Aqua Expeditions is a boutique ultra-luxury line defined by its stylish, small-scale vessels and a focus on remote, wildlife-centric destinations. Founded by Francesco Galli Zugaro, the brand bridges the gap between rugged expedition cruising and the comfort of a five-star design hotel. The fleet consists of custom-built river ships and long-range expedition yachts, all designed with floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise connection with the environment. 

The Aqua guest is a sophisticated explorer who values exclusivity and access. With a maximum of 30–40 guests per vessel, the onboard atmosphere is akin to a private club. Key differentiators include the culinary program—overseen by celebrity chefs who craft menus using local Amazonian or Indonesian ingredients—and the expert-led excursions. Naturalist guides lead small groups (often just 8 guests per skiff) into flooded forests, coral reefs, and volcanic landscapes. 

Operations are purely exotic. From its roots in the Peruvian Amazon, Aqua expanded to the Mekong (Vietnam/Cambodia), the seas of East Indonesia (Komodo, Raja Ampat), the Galapagos Islands, and most recently, East Africa (Seychelles/Tanzania) with the launch of Aqua Lares.