Aqua Expeditions to launch Aqua Lares in East Africa in 2026

Aqua Expeditions will add a new vessel to its fleet in 2026. 

The 77.4-metre Aqua Lares is scheduled to launch in February and will operate 5- to 11-night small-ship voyages through the Seychelles, Aldabra Atoll, Zanzibar and the coast of Tanzania.

The 15-suite expedition yacht will be the first of its kind to offer cabin-based bookings in the Seychelles. 

It will operate seasonally from November to April, with inaugural sailings beginning February 8, 2026. 

Offline bookings are now open for 2026 and 2027. 

Online bookings are expected to open on September 1.

“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 Francesco Galli Zugaro, founder and CEO of Aqua Expeditions. 

“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.”

The vessel will carry a maximum of 30 guests in 12 suites and three twin cabins. 

Facilities include a sundeck, dining and lounge areas, cinema, boutique, gym and spa amenities. 

Three naturalist guides will accompany each sailing. The vessel also features five tenders—three Zodiacs and two Rafnar boats—as well as kayaks, paddleboards, diving and snorkelling gear and mountain bikes.

Voyages will include twice-daily guided excursions focused on regional nature and wildlife. Sample itineraries include:

• 5-night itinerary: Focused on the inner islands of the Seychelles, including Praslin and La Digue, with opportunities for biking, hiking and spotting local wildlife such as the Coco de Mer palm and Seychelles paradise flycatcher.

• 9-night itinerary: Visits the Seychelles' remote Outer Islands and Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world’s largest giant tortoise habitat.

• 10- and 11-night itineraries: Combine the Seychelles with Zanzibar and Tanzania, including stops at Mahé, Pemba, Kilwa Kisiwani and Astove Atoll.

Inaugural sailings will depart from Madagascar, and rates start at USD $9,000 per person for five-night itineraries based on double occupancy. 

Full private charters are also available starting at USD $385,000.

The launch is supported by financing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of Aqua Expeditions’ broader expansion in East Africa.

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