PONANT Explorations Group has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Aqua Expeditions, a renowned small-ship expedition company.
The move, backed by the Artémis Group – the investment company of the Pinault family – positions Aqua Expeditions for accelerated growth and expanded global operations.
Artémis Group’s prestigious portfolio includes luxury fashion houses like Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Balenciaga; Christie’s auction house; the Pinault Collection of contemporary art; exclusive wine estates such as Château Latour; and Creative Artists Agency (CAA), a leader in entertainment and sports management.
Founded by Francesco Galli Zugaro, Aqua Expeditions is celebrated for its river and ocean cruises in biodiversity hotspots like the Galápagos, Raja Ampat, Komodo, Spice Islands, the Mekong River and the Peruvian Amazon. The acquisition coincides with Aqua Expeditions’ planned expansion into East Africa, with itineraries set to explore the Seychelles, Tanzania, and the Aldabra group of islands.
“We are thrilled to welcome Aqua Expeditions into the Ponant family,” PONANT Explorations Group CEO Hervé Gastinel said.
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision of excellence and sustainability in the luxury sector. It reflects our commitment to offering unparalleled travel experiences in iconic destinations such as the Galápagos and now also river journeys, while preserving the natural beauty of the places we explore. We are deeply impressed with the exceptional company that Francesco has built over the past 18 years and the unique brand he has developed in the experiential travel space.”
Aqua Expeditions will remain a stand-alone business unit, operating under its current brand name. Zugaro will continue as CEO and shareholder, along with his senior management team. The collaboration with PONANT provides Aqua Expeditions access to expanded resources, expertise and support while maintaining its identity as a destination specialist.
“Joining forces with PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP and having the support of the Artémis Group is a remarkable opportunity for Aqua Expeditions,” said Zugaro. “This partnership ensures we uphold our heritage of luxury while positioning us for continued growth. With our shared values and vision, we can offer guests unforgettable journeys to the world’s most biodiverse and culturally rich regions.”
“Joining forces with PONANT Explorations Group and having the support of the Artémis Group is a remarkable opportunity for Aqua Expeditions,” Aqua Expeditions CEO Francesco Galli Zugaro said.
“Partnering with another family-owned business ensures we maintain a heritage of luxury in our brand. With the financial support and expertise from our partners, we are well positioned to continue our growth and offer our guests unforgettable journeys to the world’s most biodiverse and culturally rich
regions while maintaining our core brand values.”
