
Aqua Lares
Historic legacy meets contemporary sophistication as Aqua Lares brings its bespoke small-ship sailing experience to the remote shores of East Africa & the Norwegian Arctic.
Good for
Fine Dining, Jacuzzi Access, Guided Excursions, Personalized Service, Outdoor Activities
What to expect from Aqua Lares
Overview
Featuring 15 bespoke cabins, a one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio, and expert-led excursions, Aqua Lares offers a superyacht experience unlike any other. While sailing in East Africa, guests can discover biodiversity hotspots such as Aldabra and La Digue, as well as remote islands including the African Banks which are generally inaccessible to larger cruises. In the Arctic, itineraries explore Svalbard’s icy wilderness, home to polar bears, walruses, and dramatic glaciers that define one of the planet’s last great frontiers.
Aqua Lares pairs days of adventure with all the comforts of a five-star hotel, including a curated fine dining experience, highly personalized service, and a range of social spaces for rest and relaxation. Whether it’s sipping cocktails on the sun deck, cooling off at the jacuzzi, indulging in a spa treatment, or setting out on guided Arctic expeditions, moments on board can be just as special as those spent exploring the remote islands of the Indian & Arctic Oceans.
Purpose-built for exploration, the 77-meter Aqua Lares is a luxurious world-class floating safari, seamlessly blending European prestige with the earthy elegance of African craftsmanship — a fusion of timeless heritage and contemporary refinement. Warm-paneled interiors, Dedar textiles, and bespoke Gaya Ceramics dishware weave together an enchanting ambiance of relaxed luxury. The superyacht offers just as much to discover as the islands which it sails: sleek pieces by Minotti and Poltrona Frau contrast with antique maps and prints, blending traditional and contemporary aesthetics in a celebration of nature and timeless design
Accommodation
Accommodating a total of 30 guests, Aqua Lares features 15 elegant design cabins across five categories, including three Owner’s Suites sized between 419 and 710 sqft (39 and 66 sqm). The remaining cabins are sized between 139 and 322 sqft (13 and 30 sqm), each one individually designed and custom-furnished down to the smallest detail. Every room features warm interiors, creating an inviting atmosphere, complemented by solid wood veneers, as well as wallpaper and fabrics sourced from Italian renowned Dedar. Their sophisticated, artistic patterns subtly tie into the natural surroundings, reflecting the vibrant cultures and rich textures of both Europe and Africa.
CAT I: Owner's Suite 303
Located on the Owner's Deck, Aqua Lares' largest suite spans 66 sqm (710 sqft) and accommodates up to three guests with a king bed and separate sitting area.
CAT I: Owner's Suite 104
At 55 sqm (592 sqft), this spacious Owner's Suite accommodates up to four guests with a double bed, queen Murphy bed, and separate sitting area. Minotti furnishings, a coffee station, books, binoculars, and games create a welcoming space to relax. The generous ensuite bathroom features both a bathtub and walk-in shower.
CAT I: Owner's Suite 105
Spanning 39 sqm (419 sqft), this Owner's Suite accommodates up to four guests with a double bed, queen Murphy bed, and separate sitting area. Minotti furnishings, a coffee station, books, binoculars, and games offer a comfortable place to unwind. The ensuite bathroom features both a bathtub and walk-in shower.
CAT II: Cabin 201
Positioned on the Upper Deck, this 30 sqm (322 sqft) cabin is one of the largest on board, featuring a king bed and three large portholes. A walk-in closet, writing desk, long bench, and original Aqua Lares GA drawings complete the interior. The spacious ensuite bathroom includes both a bathtub and walk-in shower.
CAT II: Cabin 301
Spacious at 25 sqm (269 sqft), this cabin accommodates two guests with a choice of double or twin beds. Three windows bring plenty of natural light, while a writing desk with a Minotti chair offers a comfortable place to read or plan for the day. The ensuite bathroom features a walk-in shower.
CAT II: Cabin 401
Located on the Bridge Deck, this 21 sqm (226 sqft) cabin accommodates two guests with a king bed and three windows that fill the space with natural light. A built-in sofa and Minotti leather ottoman provide a comfortable seating area. The ensuite bathroom features a walk-in shower.
CAT III: Cabin 203
At 28 sqm (301 sqft), this spacious cabin accommodates two guests with a double bed and two large portholes. A walk-in closet, long bench, and writing desk with a Minotti chair provide added comfort. The ensuite bathroom features a walk-in shower.
CAT III: Cabin 205
This 26 sqm (279 sqft) cabin accommodates two guests with a double bed and two large portholes that fill the space with natural light. A walk-in closet, long bench, and writing desk with a Minotti chair complete the interior. The ensuite bathroom features a walk-in shower.
CAT III: Cabin 204
Located on the Upper Deck, this 26 sqm (279 sqft) cabin accommodates two guests with a double bed and two large portholes overlooking the surrounding seascape. A walk-in closet, long bench, and writing desk complete the interior. The ensuite bathroom features a walk-in shower.
CAT III: Cabin 206
Positioned on the Upper Deck, this 25 sqm (269 sqft) cabin accommodates two guests with a double bed and two large portholes. A walk-in closet, long bench, and writing desk with a Minotti chair provide added comfort. The ensuite bathroom features a walk-in shower.
CAT IV: Cabin 101
Located on the Main Deck, this 21 sqm (226 sqft) cabin features a king bed and five windows that frame ocean views and bring exceptional natural light into the space. Original Aqua Lares GA artwork and a Minotti swivel leather chair add thoughtful touches. The ensuite bathroom includes a walk-in shower with a window.
CAT IV: Cabin 302
Located on the Owner's Deck, this 16 sqm (172 sqft) cabin accommodates two guests with a choice of double or twin beds. Three windows, a writing desk, and original palm tree artwork create a bright, inviting space. The ensuite bathroom includes a walk-in shower with a window.
CAT V: Cabin 202
This 18 sqm (193 sqft) cabin features twin beds and three large portholes that bring natural light into the space. Two original prints and a writing desk with a Minotti chair complement the interior. The ensuite bathroom includes a walk-in shower and large porthole.
CAT V: Cabin 103
Ideal for families or small groups, this 14 sqm (150 sqft) cabin accommodates up to three guests with twin beds and a bunk bed. Three large portholes and a writing desk create a bright, practical space. The ensuite bathroom features a walk-in shower.
CAT V: Cabin 102
Designed for two guests, this 13 sqm (139 sqft) cabin features twin beds and two large portholes that bring natural light into the space. Its efficient layout makes the most of every detail. The ensuite bathroom includes a walk-in shower with a window.
Decks
Sun & Bridge Deck
- Cabin 401
- Sun Deck Lounge & Bar
- Bridge
Owner's Deck
- Heli Deck
- Outdoor Exercise Area (East Africa)
- Bow Deck
- Cabin 301
- Cabin 302
- Cabin 303
Upper Deck
- Outdoor Lounge
- Indoor Lounge
- Cabin 201
- Cabin 202
- Cabin 203
- Cabin 204
- Cabin 205
- Cabin 206
Main Deck
- Swim Platform
- Outdoor Jacuzzi
- Shaded Dining Area
- Main Saloon
- Cinema
- Cabin 101
- Cabin 102
- Cabin 103
- Cabin 104
- Cabin 105
Lower Deck
- Sauna
- Massage Room
- Indoor Jacuzzi
Gratuities
We are often asked what gratuity is appropriate for guides and crew. The quality of service should determine the amount of any tip.
Per passenger, we recommend a tip between USD 500 - USD 1,000 per person, depending on the length of the voyage.
For private charters, the recommended tip ranges from 10% - 15% of the total amount paid.
Please bear in mind that this is merely a suggestion, since we believe that gratuities are a very personal matter.
Tips can be paid by credit card or cash using the envelopes provided or the designated boxes. This will be explained in greater detail by your cruise director on board.
Entertainment
Aqua Lares pairs days of adventure with all the comforts of a five-star hotel, including a curated fine dining experience, highly personalized service, and a range of social spaces for rest and relaxation. Whether it’s sipping cocktails on the sun deck, cooling off at the jacuzzi, indulging in a spa treatment, or setting out on guided Arctic expeditions, moments on board can be just as special as those spent exploring the remote islands of the Indian & Arctic OceansHeli Deck
This open-air lounge offers a peaceful retreat with sweeping ocean views. Soak up the sun while relaxing on plush day beds, accompanied by the sea breeze. Perfect for unwinding between adventures or watching the sun set over the horizon.
Outdoor Lounge
A shaded space designed for breezy relaxation and mingling. Unwind with a choice beverage in hand as enchanting seascapes drift by — laid-back elegance at its finest.
Sun Deck Lounge Bar
Lounge in comfort, savor signature cocktails and tropical refreshments and bask in panoramic views. An idyllic gathering spot for golden-hour drinks.
Indoor Lounge
An inviting sanctuary of comfort and style, the indoor lounge presents a refined space to unwind, read, or gather over drinks and conversation.
Main Saloon
Gather in the ship’s elegant social hub, where tasteful decor and luxurious touches provide a sophisticated setting for conversations. Settle into this comfortable indoor retreat, thoughtfully designed for quiet moments and lively gatherings alike.
The bar adjoining the main saloon offers a curated selection of wines, beers and handrafted cocktails — open all day long, whether you're looking for a nightcap or a spritz in the morning. It’s also an inviting space to recount stories of the day’s adventures with fellow guests.
Cinema
The onboard cinema provides an intimate entertainment space where guests can enjoy a curated selection of films and documentaries.Bridge
Visit the bridge while the ship is docked for an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into expedition navigation.
Enrichment
Whether sailing through the Seychelles and Tanzania or exploring the remote Arctic archipelago aboard Aqua Lares, every day brings a new opportunity for discovery. Uncover a tapestry of pristine landscapes, extraordinary biodiversity, rich cultures, and enduring heritage, where each journey reveals something remarkable around every turn.
Swim Platform
Cool off with a refreshing dive into the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean from the swim platform — also the departure point for daily excursions to explore the rich biodiversity of Seychelles and Tanzania.
Presentations onboard
Daily briefings on excursions and onboard events will be conducted by the Cruise Director every evening.
Snorkeling & Scuba Diving in Seychelles & Tanzania
Aqua Lares provides all snorkeling & diving equipment. Your guides will present and discuss each day’s excursion sites.
Kayaking in Seychelles & Tanzania
Aqua Lares has double kayaks and single kayaks on board, available on request.
Seychelles & Tanzania Cruises
Rare wildlife encounters along an ancient maritime silk road
Off the coast of East Africa lies a hidden Eden — vibrant coral reefs, enchanting seascapes, and sun-kissed beaches spread across the islands of perpetual summer. Discover the remote archipelagos of Seychelles and Zanzibar, Tanzania on board the luxurious Aqua Lares, the region’s first superyacht to offer both charter and individual cabin bookings.
Led by expert naturalist guides, sail to the vast coral atoll of Aldabra, a biodiversity hotspot home to the world’s largest population of giant tortoises. Head out on active excursions designed to uncover each destination’s best-kept secrets — from kayaking through Assumption’s winding tidal channels to diving into Astove’s breathtaking underwater Grand Canyon, home to schools of tropical fish, rays, and green turtles. Wander through Praslin’s legendary Vallée de Mai forest, where black parrots and fruit bats roam the skies, sharks and rays patrol the surrounding waters, and the rare Coco de Mer palm trees line the shores.
Over in Tanzania, discover a fascinating blend of nature and culture across the Zanzibar archipelago where ruins of a once-mighty sultanate are hidden among lush green hills and rich mangrove forests. Uncover the history of a spice route dating back to the Middle Ages, whose influence continues to shape the archipelago today. Aqua Lares brings the unforgettable Aqua experience to East Africa and in signature fashion, leaves no stone unturned.
Best time to visit Seychelles & Tanzania
From November to April, our small-ship expeditions on board Aqua Lares discover the best of East Africa’s island jewels. This is when the seas are calm, skies are clear, and wildlife is at its most active — ideal for exploring the remote archipelagos of Seychelles & Zanzibar by superyacht. The weather conditions are optimal for snorkeling, diving, and wildlife encounters both above and below the surface.
Active Excursions
Whether hiking, snorkeling, or diving, the November-April season offers prime conditions for immersive, guided experiences. Early in the season, short rains green the landscapes and make for spectacular hikes through lush island interiors — including walks under Praslin’s towering palms and explorations of La Digue’s granite-framed beaches.
From January to April, ocean conditions are at their calmest, making it the ideal time to dive Astove Wall, snorkel pristine coral gardens in Alphonse, or paddle through remote lagoons in the Outer Islands. Visibility is at its peak, and seas are rich with marine life — from reef fish and rays to turtles and nurse sharks.
No matter the month, our expert guides adapt excursions to match the season, ensuring guests experience the region at its most alive.
Wildlife Encounters in Seychelles & Tanzania
Wildlife in Seychelles and Tanzania is abundant year-round — but each part of the November-April season brings its own highlights. From November to January, birdlife flourishes in the Inner Islands, with opportunities to spot rare endemic species and nesting seabirds along protected coastal areas.
Between February and April, marine sightings take center stage. This is peak nesting season for green and hawksbill turtles, while giant tortoises roam Aldabra’s sunlit atoll in greater numbers. Divers and snorkelers may also encounter eagle rays, reef sharks, and large schools of pelagic fish in crystal-clear waters around Astove and Alphonse.
Whichever month you choose, wildlife is never far — from forest trails to coral reefs, each journey reveals new discoveries shaped by the rhythm of the season.
Polar Plunge in the Arctic Circle
On our 7- and 12-night itineraries, guests may take part in a guided polar plunge, fully immersing themselves in the frigid Arctic waters. As with other excursions, this activity is subject to weather, sea, and ice conditions.
Wildlife Encounters in the Arctic Circle
Wildlife activity peaks during the Arctic summer. In Gjesvær, puffins, gannets, and kittiwakes gather at one of Europe’s largest seabird colonies, while Smeerenburg’s gravel beaches host lounging walruses. As the ice melts, polar bears approach the shore, offering rare, safe glimpses of these apex predators. Occasionally, elusive beluga whales surface in sheltered bays. Across the Norwegian Fjords and Scottish Isles, seabird colonies flourish and migrating whales pass through, revealing a rich and diverse Arctic ecosystem fueled by the summer plankton bloom.Arctic Circle Cruises
Wildlife encounters and pristine landscapes across Svalbard and the Norwegian fjords on the best Arctic ocean cruise
Journey to the edge of the world, where mountains plunge into crystal fjords and glaciers gleam beneath the endless summer sun. Here, light lingers long past midnight, washing the tundra in silver, rose, and gold.
This is Svalbard, the crown jewel of the Arctic, where Aqua Lares — the region’s first icebreaker superyacht open to both charter and cabin bookings — takes you deep into one of the planet’s great frontiers. Led by expert naturalist guides, sail through breathtaking Arctic landscapes in search of polar bears roaming the pack ice, walruses basking on remote shores, and colonies of puffins and guillemots filling the cliffs with life. Glide by kayak beneath towering glaciers and head out on zodiacs to trace the icy edges of fjords such as Liefdefjorden and Raudfjord.
The Arctic also bears witness to centuries of exploration and survival. Step ashore at Gravneset, where one of Svalbard’s largest whaling-era cemeteries recalls the dangers of a bygone age, or at Smeerenburg, once a bustling Dutch outpost and now a refuge for wildlife. Every landing on our Arctic Circle cruise weaves together stories of nature’s resilience and human history at the edge of the known world.
Between adventures, return to the world-class comfort of Aqua Lares — featuring 15 bespoke cabins including three Owner's Suites, a sun deck, jacuzzi, refined cuisine, and award-winning service with a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio. Embark on an unparalleled Arctic journey where immersive discovery meets small-ship luxury.
Best time to visit the Arctic Circle
Aqua Lares sails the Arctic on small-ship expedition cruises to Svalbard and the Arctic Circle each summer, from June to September. During these months, the midnight sun lingers on the horizon, snow melts from the tundra, and wildlife thrives across fjords and coasts. Milder temperatures and extended daylight provide ideal access to hidden vistas, making summer the perfect time for luxury Arctic cruises exploring the Norwegian Arctic and the Scottish Isles.
Active Excursions
The Arctic summer opens a world of exploration. Guided hikes lead to historic whaling outposts and panoramic viewpoints, while tender rides navigate towering fjord cliffs, drifting ice floes, and hidden bays. Step ashore on tundra trails blooming with wildflowers, or explore remote islands and coastline wonders. In the warmer months, calm seas allow access to secluded corners of the archipelago and exceptional wildlife viewing — from walruses and seals to seabirds and polar bears — as we cruise Arctic waters. Summer’s extended daylight ensures every discovery can be savored.
Dining
Aqua Lares features two dining spaces on the Main Deck. Guests can enjoy a shaded al fresco dining area overlooking the sea (weather permitting), just steps from the elegant Main Saloon.
The adjoining bar provides a curated selection of wines, beers, and handcrafted cocktails to complement each meal and moment.
Food & Beverage
KARIME LOPEZ is the first Mexican woman to earn a Michelin star, awarded for her work at Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura in Florence. Her achievement marked a historic milestone for Mexican gastronomy on the global stage.
Her accolades include Chef of the Year in Italy (2018), the Best Chef Art Award (2022), and Best Outstanding Chef Abroad by CANIRAC (2023), further cementing her reputation as one of the most influential Mexican chefs working internationally.
Aboard Aqua Lares, Chef López draws inspiration from the coastal landscapes we explore, balancing Mediterranean influences with Creole flavors through locally sourced ingredients. Guests can look forward to regional delicacies such as Zanzibar-spiced ribeye, Creole shrimp curry with fried plantain, and lobster tagliatelle finished with caviar.
Our beverage offerings follow the same philosophy — cocktails and refreshments crafted from local spices, regional produce, and craft spirits, inspired by the island landscapes of Seychelles.
Shaded Dining Area
Savor world-class al fresco dining, beneath the stars or in the cool shade of day. Immerse in the region’s finest scents and flavors while enjoying breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and its enchanting archipelagos.
Indoor Dining
Gather in the ship’s elegant social hub, where tasteful decor and luxurious touches provide a sophisticated setting for conversations. Settle into this comfortable indoor retreat, thoughtfully designed for quiet moments and lively gatherings alike.
The bar adjoining the main saloon offers a curated selection of wines, beers and handrafted cocktails — open all day long, whether you're looking for a nightcap or a spritz in the morning. It’s also an inviting space to recount stories of the day’s adventures with fellow guests.
Other Cruise Information
ClassCruise Type: ocean
Class: Ice Class Explorer Yacht
Ship Size: mini
Style: luxury
Operator Reference: aqua-expeditions
Nursery: none
Child Facilities: none
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