Travel the Arctic and East Africa in sophistication and relaxed luxury aboard the Aqua Lares. Enjoy an abundance of social spaces, including an onboard cinema, plus daily off-ship activities and personalized service from her crew of 33.
Sail through East Africa and the Arctic aboard the luxury superyacht Aqua Lares. With 33 crew members for 30 guests, this boat is sure to dazzle with her service and attention to detail. This ice-class expedition ship pairs stability at sea with upscale, mid-century modern design and a relaxed atmosphere. Come aboard for unique suites, fine dining and plenty of social spaces across an expansive 6 guest decks.
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Aqua Lares review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our small ship cruise experts have been aboard nearly every first-class vessel that we offer. Find the detailed ship description and deck plan below. Then contact our experts to compare the Aqua Lares with other small luxury cruise ships and upscale yachts offering Africa cruises, Arctic cruises (including Spitsbergen & Svalbard cruises) and private charter cruises.
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Choose the Aqua Lares superyacht for her blend of elegant interiors, expansive space, over 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio and regular opportunities for off-ship activities (including diving in warm climates). This Arctic and East Africa ship carries the refinement and class of her sister ships worldwide, and is poised to deliver the eloquent experience that Aqua Expeditions is known for.
Built by IHC Verschure (Netherlands) in 1920, refit in 2020 and refurbished in 2025, the Aqua Lares is an experienced vessel. Her Rolls Royce Aquarius 50 stabilizers ensure a smooth ride in open ocean. She is SOLAS-certified and carries all necessary emergency equipment, including radio and satellite communication, life rafts and jackets, signals and flares.
Aqua Lares treats her guests to an onboard atmosphere of European and African influence, with upscale materials including sparkling marble, warm wood veneers, soft leather, modern metal, gleaming brass and clean beige palettes. Dedar-brand textiles and Gaya Ceramics dishware mix with antique maps and framed wildlife prints for a feeling that’s both high-end and adventurous.
The Aqua Lares yacht offers a plethora of social spaces across her 6 decks, allowing travelers options for shared camaraderie or private moments. The superyacht features a variety of lounges, an exercise area, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, a sauna, a massage room, an open bridge and a sundeck. High-speed satellite internet is available whenever a connection exists, binoculars are available on board, and laundry service (including pressing but no dry cleaning or delicates) is also included.
Aqua Lares guests are treated to world-class meals served family-style, with options for both indoor and outdoor dining. The Main Saloon offers a sophisticated setting with one long dining table beside an all-day hosted bar. Just outside is a shaded dining area with a second long table, for those who prefer to dine al fresco.
Fare is international and aims to incorporate guest preferences. With advance notice, the talented Aqua Lares chefs can accommodate special requests and dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free. Pair the gourmet onboard dishes with a selection of complimentary house wines and beer, or add a handcrafted cocktail to your experience.
Aqua Lares’ menu offers selections from Michelin-starred Consulting Chef Karime López. Creole is a central component to Chef López’s menu on board, alongside rich Mediterranean flavors of her Mexican heritage and time spent in prestigious kitchens across Italy, Spain, Mexico, Peru and Japan. Guests can expect locally sourced, sustainable ingredients and five-star flavors, textures and pairings, alongside regional feature dishes.
A variety of lounges and bars invite guests to relax and share stories from the day’s activities. The Sun Deck Lounge and bar provides panoramic views from the ship’s top deck, perfect for canapes and sundowners followed by star gazing. The aft-facing Heli Deck is the uppermost spot to sun bathe on a chaise lounger or gather with friends on plush couches.
Also aft-facing, the partially covered Outdoor Lounge provides tables, couches, chairs and another bar for a space protected from wind. Inside from the Outdoor Lounge is the Indoor Lounge, with another bar and plenty of couches and chairs to either gather together or enjoy your own space.
At the heart of Aqua Lares is a small-screen movie theater, equipped with a curated selection of films and documentaries. The ship’s boutique is stocked with unique gifts inspired by the Arctic and East African cultures and coastlines through which she sails.
Travel aboard Aqua Lares is both adventurous (off ship) and pampering (on board). Via the Lower Deck spa, guests can relax in the onboard sauna, indulge in a therapeutic massage, and be rejuvenated by the indoor Jacuzzi—all ideal options after hiking, snorkeling or diving. The Main Deck features a large, aft outdoor Jacuzzi with excellent views and easy access to the swim platform (ideal for a quick dip into the Indian Ocean). Finally, the Owner’s Deck offers an exercise room fitted with equipment to maintain fitness routines.
Activities are all-inclusive while sailing aboard Aqua Lares, with regular opportunities for snorkeling and diving (East Africa only), kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and exploring in the ship’s 2 Rib tenders and/or 3 Zodiacs. The ship is equipped with all the necessary gear, including wetsuits, masks and fins. Back on board, guides enrich each day’s excursions with educational lectures, for additional insights.
Expect to generally get off the ship twice daily, accessing East Africa’s hidden coves and lagoons or Svalbard’s remote fjords, plus uncharted shorelines. East Africa activities may include snorkeling along pristine beaches, spotting rare migratory birds and endemic wildlife along guided coastline trails, and hikes through ancient forests and historic ruins. Arctic activities involve hiking, Zodiac cruising and exploring the stunning fjords and historic sites found along Svalbard’s remote coastline.
Aqua Lares’s generous 33 crew members help ensure a highly personalized experience for each of her 30 guests. Included in the crew are a Cruise Director and English-speaking naturalist guides. Expect deluxe service, such as available porters to move luggage at both the airport and the pier.
Every suite aboard Aqua Lares is unique. Each exquisite space is individually designed and custom furnished with high-end materials. Suites differ in their maximum guest count, size, style, bedding configurations and exterior light (large portholes or windows—please note that neither open). However, every suite is equipped with air conditioning and an electronic safe, plus a deluxe ensuite bathroom with a spacious shower, professional hair dryer, organic hair and bath amenities (shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, hand sanitizer and toothpaste), plus travel essentials including tissues, cotton pads and swabs, a shower cap, razor, ear plugs, toothbrush, comb and slippers.
Suite #202 (Upper Deck, 193 sq ft, 3 portholes) & #102 (Main Deck, 139 sq ft, 2 portholes) each accommodates up to 2 guests with two fixed twin beds; #103 (Main Deck, 150 sq ft, 2 portholes) accommodates up to 3 guests with two twin beds and a bunk bed.
Suite #302 (Owner’s Deck, 172 sq ft, 3 windows) accommodates up to 2 guests with one double or two twin beds & #101 (Main Deck, 226 sq ft, 5 windows) accommodates up to 2 guests with a king bed.
Upper Deck Suites #206 (269 sq ft), #205-204 (279 sq ft) & #203 (301 sq ft) each offers 2 portholes and accommodates up to 2 guests with a double bed.
Suite #401 (Bridge Deck, 226 sq ft, 3 windows) & #201 (Upper Deck, 322 sq ft, 3 portholes) each accommodate up to 2 guests with a king bed; #301 (Owner’s Deck, 269 sq ft, 3 windows) accommodates up to 2 guests with one double or two twin beds.
Owner’s Suite #105 (Main Deck, 419 sq ft, 3 portholes) accommodates up to 4 guests with a double bed & Murphy bed.
Owner’s Suite #104 (Main Deck, 592 sq ft, 4 portholes) accommodates up to 4 guests with a double bed & Murphy bed.
Owner’s Suite #303 (Owner’s Deck, 710 sq ft, 6 windows) accommodates up to 3 guests with a king bed & sofa bed.
This ship is an AdventureSmith favorite for private charter.
For charter pricing and details, contact us to connect with a charter cruise specialist.
Premium exploration with upscale comfort & rare paddleboarding
Let our experts help you compare Aqua Lares to her sister ships. Our experts are standing by with unbiased advice, personalized to you. Aqua Lares is among a famed fleet of Aqua ships sailing worldwide and if you like this vessel, you can sail on comparable ones in the Amazon, Indonesia, the Mekong River, Galapagos and beyond.
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