In a world teeming with travel choices, few experiences rival the soul-stirring allure of an Aqua Expeditions journey. For nearly two decades, Aqua has redefined luxury exploration, pioneering river expeditions into the heart of the Peruvian Amazon and, more recently, celebrating ten years of sailing the storied Mekong River in Cambodia and Vietnam. From the rich cultural tapestry of the Mekong and the Coral Triangle to the thriving biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon and the Galapagos, Aqua curates intimate, immersive voyages to some of the world’s most remote and awe-inspiring destinations. With a fleet of five iconic vessels, Aqua delivers tailored journeys that blend bespoke comfort with deep immersion in nature, culture, and adventure, offering a signature blend of 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, expert-led small group excursions, and world-class cuisine. With a steadfast commitment to sustainability and meaningful travel, Aqua delivers extraordinary experiences—crafted with heart, elevated by elegance, and defined by authenticity.

Named Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best River Cruise Line for two consecutive years, Aqua’s river expeditions aboard the Aqua Mekong, Aqua Nera, and Aria Amazon promise a rare combination of five-star indulgence and wild discovery through the cultural heart of Southeast Asia and the untamed beauty of the Peruvian Amazon. Whether you are gliding past ancient temples on the Mekong or awakening to birdsong in the Amazon rainforest, these are journeys that move the soul.

Effortless Luxury, Quietly Personal

Luxury reveals itself in the quiet precision of thoughtful detail. Aboard Aqua’s river ships, a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio ensures a highly personalized experience—where every preference is remembered, every need anticipated. From your morning espresso to your evening nightcap, service flows with seamless grace and intuitive care. With no more than 40 guests aboard, the atmosphere is one of quiet sophistication and soulful harmony—inviting deeper connections with fellow travelers, the attentive crew, and the journey itself.

Into the Wild: Where Nature Comes Alive

Aqua’s river expeditions offer a privileged gateway into the planet’s untouched wonders with up-close exotic wildlife encounters. Each day brings the thrill of discovery, with twice-daily small-group excursions led by naturalists and cultural experts whose insights bring every sighting and story to life. 

In the Peruvian Amazon, Aqua Nera and Aria Amazon venture deep into the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve—a vast, flooded forest alive with rare endemic wildlife. Glide through hidden tributaries in a private skiff as pink river dolphins surface nearby and three-toed sloths laze in the trees above. Fleeting glimpses of giant river otters, caimans, and exotic birdlife reveal themselves in the lush surroundings. Every intimate encounter brings the rainforest’s intricate beauty and amazing biodiversity into vivid focus.

Half a world away, Aqua Mekong reveals a different kind of wild. The Mekong’s only river ship with its own fleet of private skiffs, Aqua Mekong offers unparalleled access to hidden tributaries and remote river communities. A popular hotspot for birdwatching, the river serves as a thriving habitat for a wide array of bird species, such as waterfowls, kingfishers, egrets, and herons. At Tonle Sap’s Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, witness rare sightings of endangered species like the grey-headed fish eagle, milky stork, and spot-billed pelican.

Cultural Tapestries Along the Rivers

Aboard Aqua Mekong, the soul of Southeast Asia comes to life. The fabled Mekong river—long the lifeblood of Cambodia and Vietnam—reveals a tapestry of enduring traditions, intricately woven into the rhythm of daily life. Glide past floating villages, kayak through lotus-filled wetlands, and cycle along verdant riverbanks and emerald rice paddies, discovering sacred temples lost in time. Participate in age-old Buddhist ceremonial blessings, witness cultural dance performances, and explore the artisanal crafts of silk weaving and silversmithing—each experience an invitation to immerse in the region’s deep cultural heritage.

In the Peruvian Amazon, journey into the heart of the rainforest where indigenous communities have coexisted with nature for generations. Delve into the secrets of medicinal plants and ancient healing practices, learn about the mystical folklore passed down through the ages, and witness local conservation efforts to preserve this precious ecosystem. These authentic encounters not only deepen your understanding but foster a meaningful connection with the land and its people.

Luxurious Sanctuaries of Contemporary Design

Every Aqua vessel is a floating boutique hotel, meticulously designed to reflect the spirit of its surroundings while offering the serenity of modern luxury. Elegant design suites with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows invite the river inside, while interiors featuring sustainable materials and local artistry foster a sense of harmony with the environment.

Aqua Mekong features a sleek, contemporary aesthetic infused with handcrafted Cambodian and Vietnamese accents. Whether enjoying a quiet moment by the plunge pool as the river glows gold at dusk or enjoying a documentary on the region’s history in the screening room, the expansive communal areas offer serene havens for rest and reflection.

Aqua Nera reimagines Amazonian luxury through bold design. Its dark, elegant interiors—infused with artisanal Peruvian elements—mirror the mystery and majesty of the rainforest. Whether enjoying a glass of wine in the indoor lounge as you bond with fellow travelers or taking in the panoramic views from the outdoor jacuzzi, every space is designed to soothe, inspire, and delight.

World-Class Culinary Journeys: A Taste of Place

Dining aboard Aqua is a culinary voyage through the soul of the region—where fine dining meets authentic local flavors, and every dish is an artful tribute to cultural heritage.

On Aqua Mekong, guests indulge in a tradition-infused menu that celebrates the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia. Crafted with the freshest ingredients sourced daily from the Mekong’s bustling riverside markets—from freshly caught river catfish to newly harvested Asian greens—each refined dish tells a story of the Mekong, offering an unforgettable taste of Cambodia and Vietnam’s storied culinary legacy.

In the Amazon, renowned Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino—a pioneer of rainforest-to-table cuisine and one of Peru’s most celebrated culinary talents—curates an innovative Peruvian-continental menu rooted in sustainability and indigenous ingredients. Dishes highlight Amazonian staples like paiche, camu camu, and yucca—flavors that forge a sensory connection to the land and honor the rainforest’s abundant gifts.

Served in elegant dining rooms with impeccable service, each meal becomes an invitation to savor, discover, and connect. Guests with dietary needs or preferences are attentively catered to—ensuring every bite is as memorable as the journey itself.

Purposeful Travel: A Commitment to Sustainability 

Aqua Expeditions is committed to leaving a positive footprint and preserving the delicate ecosystems and cultures that make their journeys possible. From sustainable sourcing and low-impact operations to empowering engagement with local communities, every journey reflects a deep ethos of care and responsibility. This dedication earned Aqua the 2024 Luxperience Meaningful Award—recognizing travel that uplifts both people and the planet

The Aqua Experience: For the Elegant Explorer

Aqua Expeditions offers more than a journey—it offers a way of seeing the world with greater meaning and wonder. Every voyage is thoughtfully crafted to immerse you in nature and culture while embraced in the comfort of unparalleled luxury. From the life-giving waters of the Mekong to the lush canopy of the Peruvian Amazon, these are experiences that stay with you—long after the journey ends.

Set sail with Aqua today for the adventure of a lifetime.