Aqua Expeditions Expands to East Africa With Ultra-Luxe Yacht Aqua Lares
New itineraries in the Seychelles, Aldabra, and Zanzibar open up small-group access to one of the world’s most remote marine regions.
Photo: Courtesy of Aqua Expeditions
Aqua Expeditions is charting new waters. The award-winning small-ship brand has announced the February 2026 debut of Aqua Lares, a 15-suite expedition yacht that will become its sixth vessel—and the first in the Indian Ocean. Marking Aqua’s entry into East Africa, the launch will unlock new high-end routes through the Seychelles, Aldabra Atoll, and the Zanzibar Archipelago, including a first-of-its-kind luxury yacht product bookable by the cabin in the region.
Sailing from November through April each year, Aqua Lares will offer five- to 11-night itineraries focused on immersive biodiversity, land-sea connectivity, and design-forward comfort. Itineraries include visits to UNESCO-listed Aldabra, home to more than 150,000 giant tortoises, as well as cultural expeditions through Swahili-influenced Pemba and Kilwa Kisiwani. Voyages range from $9,000 per person to $385,000 for private charters.
The launch fills a critical white space: East Africa’s remote islands have long been the domain of expedition ships or private yacht charters, with little product in the middle. Aqua Lares offers an intimate-yet-accessible alternative with a curated superyacht experience, ideal for clients looking to pair a safari with a high-comfort marine extension.
The 77-meter vessel is outfitted for adventure and downtime alike, with six decks housing a full spa, sauna, two Jacuzzis, and 15 suites by HOTLAB and Aqua’s design director Birgit Galli Zugaro. Five private tenders—including two shock-absorbing Rafnar vessels—enable flexible landings across atolls and lagoons, while diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and biking gear supports a highly active guest experience. A 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, including three naturalist guides, ensures a high level of personalization.
The vessel’s ability to access shallow waters and off-grid coasts is central to its value proposition. “No crowds, no fixed schedules,” the company notes, making Aqua Lares an ideal recommendation for clients craving the untouched. The expansion is backed by financing from the International Finance Corporation and aligns with Aqua’s sustainability-minded model, already proven in the Amazon, Indonesia, and the Galápagos.
Inaugural sailings will begin Feb. 8, 2026, with bookings open now via advisors. Online reservations will go live on Sept. 1.
