Follow our Founder on Aqua Nera’s First Ever Adventures
It’s been a very exciting time over the past month for us at Aqua Expeditions. Now that the whirlwind of launching Aqua Nera is over, we catch up with our founder, Francesco Galli Zugaro to find out what our inaugural voyage guests had to say about the ship’s highly tailored Peruvian Amazon itineraries and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Seeing Pink
Every day aboard the Aqua Nera presents the perfect opportunity to spot the Amazon’s legendary pink and grey dolphins. Guests can cruise along the Yanayacu Pucate and the Ucayali rivers in the comfort of our custom-designed skiffs for a closer look at the friendly and playful creatures, as well as kayak and swim in these unspoiled black waters.
“It was amazing to see these creatures up close! I didn’t realize how pink they actually are. I will never forget it for as long as I live, it was very special.” – Nicola Gilberti, Monterrey, Mexico
Jungle Book
One of our most thrilling excursions is a jungle walk through the primary Amazon rainforest, which is known as the world’s largest living pharmacy thanks to the medicinal properties of its plant life. Listen to our expert naturalists as they expound on their knowledge of the flora and fauna, you may even meet some jungle dwellers, like these (not so) friendly little fellows!
“Our guides were incredible and full of wonderful stories about the jungle animals, insects, and birds of the Amazon. It was so interesting to learn about the natural healing compounds of leaves and roots, there is still so much to learn about the natural world!” – Stevie Mann, England
Row Your Boat
Kayaking along the Amazon River is a must-do when you come aboard the Aqua Nera. This is one of many moments where you will go deeper into the pristine landscape and explore the narrower creeks, where you will be able to notice details that are not obvious from the ship itself. Our expert naturalists will point out exotic bird species and their calls, capuchin monkeys, giant water lilies, and even taricaya turtles.
“The feeling of peace that comes over you while paddling along the river is indescribable. It’s quite a grounding experience to be so close and in touch with nature, not to mention how much fun it is to do as a family as well.” – Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, Lima, Peru
Go Fish
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned fisherman, there is no doubt that fishing on the Amazon River is something that cannot be topped. Try your hand at piranha fishing or if time permits witness local fishermen make their daily catch. Aqua Expeditions works closely with consultant chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino who initiated the Paiche Conservation Project to bring the paiche fish (Arapaima gigas), a giant fish local to the Amazon that nearly became extinct, to a thriving and healthy population.
“It was fascinating to see the size of these paiche fish and learn about the conservation efforts Aqua together with chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino have made. I applaud them for protecting this fragile ecosystem as well as helping the community of local fishermen economically.” – Fred Brown, London, England
Sunset Dreams
After an incredible day out on the water exploring this seasonally flooded rainforest, there is nothing better than returning to Aqua Nera to enjoy a Pisco Sour on the deck or inside the ship’s designer lounge. The darker tones of the interiors and zero light pollution ensure that the brilliance of the Amazonian skies and constellations can be appreciated to their fullest.
“I don’t think I’ve seen more beautiful skies than out here in the Peruvian Amazon. Whether it was a sunrise, sunset, or even a canopy of stars, the experience makes you feel appreciate these once-in-a-lifetime moments.” – Julian Schnee, New York City, USA
Setting a new standard for luxury river cruising on the Amazon, Aqua Nera draws its design inspiration from the Peruvian Amazon’s mystical black water lagoons and bears the hallmarks of contemporary style and generous interiors that Aqua Expeditions ships are known for. Find out more about the resumption of our voyages and Peruvian entry requirements or email us at reservations@aquaexpeditions.com for more information.
