When Aqua Expeditions first launched on the Peruvian Amazon, it single-handedly redefined small-boat river expeditions. Not only was the Aqua Aria Amazon a best-in-class vessel with stylish interior design, a small number of cabins and award-winning cuisine, but it also offered excursions and activities that took travelers deep into this biodiverse and culturally significant destination. Today, a recognized global leader in luxury small-ship expeditions, Aqua Expeditions operates river explorations on the Amazon (Peru), the Mekong (Cambodia and Vietnam), and coastal yacht voyages in Indonesia and the Galapagos, the latter a destination near and dear to founder and CEO Francesco Galli Zugaro (it’s where he began his career in travel and the idea for Aqua Expeditions was born).

In Peru, the modern Aqua Aria Amazon has 16 suites with floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the incredible rainforest guests explore in the company of highly experienced naturalist guides (the excursion skiffs are limited to eight people). Sister boat Aqua Nera, launched in 2021, is as stylish as any boutique hotel (interiors were overseen by Singapore-based studio NOOR), and the culinary program was created by acclaimed Peruvian chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. Venturing deep into the cultural trove of southeast Asia’s longest river, stretching across Cambodia and Vietnam, the 205-foot Aqua Mekong offers shorter itineraries and seamlessly incorporates touring Siem Reap’s most fabled temples, including UNESCO World Heritage site Angkor Wat, while on-board travelers can’t get enough of the floor-to-ceiling-glass Observation Deck with 360-degree views. The aptly named Aqua Blu,[LW4]  which has been described as a luxury floating boutique hotel, takes a small number of travelers deep into the most scenic and remote corners of eastern Indonesia, including Komodo National Park, the Spice Islands, and Raja Ampat. The newest sibling is Aqua Mare, an intimate, seven-cabin boat that explores in the Galapagos and comes with beautifully designed social spaces, including three dining areas, a “beach club” and sundeck.

On board all vessels, guests appreciate tailored five-star itineraries and service, including an exclusive 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, acclaimed cuisine by world-renowned chefs, and small group expert-guided adventure activities and excursions for all ages, with a maximum of 16-40 guests per ship. There’s a hands-on approach: CEO and founder Francesco Galli Zugaro can often be found on-board, leading some of the expeditions and mingling with guests to share the founding principles behind his extraordinary company. All itineraries are powered by a philosophy on travel that’s already built into their name. The point is expedition – to venture into the world’s great unspoiled destinations, to witness the beauty of nature and wildlife, and to give back by supporting community, sustainability and preservation.