PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP, a global leader in luxury expedition cruises specialising in small ships accommodating fewer than 500 passengers, is proud to announce its acquisition of a majority stake in Aqua Expeditions. Aqua Expeditions is an award-winning, boutique expedition company celebrated for its exceptional river and ocean cruises across South America, Southeast Asia, and other biodiverse destinations worldwide.
This strategic acquisition is backed by Artémis Group, the Pinault family’s prestigious investment company. Artémis Group’s portfolio includes luxury brands such as Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, and Balenciaga under Kering; Christie’s auction house; the Pinault Collection, the largest private contemporary art collection globally; Artémis Domaines, which features exclusive wine estates including Château Latour; and Creative Artists Agency (CAA), a leading entertainment and sports agency. The acquisition is set to empower Aqua Expeditions to accelerate its global expansion while enhancing its reputation as a destination specialist.
Aqua Expeditions operates small ships in some of the world’s most biodiverse hotspots, including the Galápagos Islands, Raja Ampat, Komodo, Spice Islands, the Mekong River, and the Peruvian Amazon. Francesco Galli Zugaro, the company’s CEO and founder, will remain a shareholder and, along with his senior management team, will continue to lead the business as an independent unit under the Aqua Expeditions brand.
This move coincides with Aqua Expeditions’ ambitious plans to launch new itineraries in East Africa, covering the Seychelles and Tanzania, with a focus on the Aldabra group of islands.
“We are delighted to welcome Aqua Expeditions into the Ponant family,” said Hervé Gastinel, CEO of PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP. “This partnership perfectly complements our vision of excellence and sustainability in the luxury travel sector. It allows us to expand our portfolio to include iconic destinations like the Galápagos, as well as unique river journeys, while ensuring the preservation of the natural wonders we explore. We are incredibly impressed with the exceptional company Francesco has built over the past 18 years and the strong brand he has created in the experiential travel space.”
Francesco Galli Zugaro shared his enthusiasm about the partnership: “Joining forces with PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP and having the backing of Artémis Group is an extraordinary opportunity for Aqua Expeditions. Collaborating with another family-owned business ensures the heritage of luxury in our brand remains intact. With the financial resources and expertise of our new partners, we are well-positioned to continue growing and offering our guests unparalleled journeys to some of the world’s most biodiverse and culturally rich regions, all while upholding our core values.”
