Since founding and starting Aqua Expeditions thirteen years ago, it has been the vision and mission of Francesco Galli Zugaro to create intimate, small ship expeditions to distant parts of the world. Now, more than ever, access is the new measure of luxury. What Aqua has stood for since the very beginning comes to the forefront, demonstrating the advantages of small explorer vessels in bringing families and friends on travels to the remote Amazon River of Peru, the Mekong River in Southeast Asia, and the pristine coastal waters of Eastern Indonesia. With specially-curated experiences and an engaging 1:1 guest to guide ratio, Aqua Expeditions' boutique expedition vessels offer personalized service, onboard spacious private and entertaining spaces and tailor-made excursions.
Why should I book my cruise with Aqua Expeditions?
Aqua Expeditions pioneered the concept of ultra-luxurious small ship expeditions on the Peruvian stretch of the Amazon River in 2007, with the intention of taking intimate “eye-level cruising” to other exotic regions of the world. Today, Aqua Expeditions is known for its in-depth exploration of some of the planet’s most remote, wildlife rich areas, thanks to its local naturalist guides who provide life changing travel and educational experiences for our guests. Our bespoke expeditions in Peru led to the creation of Aqua Mekong with its cultural odyssey into Cambodia and Vietnam, and most recently, the Aqua Nera – to set a new standard of luxury on the Amazon once again. Aqua Expeditions also adventures on coastal waters with the Aqua Blu, a longrange explorer yacht which takes us out of the rivers to sail the pristine East Indonesian archipelago and the region's most prized destinations, including Komodo National Park, Spice Islands and Raja Ampat. Highly experiential in nature, every Aqua Expeditions journey encompasses tailored activities with expertguided small-group excursions, exceptional service with a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, a focus on sustainability and conservation, contemporary ship design, as well as a world-class cuisine experience created by renowned chefs.
Will I be comfortable aboard my Amazon cruise?
Yes. The Aria Amazon was completely refreshed with new upgrades from bed linens to state-of-the-art lighting. The 45 meter (147 foot) long Aria was designed by the innovative Peruvian architect Jordi Puig. Extremely generous dining and lounging areas include an outdoor river facing Jacuzzi. Floor to ceiling windows face the Amazon River in the ship’s 16 Design Suites, each measuring 23 square meters (250 square feet). Four suites can interconnect for families. Upgrades to the massage room include new decor for enhanced relaxation. This striking black hulled ship accommodates a maximum of 35 guests plus 27 crew including a paramedic and four Englishspeaking naturalist guides. Aqua Expeditions highly experienced river pilots and the most rigorous cruise ship standards ensure smooth travel and safety on the waters of the Peruvian Amazon.
Is the Amazon river cruise experience family-friendly?
Yes, we love to host families on our cruises at Aqua Expeditions. We understand that parents are constantly seeking new, engaging, and educational experiences for their children while on holiday and our Aria Amazon itineraries include just the variety and level of activity children (as well as parents) will enjoy. Kindly note that all our activities and excursions are suitable for children over five years old, as long as they are always supervised by a parent or a designated adult. These include onboard cooking lessons and lectures, piranha fishing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, jungle walks, skiff excursions, as well as visits to local villages, markets and manatee rescue center. However, biking is not recommended for children. If a child meets the height requirement to ride an adult bicycle, exceptions can be made, but only under strict supervision of a parent or a designated adult. For further details, please contact our reservations team at reservations@aquaexpeditions.com.
When will I receive my cruise confirmation documents?
Following your final payment, you will receive an email confirmation by our reservations team. Once your cruise is ready for online check-in, typically 90 days prior to the embarkation date, you will be requested to complete the check-in process. All guests are required to check in at least 30 days before departure so that our Operations team will have adequate time to provide exceptional services and experiences for your voyage ensuring all your requests and dietary requirements are met. Upon successful completion of the online check-in, we encourage you to review the Pre-Cruise Information page to get ready for your upcoming adventure with us.
Do you accept group bookings? Are charters available? What about special rates and discounts?
Yes, we accept both group bookings and charters. Our group policy grants one guest free of charge on a first deck design suite with double occupancy for each group of 15 paid guests. Please request our special charter rates and group and charter terms and conditions for further information.
Do you welcome families with children?
Yes, we love to host families on our cruises at Aqua Expeditions. We understand that parents are constantly seeking new, engaging, and educational experiences for their children while on holiday and our Aqua Blu itineraries include just the variety and level of activity children (as well as parents) will enjoy. We welcome families with children onboard the Aqua Blu, from age 5 and above. Four of our suites are interconnected to cater to families. Accommodation for one child or additional adult is available. Kindly note that all our activities and excursions except diving are recommended for children over 7, provided they are supervised by a parent or designated adult.
I could not be happier with my Adventure Life experience, from beginning to end. I travel a lot, and I think your company and personnel do an outstanding job. I truly appreciate your professionalism, attentiveness, and flexibility. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your company and would be happy to serve as a reference.
Constance Block
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
9 hours ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
