Aqua Expeditions Expands into East Africa with New Vessel

Aqua Expeditions, a division of PONANT EXPLORATIONS, will launch its sixth luxury vessel, Aqua Lares, in February 2026, marking the cruise line’s expansion into East Africa.

The 15-cabin ship will offer five- to 11-night voyages across the Seychelles, with select itineraries venturing to the Aldabra Atoll or onward to Zanzibar, Tanzania.  

“The launch of Aqua Laresmarks an exciting new chapter for Aqua Expeditions – uniting our commitment to luxury exploration with the thrill of discovering uncharted frontiers,” said founder and CEO of Aqua Expeditions 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.”

Onboard the 253-foot, 30-passenger Aqua Lares, guests will find a one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio, with a crew of 33, including three naturalist guides. The 12 suites and three twin cabins range from 140 to 170 square feet and include three generous Owner’s Suites.

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.

To support flexible off-ship discovery and exploration, Aqua Larescarries five private tenders- three Zodiacs and two Rafnar tenders, renowned for their shock-absorbing, stable hulls that deliver comfort and safety at sea.

The ship is also outfitted with paddle boards, kayaks, snorkeling and diving gear, as well as mountain bikes, ideal for reaching remote beaches, lagoons, and forest trails.  

First Look Itineraries: East African Expeditions

Aqua Lares will offer five-, nine-, 10-, and 11-night voyages through the Seychelles, Aldabra Atoll, and Zanzibar, Tanzania, including smaller islands and coastlines inaccessible to larger ships. Immersive, twice-daily excursions are included as part of the experience.

Five Nights: 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. 

Nine Nights: This expedition ventures into the Seychelles’ Outer Islands – a secluded chain accessible only by sea. At its heart is 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 pristine lagoons and coral reefs. Flyfishing, beach walks, and hikes round out the experience.

Extended 10- and 11-Nights: These will link the Seychelles with the Zanzibar Archipelago and Tanzania. 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 Feb. 8, 2026. Online bookings open Sept. 1, 2025.