Aqua Expeditions — part of the PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP – has revealed new details of its sixth vessel, the 30-guest Aqua Lares, which will operate primarily in the Seychelles. The new vessel was first announced by Aqua Expeditions 13 months ago, however few details were provided on the yacht itself. At that time, the new expedition yacht had been earmarked to debut in December 2025.
The latest update now confirms a February 2026 launch of the 15-suite Aqua Lares. The yacht will offer 5-, 9-, 10-, and 11-night voyages through the Seychelles, Aldabra Atoll and Zanzibar, Tanzania. Inaugural sailings set sail from Madagascar in early 2026.
Aqua Expeditions says it will be the first ultra-luxe expedition yacht available to book by the cabin in the Seychelles.
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Guests can expect a superyacht experience in line with Aqua’s signature standards: personalised service, a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, cuisine by world-renowned chefs, and expert-led excursions in small groups that reveal the best of each destination.
“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 Galli 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. From the wild beauty of the Seychelles to Aldabra Atoll’s 150,000 giant tortoises, this region offers a rare kind of adventure – one that perfectly complements our voyages in the Galapagos and Indonesia.”
Introducing Aqua Lares
Spanning six decks, the 77.4-metre Aqua Lares hosts just 30 guests across 12 beautifully appointed design suites and 3 twin cabins. Suites range from 13 to 66 sqm (140–710 sqft), including three generous Owner’s Suites.
Aqua Lares carries five private tenders – three 6.5-metre Zodiacs and two 8.5-metre Rafnar Tenders – offering flexibility for off-ship exploration. The yacht is also outfitted with paddle boards, kayaks, snorkelling and diving gear, and mountain bikes, ideal for reaching remote beaches, lagoons, and forest trails.A dedicated crew of 33 – including three naturalist guides – ensures world-class service and experience-rich adventures on land and underwater.
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 –designed for relaxation after a day of discovery.
The vessel’s interiors blend luxurious elegance with a strong sense of place – creating a refined, welcoming sanctuary at sea. This vision is being brought to life through an extensive interior refit led by Aqua Design Director Birgit Galli Zugaro in collaboration with Milan-based HOTLAB, ahead of Aqua Lares’ launch in the Indian Ocean next February.
Aqua Lares offers 5-, 9-, 10-, and 11-night voyages through the Seychelles, Aldabra Atoll and Zanzibar, Tanzania – crafted for those drawn to remote wilderness. Hosting a maximum of 30 guests, this elegant expedition yacht accesses islands and coastlines inaccessible to larger vessels. Her adventure-ready build enables immersive, twice-daily small-group excursions into uncharted territory – an experience that’s uniquely Aqua.
The 5-night itinerary explores the Seychelles’ inner islands, including Praslin and La Digue. These islands also offer hiking, snorkelling, and landings on some of the Indian Ocean’s most striking white-sand beaches.
The 9-night expedition ventures into the Seychelles’ Outer Islands – a secluded chain accessible only by sea. This is where Aqua excels: no crowds, no fixed schedules, just immersive access to one of the region’s most untouched marine environments. Guests will spot sea turtles, tropical fish, manta rays, reef sharks, and – on rare occasions – blue whales as they kayak, snorkel, or dive in pristine lagoons and coral reefs.Extended 10- and 11-night itineraries link the Seychelles with the Zanzibar Archipelago and Tanzania, offering wider access to this diverse region. Sailing between Mahé and Zanzibar, these Indian Ocean voyages include stops at Aldabra, Remire, Farquhar, and Astove – home to the four-mile-long Astove Wall, often described as an underwater Grand Canyon teeming with reef sharks, rays, and marine life. Guests will explore ancient trade routes and Swahili-Arabian heritage on islands like Pemba and Kilwa Kisiwani and enjoy birdwatching for rare species including red-footed boobies.
Offline bookings are open for 2026 and 2027, with inaugural sailings beginning 8 February 2026. Online bookings open 1 September.
Rates start at US$9,000 per person for a 5-night itinerary, based on double occupancy. Private charters for up to 30 guests start at US$385,000 for 5 nights.
