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Aqua Expeditions to launch its first luxury expedition yacht in East Africa

Aqua Expeditions, part of the Ponant Explorations Group, is launching its sixth ship – the first ultra-luxe expedition yacht available to book by the cabin in the Seychelles, and its first in East Africa.

Aqua Expeditions, part of the Ponant Explorations Group, is launching its sixth ship – the first ultra-luxe expedition yacht available to book by the cabin in the Seychelles, and its first in East Africa.

The six-deck, 12-suite Aqua Lares has a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, cuisine by world-renowned chefs and expert-led, small-group excursions.

There are two Jacuzzis, a sauna, spa, cinema, boutique, gym and sun deck with bar and lounge.

Five private tenders, diving gear, mountain bikes and three naturalist guides ensure you get the most out of shore excursions.

The ship has five- to 11-night expeditions across the Seychelles, Aldabra Atoll, Zanzibar and Tanzania available from February 2026.

Aqua Expeditions' Aqua Lares lounge
Aqua Lares lounge
Aqua Lares suite
Aqua Lares suite

 Aqua Expeditions Founder and CEO Francesco Galli Zugaro says the launch of Aqua Lares “marks an exciting new chapter for 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.”

Itineraries include:

  • Seychelles’ inner islands. Five nights exploring Praslin and La Digue. On La Digue, guests can bike forest paths to see the rare palm Coco de Mer, and on Praslin see the critically endangered Seychelles paradise flycatcher in its natural habitat.
  • Seychelles’ outer islands. A nine-night expedition to Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site and the world’s largest sanctuary for giant tortoises.
  • Seychelles with the Zanzibar Archipelago and Tanzania. Ten and 11-night itineraries sailing between Mahé and Zanzibar, including stops at Aldabra, Remire, Farquhar, and Astove.

For more information, visit Aqua Expeditions.