Aqua Lares

Superyacht Expeditions: East Africa & The Arctic

Setting a new standard for small-ship exploration, Aqua Lares is the world’s first superyacht offering both individual cabin bookings and private charters for expeditions in East Africa & The Norwegian Arctic.

Featuring 15 bespoke cabins, a one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio, and expert-led excursions, Aqua Lares offers a superyacht experience unlike any other. While sailing in East Africa, guests can discover biodiversity hotspots such as Aldabra and La Digue, as well as remote islands including the African Banks which are generally inaccessible to larger cruises. In the Arctic, itineraries explore Svalbard’s icy wilderness, home to polar bears, walruses, and dramatic glaciers that define one of the planet’s last great frontiers.

Aqua Lares pairs days of adventure with all the comforts of a five-star hotel, including a curated fine dining experience, highly personalized service, and a range of social spaces for rest and relaxation. Whether it’s sipping cocktails on the sun deck, cooling off at the jacuzzi, indulging in a spa treatment, or setting out on guided Arctic expeditions, moments on board can be just as special as those spent exploring the remote islands of the Indian & Arctic Oceans.

• Length: 77,4 m
• Breadth (Beam): 9 m
• Draught 2,5 m

• Zodiacs: 2
• Ice Class: N/A
• Cruising Speed: 10 knots

TECHNOLOGY & FUEL:

• Former icebreaker with an ice-strengthened hull, purpose-built for polar exploration.

CO₂ Emissions

The wider sustainability programme includes measures to improve fuel and energy efficiency, reduce unnecessary propulsion and increase the use of more efficient systems across the fleet.

Waste Management

Waste reduction and responsible onboard operations include the elimination of single-use plastics, energy-efficient lighting and closed-loop recycling initiatives. All wastewater is purified onboard and treated before clean water is returned to the environment. A global partnership with 4Ocean also supports clean-up activities across the destinations visited.

Citizen Science Programs

The expedition programme includes expert-led wildlife and environmental excursions in Svalbard, with opportunities for guests to learn about Arctic ecosystems and wildlife through naturalist-led activities.

Local First Initiative / Communities

The expedition programme incorporates regional ingredients and cultural experiences, with the Arctic voyages highlighting Norwegian cuisine and local products. The wider sustainability programme also prioritises local sourcing, with more than 80% of produce served across the fleet sourced locally. Community engagement and destination-specific conservation initiatives form part of the broader responsible-travel approach