Aqua Nera : Our cruise deals 2025 - 2026

Aqua Nera: a ship designed for exploration and comfort

Designed by Studio Noor in Ho Chi Minh City, Aqua Nera draws inspiration from the Amazon's blackwater lagoons and subtly blends a soft ambiance with Peruvian, Spanish, and Portuguese craftsmanship. Measuring over 62 meters in length, this contemporary vessel features clean lines and an elegant silhouette, crafted to navigate the deep and less-traveled meanders of the Peruvian Amazon with ease. The interior design, both understated and sophisticated, pays homage to the region's cultural richness through nods to Shipibo-Conibo patterns, Iquitos tiles, and noble materials.

Its moderate size allows it to access the remote areas of the Pacaya Samiria Reserve, offering an intimate and exclusive exploration setting. On board, common areas are spread across three decks, each designed to provide comfort and immersion: a forward sundeck with an infinity pool, shaded cabanas with a lounge bar, a stylish library lounge, a screening room, billiards, a panoramic gym overlooking the river, two spa cabins, an infirmary, and a boutique featuring local crafts. For optimal comfort, the ship is equipped with advanced systems: quiet Tier 3 Caterpillar generators, centralized air conditioning, and a reliable 220V electrical system.

Conceived as a floating cocoon blending modernity and tradition, Aqua Nera offers a luxurious, discreet, and nature-focused cruising experience.

Cultural immersion and wild nature

Each day aboard Aqua Nera includes two small-group outings (maximum 10 guests) in flat-bottomed skiffs, ideally suited for navigating the river’s branches and shallow areas of the Pacaya Samiria Reserve. These excursions are led by naturalist guides born in Peru and trained by Aqua Expeditions. Their deep knowledge of Amazonian biodiversity allows for unique sightings: pink dolphins, caimans, howler monkeys, macaws, and even sloths.

The experience is also cultural, with visits to indigenous villages where guests can interact with locals, discover their traditions, craftsmanship, and river-based way of life. Depending on the season, guests may also enjoy sustainable fishing outings or swimming in the Amazon's waters.

Cuisine inspired by regional flavors

The cuisine aboard Aqua Nera is crafted by Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, one of Latin America's most influential chefs, known for his pioneering work with Amazonian ingredients. He sources ingredients from local communities and sustainable fishing cooperatives to create refined and authentic dishes. Signature products include paiche (the world's largest freshwater fish), camu camu (a vitamin C-rich fruit), Amazonian black trumpet mushrooms, and fermented preparations made from manioc.

Each meal, served in an elegant panoramic restaurant, is a sensory journey through the Amazon rainforest, where modern culinary techniques merge with traditional flavors. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available, along with a carefully curated wine list featuring South American vintages.

Environmental commitment and local support

Aqua Nera embodies sustainable tourism in line with Aqua Expeditions and Ponant’s standards: responsible materials, waste sorting, controlled water and energy consumption, low-impact excursions, support for local artisans and producers, and participation in conservation efforts in the region.

This includes active partnerships with indigenous communities to promote Amazonian craftsmanship, wildlife protection programs such as the reintroduction of Taricaya turtles, and onboard technologies designed to reduce pollutants discharged into the Pacaya Samiria Reserve. The ship’s design also integrates recycled materials, optimized resource management, and an eco-friendly reverse osmosis water purification system.