Aqua Lares

Luxury superyacht for the Seychelles, Tanzania, and the Arctic

AQUA LARES

Exclusive superyacht experience in the Arctic and along the coast of East Africa

The Aqua Lares is a luxurious icebreaker superyacht that offers spectacular expeditions around Spitsbergen and in the Arctic from June to September. From November to April, it explores the tropical waters between the Seychelles and Tanzania along the coast of East Africa.

The only icebreaker superyacht operating in the Arctic

Starting in June 2026, the icebreaker superyacht Aqua Lares will set sail on deep-sea voyages to some of the most impressive polar regions. As an Ice Class 1B superyacht built specifically for navigation in ice-covered waters, it will be the only superyacht in the Arctic Circle from June through September to offer small-ship expeditions for up to 30 guests.

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The expeditions to Spitsbergen and the Arctic Circle take you along remote routes to the Lofoten Islands, Tromsø, and beyond. Guests experience dramatic glacier landscapes, extraordinary biodiversity, and a deep sense of remoteness. Highlights include observing polar bears, migrating whales, and arctic foxes, as well as visiting historic whaling stations and lively seabird nesting cliffs.

Tropical expeditions in the Indian Ocean

The Aqua Lares is the first superyacht in the Indian Ocean to offer both charter and individual suite bookings for expeditions to the Seychelles and Tanzania. Every year from November through April, the yacht calls at the Seychelles, Aldabra Atoll, Zanzibar, and Tanzania, offering guests a unique opportunity to fully experience the stunning beaches, remote islands, and biodiversity hotspots of East Africa.

With 15 very comfortable suites, a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1, and expertly guided excursions, Aqua Lares offers a superyacht experience unlike any other in East Africa. During the expedition, guests have the opportunity to discover places such as Aldabra, La Digue, or the African Banks—regions that are normally inaccessible to larger cruise ships. On board, days filled with discovery are combined with the comfort of a luxury hotel: fine dining, highly personalized service, and spacious communal areas for rest and relaxation create an atmosphere in which every moment can be as special as exploring the islands themselves. Whether enjoying a cocktail on the sun deck, cooling off in the Jacuzzi, or indulging in a pampering spa treatment, the experiences on board are just as unforgettable as the destinations of the voyage.

Historical heritage meets contemporary sophistication

The Aqua Lares brings tailor-made small-ship flair to the remote coasts of East Africa and the polar regions, combining historical tradition with modern elegance. The 77-meter yacht, specially built for expeditions, takes you on a "floating safari" that harmoniously combines European prestige with craftsmanship excellence. Warm wood paneling, Dedar textiles, and custom-made tableware from Gaya Ceramics create an enchanting ambience of relaxed luxury. Fine furniture by Minotti and Poltrona Frau contrasts with antique maps and prints, combining traditional and modern aesthetics in timeless designs. Whether in the tropical waters of East Africa or the icy regions of the Arctic Circle, the Aqua Lares invites you on expeditions that combine adventure, luxury, and unforgettable nature experiences at the highest level.

Stephanie Gräf

Owner & Founder

Since 2002, I have been personally advising clients on unique expeditions and private trips, small-ship cruises, and journeys to remote regions of the world.

We'd be happy to discuss your trip with you in person.

Why not contact me right now at Phone: +49 201 85890960 or email welcome@inventia.de.

Or schedule a free, no-obligation one-on-one phone call (also via WhatsApp or Wi-Fi), a Teams or Zoom meeting here—even in the evenings or on weekends:

Make an appointment

Special Interest

A heart for solo travelers!

On selected departures, solo travelers can enjoy a cabin for single use at no extra charge. Take a look at the individual trips or contact us directly for more information.

More offers for solo travelers.

Onboard amenities

Sun deck with lounge and bar
Outdoor lounge Heli Deck with stylish daybeds
indoor lounge
Shaded outdoor dining area
Indoor dining area with adjoining lounge
floating platform
outdoor hot tub
indoor hot tub
Spa area with massage studio
sauna
indoor gym
cinema
onboard boutique
Paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling and diving equipment, and mountain bikes

ship data

Key data:

Vessel type: Expedition superyacht
Designers: Birgit Galli Zugaro and HOTLAB (Milan)
Passengers: 30
Cabins: 15
Crew: 33 (including 3 nature guides)
Shipyard: IHC Verschure, Netherlands
Year of manufacture/retrofit: 1980/2020, completely overhauled in 2025
Registered: Marshall Islands
Length: 77.3 meters
Width: 13.4 meters
Draft: 6.4 meters
Speed: 10 to 12 knots
Gross tonnage: 2,400
Engines: Smit Bolnes (308 HDK, 3400 BHP / 2500 kW)
Generators: 3 x John Deere, 2 x 320 kW, 1 x 210 kW, 1 x Cummins 200 kW (emergency)
Stabilizers: Rolls Royce Aquarius 50
Ice class: 1B
Dinghies: 2 Rafnar 850 cabin RIBs, 3 Zodiac MK5 HDs, and 2 lifeboats
Ports of embarkation: Mahe (Seychelles), Stonetown (Zanzibar), Longyearbyen (Svalbard), Glasgow (Scotland), Tromsø (Norway)
Voltage: 220 V

Good to know:

Onboard language: English, English-speaking guides
Onboard currency: We accept all major credit cards, including Visa, American Express, and MasterCard.
Medical care: Health and Safety Officer on board (also acts as paramedic); trained personnel for minor injuries such as abrasions, puncture wounds, or sprains
Laundry: Free service on board (no dry cleaning, no delicate items)
Internet: Free access to high-performance Wi-Fi

What does ice class 1B mean?

This certification according to Finnish-Swedish regulations means that the yacht has been reinforced so that it can safely navigate in waters with light to moderate ice. The hull, propulsion, and technical systems are designed so that the vessel can handle first-year sea ice with a thickness of around 0.6–0.8 meters. In more severe ice conditions, assistance from an icebreaker may be necessary.

For travelers, this means that the Aqua Lares is ideally suited for polar regions and is particularly suitable for summer and early fall expeditions in areas such as Spitsbergen. Although it is not an icebreaker and is not designed for very thick multi-year Arctic ice, it offers ideal conditions for safe and comfortable expedition routes in the typical light to moderate ice conditions of these travel seasons.