Aqua Expeditions Introduces Aqua Lares
Aqua Expeditions has announced the launch of its sixth yacht, Aqua Lares. Scheduled to debut in February 2026, this innovative 77.4-meter superyacht will be the first ultra-luxury vessel available for cabin bookings in the Seychelles.
With 15 elegantly appointed suites and a maximum capacity of 30 guests, Aqua Lares promises an exclusive, sustainable, and immersive travel experience through some of the most remote and biodiverse corners of East Africa.
Aqua Lares
The launch of Aqua Lares marks a major expansion for Aqua Expeditions, which has previously focused its expeditions in destinations such as the Galapagos and Indonesia. Francesco Galli Zugaro, founder and CEO of the company, emphasizes that this new adventure represents an exciting return to a region close to his heart since childhood. With Aqua Lares, Aqua offers the chance to discover the natural and cultural wonders of the Seychelles, Aldabra Atoll, Zanzibar, and Tanzania—combining luxury, adventure, and sustainability.
Backed in part by funding from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), this project further strengthens Aqua’s position as a pioneer in responsible luxury tourism, delivering authentic, environmentally conscious travel experiences. Aqua Lares is not simply a vessel, but an elegant and functional sanctuary that enables guests to embark on deeply engaging and intimate explorations.
Spanning six decks and boasting a gross tonnage of 2,400 GT—the highest GT-to-guest ratio in the Aqua fleet—Aqua Lares reflects a strong emphasis on space and comfort. The yacht features 12 design suites and 3 twin cabins ranging from 13 to 66 square meters, including three opulent Owner’s Suites, all offering refined and personalized accommodations. A dedicated crew of 33 ensures a 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio, delivering impeccable and attentive service. On board are three expert naturalist guides who lead excursions with attention to every detail, enriching the journey with knowledge and discovery.
Aqua Lares_Suite
Aqua Lares_Lounge
Main Salon and bar Aqua Lares
For lovers of adventure and nature, Aqua Lares is equipped with five private tenders (three 6.5-meter Zodiacs and two 8.5-meter Rafnar vessels) for accessing areas unreachable by larger ships. Guests will also find paddle boards, kayaks, snorkeling and diving gear, and mountain bikes—ideal for exploring remote beaches and forest trails. Common areas are designed for relaxation and wellness: a panoramic sundeck with bar and lounge, cinema, boutique, gym, saloon, indoor and outdoor dining areas. The wellness offerings include two Jacuzzis, a sauna, a massage room, and a spa, providing moments of tranquility after days filled with adventure.
Aqua Lares will offer a variety of itineraries ranging from 5 to 11 nights, exploring some of the most fascinating and lesser-known areas of the Indian Ocean. These voyages are designed for travelers seeking deep immersion in nature and local cultures, with the exclusivity of small-group experiences for authenticity and intimacy.
The 5-night journey focuses on the Seychelles’ inner islands, including Praslin and La Digue. On La Digue, guests can cycle along forest trails and admire the rare Coco de Mer, a unique palm tree and an extraordinary example of island gigantism. On Praslin, they can spot the critically endangered Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher in its natural habitat. These islands also offer pristine white-sand beaches, ideal for hiking, snorkeling, and relaxation.
The 9-night itinerary ventures into the Seychelles’ outer islands, accessible only by sea. The highlight is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Aldabra Atoll, the world’s largest sanctuary for giant tortoises, with over 150,000 individuals. Here, guests can kayak, snorkel, or dive in untouched lagoons and reefs, spotting marine turtles, manta rays, reef sharks, and, on rare occasions, majestic blue whales. Fly fishing, beach walks, and nature hikes round out a journey defined by natural wonder.
Aqua Lares outdoor jacuzzi
Sund deck lounge and bar
Longer 10- and 11-night itineraries connect the Seychelles with the Zanzibar Archipelago and Tanzania, crossing the Indian Ocean and stopping at remote sites such as Remire, Farquhar, and Astove—famed for its four-mile-long underwater Astove Wall, a vibrant marine canyon teeming with life. During these voyages, guests will explore ancient trade routes and the Swahili-Arabian heritage of islands like Pemba and Kilwa Kisiwani, while enjoying opportunities for birdwatching rare species such as the red-footed booby.
With the arrival of Aqua Lares, Aqua Expeditions extends its reach into one of the most captivating and least explored regions on the planet—offering luxury travel experiences that seamlessly combine discovery, adventure, and sustainability. This new vessel represents a significant milestone in responsible luxury tourism, harmonizing exclusive comfort with respect for ecosystems and local communities.
Stay tuned to Cruising Journal for updates, news, and reviews of Aqua Expeditions, including photos, videos, and exclusive cruise offers.
