Yes! Exploring the Amazon basin or the Mekong delta without an expert guide that can help you safely navigate the intricacies of the wildlife, the rivers themselves, the surrounding areas and the lush jungle rainforest that flanks it, would be difficult. Aqua Expeditions is the only river cruise line that provides expert naturalists to lead you on such excursions, carefully designing trips off-ship based on season, cultural events and even current wildlife habits.

Amazon is great to explore year-round, however there are some subtle differences in season. Rain will fall year-round, but the weather remains generally warm with some rainfall during low water season (June – Oct). High water season however (November – May) is considered the rainier season. Despite being the “rainy” season though, during the high-water months, the Amazon only gets about 10% more rain than in the low water season.

You will see spectacular animals, birds and plant life any time of year including three-toed sloths, squirrel monkeys, caimans, macaws, armored catfish, red bellied piranhas, butterflies and more. In either season, you're also almost guaranteed to see the Amazon River’s famous and rare pink dolphins!

In addition to your accomodations and all meals and most beverages while onboard, your cruise fare includes all excursions by private speedboats, bikes to explore (Mekong only), transfers to/from vessel when arriving or departing on recommended flights and entrance fees to any parks or reserves visited while onboard. Not included? Airfare, guide and crew gratuities, boutique purchases and anything purchased while on shore.

In addition to expert guides leading daily small-group expeditions to explore the surrounding habitat or tours on shore, land-based and water-based activities include cycling, kayaking, swimming, fishing, hiking, photography, culinary tours, shopping, visiting historical sites and more.

Cruises are offered for most of the year, during both the more popular wet season (May—October) and dry season (November—April). Although temperatures in the dry season—especially between November and February—are technically lower than they are during the wet season, the region is hot year-round, averaging in the high 80s to mid-90s Fahrenheit. While you may enjoy less humidity (and fewer mosquitoes) in the dry season, cruising the Mekong during the wetter season means you'll have higher water levels and means your ship will likely be able to sail the entire route, eliminating the need for tour buses or short plane rides. Rain showers typically last only 30 minutes to an hour, too, so it doesn't make or break the experience.

There is no internet connection on board, though guests report periodically connecting via roaming on their iPhone or other handheld devices, depending on proximity to more developed areas. For cellular phone contact you may need a special telephone that can operate on a foreign signal although, keep in mind that most areas are so remote that you will be unable to get a signal. If you need to contact your home or office for any emergency, ships are equipped with a satellite phone that you may use for a fee.

Many guests enjoy passing out small gifts from home when visiting local, remote villages. We strongly advise sharing fun items like t-shirts, pens and paper instead of cash or candy, but even some small medical items from overseas that may be of particular use to the villages visited.

Aqua Expeditions has even created three "Donation Kits" for guests wanting to pack light but still provide something to the locals: hygiene, school supplies and fishing. Each contains items of the greatest use and value to the locals along the rivers. Available for purchase in the ship's boutique, these kits are distributed in the villages visited, and allows guests to help in meaningful, effective ways.

Yes, Aqua Expeditions welcomes families with children, as long as they are age seven or older. Four suites per cruise are interconnected to cater for families or groups. An accommodation for one child or additional adult is available. All expertly trained naturalist guides are very friendly with kids and all staff provides the necessary care for everyone in your family.