A challenge to all budding wildlife experts!

As we enter November we can officially say that what started as an exceptional season for wildlife spotting has certainly continued in the same way. Highlights have included a large number of Ringed Kingfishers, Black-collared Hawks, Scarlet and Blue and Yellow Macaws. A Crimson-crested Woodpecker, Lettered Aracari, several Yellow-billed Terns and a Giant River Otter have also made appearances within the past few weeks.

The high number of bird species spotted is in part due to good fortune, but also because we had the pleasure of welcoming two ornithologists on board who really decided to make the most of their cruise.

Their early morning outings and keen eyes were rewarded by identifying a total of 172 species during their seven day cruise! This really is an exceptional number and goes some way towards reflecting the variety and diversity constantly present along the Peruvian Amazon.

We challenge you to grab your wildlife checklist, join us aboard and beat their total.

Vote now for the Amazon as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature

The Amazon has been shortlisted as one of 28 natural sites to become part of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in a worldwide competition. The search, which began in 2007 with the submission of over 400 nominations from over 220 countries, ends this month.

The New 7 Wonders of Nature campaign was launched following the election of the New 7 Wonders of the Man-Made World and, as the slogan goes  “If we want to save anything, we first need to truly appreciate it!”  this message aims to raise awareness of the variety and beauty of nature around us and how we need to preserve it for future generations.

A few interesting facts and some reasons why the Amazon most definitely deserves your vote:

• The Amazon Rainforest, also known as Amazonia, the Amazon jungle or the Amazon Basin, encompasses seven million square kilometres (1.7 billion acres),
• The forest itself occupies some 5.5 million square kilometres (1.4 billion acres) across nine nations.
• The Amazon River is the largest river in the world by volume, with a total flow greater than the top ten rivers worldwide combined.
• Not a single bridge crosses the Amazon.
• It accounts for approximately one-fifth of the total world river flow and has the biggest drainage basin on the planet.
• The Amazon represents over half of the planet’s remaining rainforests and comprises the largest and most species-rich tract of tropical rainforest in the world.

Voting closes on the 11^th November so be sure to make your voice heard and place your vote here before the deadline.

A rare sight! The Harpy Eagle and other wonderful Amazonian wildlife…

Aqua Expeditions’ guests have enjoyed a wonderful month of wildlife spotting so far.  The exceptionally high river levels along the Peruvian Amazon has meant we have been able to get even deeper into the rainforest and closer to some of the rarest wildlife.  The area is bursting with scores of frogs, more than 1000 species of birds and a host of monkeys including squirrel, capuchin, monk saki and red howler monkeys and a symphonic soundtrack of one of the world’s most biologically diverse regions.

Alongside some of the forest’s most common sightings we have been even more fortunate to enjoy breakfast on board whilst being entertained by the pink river dolphins and on one lucky occasion we caught a rare sighting of the Harpy Eagle, which is considered by Aqua Expeditions’ expert guide, Juan Tejanda as one of the Top Ten Amazon Wildlife sightings.  These stunning birds usually live deep in the densest past of the rainforest so the spectacle was even more exciting.

This rare and endangered species is the largest Eagle in the Americas and the second largest Eagle in the world.  These vast birds, which can weigh up to twenty pounds, are recognised by their crest of upwards pointing feathers.  They like to dine on monkeys and sloths, as well as green iguanas, snakes, and other birds.   Their wings, which are smaller than other similar sized birds, enable them to penetrate deep into the dense foliage of the rainforest to capture their prey.

Mike Unwin awarded for his piece on cruising with the M/V Aria

We are delighted to see that journalist Mike Unwin, who travelled on the M/V Aria earlier this year on behalf of UK national newspaper, The Independent, has been awarded third place in this year’s AITO Travel Writer of the Year Awards for his piece ‘ A (big) river runs through it). Just in case you missed it first time round, here it is again!



Congratulations Mike!

HOLA! features Ferrán Adrià with Aqua Expeditions on the MV Aria

Following Ferrán Adrià’s journey on the M/V Aria last month, we are excited to show you HOLA! Magazine’s feature on the group’s adventures through the Amazon.

HOLA! article page 1

Led by our Executive Chef, Pedro Miguel Schiaffino and the Aqua Expeditions team, the very influential Spanish Chef and owner of the world-renowned ‘El Bulli’ restaurant, got close up to the real Amazon, trekking through the jungle and discovering the local markets to learn more about the local communities and Amazonian produce such as the paiche – one of the river’s largest fresh water fish. They also had some time-out to relax on the boat and whip up some delicious cocktails, like the Camu Camu Sour…

HOLA! article page 4

We are already looking forward to seeing more on the group’s travels on TV next year – stay tuned…!

AQUA EXPEDITIONS ON NYC BUSES

If you are a Sex and the City fan you know what a BIG deal it is to be featured on the side of a New York City bus; it was such a HUGE deal for Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) on the show that the creators dedicated the majority of an episode to this event.

Having our very own “Sex and the City moment,” we are excited to share a couple of photos of our very own M/V Aqua vessel on the side of a New York City (MTA) bus!

Earlier this year the Wall Street Journal featured Aqua Expeditions in their travel section and they have now used that same piece for a promotional campaign across NYC.

Aqua Expeditions Welcomes Ferran Adria on the MV Aria

Recently, we had the pleasure to host legendary chef Ferran Adria aboard our new M/V Aria vessel. In Lima for the annual Mistura event, Ferran ventured into the Peruvian Amazon with our very own Pedro Miguel Schiaffino to view jaw-dropping wildlife and learn about Amazonian ingredients and cuisine. We hope it’s not the last time he comes to visit us!

Above: Francesco Galli Zugaro, Aqua’s CEO; Ferran Adria; and Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, Aqua’s Executive Chef

Above: Ferran Adria on an Aqua Expeditions wildlife excursion