Aqua Expeditions

A distinctive wooden-hulled river cruise ship with orange and tan paneling navigates the Amazon River at golden hour, framed by dense rainforest canopy and a dramatic sunset sky filled with pink, orange, and purple clouds.
An aerial view of a weathered colonial-era fort with stone bastions positioned on a hilltop, overlooking a lush tropical village nestled along a scenic coastline with misty waters and forested mountains at golden sunrise.

Luxury expedition cruising where wilderness meets world-class refinement

Aqua Expeditions isn’t trying to be everything to everyone. They do one thing remarkably well: small-ship luxury cruising through some of the most remote and biologically rich waterways on earth. The Peruvian Amazon. The Mekong Delta. These are journeys designed for travelers who want to wake up surrounded by wilderness and sit down to a meal crafted by a world-renowned chef – all on the same morning. If the idea of exploring untouched ecosystems without sacrificing comfort sounds like your kind of voyage, Aqua Expeditions is worth your attention.

What sets Aqua Expeditions apart is how deliberately intimate the experience is. With vessels carrying no more than 40 guests, you’re not jostling for a spot on the observation deck or waiting in line for an excursion skiff. Expert naturalist guides lead daily excursions into habitats that most travelers will never see – pink river dolphins surfacing alongside your boat, howler monkeys calling from the canopy, villages accessible only by water. Every itinerary is built around the natural rhythms of the destination, not a fixed entertainment schedule.

As your dedicated travel advisors, we help you determine which Aqua Expeditions voyage aligns with your interests and sense of adventure. Whether the Amazon’s staggering biodiversity calls to you, or the floating markets and ancient temples along the Mekong feel more like your journey, we’ll match you with the right vessel, the right season, and the right itinerary. This is expedition cruising at a standard that far exceeds the ordinary.

A sophisticated expedition yacht illuminated by warm golden lights during the blue hour at sunset, anchored in calm Arctic or northern waters. The vessel features multiple decks with illuminated windows and professional navigation equipment, representing luxury expedition cruising to remote polar destinations.
A stunning tropical beach cove featuring distinctive large granite boulders scattered along pristine white sand, bordered by turquoise waters and lush tropical vegetation. The dramatic rock formations create a picturesque natural landscape ideal for beach exploration and water activities.
A pristine Arctic landscape featuring dramatic snow-capped mountains overlooking a frozen fjord with scattered boulders in the foreground. The scene captures the raw beauty of the polar region with clear blue skies and snow-covered peaks characteristic of high-latitude wilderness.
A solitary polar bear stands alert on a vast expanse of white and blue Arctic sea ice, with a clear sky in the background. The bear is positioned on an elevated ice ridge, surveying its frozen habitat in what appears to be the High Arctic region.

The Fleet – Bespoke Vessels Built for Exploration

Aqua Expeditions operates a small collection of purpose-built vessels, each tailored to its specific waterway. These are not repurposed cruise ships scaled down. They were designed from the ground up by leading architects and interior designers to navigate rivers and coastlines that conventional ships simply cannot reach.

The Aria Amazon accommodates just 32 guests across 16 oversized suites, each with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that frame the passing jungle like a living painting. The Aqua Nera, also sailing Peru’s Amazon, raises the bar further with 20 suites for up to 40 guests, featuring design inspired by the dark waters of the region – rich textures, natural materials, and a contemporary aesthetic that feels both grounded and luxurious. On Southeast Asia’s Mekong River, the Aqua Mekong carries 40 guests through Cambodia and Vietnam with the same philosophy: generous suites, expert-led excursions, and cuisine that draws directly from the surrounding culture.

Every vessel features spacious outdoor observation decks, an indoor lounge, an exercise room, and a small spa – but the real draw is the environment beyond the railings. Suites across the fleet share a commitment to generous proportions, quality materials, and thoughtful design. King-size beds, rain showers, premium bath products, and individually controlled climate are standard. The crew-to-guest ratio on each vessel ensures personalized attention that feels natural, not scripted.

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World-Class Cuisine, Naturalist-Led Discovery & Authentic Cultural Encounters

Dining on Aqua Expeditions is not an afterthought – it’s one of the defining experiences of every voyage. Menus are crafted by renowned Peruvian chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, who draws on the indigenous ingredients and culinary traditions of each region. On the Amazon vessels, expect dishes featuring river fish, exotic fruits, and herbs sourced from the surrounding jungle. On the Mekong, the cuisine shifts to reflect Cambodian and Vietnamese flavors. Every meal feels connected to the landscape passing outside your window.

Daily excursions are led by expert naturalist guides who know these waterways with an intimacy that only comes from years of immersion. On the Amazon, that means skiff journeys into flooded forest canopies, piranha fishing, caiman spotting after dark, and visits to remote indigenous communities. On the Mekong, excursions take you to floating villages, pagodas, silk-weaving workshops, and local markets. These aren’t choreographed tourist stops. They feel genuine because they are.

Between excursions, the vessels themselves provide a welcome retreat. The observation decks become front-row seats to sunsets that seem to go on for hours. The lounge is where guests trade stories from the day’s adventures over craft cocktails. And the quiet moments – reading in your suite as river dolphins surface just meters from your window – are often the ones you remember most vividly.

Aqua Expeditions also emphasizes sustainability and community engagement. Their operations work closely with local communities, employing local guides and crew, supporting conservation efforts, and ensuring that tourism benefits the regions they explore. For travelers who care about the impact of their journey as much as the experience itself, this matters.

If this kind of immersive, curated expedition resonates with you, our advisors are here to guide you toward your next extraordinary adventure.

Or call (352) 432-8131 to speak with a dedicated advisor.

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What’s Included In Your Cruise Package?

Your extraordinary cruise adventure comes with many included amenities from the cruise line. In addition, Extraordinary Adventures offers our clients extra complimentary benefits as well as popular upgrades to create a seamless door-to-door experience – all the more reason to select Extraordinary Adventures as your cruise travel partner!

Included in Every Aqua Expeditions Voyage

  • Suite accommodation with panoramic views

  • All gourmet meals prepared by world-class chefs

  • Daily guided excursions led by expert naturalists

  • Select wines, beer, spirits, and cocktails

  • Purified drinking water, soft drinks, coffee, and tea

  • Use of expedition equipment (kayaks, skiffs, binoculars)

  • Onboard lectures and presentations by naturalist guides

  • Fitness room and relaxation areas

Your Extraordinary Adventures Cruise Also Includes

  • Expert guidance choosing your itinerary, vessel, and suite
  • Recommendations on pre- and post-cruise extensions
  • Advice on cruise and travel policies and procedures
  • Emergency assistance while on your trip
  • Recommendations on travel insurance

Add Extraordinary Adventures White Glove Service to Receive

  • We arrange car service and transfers
  • We book flights*
  • We reserve hotel stays
  • Pre-cruise and post-cruise travel planning assistance

$250 Planning Fee per stateroom

Complimentary for guests who book this cruise line
*Terms and conditions apply

Frequently Asked Questions About Aqua Expeditions

Aqua Expeditions focuses exclusively on small-ship luxury expedition cruising through some of the world’s most remote and biodiverse waterways. With vessels carrying no more than 40 guests, the experience is extraordinarily intimate. What truly sets them apart is the combination of world-class cuisine – menus designed by renowned Peruvian chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino – expert naturalist-led excursions, and purpose-built vessels designed specifically for the rivers and coastlines they navigate. This isn’t expedition cruising with luxury bolted on. It was built that way from the start.
Aqua Expeditions fares are comprehensively inclusive. Your voyage includes suite accommodation with panoramic views, all gourmet meals, daily guided excursions led by expert naturalists, select wines and spirits, purified water and soft drinks, use of expedition equipment such as kayaks and skiffs, onboard lectures and presentations, and access to fitness and relaxation facilities. Transfers between the local airport and the vessel are also typically included.
The fleet includes the Aria Amazon (16 suites, 32 guests) and Aqua Nera (20 suites, 40 guests) sailing Peru’s Amazon River, and the Aqua Mekong (20 suites, 40 guests) cruising between Cambodia and Vietnam. Each vessel was purpose-built for its specific waterway by leading architects and designers, featuring oversized suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor observation decks, lounges, exercise rooms, and spa facilities.
Aqua Expeditions operates in two regions: the Peruvian Amazon and the Mekong River through Cambodia and Vietnam. Amazon voyages depart from Iquitos, Peru, and explore the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve and its surrounding tributaries. Mekong voyages travel between Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam, visiting floating villages, ancient temples, and vibrant markets along the way.
Excursions vary by destination but are always led by expert naturalist guides with deep local knowledge. On Amazon voyages, activities include skiff explorations of flooded forest canopies, wildlife spotting (pink river dolphins, macaws, caimans), piranha fishing, visits to indigenous communities, and kayaking through narrow tributaries. On the Mekong, excursions include visits to floating markets, Buddhist pagodas, silk-weaving villages, local food markets, and historic sites like the Killing Fields and Royal Palace.
Suites across the Aqua Expeditions fleet are among the most spacious in small-ship expedition cruising. On the Aria Amazon, suites measure approximately 240 square feet. The Aqua Nera features suites ranging from around 250 to over 500 square feet for the Design Suite. The Aqua Mekong offers suites of approximately 320 square feet. All feature floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, king-size beds, rain showers, premium bath products, and individually controlled climate systems.
Dining is a highlight of every Aqua Expeditions voyage. Menus are crafted by acclaimed Peruvian chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, drawing on local ingredients and culinary traditions from each region. On Amazon voyages, expect dishes featuring river fish, tropical fruits, and jungle herbs. On the Mekong, cuisine reflects Cambodian and Vietnamese flavors. Meals are served in the main dining room with panoramic views, and special dining experiences may be arranged on the observation deck. Dietary requirements are accommodated with advance notice.
Aqua Expeditions welcomes families and can be an exceptional experience for children who are curious about nature and wildlife. The Amazon voyages in particular tend to captivate younger travelers – spotting monkeys, fishing for piranhas, and kayaking through the jungle are the kinds of experiences that stay with a child for life. That said, the atmosphere is refined and intimate, so it tends to work best for families with older children or teenagers who appreciate immersive, educational travel.
Light, breathable clothing is essential for both Amazon and Mekong voyages, as the climate is tropical and humid. Long sleeves and long pants are recommended for excursions to protect against insects and sun. Comfortable walking shoes, a good pair of sandals, insect repellent, sunscreen, binoculars, and a waterproof bag for electronics are all wise additions. Evenings onboard are casual – there’s no formal dress code. Our advisors provide a detailed packing guide once your voyage is confirmed.
Most excursions involve getting in and out of small skiffs and walking on uneven terrain, but they are generally accessible to guests with a moderate level of fitness. Kayaking is optional and guides are skilled at adapting activities to different comfort levels. The pace is relaxed rather than strenuous. If you have specific mobility concerns, let us know when planning your voyage and we can help determine the best fit.

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What Our Clients Say

Real clients. Real experiences. Never ordinary – always extraordinary.

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“These two definitely know their ships, and if they don’t, they know where to find answers. We had never booked with an agent before, but after our first experience with Extraordinary Adventures, we were so pleased that we quickly booked our second cruise shortly after. Their response times are rapid, and their suggestions are immeasurable.”

Sabrina & Marty S

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“Scott and Laura were very helpful and professional from the first minute. The information I got saved me money and time. Wonderful, friendly, personal, and quick service. Response within minutes to all my questions. Thank you for the great work.”

Richard & Pascal F

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“I gave them a budget, what I wanted, and potential dates. They did the rest! Gave me checklists for what to pack, suggestions of things to do, and the best plans for the biggest bang for our buck. They even checked on us when we returned to be sure we had an enjoyable experience.”

Kristy & Anthony R

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“We have tried different venues to purchase cruises and definitely prefer working with Scott and Laura. They have always put our best interest at the forefront. They are professional and easy to contact and take the worry out of our travel plans.”

Michael & Virginia D

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“Scott and Laura are super knowledgeable and incredibly fast to respond to questions. They helped make our last cruise worry- and stress-free. I have referred two of my friends who used their services and were very happy. They will go out of their way to help. Super friendly!”

Darla C

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“Laura and Scott are great people to help assist with any vacation needs. I found them to be very attentive to my wants and needs. They have been very informative, provided great suggestions to help make the most of my vacation, and they are very upfront and honest. I will definitely use Extraordinary Adventures again.”

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The World’s Wildest Places Are Waiting – Let’s Get You There

Expedition cruising takes you beyond the beaten track – to Antarctica’s frozen shores, the Amazon’s hidden waterways, and remote archipelagos few ever reach. Planning these life-defining voyages takes specialist knowledge. Our expedition cruise experts are here to guide you to the right line, the right ship, and the right moment to go.