Aqua Expeditions, a global leader in luxury small-ship expeditions, explores the world’s most biodiverse and culturally significant destinations aboard best-in-class, stylish, contemporary design vessels. Venturing into unspoiled sanctuaries to witness the beauty of nature and wildlife, Aqua Expeditions sails to remote destinations with minimized human interaction, secluded from crowds. Expect tailored five-star itineraries, a highly exclusive 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio with personalized service, acclaimed cuisine by world-renowned chefs, and small group expert-guided adventure activities and excursions for all ages, with a maximum of 16-40 guests per ship. Aqua Expeditions currently operates river explorations in the Peruvian Amazon and the Mekong Delta (Cambodia and Vietnam), and coastal yacht voyages in East Indonesia — Komodo National Park, Ambon and the Spice Islands, Raja Ampat, and Asmat — and the Galapagos Islands. 

 

Aqua Expeditions' latest fleet expansion presents customized FIT and charter sailings in Seychelles, Aldabra and Zanzibar, Tanzania, launching in 2026. Expeditions aboard Aqua's 6th ship feature 5-, 9-, 10-, 11- and 14-night itineraries through Seychelles and the Tanzanian islands. Guests can expect an intimate superyacht experience with an exclusive 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, personalized service, world-class cuisine, and small group expert-led excursions to biodiversity hotspots like Aldabra, Cosmoledo, Thanda, and Phinda—a perfect aquatic complement to African safaris.

 

BRAND PILLARS

• Service: Highly personalized service and an unparalleled crew-to-guest ratio up to 1:1 can be found across Aqua Expeditions’ vessels.

 

• Design: Aqua Expeditions’ vessels draw design inspiration from the regions they sail. They present a luxurious home away from home with striking interiors and a range of relaxing social spaces.

 

• Adventure, Wildlife & Culture: Expert-led excursions provide authentic experiences of local wildlife, culture, and adventure guided by regional specialists who offer deep insights into each destination.

 

• Cuisine: Guests discover the region’s finest flavors through world-class cuisine prepared by renowned chefs including Pedro Miguel Schiaffino and Benjamin Cross.

 

• Responsible Travel: Aqua Expeditions actively works to impart a positive impact in the regions where it operates through community engagement efforts and sustainability projects.

 

• Health & Safety: Aqua Expeditions’ vessels go beyond international safety standards to ensure guests travel with peace of mind in the world’s most remote destinations.

 

VESSELS AND DESTINATIONS

 

Aqua Nera & Aria Amazon | Amazon River, Peru

 

As South America's premier luxury river cruise operator, Aqua Expeditions began its journey in Peru, sailing the Amazon River with 3-, 4-, and 7-night itineraries.

 

The pioneer 16-suite Aria Amazon, sailing this region 2011, offers an understated yet enchanting approach to exploration, capturing the essence of the region with its refined interiors and Aqua’s signature service.  The 20-suite Aqua Nera, a state-of-the-art river ship which draws inspiration from the Peruvian Amazon’s mystical black water lagoons. With a distinctive design philosophy and spacious layout, Aqua Nera is built for ultimate comfort and relaxation on the Amazon River, boasting refined social spaces and exceptional amenities including a gym, plunge pool, spa, movie room, and billiard room. It’s the perfect home base for navigating the heart of the Amazon in style. Aqua’s river fleet was named World's Best River Cruise Line by Travel + Leisure in 2023 and 2024.

 

Each itinerary has been thoughtfully crafted to deliver unforgettable “wow” moments.

 

Daily excursions begin aboard ergonomically designed private skiffs. Led by expert English-speaking naturalist guides in ease and comfort, activities are highly customized and adapted to each guest’s interests and pace. With group sizes limited to just 10 guests per guide, every experience promises an intimate, highly personalized, and enriching connection with the Amazon.

 

During your journey, immerse yourself in the depths of the Amazon at your own pace. Skiff explorations are designed to accommodate a range of physical abilities and activity levels, ensuring comfort and ease for all. For those seeking a more active adventure, opportunities for kayaking, swimming, and biking provide a dynamic and invigorating way to connect with the region’s vibrant landscapes and wildlife.

 

On board, indulge in exceptional Peruvian cuisine crafted by renowned chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. Celebrated for his innovative use of Amazonian ingredients, Chef Schiaffino transforms seasonal rainforest produce into world-class dishes that are both refined and deeply rooted in the region’s culinary heritage. Embracing a true farm-to-table philosophy, 70% of all ingredients are sustainably sourced from the region, creating a dining experience that is as authentic as it is indulgent. 

 

Aqua Mare | Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

 

As the first true superyacht in the Galapagos Islands, the 50m Aqua Mare elevates an iconic, once-in-a-lifetime adventure. With her expansive size and world-class pedigree, Aqua Mare offers 30 percent more indoor volume than most yachts of her size, providing the perfect respite after active days exploring the remote wildlife and dynamic nature of the Archipelago.

 

Accommodating a total of 16 guests, Aqua Mare features seven individually designed suites, including an 80 sqm Owner’s Suite – the largest of its kind in the archipelago. After days of enlightening excursions, guests return to a luxurious sanctuary to relax and unwind. Conceptualized by Italian megayacht designers Costruzioni e Riparazioni Navali (CRN) and outfitted by custom yacht interior designer extraordinaire François Zuretti, the suites showcase curated prints from the Wallace and Darwin era of exploration, alluding to the Galapagos Islands’ dramatic volcanic landscapes.

 

Experience the ultimate retreat surrounded by the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the archipelago. Enjoy a specially curated menu by award-winning chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, featuring only the freshest local ingredients. In the spirit of Galapagos conservation, we prioritize ethical sustainability by sourcing the finest ingredients while supporting local farmers, fishermen, and providers.

 

Exclusivity is combined with the most personalized service enabled by two naturalist guides for 16 guests, on top of the islands’ most exclusive one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio.

 

With 7- and 14-night itineraries covering 16 islands, Aqua Mare provides a unique exploration of the Galapagos Marine Reserve. Enjoy hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, and skiff excursions, offering encounters with iconic species such as blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, and Galapagos penguins.

 

Having attained the highest international classifications (ISM, Lloyd’s Register) in safety, the vessel is additionally equipped with Koop Nautic Sea Rocq Underway stabilizers that allow for comfort at rest or while sailing at a maximum speed of 17 knots, faster than anyone in the Archipelago. Comprehensive emergency and evacuation support is provided by Global Rescue, offering peace of mind to all our guests.

 

Aqua Mare offers onboard unlimited access to high-speed Starlink Wifi.

 

Aqua Blu | Indonesia - Komodo National Park, Spice Islands, Raja Ampat, Asmat

 

Aqua Expeditions’ Southeast Asian voyages are among the world's finest. Aqua Blu was honored as one of the best small-ship ocean cruises by Travel + Leisure for the second consecutive year, courtesy of its voyages across East Indonesia. 

 

The 60m Aqua Blu is the first ever long-range ocean explorer yacht permanently based in East Indonesia.

 

A 2019 refurbishment overseen by Dutch yacht design maestro Cor D. Rover brings the vessel to world-class cruising specifications. Guests can expect to embrace a distinguished sense of history and seafaring evolution when they set foot on this one-of-a-kind cruise ship. Inside the five-deck, 15-suite Aqua Blu, Cor has tastefully paired a brass-and-ivory interior theme with generous and inviting indoor and outdoor social spaces, including a sun deck. Refined social spaces are accompanied by innovative cuisine curated by renowned chef Benjamin Cross, drawing inspiration from Indonesia’s fabled spice trade route. Our talented chefs are well-versed in a variety of preparations and can cater to vegetarian, vegan, kosher, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets, as well as other more specific preferences. 

 

Led by highly experienced crew and guides, guests explore the world’s most biodiverse marine habitats, embark on adventurous hikes across active volcanoes, and explore relics from centuries-old history in small groups. All-inclusive excursions and top-of-the-line watersports equipment, including diving and snorkeling gear, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards.

 

Itineraries explore Raja Ampat’s karst formations, coral reefs, and lagoons teeming with vibrant fish and manta rays. In the Asmat region, connect with the tribe’s ancient traditions. A journey through the Spice Islands delves into their historical significance as the epicenter of the spice trade, while the Bali to Komodo National Park route reveals one of the world’s most diverse marine environments, with opportunities to swim alongside majestic whale sharks.

 

Aqua Blu’s naval pedigree makes it the perfect vessel to navigate Eastern Indonesia’s vast seas. Having attained the highest international classifications (RINA, SOLAS, ISM) in safety, the vessel is additionally equipped with Quantum Zero Speed stabilizers for optimal comfort at rest or while sailing. Comprehensive emergency and evacuation support is provided by Global Rescue, offering peace of mind to all our guests.

 

Aqua Mekong | Mekong River, Cambodia & Vietnam

 

While sailing on board the Aqua Mekong luxury cruise, discover a region steeped in rich heritage and traditions shaped by over 2,000 years of human history. From the flourishing of the Khmer empire to the prominence of Theravada Buddhism in present-day Cambodia and Vietnam, this is one of the few cultural destinations on Earth that’s best explored through a river expedition. Embarking on expert-led excursions: kayak to floating villages, discover historic Buddhist temples, and cycle along picturesque rice fields to explore monuments from the Khmer Empire.

 

The luxurious Aqua Mekong River boat cruise charts a path through the picturesque lower Mekong basin with expert guides on board. Follow in the footsteps of royalty aboard our award-winning vessel, where a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio and luxuriously designed cabins will give you a home away from home. 

 

Designed with exclusivity in mind, every moment on board Aqua Mekong is one to be remembered. The 20 spacious, river-facing design suites — including four sets of interconnecting suites — are furnished with inviting hardwood interiors along with premium fittings and bedding. In the fully air-conditioned comfort of your river cruise suite, gaze at the Mekong panorama and watch an idyllic world float by.

 

Enjoy social spaces typical to larger cruise ships, such as a movie room, a plunge pool, a gym, and a spa, all while keeping the peace and personalized service of a small, luxury river vessel.

 

The dining experience on board Aqua Mekong was created by Michelin-starred chef David Thompson. Guests can expect seasonal menus showcasing the full repertoire of flavors from Vietnam and Cambodia in a refined style. Our chefs use peak season produce and the freshest ingredients from the Mekong River and the region.

 

Guests on board the Aqua Mekong discover the region’s cuisine beyond the plate. Aside from on-board cooking demonstrations, guests can follow our chefs to bustling local markets as they procure the finest produce, from freshly-caught Mekong River catfish to newly-harvested Asian greens, for the day’s meals. Coconut, lemongrass, coriander, and turmeric are just a few of the most recognizable flavors guests can expect on Aqua's inventive yet authentic seasonal menus.

 

Aqua offers a variety of culturally immersive experiences, from private skiff tours and tuk-tuk rides to guided walking tours and biking excursions for more active guests.

 

Aqua Expeditions delivers a truly immersive, personalized journey through this culture-rich region. With year-round itineraries departing from Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap, Aqua is the only luxury Mekong River cruise that provides complimentary flight extensions to Siem Reap during the low water season, ensuring seamless access to one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic destinations.

 

Every Aqua Expeditions journey blends unparalleled comfort, culture, and discovery —enhanced by elegant accommodations, expert-guided excursions, and acclaimed cuisine—offering a truly immersive small-ship experience.