Aqua Expeditions Unveils Sixth Vessel—Aqua Lares

Aqua Expeditions, part of the Ponant Explorations Group, has announced the sixth vessel in the brand’s fleet—Aqua Lares.  

Launching February 2026, the 15-suite Aqua Lares will offer 5- to 11-night voyages across the Seychelles, with select itineraries venturing to the Aldabra Atoll or onward to Zanzibar, Tanzania—each crafted for travelers seeking remote and extraordinary wilderness. It will also be the first luxury expedition yacht available to book by the cabin in the Seychelles.  

Guests can expect a superyacht experience in line with Aqua’s signature standards: personalized 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. 

Spanning six decks, the 253-foot Aqua Lares hosts a maximum of just 30 guests across its 12 design suites and three twin cabins, offering an intimate and elevated way to explore East Africa’s most remote waters. The sizeable accommodations range from 140 to 710 square feet and include three generous Owner’s Suites. Interiors showcase a winning collaboration between Aqua Design Director Birgit Galli Zugaro and Milan-based HotLab. Aqua Lares feels like a luxurious sanctuary at sea.  

A dedicated crew of 33—including three naturalist guides—ensures world-class service and delivers experience-rich adventures on land and underwater. Onboard 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. 

To support flexible off-ship discovery and exploration, Aqua Lares carries five private tenders—three Zodiacs and two Rafnar tenders, renowned for their shock-absorbing, stable hulls that deliver comfort and safety at sea. It’s also outfitted with paddle boards, kayaks, snorkeling and diving gear, as well as mountain bikes, ideal for reaching remote beaches, lagoons, and forest trails. 

Aqua Lares will offer 5-, 9-, 10-, and 11-night voyages through the Seychelles, Aldabra Atoll and Zanzibar, Tanzania, and thanks to its build, this expedition yacht can explore islands and coastlines inaccessible to larger vessels. Immersive, twice-daily excursions lead small groups into uncharted territory—an experience that’s uniquely Aqua. 

Supported by financing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Aqua’s East Africa expansion reinforces the brand’s leadership in luxury exploration and its commitment to delivering immersive voyages, cultural discovery, and sustainable tourism to the world’s most pristine destinations.  

This itinerary explores the Seychelles’ inner islands, including Praslin and La Digue. On La Digue, guests can bike forest paths and encounter the Coco de Mer—a rare palm identified as one of the few true examples of island gigantism. On Praslin, observe the critically endangered Seychelles paradise flycatcher in its natural habitat. These islands also offer hiking, snorkeling, and landings on some of the Indian Ocean’s most striking white-sand beaches. 

This 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. At Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world’s largest sanctuary for giant tortoises (more than 150,000 live here), guests will also spot sea turtles, tropical fish, manta rays, reef sharks, and—on rare occasions—blue whales as they kayak, snorkel, or dive in lagoons and coral reefs. Flyfishing, beach walks, and hikes round out the experience. 

Extended 10- and 11-Night Itineraries: 

These will 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. Inaugural sailings depart from Madagascar in early 2026. 

Aqua Lares will sail the Seychelles, Aldabra Atoll, Zanzibar, and Tanzania annually from November to April. Offline bookings are open for 2026 and 2027, with inaugural sailings beginning February 8, 2026. Online bookings open September 1. Rates start at USD 9,000 per person for a five-night itinerary, based on double occupancy. Private charters for up to 30 guests start at USD 385,000 for five nights.