Aqua Lares

Embark on a voyage of refined discovery aboard Aqua Lares, the region’s first expedition superyacht to offer individual-cabin bookings in East Africa. Bridging the worlds of luxury and wilderness, this 77?m yacht glides through the Indian Ocean with understated elegance and bold purpose. With just 30 guests and 33 crew aboard, every journey becomes an intimate dialogue between traveller and the remote coral landscapes, verdant isles and legends of East Africa.

Step aboard and enter a realm where richly textured woods, bespoke ceramics and curated Italian fabrics evoke a seamless story of place and design. The interiors, fashioned by HOTLAB and Birgit Galli Zugaro, balance modern luxury and regional inspiration. Days aboard are designed to unfold with graceful rhythm: dawn departures to reef-fringed atolls, snorkel and dive expeditions, coastal walks, village encounters and evening reflections beneath starlit skies.

The yacht carries 15 suites across five categories, including three Owner’s Suites ranging from 39 to 66?sqm (419 to 710?sqft). Suites combine plush bedding, ocean-view windows, ensuite bathrooms and thoughtful storage — the most spacious includes a sitting lounge and multiple vistas over the sea. Mid-range and twin cabins retain the same bespoke finishes in more compact form, ensuring each guest is cocooned in comfort.

Public spaces are designed for connection as much as repose. The Sun Deck offers a full lounge and bar, ideal for sunset cocktails. Below, the Heli Deck lounge with daybeds presents a serene vantage point. Social hubs include the main saloon, indoor and shaded outdoor dining rooms, a boutique, and a cinema for evening viewings. For wellness, Aqua Lares is fitted with two Jacuzzis, a sauna, massage rooms and a small gym in the Owner’s Deck spa area.

Every itinerary is anchored by the ethos of thoughtful exploration. With five private tenders (three Zodiacs, two Rafnars) and gear for kayaking, paddleboarding, diving and cycling, excursions bring guests face to face with biodiverse reefs, tidal channels and island trails. Naturalist guides lead twice-daily group outings — snorkeling ghost reefs, walking Aldabra’s coral flats, exploring the swahili ruins of Kilwa or wandering the Vallée de Mai on Praslin.

Launched for the November–April season, Aqua Lares sails a selection of 5-, 9-, 10- and 11-night itineraries. Shorter cruises concentrate on the Seychelles inner islands (Mahé, Praslin, La Digue). Medium routes venture deeper toward Aldabra, Remire or Farquhar. Extended voyages cross into Tanzania’s Zanzibari coast, unveiling Pemba’s spice trails, Kilwa’s ancient ruins and the submerged majesty of Astove Wall.

Reflecting Aqua’s signature philosophy, Lares marries the intimacy of a boutique expedition with all the refinements of a floating five-star hideaway. With space limited, personalized journeys remain at the heart of the experience — from carefully composed menus to immersive lecture series. Expect subtle surprises: local ingredients, gentle rhythms, and the kind of quiet luxury that honours the stars, the sea and the story of each island visited.