Aqua expanding fleet, sailing to East Africa in 2025

Further details surrounding this expansion and Aqua’s sixth vessel, which will lead the company’s entry into Africa, will follow in due course.

The scaling up of Aqua’s fleet is propelled by financing from the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group. 

The Galapagos of Africa

Inaugural departures are slated for December 2025 with four different itineraries for guests to choose from, ranging from five and nine nights exploring Seychelles’ inner and outer islands respectively. These can also be combined for a complete 14-night exploration of the Seychelles archipelago. 

These itineraries will rotate with comprehensive 10- and 11-night sailings exploring both Seychelles and the Tanzanian islands. 

‘It has always been a dream of mine to venture into East Africa and explore this part of the world on a luxury expedition ship,’ explained Aqua Expeditions' founder and CEO Francesco Galli Zugaro. ‘I am so excited to finally be able to showcase to our past guests the beauty of the Indian Ocean and the famous Aldabra Atoll. Few travelers have heard of or even seen this magical atoll that is home to over 150,000 giant tortoises. Considered the Galapagos of Africa, this island group is home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna, and to some of the most amazing marine life in the world.’ 

Sights never seen before

While sailing Seychelles and Tanzania, passengers will have the opportunity to visit biodiversity hotspots like Aldabra, Cosmoledo, Astove, Furquhar Atol, Kilwa Kisiwani and Pemba. Other highlights include the African Banks which are rarely visited by cruise ships. 

‘East Africa presents a compelling blend of familiar sights and unexplored frontiers,’ said Galli Zugaro. Discussing the inspiration behind this destination, he stated, ‘We find giant tortoises roaming the beaches, similar to in the Galapagos which we sail with Aqua Mare. Diving into history, we see remnants of a centuries-old spice trade, much like the Spice Islands that Aqua Blu explores in Indonesia. At the same time, we are treated to sights never seen before, from the raised coral atoll of Aldabra to marine life unique to Seychelles and reef walls akin to the Grand Canyon.'

Fleet expansion

Since 2007, when the brand started with a single vessel in the Peruvian Amazon, Aqua has grown to sail eight destinations with three river ships and two superyachts. ‘At Aqua, we’ve always been inspired to visit destinations that are off the beaten track. It was inevitable that our journey would eventually bring us to African shores,’ Galli Zugaro added. ‘We are pleased to bring our unique brand of small-ship expeditions to a third continent, with a focus on travel that is both luxurious and sustainable.’