Ship on the Amazon river at sunset
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Aqua Nera

An ultra luxury vessel oozing refined style, world-class cuisine and unrivaled service.

Overview

Launched in 2020, the 205-foot Aqua Nera embraces 40 passengers in luxury. Refined style, world-class cuisine, innovative amenities, and service that is second-to-none combine to create a fresh take on the cruising experience.

Life Aboard The Aqua Nera

The Aqua Nera, which was designed by the award-winning architects at Noor Design, is an unexpected oasis of comfort amid the Peruvian Amazon. Twenty suites, including four sets of interconnecting rooms, boast generous interiors and a contemporary style with accents reminiscent of Peru, Spain, and Portugal’s colorful cultures.

The riverboat is also home to a range of social spaces, including outdoor lounges at the bow and stern. Sip your favorite cocktails at two bars, one outdoors and the other at the indoor lounge. There is also a private screening room with a selection of classic films set in the Amazon and a gym with floor-to-ceiling windows. When it’s time to unwind, hop into the outdoor infinity plunge pool, or book an appointment at the spa for a relaxing massage.

One of the highlights of your Aqua Nera cruise will be the menu of 5-star cuisine designed by Consulting Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. As one of Peru’s most celebrated chefs, Schiaffino is passionate about the food and cooking traditions of the Amazon and turns local ingredients into multi-sensory experiences. Standouts on the menu include chicken stewed in fermented palm fruit and brownie and pecan ice cream sandwiches.

Excursions From Your Aqua Nera Cruise

Three itineraries, with four-, five- and eight-day options, sail from the bustling city of Iquitos and explore the Amazon River and the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Throughout your time, four English-speaking naturist guides led excursions on the water and ashore to help you discover the region’s wildlife and cultures.

Four aluminum auxiliary boats, with low-emission engines and ergonomic seats, allow passengers to break into small groups for more personalized, hands-on activities. Along the way, you may search for pink river dolphins in the pristine waters, take jungle walks to look for poison dart frogs, and fish in the black waters of the Samiria River. There will also be opportunities to swim in the river and tributaries and explore the area by canoe or kayak.

On some itineraries, you can even visit schoolchildren and tour local indigenous communities on all-terrain bicycles. Cap off your Aqua Nera cruise by touring the Manatee Rescue Center.

Unparalleled Service

The level of luxury aboard the Aqua Nera extends to the high-quality service provided by the crew. With 40 crew members aboard the ship, the Aqua Nera has a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, which is almost unheard of in the industry. An experienced cruise director ensures that every aspect of life aboard the ship runs smoothly, from meal service to excursions and housekeeping. And, because your safety is of utmost importance, there is a full-time paramedic aboard, ready to assist in any medical emergency.

From the moment you step aboard the Aqua Nera, you will enjoy heartfelt, personalized service designed to allow you to relax and savor every moment.

Itineraries & Prices

All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion.

1 / 3
4-Day
5-Day
8-Day

4 Day - Amazon

itinerary map

Embarkation

PM: Arriving on an afternoon flight, receive a warm welcome at Iquitos International Airport by our crew. Continuing with an introduction to the historic city of Iquitos and the opportunity to visit an indigenous Amazon community.

In the early evening, embark on the Aqua Nera and settle into your generously-sized suite as you begin one of life’s greatest adventures. Following an introduction to our naturalist guides and a routine safety drill, gather at the restaurant for the first of many Amazonian cuisine experiences created by Aqua Nera consulting chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.

Please Note: Group transfers are provided between the airport and the cruise port if booked on our recommended flights. Separate arrangements can be made for afternoon arrivals.

Aqua Nera’s 4-Day Itinerary Day One - Embarkation.
Location
Iquitos - Amazon River
Day
1 / 4

Yarapa River & Clavero Lake

AM: Aboard our comfortable skiffs, we set sail from the Amazon River to the Yarapa River. Ready your binoculars to spot tropical songbirds, black collared hawks, and sloths. Line-fish for Amazon’s notoriously ferocious piranhas while our naturalist guides share stories of Lake Moringo.

PM: In the afternoon, we sail on to Lake Clavero where villagers rely on traditional dugout canoes to get around. Swim in the lake’s calm waters or visit native residents of Amazonia who welcome you to their community with open arms.

Aqua Nera’s 4-Day Itinerary Day Two - Sloths in the Amazon.
Location
Amazon River
Day
2 / 4

Yanallpa River & Dorado River

AM: We explore the blackwater tributaries of the Yanallpa River by skiff, disembarking to walk deep into the wildlife-rich Amazonian rainforest.

PM: Later, we board the skiffs again to cruise along the El Dorado River for a dusk excursion in search of exotic nocturnal creatures.

Aqua Nera’s 4-Day Itinerary Day Three - Native People.
Location
Amazon River
Day
3 / 4

Disembarkation

AM: In the morning, take a guided visit to the local market and marvel at the regional produce of the Peruvian Amazon. Sample exotic snacks if you're feeling adventurous. Return to the Aqua Nera for breakfast before disembarkation. En route to the airport, visit the Manatee Rescue Center, where orphaned Amazonian manatees rehabilitate before they are released back into the wild.

Group transfers will be provided between the airport and cruise port if booked on our recommended flights.

Aqua Nera’s 4-Day Itinerary Day Four - Horned Screamer.
Location
Amazon River - Iquitos
Day
4 / 4
1 / 4

5 Day - Amazon

itinerary map

Embarkation

PM: Arriving on an afternoon flight, receive a warm welcome at Iquitos International Airport by our crew. Continuing with an introduction to the historic city of Iquitos and the opportunity to visit an indigenous Amazon community.

In the early evening, embark on the Aqua Nera and settle into your generously-sized suite as you begin one of life’s greatest adventures. Following an introduction to our naturalist guides and a routine safety drill, gather at the restaurant for the first of many Amazonian cuisine experiences created by Aqua Nera consulting chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.

Please Note: Group transfers are provided between the airport and the cruise port if booked on our recommended flights. Separate arrangements can be made for afternoon arrivals.

Aqua Nera’s 5-Day Itinerary Day One - Communities in the Amazon.
Location
Iquitos - Amazon River
Day
1 / 5

Yanayacu-Pucate River & Lisboa Town

AM: Rise with the sun for early morning birdwatching along the Marañon River and enjoy breakfast in the middle of the jungle. Later, swim, canoe or kayak in Yanayacu-Pucate River as we look for the legendary pink river dolphins.

PM: In the afternoon, come with us to an Amazonian village, interact with the native people, and visit local schoolchildren.

Aqua Nera’s 5-Day Itinerary Day Two - Great Egret.
Location
Amazon River
Day
2 / 5

Samiria River

AM: The rewards for our early start today are plentiful: a full-day excursion, including a picnic lunch accompanied by the jungle symphony and fishing on the blackwater of the Samiria River. 

PM: On the way back to the Marañon River after lunch, we venture out by skiffs alongside the banana boats transporting jungle products, keeping an eye out for pink river dolphins.

Aqua Nera’s 5-Day Itinerary Day Three - Exploring the Amazon.
Location
Amazon River
Day
3 / 5

Nauta Caño River & Jungle Walk in Casual

AM: As the day begins, embark on a morning wildlife excursion on the extraordinary blackwater Nauta Caño River. 

PM: In the afternoon, we will take a jungle walk on the firm soil forest of Casual while looking for flora and fauna which may include medicinal trees, insects, and poison dart frogs. Learn more about the different rainforest strata and ecosystems. At night, focus our hi-tech telescope on the sky to identify the stars, planets, and the milky way.

Aqua Nera’s 5-Day Itinerary Day Four - Caiman Sighting.
Location
Amazon River
Day
4 / 5

Disembarkation

AM: In the morning, take a guided visit to the local market and marvel at the regional produce of the Peruvian Amazon. Sample exotic snacks if you're feeling adventurous. Return to the Aqua Nera for breakfast before disembarkation. En route to the airport, visit the Manatee Rescue Center, where orphaned Amazonian manatees rehabilitate before they are released back into the wild.

Group transfers will be provided between the airport and cruise port if booked on our recommended flights.

Aqua Nera’s 5-Day Itinerary Day Five - Dismbarkation.
Location
Amazon River - Iquitos
Day
5 / 5
1 / 5

8 Day - Amazon

itinerary map

Embarkation

PM: Arriving on an afternoon flight, receive a warm welcome at Iquitos International Airport by our crew. Continuing with an introduction to the historic city of Iquitos and the opportunity to visit an indigenous Amazon community.

In the early evening, embark on the Aqua Nera and settle into your generously-sized suite as you begin one of life’s greatest adventures. Following an introduction to our naturalist guides and a routine safety drill, gather at the restaurant for the first of many Amazonian cuisine experiences created by Aqua Nera consulting chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.

Please Note: Group transfers are provided between the airport and the cruise port if booked on our recommended flights. Separate arrangements can be made for afternoon arrivals.

Aqua Nera’s 8-Day Itinerary Day One - Amazon Community.
Location
Iquitos - Amazon River
Day
1 / 8

Yarapa River & Clavero Lake

AM: Aboard our comfortable skiffs, we set sail from the Amazon River to the Yarapa River. Ready your binoculars for tropical songbirds, black collared hawks, and sloths. Line-fish for Amazon’s notoriously ferocious piranhas as our naturalist guides share stories of Lake Moringo.

PM: In the afternoon, we sail on to Lake Clavero where villagers rely on traditional dugout canoes to get around. Swim in the lake’s calm waters or visit native residents of Amazonia who welcome you to their community with open arms.

Aqua Nera’s 8-Day Itinerary Day Two - Iguana Sighting.
Location
Amazon River
Day
2 / 8

Yanallpa River & Dorado River

AM: We explore the blackwater tributaries of the Yanallpa River by skiff, disembarking to walk deep into the wildlife-rich Amazonian rainforest.

PM: Later, we board the skiffs again to cruise along the El Dorado River for a dusk excursion in search of exotic nocturnal creatures.

Aqua Nera’s 8-Day Itinerary Day Three - Amazon River Views.
Location
Amazon River
Day
3 / 8

Nauta Town, Village Visit & the Birthplace of the Amazon

AM: In the morning, take a guided visit to the local market and marvel at the regional produce of the Peruvian Amazon, and sample exotic snacks if you wish. 

PM: In the afternoon, witness one of the great spectacles of the Southern Hemisphere, the birthplace of the Amazon River. By nightfall, you will meet the new passengers who signed on for the four-night trip, as we start our journey together along the Marañon River.

Aqua Nera’s 8-Day Itinerary Day Four - White-Eared Jacamar Sighting.
Location
Amazon River
Day
4 / 8

Yanayacu-Pucate River & Lisboa Town

AM: Rise with the sun for early morning birdwatching along the Marañon River and enjoy breakfast in the middle of the jungle. 

PM: Later, swim, canoe, or kayak in Yanayacu-Pucate River as we seek the legendary pink river dolphins. In the afternoon, visit a local village and interact with the native people and visit local schoolchildren.

Aqua Nera’s 8-Day Itinerary Day Five - Amazon Village.
Location
Amazon River
Day
5 / 8

Samiria River

AM: The rewards for our early start today are plentiful: a full-day excursion, including a picnic lunch accompanied by the jungle symphony and fishing on the blackwater of the Samiria River. 

PM: On the way back to the Marañon River after lunch, we venture out by skiffs alongside the banana boats transporting jungle products, keeping an eye out for pink river dolphins.

Aqua Nera’s 8-Day Itinerary Day Six - Squirrel Monkey Sighting.
Location
Amazon River
Day
6 / 8

Nauta Caño River & Jungle Walk In Casual

AM: As the day begins, embark on a morning wildlife excursion on the extraordinary black water Nauta Caño River.

PM: In the afternoon, we will take a jungle walk on the firm soil forest of Casual while looking for flora and fauna which may include medicinal trees, insects, and poison dart frogs. Learn more about the different rainforest strata and ecosystems. At night, focus our hi-tech telescope on the sky to identify the stars, planets, and the milky way.

Aqua Nera’s 8-Day Itinerary Day Seven - Mirrored Forest of the Amazon River.
Location
Amazon River
Day
7 / 8

Disembarkation

AM: In the morning, take a guided visit to the local market and marvel at the regional produce of the Peruvian Amazon. Sample exotic snacks if you're feeling adventurous. Return to the Aqua Nera for breakfast before disembarkation. En route to the airport, visit the Manatee Rescue Center, where orphaned Amazonian manatees rehabilitate before they are released back into the wild.

Group transfers will be provided between the airport and cruise port if booked on our recommended flights.

Aqua Nera’s 8-Day Itinerary Day Eight - Macaw Sighting.
Location
Iquitos - Amazon River
Day
8 / 8
1 / 8

Accommodations

Social Areas

Salon
Games Room
Outdoor Dining
Lounge
Gym
Dining Room
Lounge
Lounge Sitting Area
Dining Room
Sitting area in the salon on Aqua Nera
Pool table onboard Aqua Nera
Dining table on the deck
Sitting area on Aqua Nera
Gym with the Amazon river view on Aqua Nera
Dining room an Aqua Nera
Sofa and coffee table with the Amazon river view
Lounge onboard Aqua Nera
Dining room on Aqua Nera

Suites & Cabins

Aqua Nera’s First Deck Design Suite. Aqua Nera’s First Deck Design Suite.
10 Cabins

Lower Deck Design Suite

Guests
2 - 3
Size
30 m² / 322 ft²
Beds
King / Twin

All cabins are equipped with a full-size closet for your belongings, a safety box, and an internal communications system. Larger families or guests traveling together can take advantage of interconnected suites located on the first deck.


Aqua Nera’s Second Deck Design Suite. Aqua Nera’s Second Deck Design Suite.
10 Cabins

Upper Deck Design Suite

Guests
2 - 3
Size
30 m² / 322 ft²
Beds
King / Twin

Designed with luxury and comfort in mind, these suites feature a large panoramic window that affords guests a majestic view of the Amazon. These air-conditioned rooms come with private ensuite facilities equipped with a basket of toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers.

Technical Information

Deck Plan

Detailed deck plan of Aqua Nera

Features

  • Connecting cabins
  • Air conditioning
  • Pool / Jacuzzi
  • Excercise room
  • Massage room
  • Lecture room
  • Cinema
  • Kosher Meals
  • Medical staff

Equipment

  • Satellite phone
  • Kayaks / Canoes
  • Bicycles
  • Fishing equipment
  • Yoga mats
** Use of certain equipment at additional cost, ask for details
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