Aqua Expeditions: Sailing Into a New Era of Luxury Exploration

Ponant’s Strategic Investment and Expansion

In January 2025, Ponant Explorations Group, backed by Artemis (the family‐controlled owner of brands like Gucci and Saint Laurent), acquired a majority stake in Aqua Expeditions. The acquisition ensures financial muscle for expansion while keeping Aqua’s founder and CEO Francesco Galli Zugaro at the helm. According to Travel Weekly, Ponant’s backing will allow Aqua to extend its footprint beyond its existing river and ocean operations in the Galápagos, Indonesia, the Mekong and Peru. The deal also preserves Aqua’s boutique identity: Galli Zugaro remains a shareholder and the brand will continue operating under its own name. With a shared commitment to luxury exploration and sustainability, this partnership provides the capital and expertise for Aqua’s most ambitious projects to date.

East Africa Debut: The Superyacht Aqua Lares

The most notable announcement of the past six months is Aqua Lares, Aqua Expeditions’ sixth vessel and first to explore East Africa. Scheduled to launch on 8 February 2026, Aqua Lares will chart uncharted waters in the Indian Ocean, transporting just 30 guests aboard a 77.4‑metre superyacht. Supported by financing from the International Finance Corporation, the vessel has the highest gross‑tonnage‑to‑guest ratio in Aqua’s fleet. It features 12 suites and three twin cabins, ranging from 13 m² to 66 m² (140–710 ft²), including three owner’s suites with spacious balconies and marble bathrooms. The design is the work of Aqua’s Design Director Birgit Galli Zugaro and Milan’s HOTLAB studio, blending contemporary elegance with East African cultural motifs.

Social spaces promise a level of comfort rarely seen on expedition vessels. Guests can relax on a panoramic sun deck with bar and lounge, watch films in the cinema, browse a boutique, or exercise in the gym and saloon. Dining areas include both indoor and shaded outdoor venues, while wellness facilities offer two Jacuzzis, a sauna, a massage room and a spa. The vessel carries five tenders (three Zodiacs and two Rafnar boats) along with paddleboards, kayaks, snorkelling and diving gear, and mountain bikes. A crew of 33 — including three naturalist guides — ensures a 1:1 staff‑to‑guest ratio and personalised service reminiscent of a private yacht.

Itineraries and Experiences

Aqua Lares will operate five‑, nine‑, ten‑ and eleven‑night voyages from November to April, focusing on the Seychelles, Aldabra Atoll, Zanzibar and Tanzania.

• Five‑Night Seychelles Inner Islands: These introductory expeditions explore the lush islands of Praslin and La Digue. On La Digue, guests bike along forest paths to see Coco de Mer palms, one of the world’s rarest plant species. In Praslin’s Vallée de Mai nature reserve, they search for the endangered Seychelles paradise flycatcher. Optional hikes, snorkelling and beach landings reveal the region’s famous white‑sand coves.
• Nine‑Night Seychelles Outer Islands: These longer voyages venture to the remote Outer Islands, culminating in Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to more than 150 000 giant tortoises. Guests kayak through crystal‑clear lagoons to spot reef sharks, manta rays and, on occasion, blue whales; they can also fly‑fish, beachcombing or hike across coral cays.
• **Ten‑ and Eleven‑Nig

ht Seychelles–Zanzibar Expeditions:** Longer journeys link the Seychelles to the *Zanzibar Archipelago and mainland Tanzania*, stopping at remote islands like Aldabra, *Remire*, *Farquhar* and Astove. Here guests dive along Astove’s famed coral wall teeming with sharks and rays, traverse ancient Swahili‑Arab trade routes in Pemba and Kilwa Kisiwani, and birdwatch for red‑footed boobies. These extended voyages highlight the historic and cultural threads connecting East Africa’s islands.

Prices start at US$9 000 per person for the five‑night itinerary, with private charters for up to 30 guests from US$385 000. Offline bookings are already open for the 2026–27 season, while online reservations will launch on 1 September 2025. Demand is expected to be high due to the vessel’s small size and the novelty of cruising East Africa; prospective guests should plan ahead.

Onboard Lifestyle

Life aboard Aqua Lares balances adventure and relaxation. Two Jacuzzis and a sauna provide post‑excursion recovery, while a massage room offers treatments using locally inspired ingredients. Movie nights in the cinema and documentary screenings in the lecture lounge pair education with entertainment. An onboard boutique sells artisanal crafts and expedition gear, and guests can join interactive cooking classes led by world‑renowned chefs. Dining draws on African and Indian Ocean flavours: fresh seafood, tropical fruits, Swahili and Arabian spices, and imported wines — all presented in elegantly designed spaces. In addition to the gym, the crew provides yoga mats and guided stretching sessions on deck.

Expedition activities are conducted in small groups guided by three resident naturalists. Daily excursions range from wildlife and birdwatching to kayaking, diving and paddleboarding in sheltered lagoons. On land, guests visit local markets, spice plantations and archaeological ruins, gaining insight into East Africa’s blend of Swahili, Arab and European cultures. Combined with Aqua’s signature service, these journeys promise to deliver immersive, culturally sensitive experiences that rival any land‑based safari.

Aqua Blu’s South Raja Ampat Voyages (December 2026 Onward)

While Aqua Lares represents the brand’s future, Aqua Blu continues to evolve its programming in Indonesia. In December 2026, the 15‑suite expedition yacht will introduce new seven‑night “South Raja Ampat” voyages exploring the Misool Marine Reserve. Permanently stationed in Eastern Indonesia, Aqua Blu accommodates 30 guests with a 1:1 crew‑to‑guest ratio and features modern cabins, a plunge pool, spa and indoor and outdoor dining. Its small size and long‑range capabilities allow it to access islands inaccessible to larger vessels.

The new itinerary focuses on the Southern Raja Ampat archipelago, a UNESCO‑protected marine sanctuary known for its biodiversity and karst landscapes. Guests snorkel or dive at sites like Fibiacet, Kapatcol and the Blue Water Mangroves, where coral grows beneath mangrove roots. Naturalist guides lead hikes through rainforests to spot birds‑of‑paradise and accompany kayaking excursions along limestone cliffs. Between December 2026 and February 2027, Aqua Blu will also offer 14‑night combination voyages linking North and South Raja Ampat. Departure dates include December 19–26 2026, December 26–January 9 2027, January 9–23 2027 and several February departures.

Cuisine on Aqua Blu reflects Indonesia’s spice‑trade heritage. Chef Benjamin Cross curates menus featuring local produce, fresh seafood and Indonesian spices, complemented by wines and craft cocktails. With only 15 suites and small‑group excursions, the voyages offer intimacy akin to a private yacht charter but with the educational depth of a top expedition.

Ongoing River and Coastal Adventures

Beyond its flagship announcements, Aqua Expeditions continues to operate its fleet of river and ocean vessels:

• Aqua Nera and Aria Amazon ply the Peruvian Amazon, offering wildlife‑rich expeditions that combine skiff rides with visits to local communities. Seasonal highlights include pink river dolphins, jaguars and birdlife of Pacaya‑Samiria National Reserve.
• Aqua Mekong sails the Mekong River between Vietnam and Cambodia, with itineraries from three to seven nights. Excursions include Khmer temple visits, bicycle rides through rice paddies and sampan journeys into floating villages. In late 2025, Aqua is expected to refresh its Mekong programming with new shore excursions emphasising Cambodia’s modern art scene and Vietnamese street food (announcements anticipated later this year).
• Aqua Galápagos (Aqua Mare) continues to offer 7‑ and 14‑night voyages around the Ecuadorian archipelago. Naturalist‑led hikes and snorkelling reveal endemic species, while the vessel’s Italian‑designed interiors cater to luxury travellers seeking an intimate Galápagos experience.

These existing programs complement Aqua’s new ventures, giving travellers a wide menu of river, coastal and ocean experiences across four continents.

Expert Insight

Aqua Expeditions has carved a unique niche by combining small‑ship intimacy with high‑end hospitality. The forthcoming Aqua Lares superyacht pushes the envelope further, opening a part of the world largely absent from luxury cruising. By pairing a 1:1 crew‑to‑guest ratio with innovative itineraries that blend wildlife, culture and history, Aqua ensures that guests are immersed in the destination without sacrificing comfort. The inclusion of three naturalist guides per voyage demonstrates a commitment to education and environmental stewardship, while the focus on local cuisines and wellness underscores a holistic approach to travel. The expansion into East Africa complements existing programs in the Amazon, Mekong and Indonesia, allowing discerning travellers to curate a portfolio of immersive expeditions under one trusted brand. For those seeking the exclusivity of a charter yacht with the depth of an expedition cruise, Aqua’s latest announcements suggest that the next frontier in luxury exploration lies at the intersection of remote discovery and personalised service.