Amazon · Mekong · Indonesia · Galápagos

Aqua Expeditions Luxury Cruises

Venture into the world’s most extraordinary waterways aboard intimate, design-forward vessels. Aqua Expeditions pairs five-star luxury with genuine exploration, taking you deep into remote rivers and coastlines where few travelers ever go – all with world-class cuisine and expert-led excursions.

The Aqua Expeditions company logo featuring a minimalist light blue eye-shaped design with an elegant line aesthetic, positioned above the company name in modern sans-serif typography. This branding represents a luxury expedition cruise company specializing in exploration travel.

Boutique Expedition Cruising, Redefined

Founded by Francesco Galli Zugaro, Aqua Expeditions was born from a simple idea: that adventure and luxury don’t have to be mutually exclusive. What started in 2007 with a single vessel on the Peruvian Amazon has grown into an award-winning fleet operating across some of the planet’s most remarkable waterways. These are small ships – deliberately so. With no more than 40 guests on their river vessels, every voyage feels personal. The cuisine is overseen by celebrated chefs, the naturalist guides are genuinely passionate about what they do, and the itineraries reach places that bigger ships simply cannot.

At a Glance

Cruise Line: Aqua Expeditions – Boutique Luxury Expedition Cruises

Fleet: Intimate fleet of luxury vessels accommodating approximately 16-40 guests on river ships and up to 16 guests on ocean-going yachts

Destinations: Peruvian Amazon, Mekong River (Vietnam & Cambodia), Indonesian Archipelago, and Galápagos Islands

Signature Feature: World-renowned guest chef partnerships, expert naturalist-led excursions, and design-forward vessels crafted for remote exploration

Philosophy: Luxury exploration in the world’s most extraordinary waterways, where adventure meets refined comfort

  • Luxury accommodation in beautifully designed suites and cabins
  • All gourmet meals prepared under the direction of celebrated guest chefs
  • Daily guided excursions led by expert naturalists and local guides
  • House wines, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Use of expedition equipment including kayaks and skiffs
  • Onboard lectures and enrichment presentations by naturalist guides
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi (where satellite connectivity permits)
  • Airport transfers on embarkation and disembarkation days (select itineraries)

  • Ultra-intimate vessels with no more than 40 guests on river ships – you won’t feel like a tourist
  • Cuisine created in partnership with world-class chefs, tailored to each destination
  • Expert naturalist guides with deep local knowledge lead every excursion
  • Access to remote waterways and coastlines unreachable by larger vessels
  • Beautifully crafted ships that blend contemporary luxury with expedition capability
  • Strong commitment to sustainable tourism and local community engagement
  • Small-group excursions ensure personalized, unhurried experiences ashore

Guest Chef Program: Aqua Expeditions partners with internationally acclaimed chefs to design menus that reflect each region’s culinary traditions using locally sourced ingredients

Amazon Vessels: Menus inspired by Peruvian cuisine, drawing on the extraordinary biodiversity of Amazonian ingredients

Mekong Vessel: Vietnamese and Cambodian flavors prepared with regional produce and traditional techniques

Indonesian & Galápagos Vessels: Menus celebrating local seafood, tropical produce, and regional specialties

All dietary requirements are accommodated, and every meal is served in an elegant open-seating format. House wines, beer, and soft drinks are included throughout the voyage.

Aqua Expeditions’ vessels feature spacious suites designed with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that bring the landscape right into your room. On the Amazon river vessels, suites range from approximately 235 to 300 square feet with outdoor viewing areas. The Aqua Mekong offers generous suites with private balconies and indoor-outdoor living spaces.

All accommodations feature premium bedding, en-suite bathrooms with luxury amenities, individually controlled climate systems, and thoughtful design touches that reflect each destination’s character.

The ocean-going Aqua Blu offers cabins and suites with private balconies, expansive living areas, and a dedicated spa for post-excursion relaxation.

At a Glance

Boutique Expedition

Ultra-Luxury

Small-ship exploration at its finest

  • Spacious suites with panoramic windows
  • All gourmet meals by celebrated chefs
  • House wines, beer & soft drinks
  • Daily expert-led excursions
  • Kayaks, skiffs & expedition gear
  • Naturalist guides & onboard lectures
  • Intimate ships with 15-40 guests

Explore

Discover Aqua Expeditions

An aerial view of a small recreational boat with passengers observing a large whale swimming nearby in deep blue ocean waters. The whale's back and dorsal fin are clearly visible as it surfaces, creating an unforgettable wildlife encounter during a marine excursion.

Where the Map Gets Interesting

Aqua Expeditions operates in destinations most cruise lines wouldn’t attempt. Deep in the Peruvian Amazon, you’ll navigate tributaries teeming with wildlife alongside expert naturalists who know the rainforest intimately. On the Mekong, you’ll drift between floating markets and ancient temples in Vietnam and Cambodia. In Indonesia, the Aqua Blu explores the remote islands of Raja Ampat and Komodo National Park – some of the most biodiverse marine environments on Earth. And in the Galápagos, you’re face to face with species found nowhere else. These aren’t sightseeing trips. They’re immersive encounters with places that still feel wild.

Cuisine That Belongs to the Destination

Food is a serious matter on Aqua Expeditions. Each vessel’s menu is developed in partnership with internationally celebrated guest chefs who design dishes around locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. On the Amazon, expect Peruvian flavors that showcase Amazonian produce you’ve likely never encountered before. Along the Mekong, the cuisine draws from Vietnamese and Cambodian traditions with fresh herbs, river fish, and spices gathered from nearby markets. In Indonesia and the Galápagos, seafood takes center stage alongside tropical fruits and regional specialties. Every meal feels connected to where you are. House wines, beer, and soft drinks are included, and dietary needs are handled with genuine care rather than as an afterthought.

An elegant outdoor dining experience on the illuminated stern platform of a luxury yacht during golden hour, with a family of four seated at a formally set table while the sun sets over calm coastal waters.
A small Zodiac landing craft with passengers approaches across turquoise Arctic waters, with a snow-covered mountainous coastline visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky. This scene depicts typical polar expedition cruising activities where guests are transported to remote locations for exploration and wildlife viewing.

Expert-Led Excursions & Wildlife Encounters

The excursions are the reason most people choose Aqua Expeditions. Every departure includes daily guided outings led by naturalists who actually live in these regions – people who can spot a pink river dolphin before you’ve even thought to look. In the Amazon, you might kayak through flooded forest canopies one morning and visit a remote indigenous community the next. On the Mekong, it could be a sunrise visit to a floating market followed by a guided walk through ancient Khmer ruins. In Indonesia, world-class snorkelling and diving in Raja Ampat or encounters with Komodo dragons. These aren’t generic shore excursions. They’re carefully designed, small-group experiences that bring each destination to life in ways that feel personal and unscripted.

Experience

The Aqua Expeditions Difference

Intimate by Design

With just 16 to 40 guests on their river vessels, Aqua Expeditions offers a level of intimacy that larger ships can’t replicate. You’ll know your fellow travelers by name within a day, and the crew-to-guest ratio means the service feels genuinely personal rather than scripted.

World-Class Guest Chefs

Aqua Expeditions collaborates with internationally renowned chefs to create menus rooted in each destination’s culinary heritage. Locally sourced ingredients, regional techniques, and a commitment to freshness mean every meal genuinely reflects where you are – not a generic cruise menu shipped in from elsewhere.

Sustainability at the Core

Aqua Expeditions takes responsible travel seriously. From supporting local communities in the Amazon to minimizing environmental impact in fragile marine ecosystems like Raja Ampat, the company builds sustainability into its operations. Traveling with them means your presence contributes positively to the places you visit.

A modern luxury yacht tender is moored at sunset with dramatic golden-orange skies reflecting off calm waters, with mountainous tropical islands silhouetted in the background. The scene captures the tranquil beauty of an upscale cruise or yacht experience in an idyllic island destination.

Design-Forward Suites & Cabins

Every Aqua Expeditions vessel was designed with the idea that where you sleep should be as remarkable as where you explore. The Amazon river ships feature suites with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows – the rainforest practically feels like it’s in the room with you. On the Aqua Mekong, spacious suites come with private balconies and a distinctly contemporary Asian aesthetic. The Aqua Blu, their explorer yacht in Indonesia, offers generous cabins and suites with outdoor spaces and access to an onboard spa. Across the fleet, expect premium bedding, elegant en-suite bathrooms with quality amenities, and a design sensibility that feels refined without being fussy. The point is comfort, not ostentation.

Images

Gallery

An overhead aerial view of a multi-deck white luxury motor yacht cutting through deep blue ocean waters, creating dramatic white wake patterns on both sides. The vessel displays multiple teak-accented deck levels and is captured at high speed during daytime.
A stunning golden-hulled expedition yacht anchored in calm blue waters during golden hour, with elegant multi-deck architecture featuring observation areas and a helicopter pad. The vessel is framed against a picturesque sky with soft cumulus clouds, exemplifying ultra-luxury small-ship cruising.
An aerial view of the Aqua Mare, a luxury motor yacht featuring an elegant sun deck with white fiberglass construction, teak wood accents, comfortable seating areas, and sophisticated nautical design. The vessel is anchored in deep blue waters, showcasing premium yacht amenities and refined leisure aesthetics.
A stunning expedition yacht illuminated by warm golden interior lights anchors in calm waters during a vibrant sunset, with the vessel's navigation equipment visible against a dramatic sky transitioning from orange and yellow to deep blue.
A traditional wooden riverboat cruise vessel navigates the Amazon River during a stunning golden sunset, with dense tropical rainforest vegetation lining both banks. The ship features a distinctive canvas canopy top and wooden construction, exemplifying authentic Amazonian river exploration.
A serene view of a pristine river flowing through dense Amazon rainforest, with lush green vegetation mirrored perfectly in the still water under a bright blue sky with white cumulus clouds. This natural landscape represents the heart of South American wilderness and biodiversity.
An aerial view of snorkelers exploring a vibrant shallow coral reef with crystal-clear turquoise waters. Multiple swimmers are dispersed across the reef, enjoying the pristine marine environment and visible coral formations below the transparent water.
An aerial view of a stunning tropical archipelago featuring dramatic limestone karst islands covered in lush green vegetation, surrounded by pristine turquoise and emerald waters. Small boats navigate through the tranquil lagoons between the distinctive rock formations.
A pristine Arctic landscape featuring majestic snow-capped mountains and a frozen valley with a glacial river or lake, showcasing the stark beauty of a polar wilderness under clear blue skies. The dramatic peaks and expansive white terrain represent the dramatic scenery typical of Arctic cruise destinations in Svalbard or similar northern regions.
An aerial view of a pristine tropical beach featuring turquoise crystal-clear waters, white sand, and distinctive granite rock formations surrounded by lush green vegetation and palm trees. The image captures the dramatic contrast between the vibrant blue ocean, sandy shore, and dense tropical forest characteristic of premier beach destinations.
An aerial view of a weathered colonial-era fortification overlooking a lush tropical island settlement nestled along a misty waterfront at sunrise or sunset. The golden light illuminates the surrounding landscape, revealing verdant vegetation, traditional buildings, and the serene waters beyond, creating a picturesque destination for maritime exploration.
A stunning tropical beach cove featuring distinctive large granite boulders scattered across pristine white sand, surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and lush green vegetation, creating an idyllic destination for cruise ship excursions.
A modern river cruise vessel with distinctive orange and dark hull coloring navigates a calm, wide river during a spectacular golden sunset. The ship's reflection mirrors in the still water as the sun dips below the horizon, creating a serene travel scene typical of river cruising in Southeast Asia or similar riverine destinations.
A vibrant floating village featuring traditional wooden stilt houses with colorful roofs reflected in calm water, showcasing the unique lifestyle and architecture of communities living on Southeast Asian waterways. The scene captures the authentic cultural experience of Cambodian waterside settlements with clear blue skies and pristine natural surroundings.
A dignified tribal elder from Papua New Guinea sits on a traditional wooden structure, displaying authentic cultural attire including face paint, feathered headdress, beaded necklaces, and woven garments. The background showcases traditional architecture with intricate carved wooden panels characteristic of Papuan indigenous communities.
A close-up photograph of three newly hatched sea turtle hatchlings being carefully held in human hands, showcasing their delicate shells and tiny forms against a blurred natural background. This image captures a moment of wildlife education or conservation effort, likely at a coastal destination or marine facility.
A striking photograph of a massive blue glacier or iceberg with layered ice formations rising above calm Arctic waters, captured under a clear, pale sky that emphasizes the stark beauty and scale of the polar landscape.
An breathtaking aerial view of lush, limestone karst islands covered in dense green vegetation surrounded by pristine turquoise and deep blue waters, with a small speedboat visible navigating through the scenic archipelago.
Four well-dressed guests enjoy cocktails and conversation on an upper deck of a cruise ship during golden hour, with the ocean and sunset sky visible in the background. The warm, golden lighting and relaxed atmosphere capture the luxury leisure experience of cruise travel.
A luxury river cruise ship named Aqua Nera navigating through a lush Amazon rainforest landscape during a golden sunset. The vessel is accompanied by smaller boats and features multiple decks with panoramic windows.
A solitary polar bear stands alert on a snow-covered ice floe in the Arctic, with blue-tinted glacial ice formations visible in the foreground and a pale sky in the background. The image captures the stark beauty of polar wildlife in their natural Arctic habitat.
A pristine Arctic landscape featuring multiple snow-covered volcanic peaks with distinct conical formations rising above a frozen plain dotted with dark rocks. A partially frozen lake or water channel winds through the foreground under clear blue skies, characteristic of remote polar regions.
A luxurious river cruise vessel with distinctive golden-lit wooden architecture floats peacefully on calm waters during sunset, with expansive floodplain landscapes and scattered trees visible along the distant riverbank under a warm, hazy sky.
A stunning aerial view of the Komodo Islands in Indonesia, showcasing dramatic volcanic peaks with lush green vegetation, pristine white sand beaches, and turquoise blue waters dotted with smaller islands and rock formations. The landscape exemplifies the natural beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, an ideal cruise destination in Southeast Asia.
A stunning aerial view of the Galápagos Islands featuring dramatic volcanic islands, pristine turquoise waters, and a distinctive rock formation rising from the sea. The barren volcanic terrain in the foreground contrasts beautifully with the lush green vegetation on the islands and the brilliant azure ocean waters.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Aqua Expeditions offers a comprehensive all-inclusive experience. Your cruise fare covers luxury suite accommodation, all gourmet meals designed by celebrated guest chefs, house wines, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages, daily guided excursions led by expert naturalists, use of expedition equipment such as kayaks and skiffs, onboard lectures and enrichment programs, and complimentary Wi-Fi where satellite coverage allows. Select itineraries also include airport transfers on embarkation and disembarkation days. Premium spirits and spa treatments are typically available at an additional cost.

A few things set them apart. The ships are small – really small – which means they can navigate waterways that bigger vessels can’t reach. The cuisine is developed in collaboration with internationally acclaimed chefs and built around local ingredients, not standard cruise fare. Every excursion is led by expert naturalists who live in the regions you’re exploring, so the knowledge is firsthand. And the design of the ships themselves is striking – contemporary, elegant, and built to connect you visually with the landscape through expansive windows and outdoor spaces.

Aqua Expeditions operates in four distinct regions. In Peru, they cruise the Amazon River and its tributaries aboard the Aria Amazon and Aqua Nera. The Aqua Mekong explores Vietnam and Cambodia along the Mekong River. In Indonesia, the Aqua Blu – a long-range explorer yacht – navigates the remote islands of Raja Ampat, Komodo National Park, and the Spice Islands. Their newest destination is the Galápagos Islands aboard the Aqua Mare. Each region offers completely different wildlife, culture, and scenery.

It depends on the vessel. The Amazon river ships carry approximately 16 to 40 guests. The Aqua Mekong accommodates up to 40 guests. The Aqua Blu in Indonesia carries around 15 guests. And the Aqua Mare in the Galápagos holds up to 16 guests. These deliberately small capacities ensure personalized attention from both the crew and the naturalist guides, and they allow the ships to access places that are off-limits to larger vessels.

All meals are included and served in a single elegant open-seating dining venue on each vessel. The menus are crafted in partnership with celebrated guest chefs and change daily based on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. In the Amazon, expect Peruvian-inspired dishes using Amazonian produce. On the Mekong, the cuisine celebrates Vietnamese and Cambodian traditions. House wines, beer, and soft drinks are complimentary throughout the voyage. Special dietary requirements are happily accommodated with advance notice.

Excursions vary by destination but are always led by expert naturalist guides. On the Amazon, expect skiff rides through flooded forests, piranha fishing, pink dolphin spotting, visits to indigenous communities, and guided rainforest walks. The Mekong itineraries include floating market visits, temple tours, cooking demonstrations, and village visits. In Indonesia, activities focus on snorkelling, diving, kayaking, and island exploration. In the Galápagos, expect wildlife walks, snorkelling with sea lions, and zodiac rides along volcanic coastlines. All excursions are included in the fare.

Each vessel in the Aqua Expeditions fleet features spacious suites designed with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows. On the Amazon vessels, suites range from approximately 235 to 300 square feet, with the Aqua Nera featuring suites up to 345 square feet including a private outdoor terrace. The Aqua Mekong offers suites of around 320 square feet with private balconies. The Aqua Blu provides cabins and suites with outdoor spaces and spa access. All accommodations include premium bedding, en-suite bathrooms with luxury amenities, and individually controlled climate systems.

Aqua Expeditions can be a wonderful choice for families with older children and teenagers who are curious about nature and wildlife. The small-group excursions and expert naturalist guides make every outing educational and engaging. That said, these are expedition-style cruises focused on wildlife encounters and cultural immersion rather than family entertainment programs. There are no kids’ clubs or dedicated children’s activities, so it works best for families who enjoy exploring together. The Amazon and Galápagos itineraries tend to be particularly popular with families.

The dress code is relaxed and comfortable. For excursions, lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colors works best – long sleeves and pants are recommended for jungle walks. Sturdy walking shoes, a rain jacket, insect repellent, and sunscreen are essential. Binoculars are a must for wildlife spotting (though guides carry them too). Onboard, smart casual attire is the norm for dining. No formal nights. A light fleece or jacket is useful for air-conditioned indoor areas. Your Aqua Expeditions team will provide a detailed packing list specific to your itinerary before departure.

Gratuities are not included in the cruise fare and are left to your discretion. Aqua Expeditions provides guidelines for suggested amounts, which typically cover the ship’s crew and the naturalist guides. Tips can usually be paid in cash or added to your onboard account at the end of the voyage. Your Cruise Help advisor can provide specific guidance on suggested gratuity amounts for your particular itinerary.

When you book Aqua Expeditions through Cruise Help, you get access to exclusive group rates with savings of up to 50% off published fares – with just one room. Our team of 23+ expert advisors provides personalized guidance on choosing the right vessel, suite, and itinerary for your interests. We perform weekly price monitoring on every booking and automatically adjust your rate if the price drops. We never charge booking, consultation, or change fees. And with 365-day support, you’ll have a dedicated team behind you from your first inquiry through to disembarkation and beyond.

Get Started

Ready to Explore the Extraordinary?

Aqua Expeditions takes you to places that feel genuinely untouched – the kind of destinations you’ve read about but never imagined you could experience in this level of comfort. When you’re ready to plan your expedition cruise, our expert advisors at Cruise Help are here to guide you. With exclusive group rates, weekly price monitoring, and no fees – ever – your adventure starts with a conversation.