Aqua Expeditions Unveils Sixth Vessel: Aqua Lares

Posted in News on 11 August, 2025

Aqua Lares marks the brand’s expansion into East Africa, offering once-in-a-lifetime voyages to biodiversity hotspots in the Seychelles, Aldabra Atoll, Zanzibar and Tanzania.

Award-winning global leader in small-ship expeditions, Aqua Expeditions — part of the PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP – proudly announces its sixth vessel, Aqua Lares.

Aqua Lares is the sixth vessel in Aqua’s award-winning fleet.

Launching in February 2026, the 15-suite Aqua Lares will be the first ultra-luxe expedition yacht available to book by the cabin in the Seychelles. Supported by financing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), this expansion reinforces Aqua’s leadership in luxury exploration and its commitment to delivering immersive voyages, cultural discovery, and sustainable tourism to the world’s most pristine destinations. Guests can expect a superyacht experience in line with Aqua’s signature standards: personalised service, a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, cuisine by world-renowned chefs, and expert-led excursions in small groups that reveal the best of each destination.

“The launch of Aqua Lares marks an exciting new chapter for Aqua Expeditions – uniting our commitment to luxury exploration with the thrill of discovering uncharted frontiers. East Africa has held a special place in my heart since my first safari at age seven, and it’s surreal to now return with our own expedition yacht. From the wild beauty of the Seychelles to Aldabra Atoll’s 150,000 giant tortoises, this region offers a rare kind of adventure – one that perfectly complements our voyages in the Galapagos and Indonesia,” shares Founder and CEO Francesco Galli Zugaro.

Aqua Lares Main Saloon. Top: Owners Suite

Introducing Aqua Lares: Luxury Small-Ship Expeditions in East Africa.

Spanning six decks, the 77.4-metre Aqua Lares hosts just 30 guests across 12 beautifully appointed design suites and 3 twin cabins. Suites range from 13 to 66 sqm (140–710 sqft), including three generous Owner’s Suites. With a gross tonnage (GT) of 2,400 – by far the highest GT-to-guest ratio in the Aqua Expeditions fleet – she offers an intimate and elevated way to explore East Africa’s most remote waters.

Social spaces include a panoramic sun deck with bar and lounge, a cinema, boutique, gym, saloon, indoor dining room, and a shaded outdoor dining area. Wellness offerings feature two Jacuzzis, a sauna, massage room, and spa –designed for relaxation after a day of discovery.

As the sixth vessel in Aqua’s award-winning fleet, Aqua Lares continues the brand’s legacy of delivering once-in-a-lifetime adventures to the world’s most remote and biodiverse destinations. The interiors blend luxurious elegance with a strong sense of place – creating a refined, welcoming sanctuary at sea. This vision is being brought to life through an extensive interior refit led by Aqua Design Director Birgit Galli Zugaro in collaboration with Milan-based HOTLAB, ahead of Aqua Lares’ launch in the Indian Ocean next February.

About Aqua Expeditions
A recognised global leader in luxury small-ship expeditions, Aqua Expeditions explores the world’s most biodiverse and culturally significant destinations aboard best-in-class vessels of stylish contemporary design. Expect tailored five-star itineraries, a highly exclusive 1:1 crew- to-guest ratio with personalized service, world-class dining, and small group expert-guided activities and excursions, 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 is proud to be a part of PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP, a portfolio of brands renowned for their expertise and destination-focused exploration cruises.