This epic East African expedition begins in vibrant Zanzibar before venturing to Pemba Island’s rich reefs and the historic ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani. After a day at sea, you’ll explore the remote Assumption Island and the UNESCO-listed Aldabra Atoll, home to giant tortoises and dazzling marine life. Continue through the secluded wonders of Astove, Farquhar, Saint-François Atoll, and Ile Alphonse, each offering world-class snorkelling, diving, and birdwatching. The journey wraps up with the idyllic Remire Island before returning to Mahé’s L’Escale Marina.


Highlights


• Wander ancient Swahili ruins at Kilwa Kisiwani and soak in Zanzibar’s vibrant culture.

• Encounter giant Aldabra tortoises and pristine reefs at Aldabra Atoll.

• Snorkel and dive in untouched paradises like Astove, Farquhar, and Saint-François.

This itinerary is also available in reverse. Click here for additional dates.

Embark on the voyage of a lifetime from Zanzibar. Settle into your luxurious design suite on board Aqua Lares and meet your Cruise Director and Naturalist Guides. Enroute to our first destination, enjoy panoramic views from the sundeck and indulge in your first taste of the signature Aqua dining experience.​

Known to be one of Africa's best scuba diving destinations, Pemba Island is a treasure trove of both nature and culture. It features remnants of great sultanates, now overrun by lush green hills and clove plantations.​

Once a significant trading port, Kilwa Kisiwani boasts centuries-old Arabian influence. This island is home to ancient ruins including a Great Mosque from the 12th century and the Palace of Husuni Kubwa, constructed in the early 1300s. Along its shores, the island also features rich mangrove forests and stunning biodiversity.​

As we spend the day sailing towards Seychelles, treat yourself to some R&R at the onboard spa or jacuzzi. For the avid birdwatchers, being out at sea presents the opportunity to spot red-footed boobies soaring overhead in their hunt for flying fish. If you wish, sit in for presentations by our expert naturalist guides to learn more about the regional geology, flora, and fauna. Savor world-class dining throughout the day and end the evening with stargazing from the sundeck.​

Wake up to views of Assumption Island at Aldabra, a coral atoll known to harbor one of the world's most isolated ecosystems. Aldabra is home to the largest population of giant tortoises on the planet, with more that 100,000 of these incredible creatures roaming the atoll's four islands. The surrounding waters are home to a thriving population of tropical fish, sharks, and sea turtles, coupled with occasional manta ray sightings as well.​

We continue our exploration of Aldabra with guided walks along the coast accompanied by coconut crabs and frigatebirds. On board private tenders, explore Aldabra's lagoon and rich mangrove forests made up largely of endemic flora. The coral atoll also offers incredible snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities, characterized by an abundance of marine life all year round.​

Astove is known to be one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the Indian Ocean courtesy of the Astove Wall. Often described as the underwater Grand Canyon, this four-mile-long wall is covered in soft corals and frequented by marine life including rays, sharks, and reef fish. It features plunging depths and incredible visibility that can extend up to 40 meters. Astove is a bucket-list item for every avid underwater explorer.​

Start the day exploring Farquhar Atoll with its vibrant azure waters, rich marine life, and abundance of seabirds including red-footed boobies. Snorkelers and divers get a chance to be among the few to explore undiscovered coral reefs around these islands. This is also a great spot for flyfishing and kayaking for those who wish to partake.​

In the morning, we sail to Saint-Francois Atoll for the opportunity to spot juvenile sharks, crabs, and crab plovers in the mangroves. This atoll also presents snorkeling opportunities to see huge coral formations in the lagoons and surrounding barrier reef. In the afternoon, we head out on tenders for a scenic ride to Alphonse Island. While there, explore a lush coconut forest and enjoy snorkeling along the shore to discover stunning hard coral formations teeming with marine life.​

We head to Remire Island to observe sea and land birds around the coastal vegetation, while keeping an eye out for giant tortoises. Remire also presents an ideal scuba diving opportunity for those interested in a closer look at the region's marine life. We cap off the day with a sundowner on the island's pristine white-sand shores.​

Enjoy a hearty breakfast on board before bidding farewell to Aqua Lares and the crew. ​

Itineraries are subject to change. 

This itinerary is also available in reverse. Click here for additional dates.

Cabin. From

$18,000 USD pp
Cabin. From
Accommodating a total of 30 guests, Aqua Lares features 15 elegant design cabins across five categories, including three Owner’s Suites sized between 419 and 710 sqft (39 and 66 sqm). The remaining cabins are sized between 139 and 322 sqft (13 and 30 sqm), each one individually designed and custom-furnished down to the smallest detail. Every room features warm interiors, creating an inviting atmosphere, complemented by solid wood veneers, as well as wallpaper and fabrics sourced from Italian renowned Dedar. Their sophisticated, artistic patterns subtly tie into the natural surroundings, reflecting the vibrant cultures and rich textures of both Europe and Africa.

Cabin. From

$18,900 USD pp
Cabin. From
Accommodating a total of 30 guests, Aqua Lares features 15 elegant design cabins across five categories, including three Owner’s Suites sized between 419 and 710 sqft (39 and 66 sqm). The remaining cabins are sized between 139 and 322 sqft (13 and 30 sqm), each one individually designed and custom-furnished down to the smallest detail. Every room features warm interiors, creating an inviting atmosphere, complemented by solid wood veneers, as well as wallpaper and fabrics sourced from Italian renowned Dedar. Their sophisticated, artistic patterns subtly tie into the natural surroundings, reflecting the vibrant cultures and rich textures of both Europe and Africa.

Cabin. From

$18,900 USD pp
Cabin. From
Accommodating a total of 30 guests, Aqua Lares features 15 elegant design cabins across five categories, including three Owner’s Suites sized between 419 and 710 sqft (39 and 66 sqm). The remaining cabins are sized between 139 and 322 sqft (13 and 30 sqm), each one individually designed and custom-furnished down to the smallest detail. Every room features warm interiors, creating an inviting atmosphere, complemented by solid wood veneers, as well as wallpaper and fabrics sourced from Italian renowned Dedar. Their sophisticated, artistic patterns subtly tie into the natural surroundings, reflecting the vibrant cultures and rich textures of both Europe and Africa.

Cabin. From

$18,900 USD pp
Cabin. From
Accommodating a total of 30 guests, Aqua Lares features 15 elegant design cabins across five categories, including three Owner’s Suites sized between 419 and 710 sqft (39 and 66 sqm). The remaining cabins are sized between 139 and 322 sqft (13 and 30 sqm), each one individually designed and custom-furnished down to the smallest detail. Every room features warm interiors, creating an inviting atmosphere, complemented by solid wood veneers, as well as wallpaper and fabrics sourced from Italian renowned Dedar. Their sophisticated, artistic patterns subtly tie into the natural surroundings, reflecting the vibrant cultures and rich textures of both Europe and Africa.

Cabin. From

$18,900 USD pp
Cabin. From
Accommodating a total of 30 guests, Aqua Lares features 15 elegant design cabins across five categories, including three Owner’s Suites sized between 419 and 710 sqft (39 and 66 sqm). The remaining cabins are sized between 139 and 322 sqft (13 and 30 sqm), each one individually designed and custom-furnished down to the smallest detail. Every room features warm interiors, creating an inviting atmosphere, complemented by solid wood veneers, as well as wallpaper and fabrics sourced from Italian renowned Dedar. Their sophisticated, artistic patterns subtly tie into the natural surroundings, reflecting the vibrant cultures and rich textures of both Europe and Africa.

Cabin. From

$18,900 USD pp
Cabin. From
Accommodating a total of 30 guests, Aqua Lares features 15 elegant design cabins across five categories, including three Owner’s Suites sized between 419 and 710 sqft (39 and 66 sqm). The remaining cabins are sized between 139 and 322 sqft (13 and 30 sqm), each one individually designed and custom-furnished down to the smallest detail. Every room features warm interiors, creating an inviting atmosphere, complemented by solid wood veneers, as well as wallpaper and fabrics sourced from Italian renowned Dedar. Their sophisticated, artistic patterns subtly tie into the natural surroundings, reflecting the vibrant cultures and rich textures of both Europe and Africa.

Vessel Type: Superyacht

Passenger Capacity: 30

Length: 77 meters

Aqua Lares is a 77-metre superyacht offering an exclusive way to explore the Seychelles and Tanzania, available for both full charters and individual cabin bookings. With just 15 bespoke suites and a one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio, it provides an intimate small-ship experience that blends five-star comfort with adventurous discovery. Purpose-built for exploration, the yacht visits biodiversity hotspots such as Aldabra and La Digue, as well as remote islands like the African Banks that are normally out of reach for larger vessels. Its interiors combine European sophistication with African craftsmanship, creating a relaxed yet refined atmosphere across six decks.

On board, guests can enjoy fine dining, a spa, a jacuzzi, and inviting lounges while watching the Indian Ocean drift by. Days can be spent snorkelling pristine reefs, paddling secluded lagoons, or tracing the spice routes that once connected these shores. Evenings invite sunset cocktails on the Sun Deck or stargazing from a daybed on the Heli Deck. Whether seeking adventure or tranquillity, Aqua Lares delivers a world-class floating safari through East Africa’s most captivating seascapes.

Cabin layout for Aqua Lares

Inclusions


• Elegant design suite accommodations
• All onboard meals
• Non-alcoholic beverages and house wines, and beer
• Small-group excursions with expert guides
• Use of snorkeling equipment
• Wet suits
• Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards
• Onboard lectures and evening entertainment
• Laundry service
• Complimentary high-speed satellite internet
• Entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park (for Galapagos cruises only).
• Provide group transfers from/to the airport if you arrive and depart on our recommended flights

Exclusions


• International and domestic flights
• Travel insurance
• Passport and visa costs if applicable
• Private transfers
• Spa costs
• Gratuities (Recommended USD20-30 per person per day for crew. Guide gratuities additional)
• Cocktails
• Optional boutique purchases
11 Days from
$1,637 USD per day

or call us on

NZ Freephone
0800 945 3327

AUS Freephone
1800 107 715

to help you make your reservation

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