Founder-Hosted Expeditions
Embark on one-off expeditions to the Seychelles’ Outer Islands, the Mekong Delta, and the Asmat region of West Papua, hosted by Aqua Expeditions’ founder, Francesco Galli Zugaro.
Beyond the horizon
Join exclusive expeditions hosted by Aqua Expeditions’ founder, Francesco Galli Zugaro. These journeys offer rare access, an insider's perspective and firsthand storytelling, drawn from decades of pioneering luxury exploration across the world’s most remote destinations.
Leveraging his expertise in international tourism, Francesco Galli Zugaro founded Aqua Expeditions in 2007 in Peru, becoming the first luxury small-ship river cruise operator in South America. As CEO, he has personally overseen every one of Aqua Expeditions’ vessel launches, setting a leading standard for small-ship expeditions across the globe.
Seychelles & Tanzania Expedition
February 28 - March 11, 2026 | Aqua Lares
This 11-night journey uncovers the Seychelles’ remote coralline outer islands before charting a course to the Zanzibar archipelago. Hosted by founder Francesco Galli Zugaro and Michelin-starred Chef Karime López, this transoceanic voyage visits pristine biodiversity havens, including Aldabra, a UNESCO-listed atoll famed for having the world's largest population of giant tortoises. Along the way, explore remote islands such as Remire and Astove, renowned for world-class snorkeling and diving sites, including the four-mile Astove Wall, often described as an underwater Grand Canyon. The expedition concludes in Tanzania, where the journey continues across vibrant seascapes, from the rare opportunity to swim with whale shark sightings around Mafia Island to the historic shores of Ras Kisimani, a former crossroads of African and Arabian trade.
Hosted by Francesco Galli Zugaro
Phnom Penh, Kratie & Ho Chi Minh Expedition
August 27 - September 3, 2027 | Aqua Mekong
Embark on a 7-night voyage along the Mekong River, hosted by founder Francesco Galli Zugaro, and gain rare insights into Southeast Asia’s cultural and ecological treasures. Journey from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City, navigating through Cambodia’s serene river landscapes to Kratie, home to the elusive Irrawaddy dolphins. Explore Khmer villages steeped in tradition, ascend sacred hilltops for panoramic views, and cross into Vietnam to discover vibrant delta towns, lush plantations, and bustling markets. This exclusive expedition blends luxury with deep cultural immersion, guided by stories and perspectives that bring the Mekong’s timeless spirit to life.
Hosted by Francesco Galli Zugaro
Spice Islands & Asmat Tribe Expedition
November 29 - December 11, 2027 | Aqua Blu
Setting sail from Ambon on an exclusive founder-hosted voyage, immerse yourself in the rich colonial heritage of the Banda Islands, where the imposing Fort Belgica overlooks the historic town of Banda Neira. Continue to the Koon group of islands, celebrated for their pristine reefs and world-class snorkeling and diving. In the second half of your expedition, journey east into the remote Asmat region—one of Indonesia’s most enigmatic cultural landscapes. Venture deep into the jungle aboard private speedboats to visit isolated river villages and engage with members of the Asmat tribe, gaining rare insights guided by the founder’s vision and personal stories.
Hosted by Francesco Galli Zugaro
