Bookings open for Aqua Lares, the first ultra-luxury expedition yacht in the Seychelles

Launching in February 2026, Aqua Lares will become the first ultra-luxe expedition yacht in the Seychelles available to book by the cabin, carrying just 30 guests with personalised service, fine dining and spacious suites

Award-winning small-ship cruise operator Aqua Expeditions will expand its fleet in February 2026 with the launch of Aqua Lares, the first ultra-luxe expedition yacht in the Seychelles available to book by the cabin. Designed for just 30 guests, the 77.4-metre vessel pairs the brand’s 1:1 crew‑to‑guest service and cuisine by world‑renowned chefs with expert‑led, small‑group excursions across one of the world’s most biodiverse marine regions. 

Design and onboard experience

Spanning six decks, Aqua Lares features 15 accommodations – 12 design suites and three twin cabins – ranging from 13 to 66 square metres, including three Owner’s Suites. An extensive interior refit led by Aqua Design Director Birgit Galli Zugaro with Milan‑based HOTLAB will blend refined elegance with a sense of place, according to the brand. Social spaces include a panoramic sun deck with bar and lounge, a cinema, boutique, gym, salon, an indoor dining room and a shaded outdoor dining area. Wellness facilities comprise two Jacuzzis, a sauna, massage room and spa.

For off‑ship exploration, the yacht carries five private tenders – three 6.5‑metre Zodiacs and two 8.5‑metre Rafnar tenders – along with paddle boards, kayaks, snorkelling and diving gear, and mountain bikes. A dedicated crew of 33, including three naturalist guides, will support twice‑daily small‑group outings on land and underwater.

Expeditions and itineraries

Operating annually from November to April, itineraries span 5, 9, 10 and 11 nights across the Seychelles, Aldabra Atoll, Zanzibar and Tanzania. The 5‑night route explores the inner islands, including La Digue and Praslin, with opportunities to cycle forest paths, encounter the rare Coco de Mer palm and look for the critically endangered Seychelles paradise flycatcher.

The 9‑night expedition ventures into the remote Outer Islands, including UNESCO‑listed Aldabra Atoll – the world’s largest sanctuary for giant tortoises – with kayaking, hiking and snorkelling or diving in pristine lagoons and reefs frequented by manta rays, reef sharks and tropical fish, and occasional blue‑whale sightings.

Extended 10‑ and 11‑night voyages link Mahé with the Zanzibar Archipelago and Tanzania, combining marine exploration with visits to Swahili‑Arabian heritage sites such as Pemba and Kilwa Kisiwani. Highlights include diving the four‑mile‑long Astove Wall and birdwatching for species such as red‑footed boobies. Inaugural sailings set off from Madagascar in early 2026.

“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 Aqua Expeditions Founder and CEO Francesco Galli Zugaro. “…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.” 

Offline bookings for Aqua Lares are open for 2026 and 2027, with online bookings opening 1 September 2025. Inaugural sailings begin 8 February 2026. Rates start at USD 9,000 (around AU$13,800) per person for five nights, based on double occupancy. Private charters for up to 30 guests start at USD 385,000 (around AU$580,000) for five nights.

aquaexpeditions.com/cruise-ships/aqua-lares