Aqua Expeditions reveals details of East Africa expedition yacht
Aqua Expeditions has announced plans to expand into East Africa with the launch of its sixth vessel, Aqua Lares
Launching in February 2026, the 15-suite ship will be the first ultra-luxury expedition yacht available to book by the cabin in the Seychelles.
“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,” said founder and CEO Francesco Zugaro.
“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.”
Spanning six decks, the 77.4-meter Aqua Lares hosts 30 guests across 12 suites and three twin cabins. Suites range from 13 to 66 sqm (140–710 sqft), including three Owner’s Suites.
With a gross tonnage (GT) of 2,400 – the highest GT-to-guest ratio in the Aqua Expeditions fleet – the ship s carries five private tenders, three 6.5-meter Zodiacs and two 8.5-meter Rafnar Tenders.
Guests will also find paddle boards, kayaks, snorkelling, diving gear and mountain bikes. 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.
Aqua Lares will sail five-, nine-, 10- and 11-night voyages through the Seychelles, Aldabra Atoll and Zanzibar, Tanzania from 8 February 2026.
The five-night itinerary explores the Seychelles’ inner islands, including Praslin and La Digue, while the nine-night expedition ventures into the Seychelles’ outer islands.
Extended 10- and 11-night itineraries link the Seychelles with the Zanzibar Archipelago and Tanzania, with stops in Aldabra, Remire, Farquhar, and Astove.
The new ship comes after Ponant earlier this year acquired a majority stake in Aqua Expeditions with a view to expanding its destination network into new territories.
