Founder-Hosted Expeditions
In celebration of Aqua Expeditions’ 20th anniversary, founder & CEO Francesco Galli Zugaro will host one-off expeditions across the entire fleet in 2027, exploring all our destinations from the Peruvian Amazon to the Arctic Circle.
Celebrating 20 Years of Aqua
Join exclusive 20th anniversary expeditions hosted by Aqua Expeditions’ founder, Francesco Galli Zugaro. These journeys offer rare access, an insider's perspective, and firsthand storytelling, as we celebrate two decades of pioneering luxury exploration across the world’s most remote destinations.
Leveraging his expertise in international tourism, Francesco Galli Zugaro founded Aqua Expeditions in 2007 in Peru, becoming the first luxury small-ship river cruise operator in South America. As CEO, he has personally overseen every one of Aqua Expeditions’ vessel launches, setting a leading standard for small-ship expeditions across the globe.
Peruvian Amazon Expedition
March 30 - April 3, 2027 | Aqua Nera
Where the Aqua story started — 20 years ago, the Peruvian Amazon set the stage for Aqua Expeditions to unveil our signature style of luxury small-ship explorations.
Join founder Francesco Galli Zugaro on a 4-night voyage deep into the rainforest. Beginning in the remote colonial city of Iquitos, journey along the Ucayali River, the Amazon’s largest tributary, and navigate a network of waterways within the vast jungle. Discover the region’s remarkable biodiversity, spotting wildlife including pink dolphins, sloths, and caiman.
Hosted by Francesco Galli Zugaro
Phnom Penh, Kratie & Ho Chi Minh Expedition
August 27 - September 3, 2027 | Aqua Mekong
From South America to Southeast Asia — Aqua Mekong brought Aqua Expeditions to another one of the world’s iconic rivers: the mighty Mekong across Cambodia & Vietnam.
Embark on a 7-night voyage along the Mekong River, hosted by founder Francesco Galli Zugaro, and gain rare insights into Southeast Asia’s cultural and ecological treasures. Journey from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City, navigating through Cambodia’s serene river landscapes and exploring Kratie, the last home of the elusive Irrawaddy dolphins.
Hosted by Francesco Galli Zugaro
Spice Islands & Asmat Tribe Expedition
November 17 - 29, 2027 | Aqua Blu
From rivers to the ocean — starting a new chapter for Aqua Expeditions, Aqua Blu became the first superyacht exploring the remote islands of East Indonesia.
Join Francesco Galli Zugaro on one of East Indonesia’s most exclusive expeditions, journeying east into the remote region of Asmat and West Papua. Venture deep into the jungle aboard to discover hidden waterfalls, visit isolated river villages, and engage with members of the Asmat tribe.
Hosted by Francesco Galli Zugaro
This sailing is currently fully booked.
East Galapagos Expedition
February 26 - March 5, 2027 | Aqua Mare
Coming full circle — Aqua Mare brought Aqua Expeditions to the Galapagos, a destination of deep personal significance where Francesco Galli Zugaro began his career in luxury travel.
Join Francesco on a voyage from Baltra Island to the remote landscapes of the Galapagos. Sail north to discover vast colonies of seabirds including red-footed boobies. Encounter endemic Giant Tortoises and explore the rare Pahoehoe lava flows of Bahía Sullivan.
Hosted by Francesco Galli Zugaro
This sailing is currently fully booked.
Seychelles’ Outer Islands & Zanzibar Expedition
February 6 - 17, 2027 | Aqua Lares
Into East Africa — Aqua Lares brought the first ever superyacht expeditions to the shores of Seychelles & Tanzania.
Join Francesco Galli Zugaro on an expedition from Mahé, the largest island in Seychelles, all the way to the Zanzibar archipelago off the coast of Tanzania. The expedition visits biodiversity hotspots including Aldabra, home to the world’s largest population of giant tortoises. On Remire and Astove, discover incredible snorkeling and diving spots, and search for whale sharks over at Zanzibar’s Mafia Island.
Hosted by Francesco Galli Zugaro
Svalbard & The Arctic Circle Expedition
June 5 - 12, 2027 | Aqua Lares
The newest chapter in our story — Aqua Expeditions entered the polar north with Aqua Lares, the first icebreaker superyacht offering both charter and cabin bookings in the Arctic Circle.
Embark on an exclusive founder-hosted voyage with Francesco Galli Zugaro exploring the wild landscapes of Svalbard. Navigate shifting pack ice and vast glaciers in search of polar bears, walruses, and seals. Explore historic whaling sites at Gravneset and Smeerenburg, and follow reindeer trails through glacier-carved valleys at Raudfjord.
Hosted by Francesco Galli Zugaro
This sailing is currently fully booked.
