Aqua Expeditions, the award-winning leader in small-ship voyages and part of the PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP, has announced the launch of its sixth vessel, Aqua Lares—a 77.4-meter expedition yacht debuting in February 2026. The new ship expands the brand’s fleet into new frontiers, beginning with a season in East Africa before heading north to Svalbard and the Arctic in June 2026.
With only 15 suites accommodating a maximum of 30 guests, Aqua Lares delivers an intimate superyacht-style experience in some of the world’s most pristine waters. Guests can choose from five- to 11-night itineraries, with highlights ranging from cycling through La Digue’s forests to observing the Seychelles paradise flycatcher, diving among reef sharks, and exploring Swahili-Arabian heritage sites along historic trade routes.
“Aqua Lares unites our commitment to luxury exploration with the thrill of discovering uncharted frontiers,” says Founder and CEO Francesco Galli Zugaro. “From the wild beauty of the Seychelles to Aldabra’s sanctuary for giant tortoises, East Africa offers a rare kind of adventure—one that perfectly complements our voyages in the Galapagos and Indonesia.”
Life Onboard: Design Meets Discovery
Spanning six decks, Aqua Lares combines sleek Milan-based HOTLAB design with interiors by Aqua Design Director Birgit Galli Zugaro. The yacht features 12 design suites and three twin cabins—including three expansive Owner’s Suites—ranging from 140 to 710 square feet.
Amenities include a panoramic sun deck with bar and lounge, indoor and outdoor dining rooms, a cinema, gym, boutique, and spa complete with Jacuzzis, sauna, and massage room. A 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio ensures personalized service, while three naturalist guides lead daily excursions by Zodiac or Rafnar tenders. Guests can also enjoy diving, kayaking, paddle boarding, and even mountain biking ashore.
Immersive Itineraries
Five-Night Voyages explore the Seychelles’ inner islands, such as Praslin and La Digue, with encounters among rare palms, tropical birds, and white-sand beaches.
Nine-Night Voyages journey into the remote Outer Islands, culminating at the UNESCO-listed Aldabra Atoll—the world’s largest sanctuary for giant tortoises—teeming with marine life.
Extended 10- and 11-Night Voyages link the Seychelles with Zanzibar and Tanzania, combining marine adventure with cultural exploration. Stops include Pemba, Kilwa Kisiwani, and the dramatic Astove Wall, often called the “underwater Grand Canyon.”
Commitment to Sustainability
Supported by financing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Aqua’s East Africa expansion underscores its dedication to sustainable tourism, conservation, and cultural discovery.
Aqua Lares will sail annually from November through April in East Africa, before repositioning to Svalbard and the Arctic beginning June 2026. Inaugural voyages launch February 8, 2026, with rates starting at $9,000 per person for a five-night itinerary based on double occupancy. Full private charters for up to 30 guests begin at $385,000.