By Business Insider Reporter
Luxury expedition cruise company Aqua Expeditions is set to make a splash in East Africa’s high-end tourism sector with the addition of its sixth vessel, Aqua Lares, which will begin operations in February 2026.
The move is expected to enhance the region’s visibility as a premium travel destination, drawing affluent tourists and unlocking new economic opportunities in the hospitality and conservation sectors.
Described by the company as a “world-class floating safari,” Aqua Lares will operate three bespoke itineraries in the Indian Ocean, with two focused on the Seychelles and one combining the Seychelles with Tanzania’s Zanzibar archipelago.
These routes aim to offer a mix of marine adventure, eco-tourism, and cultural exploration – positioning East Africa alongside global expedition hotspots like the Galápagos and Indonesia.
Francesco Galli Zugaro, founder and CEO of Aqua Expeditions, expressed excitement about the company’s East African debut.
“From the wild beauty of the Seychelles to the spice trails of Zanzibar, this region offers a rare kind of adventure – untouched, exclusive, and deeply immersive,” he said in a statement.
Tourism impact across the region
The introduction of Aqua Lares comes at a time when East African nations, particularly Tanzania, Kenya and Seychelles, are pushing to diversify their tourism offerings beyond traditional safaris.
The vessel’s presence is poised to bolster eco-tourism and marine conservation awareness, while also bringing more visibility to underexplored coastal destinations.
Zanzibar, known for its cultural heritage, spice trade history, and pristine beaches, will benefit significantly from the cruise line’s spotlight.
The itinerary includes guided visits to historical sites and nature excursions, opening new channels for community-based tourism and local artisan markets.
With itineraries that include snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and birdwatching, the cruise experience highlights the region’s biodiversity and natural heritage.
The Aldabra Atoll, home to 150,000 giant tortoises, and the remote Farquhar islands are expected to draw nature enthusiasts and conservation-conscious travelers from around the world.
Economic and service upscaling
With only 30 guests per voyage and 33 crew members – including three expert nature guides – Aqua Lares offers a near one-to-one guest-to-crew ratio.
This focus on personalised service positions East Africa as a viable contender in the ultra-luxury cruise market.
Prices will start from US$9,000 per person for a five-night voyage, indicating a high-end target demographic.
This has the potential to stimulate local economies through increased demand for premium lodging, transportation, excursions, and culinary experiences – particularly in secondary coastal towns and islands not traditionally served by mass tourism.
Additionally, Aqua Expeditions’ sustainable tourism model may inspire local operators to adopt environmentally friendly practices and upscale their services to meet new luxury expectations.
Coastal infrastructure – including boutique hotels, marinas, and transport terminals – may see a wave of upgrades as a result.
Regional integration and visibility
The cruise line’s expansion into East Africa aligns with broader efforts by regional governments and tourism boards to market the East African coastline as a unified destination. It supports the East African Community’s goals of economic integration and could complement new travel facilitation policies, such as the recently proposed single tourist visa for the EAC bloc.
As luxury travelers increasingly seek “once-in-a-lifetime” experiences, the Aqua Lares voyages present East Africa as a compelling blend of wild beauty and cultural depth – offering more than just wildlife, but also seascapes, spices, and stories.
What’s next?
The inaugural voyage of Aqua Lares is set for February 8, 2026. Offline bookings are already open, with online reservations launching on September 1. As the region prepares to welcome its first ultra-luxury floating safari, the ripples from this launch are likely to extend well beyond the Indian Ocean – into the future of East African tourism.
