Five essential things to know before you board an Aqua Expeditions’ cruise ship

Aqua’s best-in-class vessels sail Cambodia, the Peruvian Amazon, the Galapagos and other sites of natural wonder - Stevie Mann

If you’re into wildlife, wild places and discovering the exotic, Aqua Expeditions has itineraries to suit. Since launching in 2007, the brand has grown to encompass a five-strong fleet of expedition ships – and along the way, it’s established itself as a leader in its sector.

Since starting life on the Peruvian Amazon, Aqua has extended its remit to offer five adventurous destinations (with further growth planned since the brand was acquired by Ponant Explorations Group in 2025).

Its current fleet of five ships (two ocean, three river) are proudly best-in-class vessels, with each embodying contemporary design and a highly exclusive crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1. This paves the way for personalised service and elevated experiences – both onboard and while enjoying the small-group, expert-led activities and excursions.

Itineraries are meticulously planned to put guests in the right place at the perfect moment, such as arriving at the Komodo Islands’ stunning Pulau Padar viewpoint when it isn’t swarming with selfie-seeking Instagrammers.

Each trip keeps step with the brand’s sustainable ethos by educating guests, crew and locals alike on the importance of protecting the natural environment – and through collaborations with award-winning chefs whose innovative menus reflect regional cultures and utilise local produce.

1. Where does Aqua Expeditions cruise?

Aqua Expeditions explores some of the world’s most biodiverse and culturally significant destinations. Its river programme encompasses the Amazon in its upper (Peruvian) stretches, and the Mekong as it flows through Cambodia to coastal Vietnam.

This brings wildlife-lovers and culture vultures to the world’s largest rainforest, home to a tenth of the world’s plant and animal species, and also to the heart of the ancient Khmer empire with its temples and floating villages.

Visit Cambodia and Vietnam on a Mekong voygage - Stevie Mann

Twice-daily excursions (included in the price) take guests to spot unusual animals: pink river dolphins, anacondas, sloths and caimans in the Amazon, or sarus cranes – the world’s tallest flying birds – on the Mekong. Active travellers can enjoy kayak tours, guided jungle walks or cycling alongside rice fields, as well as visits to local communities living along the banks. 

And by taking in the Amazon’s birthplace (where the Ucayali and Marañón tributaries converge) and Cambodia’s legendary Angkor Wat, Aqua’s river itineraries are bucket-list stuff.

As for coastal yacht voyages, there’s a choice of three regions. First among these is Indonesia, where Aqua Blu sails year-round – varying its itineraries with the seasons to catch each region at its best. This provides a choice of experiences from the Komodo Islands (and their one-of-a-kind dragons) to the Spice Islands and Raja Ampat in the Coral Triangle.

Aqua Mekong, the fleet’s joint-largest ship, takes travellers to Cambodia (whose Floating Village monks are pictured) - Richard Mark Dobson

On the other side of the world in Ecuador, luxurious Aqua Mare (a 16-passenger super yacht) sails the Galapagos islands in search of its unique mix of polar and tropical wildlife (with favourites being the penguins, fur seals and comically blue-footed boobies).

Aqua’s newest destinations (launching in 2026, but on sale now) are the East African islands of Seychelles and Zanzibar. Choose from four itineraries, all of which discover the region in detail (and can be booked back-to-back for a thorough exploration), on board an as-yet-unnamed, Aqua-standard super yacht.

2. Who does Aqua Expeditions appeal to?

Aqua Expeditions draws discerning, considered and often eco-conscious travellers who seek meaningful, immersive experiences that blend adventure with absolute luxury. 

Given the nature of the predominantly wild and pristine, remote destinations, Aqua’s sailings attract an active demographic keen to make the most of their chosen destination through hiking, kayaking, snorkelling, diving and other rewarding pursuits. 

Many excursions are energetic and require clambering into a tender or executing wet landings, so a reasonable degree of agility and fitness is essential (although, of course, guests have the choice of opting out from day-trips and taking it easy).

Many of Aqua’s excursions require good physical fitness and executing wet landings – but all are optional - Stevie Mann

Families can travel together comfortably thanks to a number of connecting rooms and suites on all ships except Aqua Mare (for which the best option is the four-berth Owner’s Suite). 

For larger family gatherings or groups, there’s even the option of chartering a vessel exclusively: Aqua Mare (with capacity for 16 passengers) is perhaps best suited to this. 

And if you prefer voyaging alone? Aqua’s zero-supplement Solo Traveller Special is available on certain departures. But no matter who you’re travelling with, the group excursions, family-style dining and friendly staff interactions soon help passengers forge connections and a sense of camaraderie.

3. Aqua Expedition’s fleet

The current count of five encompasses three ocean and two river-going ships.

Aqua Mekong (40 passengers)

The fleet’s joint-largest ship, Aqua Mekong, brings award-winning modern design to Southeast Asia’s longest river. Comprehensive facilities such as a spa, gym and river-facing plunge pool complement the vessel’s 20 spacious, outward-facing suites. Four comfortable skiffs (constituting the Mekong’s largest fleet of tenders) whisk guests on highly personalised excursions. Back on board, the immersive cultural journey continues with locally inspired dining experiences crafted by Michelin-starred consulting chef David Thompson.

Sails to: Cambodia and Vietnam

Aqua Nera (40 passengers)

Considered the finest and most luxurious river ship on the Amazon, Aqua Nera became the brand’s second Amazonian vessel in 2021. Named for the black waters of local lagoons, Aqua Nera features 20 designer suites and elegant interiors, with the added benefit (as with all the fleet) of adhering to the highest safety standards. A nice extra touch is the marrying of local heritage with contemporary design via accents reflecting the rubber boom era’s opulence.

Sails to: The Peruvian Amazon

Both Aqua Nera and Aqua Mekong (pictured) offer 20 spacious, outwards-facing suites

Aria Amazon (32 passengers)

Aqua Expeditions’ first ever ship, Aria Amazon, made her debut in 2011. Custom-built to explore the Amazon and Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, the environmentally sensitive ship features 16 luxurious suites with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame ever-changing river and rainforest views. Social spaces include a lounge, bar, gym, movie room and Jacuzzi, plus a restaurant serving Amazonian produce under the guidance of Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, one of Peru’s most accomplished chefs.

Sails to: The Peruvian Amazon

Aqua Blu (30 passengers)

At 60 metres, Aqua Blu (a former British Naval Explorer) is the first long-range ocean explorer yacht to be permanently based in East Indonesia. The ship serves the Komodo Islands, Spice Islands and Raja Ampat, catching each region when its weather and sea conditions are at their seasonal best. It’s extraordinarily comfortable too, with 15 individually designed suites, refined amenities and innovative menus by Australian chef Benjamin Cross.

Sails to: Indonesia

Australian chef Benjamin Cross offers an innovative menu on the Aqua Blu

Aqua Mare (16 passengers)

As the first true super yacht in the Galapagos Islands, 50-metre Aqua Mare elevates a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Designed and built by Italy’s renowned CRN shipyard with custom Zuretti interiors, it comes with seven elegant suites, expansive social spaces and regionally inspired cuisine by award-winning chef Schiaffino. The crew head-count of 16 includes two naturalist guides, ensuring exceptional, one-on-one service and the most exclusive of voyages.

Sails to: The Galapagos

4. Access for guests with disabilities

Due to the nature of the remote destinations and small size of the ships themselves, Aqua Expeditions is not best suited to guests with impaired mobility.

5. Loyalty scheme

Returning Aqua Expeditions customers can access rewards across the fleet, such as exclusive rates and discounts on both expeditions and private charters.

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