marine biology and photography, trained to guide activities including guided hikes and fishing.

This article was compiled by the CityLifeBytes editorial desk from the official announcements and reporting listed under Sources.