AQUA Expeditions

AQUA Expeditions

Aqua Expeditions

Aqua Expeditions began operating a high-end riverboat on the Peruvian Amazon in 2007. Cruises begin and end at Iquitos, Peru and sail to one source of the Amazon amid the vast  Pacaya-Samira Reserve seeing wildlife and visiting riverside communities. Add the Galapagos to the mix with the new superyacht Aqua Mare arriving in May 2022.

In 2014, Aqua Expeditions established a second base in South East Asia with cruises along the Mekong aboard the Aqua Mekong between Siem Reap, Cambodia and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Indonesian island cruises are also now available.

Aqua Blu, a former British Naval Explorer, upgraded to yacht standards, offers Indonesian island cruises from Komodo National Park to Ambon, Spice Islands and Raja Ampat. A fourth vessel, Aqua Nera, does Peruvian Amazon cruises.

Aqua Expeditions operates one of the top river experiences in the lap of luxury along the Amazon and Southeast Asia’s Mekong, and more recently eastern Indonesia. And seeing is believing: visibility through floor-to-ceiling glass is a huge plus.

See it all through huge windows. * Photo: Aqua Expeditions

See it all through huge windows. * Photo: Aqua Expeditions

Fleet

Aqua Blu (built 1968, redone in 2019 & 30 passengers) — Bali, Flores, Banda & Malucca Sea

Aria Amazon (b. 2011 & 32 p) — Amazon tributaries

Aqua Mare (b. 2022 & 16 p) — Galapagos Islands

Aqua Mekong (b. 2014 & 40 p) — Mekong River

Aqua Nera (b. 2020 & 40 p) — Amazon tributaries

Aqua Mekong

Aqua Mekong * Photo: Aqua Expeditions

Passenger Profile

Guides cater to English, French and German speakers. Children must be at least seven to travel.

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Price

Expensive — $$$

Included Features

  • All onboard meals
  • Selected wines & beers, non-alcoholic drinks
  • Guided excursions
  • Pacaya Samiria entrance fee (Amazon)
  • National Park entrance fees (Galapagos)
  • Group transfers to & from vessel (from meeting point or recommended flights)
  • Snorkeling equipment & wet suites (Indonesia & Galapagos)
  • Scuba diving (Indonesia)
  • Non-motorized water sports (Indonesia)
  • Laundry (Indonesia, Galapagos & Mekong)
  • Internet connection (Indonesia, Mekong & Galapagos, when available)
Aqua Expeditions

Views from the sundeck. * Photo: Aqua Expeditions

Itineraries

In Peru, Aqua Expeditions offers three Amazon itineraries roundtrip from Nauta (accessed via Iquitos): a 3-night Discovery Cruise, a 4-night Explorer Cruise and a 7-night Expedition Cruise (that basically combines the 3- and 4-night itineraries).

Excursions down a scenic Amazon tributary. * Photo: Aqua Expeditions

Excursions down a scenic Amazon tributary. * Photo: Aqua Expeditions

In Southeast Asia, the same categories apply (3-, 4- and 7-nights), but along the Mekong River between Phnom Penh in Cambodia and Mytho, near Ho Chi Minh City, in Vietnam. Some of the 7-night Mekong itineraries include Siem Reap, in Cambodia near Angkor Wat.

In Indonesia, there are a greater variety of itineraries: a 7-night one-way voyage between Bali and Komodo National Park, a 7-night Raja Ampat voyage roundtrip from Sorong near West Papua, and a 7-night Ambon & Spice Islands (Maluccas) voyage.

Cruising in the Galapagos, Aqua Mare offers weeklong itineraries exploring the archipelago’s eastern and western regions between Baltra Island and Santa Cruz; and there are also 14-night voyages as well.

Sample Itinerary

In the Amazon, the 4-night Explorer Cruise departs from Nauta, cruising from the Marañon River to the Ucayali River for skiff explorations of riverside communities and pink dolphin spotting. It continues to the Pacaya River for fishing and more skiff explorations; then to the Yarapo River for canoeing, kayaking or swimming followed by a jungle walk in the San Jose de Sarapanga forest. On the final day, return to Nauta, visiting a produce market, the Manatee Rescue Center and a handicrafts market along the way.

The Pacaya Samira Reserve is a five-million-acre flooded rain forest punctuated by black lagoons that dramatically reflect the surrounding trees. Activities visit riverside villages and food markets, and offer hikes in the rain forest and skiffs for water exploration and fishing for piranhas. Keen eyes look for freshwater pink dolphins, turtles, lizards, caiman, iguanas, and frogs (some poisonous), snakes, sloths, capuchins, squirrel and howler monkeys, terns, toucans, and macaws. — Ted Scull

Why Go?

In the Amazon, the outstanding varieties of mammals, birds, and aquatic species seen along the rivers and in the deep rain forests simply are staggering. The riverboats are more than comfortable and allow down time after a day exploring in small craft and on foot.

Along the Mekong, both Cambodia and Vietnam are culturally rich in architecture and the arts and crafts. Traveling the river allows close up views of the passing scene with considerable trade plying the waters, manufacturing, towns and cities lining the shores, and a chance to tie up and explore markets, watch Buddhist ceremonies, and enjoy a home visit.

The Galapagos Islands are a major draw for adventurous travelers thanks to the breathtaking wildlife, from blue-footed boobies to giant tortoises and iguanas. Get up close and personal with wildlife on island treks and while snorkeling and diving.

In Indonesia, cruises offer a chance to see the famed Komodo dragon, the Spice Islands of yore and pristine coral reefs, with snorkel and scuba diving included in the ticket. Raja Ampat, a recently popular area of extreme tropical island beauty, visitors can see extraordinary rain forests and tropical birds, beaches and coral reefs with abundant marine life at and off the western tip of West Papua.

Komodo islands is a place to travel soon

Sparring Komodo dragons. * Photo: Aqua Expeditions

When to Go?

Amazon cruises operate year-round. The weather is slightly wetter with higher water levels December to May, with less rain and lower water levels June to November. The temperature variation is minimal, and the water levels affect how far the skiffs can penetrate the rain forest via narrow tributaries.

On the Mekong, cruises operate year-round with some itinerary adjustments depending on high or low water levels. Rainy season normally extends from November to May. Daytime temperatures are cooler. During high water periods, the boat can sail to and from Tonle Sap Lake with easy access to Angkor Wat and into the emerald flooded forest in Vietnam.

In Indonesia, the program is year-round when combining all three repeating itineraries.

For the Galapagos, cruises are offered year-round.

RELATED: Here’s a guide to the ABCs of small-ship cruising in the Galapagos Islands.

Sustainability Initiatives

Onboard, engine emissions are 65% lower than US EPA standards, lights are almost entirely LED, all wastewater is cleaned before being returned to waterways, cleaners are chemical free and their supply chain operates in a closed-loop system that returns packaging to suppliers.

The company also supports wildlife conservation, rescue and rehabilitation programs and has a number of programs to support local communities.

Aqua Expeditions Dining

On Amazon cruises, much effort is put into meal preparation that achieves the best in Peruvian-style cuisine for signature dishes such as Peruvian ceviche, combining a river fish, juicy onions and corn kernels spiced with cilantro and coriander, or plantain and yucca gnocchi, and palm soufflé. Cooking demonstrations reveal the techniques and ingredients.

Aboard Aqua Mekong, menus feature Vietnamese and Khmer traditions that may include Vietnamese catfish with shallots, chilies and basil; grilled prawns with peanut relish; vegetable dumplings; and chocolate fondant (a tip to French influence in Indochina).

For Indonesia voyages, look forward to BBQ, with lots of local fish, fruits and vegetables that are close at hand, in addition what is supplied to the ship as embarkation ports.

On Aqua Mare in the Galapagos, the consulting chef is award-winning Peruvian chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, the culinary mastermind behind the Amazonia-inspired menus of Aqua’s Aria Amazon and Aqua Nera. The Peruvian-Japanese Nikkei-inspired menu will feature fresh, sustainable ingredients sourced from local suppliers all the way to Ecuador’s Andes.  Dishes include Galapagueña lobster lettuce wraps with Acevichado dressing, potato llapingachos, tuna crudo, barbecued plantains and shrimp ceviche.

Aqua Expeditions dining

Aqua Blu’s lovely outdoor dining. * Photo: Aqua Expeditions

Aqua Expeditions Activities & Entertainment

For Amazon cruises, talks by the English-speaking guides take place in the lounge, and passengers go ashore with multiple guides in very small groups (6-8). The vessel offers two or three excursions daily and aluminum skiffs take no more than eight passengers and are manned by a guide trained to spot animals and birds that might otherwise go unnoticed in murky water and rain forest settings. Kayaks are available.

On Mekong voyages, passengers visit plantations, homes, artisan compounds, Buddhist temples, markets (accompanied by the boat’s chef), the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh for the Royal Palace, Silver Temple, and the National Museum and Museum of Genocide.

Aqua Mekong has four private launch vessels for up-close river explorations. Bicycles are available for guided trips into the countryside, stopping to see farming operations, markets and village life. Motorized tuk tuks venture further.

In Indonesia, evenings will host lectures and videos, while days will be filled with snorkeling, scuba and swimming, with plenty of wildlife fauna and flora to ogle both in the water and out.

On Galapagos expeditions, Aqua Mare carries 16 crew including two naturalist guides who lead twice-daily excursions on two custom-made, military-grade black rib tenders. The yacht is also equipped with double kayaks, snorkeling gear and paddle boards.

Ships

Aqua Blu

Built in 1968 as the British Naval Explorer HMS Beagle and later converted into a private yacht for an aristocratic European family, Aqua Blu was refurbished in 2019 for service with Aqua Expeditions. This high-end expedition yacht carries 30 passengers on five decks, with no elevator.

Aqua Blu in Indonesia

Aqua Blu cruises the eastern Indonesian islands. * Photo: Aqua Expeditions

Public Rooms

Meals are served in one of two locations, depending on the temperature and weather conditions: open air, including BBQ, or air-conditioned. Both are open seating. There’s plenty of lounge space for passengers to choose from being out in the open air, seated beneath a covered deck, or totally immersed within an air-conditioned room.

Aqua Expeditions lounge

Aqua Blu’s hub, the main lounge. * Photo: Aqua Expeditions

The ship has a small library collection and a TV room. There’s also an outdoor Jacuzzi, indoor spa and an open-air exercise area. The ship also has two motorized speed boats, complete snorkel and scuba equipment, kayaks and paddleboards.

Cabins

Fifteen suites are situated on four decks and fall into three categories, ranging from 151 to 366 sq. ft. in size and with either king or two twin beds. Two pairs of suites interconnect; good for families and friends. The accommodations have round, rectangular, and oval windows and portholes.

In cabin: en suite, hair dryer.

Aqua Expeditions cabin

Windowed suite on Bridge Deck 1. * Photo: Aqua Expeditions

  • Aria Amazon

  • Aqua Mekong

  • Aqua Nera

These three handsome riverboats share the same award-winning contemporary design.

While all have three decks without an elevator, Aria Amazon was built for 32 passengers, while Aqua Mekong and Aqua Nera each accommodate 40.

Public Rooms

The floor-to-ceiling windows in the main dining room bring in lots of light during meals, while passengers dine at tables for two, four or six. Aqua Nera offers indoor and outdoor dining.

Aqua Expeditions dining room on Mekong

The windowed dining room. * Photo: Aqua Expeditions

The top deck has a Jacuzzi (Aria Amazon) or a plunge pool (Aqua Mekong).

All have an elegant interior main lounge (below) and bar plus an open-air observation deck under a large canvas awning. You’ll also find massage rooms, small exercise room with stationary bicycle and treadmill, and a boutique.

Aqua Expeditions Mekong lounge

Aqua Mekong’s Indoor Lounge * Photo: Aqua Expeditions

Aqua Mekong also has foosball in the games room cum library, screenings for up to 10 people in the indoor cinema or attended by a larger group out on the covered deck. Aqua Nera has a screening room and pool table.

Cabins

Aria Amazon has 16 cabins that measure a generous 250 sq. ft.; Aqua Nera’s and Aqua Mekong’s 20 suites measure an even more generous 320-322 sq. ft.

Cabins on all three riverboats have polished wooden floors and beds positioned to face the expansive floor-to-ceiling glass windows, flanked by two chairs and a table.

With windows like these, you’ll practically feel like you’re in the river with the wild critters!

Four cabins are connecting.

In cabin: en suite, hair dryer.

Aria Amazon's gorgeous rooms. * Photo: Aqua Expeditions

Aria Amazon’s gorgeous rooms. * Photo: Aqua Expeditions

Aqua Mare

This brand-new 16-passenger yacht is set to debut in early 2022 to  cruise year-round in the Galapagos.

Public Rooms

Designed and built by Italy’s CRN shipyard with custom interiors by François Zuretti, the 164-foot, 640-gross-ton Aqua Mare carries 16 passengers in luxurious surroundings.

There are four shaded and open sun decks, a six-person Jacuzzi, indoor and outdoor dining, an alfresco barbecue area and an early-morning workout area.

The Beach Club, located aft on the lower deck, sports a hydraulic-opening panoramic beam-to-beam window.

Aqua Mare's "Beach Club" lounge

Aqua Mare’s “Beach Club” with its beam-to-beam window. * Image: ©Aqua Expeditions

Cabins

The owner’s suite sprawls across 861 square feet with a 215-square-foot bathroom. The other seven individually-designed suites measure 215 square feet each.

In cabin: en suite, hair dryer.

Here are more details about Aqua Mare.

The Aqua mare is a New Galápagos Yachts

The Italian-designed and built Aqua Mare has capacity for 16 passengers in seven suites. * Image: ©Aqua Expeditions

Along the Same Lines

There is a wide choice of operators in both of Aqua Expeditions’ cruising regions, including Delfin Amazon Cruises, Star Clippers, Pandaw, SeaTrek Sailing Adventures, Scenic & AmaWaterways.

Contacts

Aqua Expeditions

Singapore-based

+65 6270-4002; www.aquaexpeditions.com

 

Aqua Expeditions hot tubs

A pair of dreamy outdoor hot tubs. * Photo: Aqua Expeditions

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About The Author

QuirkyCruise

Ted & Heidi are long-time travel writers with a penchant for small ship cruising. Between them they've traveled all over the world aboard hundreds and hundreds of small cruise ships of all kinds, from river boats to expedition vessels and sailing ships.

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About Us


Heidi and Ted HEIDI SARNA

I'm up to 78 countries and 110+ cruises worldwide, and it's the small ship journeys that I love writing about most. And so QuirkyCruise.com was born, an excellent research tool for planning your own unforgettable small ship trip.

THEODORE W. SCULL

I have traveled between all continents by sea and cruised along three dozen rivers. Ships and travel are in my blood, and so is writing. My journeys have translated into many books and many hundreds of articles.

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