All Aboard!

Join D. Carlos I on a scientific expedition aboard yacht Amelia

Aboard yacht Amelia.Aquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins

Aboard the crew is ready and eager to sail. But there's still time for a group photo.


D. Carlos, his naturalist assistant, Albert Girard and yacht Amelia’s crew carried out the first oceanographic campaigns in our country.

Aboard yacht Amelia.Aquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins

Yacht Amelia is now fully equipped: fishing gears and oceanography sampling bottles and probes, thermometers, floating devices to study the currents, Secchi discs, among others. 

Aboard yacht Amelia.Aquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins

The crew of sailors and officers are joined by two special companions: Tagus and Sado, two Algarve water dogs trained for fishing.

Noble Hall. Replica close-up. Detail from the exhibition “In the beginning was the curiosity ”. (2019-01) by José VicenteAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins

The Nautical Log from the expedition D. Carlos held in Sesimbra in 1897, illustrated with watercolors, is one of the most beautiful pieces of his collection.

As we open the pages, we enter slowly aboard Yacht Amelia.

Detail from the nautical log created by Carlos de Bragança during his 1897 expedition. (1897)Aquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins

Noble Hall. Mola mola. close-up. Detail from the exhibition “In the beginning was the curiosity ”. (2019-01) by José VicenteAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins

Any journey at sea, no matter how small, is always an adventure. Ask any sailor. We never know what will happen. Suddenly a sunfish appeared, and the sailors jumped to the dinghy to catch him. 

Detail from the nautical log created by Carlos de Bragança during his 1897 expedition. (1897)Aquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins

At the end of the afternoon, gathered on deck, it is time to prepare the specimens for the collection. Many are involved in sludge and need numerous washing before identification is possible. It is time to explore the treasures hidden deep in the sea.

Lunch menu served aboard yacht Amelia. (1902)Aquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins

Life at sea opens the appetite and a hot meal after a day’s work soothes the body and the soul. D. Carlos loves to draw and whenever he has time, he illustrates the dinner menu. 

Noble Hall. Original furniture close-up. Detail from the exhibition “In the beginning was the curiosity ”. (2019-01) by José VicenteAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins

Noble Hall. Original furniture close-up. Detail from the exhibition “In the beginning was the curiosity ” with visitor. (2019-01) by José VicenteAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins

Noble Hall. Original furniture perspective. Detail from the exhibition “In the beginning was the curiosity ”. (2019-01) by José VicenteAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins

All journeys come to an end. And if resting feels good on the first couple days, the truth is we miss the rhythm of the sea under our feet. But sooner or later, we know that we'll be back for another journey.

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