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 noon 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 & Ucayali River

AM: Aboard our comfortable skiffs, we set sail from the Amazon River to theYanayacu Yacapana River.Ready your binocularsto spot tropicalsongbirds, black collared hawks and sloths.Line-fishfor Amazon’snotoriously ferocious piranhas while our naturalist guides sharetheirknowledge of the Amazonia.

PM: In the afternoon, we sail to Yarapa River,ablack watertributary of theUcayali River. Here we’ll embark on a stargazing session and an excursionin search of nocturnal wildlife.

From June to October: Amazonas River & Tahuayo River

AM: Head out at sunrise for a birdwatching session along the Amazonas River. After breakfast, embark on a skiff excursion from the Amazon River to one of its tributaries, Tahuayo.

PM: Learn about the region from our expert naturalist guides and go fishing for Amazonia’s notorious piranhas. As the sun sets, head out for an evening excursion in search of wildlife, capped off by a stargazing session.

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

Clavero Lake & Marañon River

AM: We getan early start to the day toexplore Clavero Lakeaboard ourcomfortable skiffs. Here, villagers rely on traditional dugout canoes to get around. You’ll have the opportunity to swim in the lake’s calm waters or visit native residents of Amazonia who will welcome you to their community with open arms.

PM: In the afternoon, we will explore the majestic Marañon River in search of different kinds of wildlife.In the evening, meet some of the crew members who have been working behind the scenes to ensure your exceptional experience aboard Aqua Nera.

From June to October: Clavero Lake & Ucayali River

AM: Discover the magnificent black waters of Clavero Lakeand pay avisit to the communities whichlive on its banks. Go kayaking, canoeing, or swimming before returning onboard for a sumptuous lunch. 

PM: In the afternoon, head out for a short jungle walk in San Josede Paranapura forest, where you’ll be able to see the famousgiant water lilies. Before dinner, meet the incredible crew who’ve been working behind the scenes to ensure your exceptional experience aboard Aqua Nera.

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.Marvel at the regional produce of the Peruvian Amazon and sample exotic snacks if you wish.For those interested, there’ll also be the opportunity to visit an experienced beekeeper in the community of San Francisco.

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 in to the wild.

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: After arriving on a noon flight, receive a warm welcome at IquitosInternational Airport by our crew. Board our private transfer to downtown Iquitos for a city tour and welcome lunch. Next, wehead to Nauta port to board Aqua Nera.Settle into your generously sized suite as you begin one of life’sgreatest adventures. Following an introduction from our naturalist guides and a routine safety drill, gather at the restaurant for the first of many Amazonian cuisine experiences created by Aqua Nera's renowned 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

Marañon River & Yanayacu Pucate River

AM: Rise with the sun for an early morning birdwatching session along the Marañon River and enjoy breakfast in the middle of the jungle.Next, visit anAmazonian village where you’ll be able to interact with native riberenos and witness an Aguaje palm harvesting demonstration.

PM: Later today, go swimming, kayaking, or canoeing in the Yanayacu-Pucate River and keep an eye out for the legendary pink river dolphins. Finally, board the skiffs again to cruise along Yanaquillo River for a dusk excursion in search of nocturnal animals.

From June to October: Marañon River & Yanayacu Pucate River

AM: Rise with the sun for an early morning birdwatching session along the Marañon River.After breakfast, head out for a morning wildlife excursion with a possibility to see sloths, great egrets, parrots, and Taricaya turtles.

PM: Later today, we explore the Yanayacu Pucate River and go fishing for Amazonia’s notorious piranhas. End the day with a dusk excursion in search of nocturnal wildlife.

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.

From June to October: Samiria River & Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

AM: The rewards for our early start today are plentiful: a full day excursion including a picnic lunch orchestrated to the tune of the jungle symphony, fishing along the black waters of the Samiria River, and an option to go canoeing, kayaking, swimming, or on a jungle walk inside the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.

PM: On the way back to the Marañon River after lunch, we venture out by skiff 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

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

PM: In the afternoon, take a jungle walk 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. Before dinner, meet the incredible crew who’ve been working behind the scenes to ensure your exceptional experience aboard Aqua Nera.

From June to October: Puerto Prado & Amazon River

AM: As the day begins, embark on a morning wildlife excursion on the Pahuachiro River. After breakfast, visit Puerto Prado Village where there’ll be an opportunity to ride a bike all the way to Santa Cruz Village along the riverbank. You could also visit an experienced beekeeper in the community of San Francisco.

PM: In the afternoon,head out for a boat ride to the majestic AmazonRiver. Before dinner, meet the incredible crew who’ve been working behind the scenes to ensure your exceptional experience aboardAqua Nera.

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 noon 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 & Ucayali River

AM: Aboard our comfortable skiffs, we set sail from the Amazon River to the Yanayacu Yacapana River. Ready your binoculars to spot tropical songbirds, black collared hawks and sloths. Line-fishfor Amazon’s notoriously ferocious piranhas while our naturalist guides share their knowledge of the Amazonia.

PM: In the afternoon, we sail to Yarapa River,ablack watertributary ofthe Ucayali River. Here we’ll embark on a stargazing session andan excursion in search of nocturnal wildlife.

From June to October: Amazonas River & Tahuayo River

AM: Head out at sunrise for a birdwatching session along the Amazonas River. After breakfast, embark on a skiff excursion from the AmazonRiver to one of its tributaries, Tahuayo.

PM:  Learn about the region fromour expert naturalist guides and go fishing for Amazonia’s notoriouspiranhas. As the sun sets, head out for an evening excursion in search of wildlife, capped off by a stargazing session.

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

Clavero Lake & Marañon River

AM: We get an early start to the day to explore Clavero Lake aboard our comfortable skiffs. Here, villagers rely on traditional dugout canoes to get around.You’ll have the opportunity to swim in the lake’s calm waters or visit native residents of Amazonia who will welcome you to their community with open arms.

PM: In the afternoon, we will explore the majestic Marañon River in search of different kinds of wildlife.

From June to October: Clavero Lake & Ucayali River

AM: Discover the magnificent black waters of Clavero Lake and pay avisit to the communities which live on its banks. Go kayaking, canoeing, or swimming before returning onboard for a sumptuous lunch.

PM: In the afternoon, head out for a short jungle walk in San Jose de Paranapura forest, where you’ll be able to see the famous giant water lilies.

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. For those interested, there’ll also be the opportunity to visit an experienced beekeeper in the community of San Francisco.

PM: In the afternoon, witness one of the great spectacles of theSouthern Hemisphere, the birthplace of the Amazon River. Bynightfall, you will meet the new passengers who signed on for thefour-night trip, as we start our journey together along the MarañonRiver.

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

Marañon River & Yanayacu-Pucate River

AM: Rise with the sun for an early morning birdwatching session along the Marañon River and enjoy breakfast in the middle of the jungle. Next, visit an Amazonian village where you’ll be able to interact with native riberenos and witness an Aguaje palm harvesting demonstration.

PM: Later, go swimming, kayaking, or canoeing in the Yanayacu-Pucate River and keep an eye out for the legendary pink river dolphins. Finally, board the skiffs again to cruise along Yanaquillo River for a dusk excursion in search of nocturnal animals.

From June to October: Marañon River & Yanayacu Pucate River

AM: Rise with the sun for an early morning birdwatching session alongtheMarañon River. After breakfast, head out for a morning wildlife excursion with a possibility to see sloths, great egrets, parrots, and Taricaya turtles.

PM:  Later, we explore the Yanayacu Pucate River andgo fishing for Amazonia’s notorious piranhas. End the day with a dusk excursion in search of nocturnal wildlife.

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 skiff keeping an eye out for pink river dolphins.

From June to October: Samiria River & Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

AM: The rewards for our early start today are plentiful: a full day excursion including a picnic lunch orchestrated to the tune of the jungle symphony, fishing along the black waters of the Samiria River,and an option to go canoeing, kayaking, swimming, or on a jungle walk inside the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.

PM: On the way back to the Marañon River after lunch, we venture out by skiff 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

AM: As the day begins, embark on a morning wildlife excursion on the extraordinary black water Nauta Caño River. If you wish, embark on a bike ride from Puerto Prado Village to Santa Cruz Village along the riverbank.

PM: In the afternoon, take a jungle walk whilelooking for flora andfauna which may include medicinal trees, insects,and poison dartfrogs. Learn more about the different rainforest strata and ecosystems. Before dinner, meet the incredible crew who’ve been working behind the scenes to ensure your exceptional experience aboard Aqua Nera.

From June to October: Puerto Prado & Amazon River

AM: As the day begins, embark on a morning wildlife excursion on thePahuachiro River. After breakfast, visit Puerto Prado Village wherethere’ll be an opportunity to ride a bike all the way to Santa CruzVillage along the riverbank. You could also visit an experienced beekeeper in the community of San Francisco.

PM: In the afternoon, head out for a boat ride to the majestic AmazonRiver. Before dinner, meet the incredible crew who’ve been working behind the scenes to ensure your exceptional experience aboard Aqua Nera.

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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