Sustainability
Shaping a cleaner future for our rivers and oceans
Our Mission to Conserve Aquatic Biodiversity
From the Mekong River to the Pacific Ocean, the world’s awe-inspiring water bodies set the stage for every one of Aqua’s expeditions. Over the years, we have been able to deliver countless memories – whether it’s spotting caiman in the Peruvian Amazon or swimming with moon jellyfish in East Indonesia – all courtesy of the wonders which lay within these remote waters. As such, we feel a strong sense of responsibility to protect our planet’s rivers and oceans, ensuring that their magic and mysteries may be explored for generations to come.
Through three key strategies and a global sustainability partnership, we are committed to the conservation of aquatic biodiversity across all the destinations we sail.
2024 Annual Sustainability Report
We are pleased to present our 2024 annual sustainability report, which details our responsible business operations, as well as our newly established partnerships with some of the world’s leading environmental organizations. This includes our global partnership with 4Ocean and regional partnerships with Charles Darwin Foundation in the Galapagos Islands and Indonesian Manta Project in East Indonesia. Click below to find out more about the steps we are taking across our global operations to shape the future of sustainable sailing.
Global partnership with 4Ocean
Our global sustainability partnership with 4Ocean will contribute to the removal of at least 25,000 pounds of plastic from the world’s waterways over the next year. Plastic pollution causes devastating harm to aquatic species, threatening millions of lives each year. Through this initiative, we join a collective endeavor – undertaken by individuals and corporations around the globe – to protect the future of our rivers and oceans.
This partnership includes annual clean-ups led by Aqua in all the destinations we sail. Guests on board have the opportunity to contribute through the purchase of custom-made bracelets created using recovered ocean plastics. Each one of these bracelets represent five pounds of plastic removed from the world's waterways. They are available for purchase at the boutiques on board each of our ships.
Responsible business operations
Ever since Aqua Expeditions’ inception, we have been committed to responsible practices on board our vessels and across our operations. This includes eliminating single-use plastics, using energy-efficient lighting, and building sustainable F&B supply chains. In addition, all water used on board Aqua vessels is treated and entirely freed of toxins before being returned to the rivers and oceans.
Reducing engine emissions
65% lower engine emissions than US EPA standard for river vessels
Sustainable F&B supply chains
More than 80% of produce served on board is sourced locally
Reducing plastic usage
Implementing procedures to reduce reliance on single-use plastics
Innovative waste management
Committed to implement a closed-loop waste management system across our fleet
Energy-efficient lighting
90% LED lighting on board
Zero water pollution
Only 100% clean water returned to the rivers and seas
Destination-specific conservation programmes
We engage in local and regional partnerships across all destinations we sail, with an aim to have a net positive impact on the environment and the communities which depend on it. Among these efforts, we have overseen the rehabilitation of the endangered Paiche population in the Pacaya Samiria Nature Reserve of the Peruvian Amazon and the conservation of Manta Rays in East Indonesia in partnership with the Indonesian Manta Trust.
Regional community outreach
We strongly believe in the power of individuals to impart change. As such, we lead awareness programs and educational efforts in the destinations we sail, engaging with local communities on responsible practices such as waste management. For instance, our partnership with the Indonesian Waste Platform has empowered those in Indonesia’s island communities to implement waste disposal methods which prevent plastic debris from ending up in the ocean.
Learn more about Aqua Expeditions
