Aqua Expeditions launches new luxury expedition superyacht

There are boutique trips and then there are Aqua Expeditions; ocean-going ships carry no more than 30 guests.

Founded in 2007 by Francesco Galli Zugaro, the company has closely followed its founder’s vision of offering intimate, small-ship excursions to some of the world’s most remote destinations, combining superyacht-level luxury with serious exploration.

Last year, French cruise company Ponant Explorations Group acquired a majority stake in Aqua Expeditions, raising questions about whether the brand’s boutique ethos would change.

It hasn’t happened so far. Aqua continues to operate independently, with Galli Zugaro and his senior leadership team still at the helm, focusing on small ships, low guest numbers and off-the-charts itineraries.

This continuity is evident on the line’s newest ocean liner, Aqua Lares, which was launched in February. Both the ship and itineraries bear the hallmarks of what has made Aqua a quiet success in the high-end expedition industry.

At 77.4 meters long, Aqua Lares can accommodate just 30 guests in 15 suites, including three generous Owner’s Suites. More than half a century after she first rolled out of the shipyards, she has been transformed into a luxury expedition superyacht offering sophisticated décor, generous dimensions and an extremely high space-to-guest ratio.

Aqua Lares is Aqua Expeditions’ third ocean ship, joining Aqua Blu and Aqua Mare, and its sixth ship overall, including three river ships operating in the Amazon and Mekong.

Its first season will be spent in East Africa with five- to 22-night itineraries along the Seychelles, the Zanzibar Archipelago and the coast of Tanzania, areas valued for marine biodiversity, coral reefs and pristine islands.

Later in the year the ship moves north for the Norwegian Arctic and Svalbard season, with Scottish Islands itineraries booking for the polar summer.

Guests can expect a superyacht experience up to Aqua’s signature standards: a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, expertly guided excursions on land and on the Zodiac, and great dining.

Kitchen management at Aqua Lares is led by Karime Lopez, who became the first Mexican woman to earn a Michelin star for her work as head chef at Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura in Florence. Australian chef Benjamin Cross continues to oversee the kitchen aboard Aqua Blu, the line’s ocean liner dedicated to the exploration of eastern Indonesia.

“The launch of Aqua Lares marks an exciting new era for Aqua Expeditions,” says founder Francesco Galli Zugaro.

“East Africa has had a special place in my heart since my first safari at the age of seven, and now it’s surreal to be back on our own expedition yacht. This region offers a rare adventure and complements our journeys in the Galapagos and Indonesia.”

Aqua Lares’ interiors were realized by Aqua’s design director, Birgit Galli Zugaro, in collaboration with Milan-based yacht specialists Hot Lab. The appearance is five-star but simple; The emphasis is on comfort suitable for days spent exploring rather than formal evenings.

The ship carries three 6.5-metre Zodiacs and two 8.5-metre Rafnar boats, as well as paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling and diving equipment and mountain bikes, enabling a wide range of active excursions both on land and at sea.

Prices start at around US$9,000 ($13,200) per person for a five-night trip. For those with great privilege, Aqua Lares can be rented from US$385,000 ($563,000) for five nights.

To see aquaexpeditions.com