
Aqua Expeditions offers a unique approach to cruising, blending intimate luxury with immersive exploration in some of the world’s most pristine destinations. Aboard exclusive small ships such as the Aqua Mekong, Aqua Nera, or Aqua Blu—which typically accommodate fewer than 40 passengers—the experience is intimate, elegant, and deeply focused on discovery. The company recently joined the Ponant Explorations Group, further strengthening its high-end positioning while retaining its own distinct identity. This integration combines Ponant’s expedition expertise with Aqua’s ultra-intimate approach, raising the bar for service, gastronomy, and sustainability. Aqua, however, continues to operate as an independent brand, staying true to its DNA of exclusive exploration. The onboard experience is akin to that of a floating boutique hotel, with highly personalized service and a relaxed atmosphere. The cuisine, crafted by renowned chefs, highlights local flavors, whether in the Amazon, on the Mekong, or in Indonesia. The itineraries are at the heart of the experience, featuring exceptional destinations such as the Peruvian Amazon (wildlife and jungle), the Mekong (floating markets, traditional villages), or Raja Ampat (exceptional marine biodiversity), all accessible thanks to the ships’ small size. A high-end, intimate, and immersive exploration cruise, ideal for travelers seeking nature, culture, and rare experiences, backed by the Ponant Group’s proven expertise. Find all the most popular tips here
Aqua Expeditions : Our cruise deals 2026 - 2027
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Aqua Expeditions
Aqua Expeditions stands out as the ultimate choice for discerning explorers. The company successfully combines total immersion in the world’s most remote ecosystems with comfort worthy of the finest luxury hotels. It’s the perfect adventure for those who wish to discover the wilderness without compromising on elegance and fine dining. Find all the most popular tips here
The company appeals to those seeking the absolute comfort of a luxury hotel even at the ends of the earth. It caters to travelers who appreciate sophisticated architectural design, attentive service, and air-conditioned suites with huge floor-to-ceiling windows for gazing at the jungle from the comfort of their bed.
This is the ideal choice for wildlife and wilderness enthusiasts. Thanks to small boats and highly experienced local naturalist guides, the company caters to travelers who wish to observe rare species and gain a deep understanding of ecosystems.
With ships typically accommodating fewer than forty passengers, this experience appeals to those seeking to escape mass tourism and crowds. It’s the perfect option for those seeking tranquility, peace, and the atmosphere of a highly exclusive club in the heart of nature.
Gastronomy is a cornerstone of the company. It caters to foodies eager to discover regional flavors, elevated and reinvented by award-winning chefs who transform every meal on board into a true, high-end culinary adventure.

Aboard Aqua Expeditions vessels, the journey transcends simple navigation to become a true sensory exploration. Limited to a small number of passengers (only 16 to 40 guests), the ships offer a rare atmosphere of exclusivity, far from mass tourism. The interior design, the brand's true signature, blends sustainable local materials with modern aesthetics to create an elegant and soothing setting. The onboard experience is distinguished by the presence of expert naturalist guides who accompany every excursion, transforming the discovery of fauna and flora into a fascinating lesson, while ensuring ultra-personalized service upon returning to the ship.
Every ship in the Aqua Expeditions fleet is designed as an observation sanctuary. The naval architecture prioritizes openness to the outdoors: in the suites as well as the common areas, immense floor-to-ceiling windows erase the boundary between the passenger and the spectacular landscapes, whether it's the Amazon jungle or Indonesian horizons. The spacious suites become havens of serenity after a day of adventure.
Onboard service is of unparalleled attention, anticipating the guests' every desire. Generous living spaces, such as outdoor observation decks, private screening rooms, and libraries, contribute to creating an atmosphere of relaxed luxury, conducive to exchange and contemplation.
Aqua Expeditions stands out for its deep commitment to biodiversity conservation and support for local communities. Whether in the Amazon, on the Mekong, or in the Galápagos, the company works closely with riverside populations, integrating sustainable initiatives ranging from waste management to the protection of endangered species. The ships are equipped with modern technologies to minimize their acoustic and environmental impact, guaranteeing respectful navigation in protected natural sanctuaries while offering an educational and responsible experience to travelers.
Cuisine is one of the fundamental pillars of the Aqua Expeditions experience. The company partners with internationally renowned chefs to design menus that reflect the soul of the regions visited. Among them, the famous Peruvian chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino for the Amazon, or Michelin-starred chef David Thompson for river cruises on the Mekong, elevate local ingredients and exotic spices. Every meal is a culinary adventure, offering a bold fusion of haute cuisine and authentic flavors. The dining rooms, elegant and panoramic, provide a refined setting to enjoy fine wines and creative dishes, while outdoor bars allow for signature cocktails against the sunset.
Suites aboard Aqua Expeditions ships, such as the Aqua Nera or Aqua Mekong, are designed to offer total privacy without ever breaking the visual connection with nature. Each suite is a design masterpiece, often decorated with high-end local craftsmanship. The flagship feature remains the immense glass walls that transform the room into a living cinema screen of the outside world. Featuring luxurious bathrooms, premium bedding, and, for some, private balconies, these suites guarantee absolute rest along the water, in discreet and warm luxury.
The well-being of explorers is essential at Aqua Expeditions. The ships feature massage and spa rooms where therapists provide treatments inspired by local traditions. Gyms with a view, outdoor pools (or jacuzzis on some decks) allow for relaxation between two excursions. Expedition equipment is also state-of-the-art: ergonomic skiffs (light boats) allow for deep penetration into narrow tributaries or docking on secluded beaches, while high-end diving and snorkeling equipment is provided for ocean cruise itineraries, ensuring comfort and safety during every activity.
Aqua Expeditions itineraries focus on four of the most fascinating regions of the world, offering a blend of wild adventure and millenary culture.
Amazon cruises in Peru (on the Aria Amazon or Aqua Nera) take travelers to the heart of the Pacaya Samiria reserve to observe pink dolphins, sloths, and incredible birdlife in the flooded forest.
In Southeast Asia, Mekong River cruises (between Cambodia and Vietnam) reveal landscapes of emerald rice paddies, floating villages, and ancient temples, offering deep cultural immersion aboard the vessel Aqua Mekong.
The maritime offering extends to crystal-clear waters with the Aqua Blu sailing in the Indonesian archipelago (Raja Ampat, Komodo, Spice Islands) and the luxurious super-yacht Aqua Mare offering cruises in the Galápagos. These sea voyages allow for swimming with turtles, observing Komodo dragons, or diving on coral reefs among the richest on the planet.
For polar immersion, the Aqua Lares sails the waters of the Arctic, exploring the grandiose landscapes of Greenland and Svalbard. This expedition yacht specializing in Arctic cruises is designed to navigate safely in the heart of frozen fjords, offering the opportunity to observe polar bears, walruses, and ancient glaciers in conditions of absolute comfort.