The luxury cruise pioneer launches two exclusive East Africa voyages in February 2026
The Indian Ocean has long held secrets – ancient coral atolls where time stands still, granite islands sculpted by millions of years of isolation, and waters so pristine they mirror the sky with crystalline clarity. Come February 2026, these hidden treasures become accessible through Aqua Expeditions, as the luxury expedition cruise pioneer extends its signature experience to East Africa’s most coveted destinations.
Francesco Galli Zugaro, founder and CEO, has personally extended invitations to loyal guests for two exclusive inaugural departures that promise to redefine expedition cruising in the region.
Madagascar meets the Coralline Seychelles
The first voyage, an extraordinary 8-night journey from February 15-23, 2026, traces a path from Madagascar’s untamed northern coast to the ethereal Coralline Seychelles. This one-time-only itinerary includes the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aldabra, where giant tortoises roam freely in numbers exceeding 100,000.
The adventure continues with snorkeling in Nosy Hara’s vibrant reef systems, where blacktip sharks glide through crystal-clear waters, and culminates at the legendary Astove Wall, a diving mecca where dramatic drop-offs reveal an underwater wonderland.
Discovering the Inner Islands’ granite splendor
The second inaugural sailing, a 5-night exploration from February 23-28, 2026, unveils the granitic Inner Islands through an entirely fresh perspective. This journey showcases the cultural heart of the archipelago, from La Digue’s laid-back charm – where ox-carts still navigate sandy roads – to Praslin’s mystical Vallée de Mai.
Here, legendary Coco de Mer palms produce the world’s largest seeds, taking up to seven years to mature. The UNESCO World Heritage site serves as a living museum of endemic species, including the rare black parrot found nowhere else on Earth.
Where evolution wrote its own rules
What sets these East African waters apart is their remarkable evolutionary isolation. For millions of years, life here has developed without outside influence, creating ecosystems where species exist nowhere else on the planet. Giant tortoises graze peacefully in coastal grasslands, hawksbill turtles nest undisturbed on pristine beaches, and rare seabirds soar above landscapes untouched by time.
The flora proves equally extraordinary – from jellyfish trees exclusive to Mahé to ancient takamaka forests that fringe remote beaches. Even on windless days, the islands pulse with life as leaves rustle with rare birds and waters ripple with marine life just beneath the surface.
The signature Aqua experience arrives
Aqua Expeditions brings more than two decades of expedition expertise to these new waters, having refined their approach across South America’s rivers and Southeast Asia’s archipelagos. The company’s upcoming vessel – details revealed on August 7 – promises the same hallmarks: intimate luxury accommodations, highly personalized service, expert-led excursions, and world-class cuisine celebrating local flavors.
Galli Zugaro’s decision to personally host these inaugural departures underscores their significance. Priority access requires reaching out to Aqua Expeditions for waitlist placement, with these intimate voyages likely to fill quickly among the company’s devoted following.
The Seychelles offer something increasingly rare – true remoteness paired with absolute luxury, where the greatest discovery might be existing in harmony with nature’s most pristine expressions.
Visit the Aqua Expeditions website for more information.
About the Author: Jason Kerr
