Aqua Expeditions

Beyond Ordinary Exploration

Since its inception in 2007, Aqua Expeditions has set a new standard for exploration, masterfully blending intimate adventure with refined luxury. Their fleet of five exceptional vessels ventures into the world’s most biodiverse sanctuaries, from the mystical waters of the Amazon to the pristine coastlines of Eastern Indonesia and the evolutionary wonderland of the Galápagos Islands. What truly sets Aqua Expeditions apart is their commitment to an unprecedented one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio, ensuring a level of personalised service that transforms each journey into an artfully curated experience.

At the heart of the Aqua Expeditions philosophy lies a dedication to small-ship luxury that has earned them prestigious accolades, including Travel & Leisure’s World’s #1 Best River Cruise Award 2023. Their vessels, hosting just 16 to 40 guests, are contemporary masterpieces inspired by the regions they explore, offering both sophistication and intimacy. This boutique approach allows for remarkable flexibility in their expeditions – whether it’s spontaneously diving with whale sharks in Indonesian waters or adjusting course to witness rare wildlife moments. Each journey is enhanced by world-class cuisine from renowned chefs, expert-guided excursions, and the ability to access remote destinations while maintaining the highest standards of comfort and elegance.

Destinations

Explore with Aqua Expeditions

  • Cambodia
  • Indonesia
  • Galapagos
  • Peru
  • Seychelles (coming soon)
  • Tanzania (coming soon)
  • Vietnam

Staterooms & Suites

Where Luxury Meets Adventure

Aqua Expeditions’ commitment to luxury extends beyond service into the very fabric of their vessels, where every suite and social space tells a story of thoughtful design and cultural appreciation. Working with acclaimed designers like Cor D. Rover, Jordi Puig, and Studio Noor, each ship seamlessly weaves local artistry into its modern aesthetic through carefully selected fabrics, refined materials, and curated artwork. The fleet’s spacious design suites serve as serene sanctuaries, with vessels like Aqua Nera, Aqua Mekong, and Aria Amazon featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that frame spectacular river views. For families seeking the ultimate Galápagos experience, Aqua Mare boasts an impressive 80-square-meter Owner’s Suite, while Aqua Blu’s Indonesian voyages offer three categories of luxurious suites ranging from intimate retreats to expansive living spaces.

Bars & Dining

A Journey Through Regional Flavours

At the heart of Aqua Expeditions’ culinary philosophy lies a commitment to authenticity and excellence, brought to life by an extraordinary team of internationally acclaimed chefs. Under the guidance of visionary chefs, each vessel offers a unique gastronomic expedition that mirrors its journey with menus thoughtfully crafted using freshly sourced local ingredients and adapted to guests’ dietary preferences. The immersive culinary journey extends beyond the dining room through interactive cooking demonstrations and chef-guided excursions to local markets, allowing guests to deeply connect with each region’s food culture.

Each destination showcases its own distinctive culinary heritage: in the Galápagos and Peruvian Amazon, Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino pioneers rainforest-to-table cuisine with innovative Peruvian Nikkei influences; aboard Aqua Blu in East Indonesia, Chef Benjamin Cross masterfully blends Indonesian, European, and Mediterranean flavors along the historic spice trade route; while on the Mekong Delta, guests savor authentic Vietnamese and Cambodian dishes crafted from ingredients sourced from bustling local markets. Signature creations, from lamb curry with Khmer spices to Vietnamese sugar cane prawns, are served in a style that honors regional traditions while maintaining the highest standards of contemporary fine dining.

Life Onboard

Luxurious Onboard Sanctuaries

From the moment you step aboard an Aqua Expeditions vessel, you enter a world where luxury and comfort harmoniously blend with adventure. Each ship is thoughtfully designed to reflect its sailing region’s unique character, featuring an array of sophisticated amenities including plunge pools, jacuzzis, spas, indoor and outdoor lounges, cinemas, games rooms, and inviting barbecue areas. These elegantly appointed social spaces create the perfect backdrop for relaxation and connection, whether you’re cruising the mighty Amazon, exploring the Mekong, or sailing through the pristine waters of East Indonesia and the Galápagos Islands.

Entertainment

Where Cultural Discovery Continues Into the Night

Aqua Expeditions offers an intimate evening experience that deepens guests’ connection to their destination. As day transitions to night, the vessels offer enriching activities that celebrate regional culture and natural wonders. Whilst they vary depending on the destination, guests can enjoy activities such as expanding their knowledge in fascinating evening lectures, authentic cultural performances, regional fruit tastings, or perfect local recipes in cooking classes. The focus is more on relaxation and enjoying the tranquil surrounding environment rather than large-scale entertainment.

Excursions & Activities

Where Nature’s Most Remarkable Moments Await

Aqua Expeditions’ carefully curated excursions transform each journey into an unforgettable adventure, led by expert guides who bring each destination vibrantly to life. Every expedition offers extraordinary wildlife encounters that most can only dream of – from observing ancient Galápagos tortoises and floating in mystical jellyfish lakes to tracking Komodo dragons in Indonesia and spotting caiman in the Amazon’s mysterious waters. These intimate wildlife experiences are enhanced by the guides’ deep knowledge, offering guests unique insights into each region’s complex ecosystems through private skiff excursions and guided nature walks. For the adventurous spirit, Aqua Expeditions offers an impressive array of active experiences that can be tailored to any interest or ability level. Thrill-seekers can dive with sharks and manta rays in the Galápagos, brave a swim with piranhas in the Amazon, or cycle through the Mekong Delta’s picturesque rice fields. For those preferring a gentler pace, serene tender rides and peaceful nature observation provide equally enriching alternatives. Whether choosing to hike a dormant volcano, kayak through pristine waters, or simply relax onboard with a cocktail and spa treatment, each guest can craft their perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

Inclusions

  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Non-alcoholic drinks
  • Selected wines and beer (except on Aria Amazon, where only non-alcoholic drinks are included)
  • Small-group excursions led by expert guides
  • Entrance fees
  • Onboard lectures and activities
  • High-speed satellite internet
  • Laundry service

Sustainability

Oceans of Responsible Travel

At the heart of Aqua Expeditions lies a profound commitment to protecting the magnificent environments through which their vessels sail. From the rich biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon to the pristine waters of the Galápagos Islands, each journey is conducted with careful consideration for its environmental impact. This dedication is exemplified through their partnership with 4Ocean, which pledges to remove at least 25,000 pounds of plastic from the world’s waterways annually. Guests can participate in this mission through the purchase of unique bracelets crafted from recovered ocean plastics, each representing five pounds of removed waste. The company’s comprehensive approach to sustainability extends to their operations, with initiatives including the elimination of single-use plastics, implementation of energy-efficient systems, and the treatment of all onboard water to ensure it returns to the environment free of toxins.

Building on their environmental stewardship, Aqua Expeditions actively engages in regional conservation efforts that create lasting positive impact. Their work includes vital projects such as the rehabilitation of endangered Paiche populations in the Pacaya Samiria Nature Reserve and the protection of Manta Rays in East Indonesia. Through partnerships with organisations like the Indonesian Waste Platform, they empower local communities to implement effective waste management practices, preventing ocean pollution. As they look to the future, their commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated by their participation in the Science Based Targets initiative, targeting a minimum 4.5% reduction in emissions by 2030 through improved operational efficiency. This comprehensive approach to conservation ensures that the magical environments they explore will continue to inspire and amaze future generations of travellers.

The Perfect Match: Who Cruises Aqua Expeditions

Aqua Expeditions caters to discerning travellers who desire to venture beyond conventional tourism, seeking authentic experiences in the world’s most remote and pristine destinations. The intimate luxury setting appeals to those who refuse to compromise on comfort while pursuing extraordinary adventures, from wildlife enthusiasts and cultural explorers to multigenerational families creating lifetime memories together. Whether travelling solo, as a couple, or with a small group, these expeditions attract those who value personalised service, expert-led discoveries, and meaningful encounters with both nature and local cultures.

Why We Love Aqua Expeditions

With intimate vessels hosting just 16 to 40 guests, and their high staff-to-guest ratio, you can be sure every need is anticipated and every wish fulfilled on your journey into the world’s most biodiverse sanctuaries. This boutique approach to exploration, combined with world-class cuisine from renowned chefs and expert-guided excursions, allows guests to discover remote destinations while enjoying the highest standards of luxury and comfort.