Join us aboard of a journey to our planet’s heart, The Amazon Basin
Manatee Amazon Explorer
The New Manatee Amazon Explorer combines the adventure and comfort of knowing the Amazon of Ecuador while sailing placidly in the interior of our boat. This 37-meters-long boat (121 feet) for 30 passengers was designed to allow our explorers and adventurous travelers to experience this unparalleled experience as they enter the depths of one of the most fascinating places on earth, the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Comfortable rooms, bar, spa, dining room, boutique and a terrace with a view that will envelop your senses, you will feel embraced by nature and you will appreciate the majesty of the Napo River, as well as the impressive fauna of the Amazon: monkeys, Birds, butterflies, pink dolphins, finally countless animals that inhabit our Ecuadorian jungle. Our double cabins have wall-to-wall windows, which magnifies the trip on board, at every moment you will have the opportunity to see and be surprised, with a different Amazonian space. They are also equipped with air conditioning and private bathroom (hot shower). Join us in this trip through the Amazon rainforest and have an encounter with nature, its sounds, its smells, its flavors and especially with that feeling of peace and harmony that it gives to being in the middle of the forest, in the center of the earth!
Itineraries
Tour 4 Days / 3 Nights
Departure from Quito. A short 30-minute flight takes us to the frontier town of El Coca (Francisco de Orellana) – and transfer to the dock, where we will embark on a motorized canoe and navigate down river about 1 hour, to board The New M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer.
Since safety on board is of upmost importance, our navigation will not begin until a safety evacuation drill has been completed. Throughout the journey, we have a chance to admire the rainforest landscape and sand banks of the great Napo River.
Immediately after boarding The New M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer, we continue navigating downstream. This will be the first of many opportunities passengers will have to enjoy the exciting features of our cruise ship: the spacious social areas, comfortable suites, and an observation deck that offers spectacular views.
Once you have comfortably settled into The New M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer, we will be joined by local tour/nature guides who will give us a complete and condensed introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon. Following this Amazonian induction, we will enjoy dinner under the mesmerizing sunset. An evening walk is organized after sunset; giving us the opportunity to discover the forest’s nocturnal activity while listening to the incessant sounds of nature.
Since safety on board is of upmost importance, our navigation will not begin until a safety evacuation drill has been completed. Throughout the journey, we have a chance to admire the rainforest landscape and sand banks of the great Napo River.
Immediately after boarding The New M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer, we continue navigating downstream. This will be the first of many opportunities passengers will have to enjoy the exciting features of our cruise ship: the spacious social areas, comfortable suites, and an observation deck that offers spectacular views.
Once you have comfortably settled into The New M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer, we will be joined by local tour/nature guides who will give us a complete and condensed introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon. Following this Amazonian induction, we will enjoy dinner under the mesmerizing sunset. An evening walk is organized after sunset; giving us the opportunity to discover the forest’s nocturnal activity while listening to the incessant sounds of nature.
We will continue our navigation downstream to the Pañayacu River delta; you take a canoe trip up the river to experience the sights of this fascinating reserve. Upon reaching the Pañacocha Lake (Piranha Lake, in native language Quechua) we will be marveled by the unique creatures that inhabit the area: squirrel monkeys, and of course the infamous Piranhas. Pañacocha’s Lake ecosystem makes the perfect habitat for the Piranha, as well as water monkey fish, known locally as Arawana and the White Caiman.
After a refreshing swim (for the courageous!), we will enjoy a delicious Amazon-style BBQ meal and refreshing beverages at a nearby camping site. In the afternoon, we will head out on exploration trails, and return onboard for dinner. Undoubtedly, after an entire day in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon, there will be plenty of questions. Luckily for our passengers, we will have the chance to speak to local guides, who will be happy to answer all of our questions. The local guides will also be given the time to discuss other subjects related to the Ecuadorian Amazon during our evening briefing.
After a refreshing swim (for the courageous!), we will enjoy a delicious Amazon-style BBQ meal and refreshing beverages at a nearby camping site. In the afternoon, we will head out on exploration trails, and return onboard for dinner. Undoubtedly, after an entire day in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon, there will be plenty of questions. Luckily for our passengers, we will have the chance to speak to local guides, who will be happy to answer all of our questions. The local guides will also be given the time to discuss other subjects related to the Ecuadorian Amazon during our evening briefing.
After breakfast on board, weather permitting, we will have a chance to marvel at an astonishing natural phenomenon as we set out to visit one of the most amazing spectacles located on this side of the western Amazonia, known as Parrot Clay Licks. These unique pools of mud are rich in minerals and attract hundreds of parrots, parakeets and amazon birds every day.
Later we will visit the Sani Warmi Kichwa Interpretation Center, where a group of Kichwa women will speak and share about their customs, cuisine and daily life. These women created the center in order to showcase their culture. The visit to the Sani Warmi community is a unique opportunity to learn about Amazonian lifestyle along the Napo River. You will also have the opportunity to buy handmade crafts, local products and souvenirs. Afterwards we will enjoy lunch on board, as we navigate to Puerto Pedro. Weather permitting and as an optional excursion, we could make a short stop at the Yakukawsay Kichwa Interpretation Centre.
Before sunset, we will visit the Añangu Tower, which offers great photograph opportunities after climbing a ceibo tree and enjoy an astonishing view of the Amazon from its wooden tower. This is a great chance for birdwatching activities. Our trip into Ecuadorian Amazon, ends here, as we will begin our trip back to Itaya. Our last night in the Ecuadorian Amazon, will enjoy a farewell cocktail with all our staff.
Later we will visit the Sani Warmi Kichwa Interpretation Center, where a group of Kichwa women will speak and share about their customs, cuisine and daily life. These women created the center in order to showcase their culture. The visit to the Sani Warmi community is a unique opportunity to learn about Amazonian lifestyle along the Napo River. You will also have the opportunity to buy handmade crafts, local products and souvenirs. Afterwards we will enjoy lunch on board, as we navigate to Puerto Pedro. Weather permitting and as an optional excursion, we could make a short stop at the Yakukawsay Kichwa Interpretation Centre.
Before sunset, we will visit the Añangu Tower, which offers great photograph opportunities after climbing a ceibo tree and enjoy an astonishing view of the Amazon from its wooden tower. This is a great chance for birdwatching activities. Our trip into Ecuadorian Amazon, ends here, as we will begin our trip back to Itaya. Our last night in the Ecuadorian Amazon, will enjoy a farewell cocktail with all our staff.
Before sunrise, we will navigate towards Itaya, it is from here that we will disembark The New M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer, in order to be transferred by a motorized canoe to El Coca (1-hour ride). From Coca, you will fly to Quito.
Standard suite from $1573.00
Tour 5 Days / 4 Nights
Departure from Quito. A short 30-minute flight takes us to the frontier town of El Coca (Francisco de Orellana) – and transfer to the dock, where we will embark on a motorized canoe and navigate down river about 1 hour, to board The New M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer. Since safety on board is of upmost importance, our navigation will not begin until a safety evacuation drill has been completed. Throughout the journey we have a chance to admire the rainforest landscape and sand banks of the great Napo River.
Immediately after boarding The New M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer, we continue navigating downstream. This will be the first of many opportunities passengers will have to enjoy the exciting features of our cruise ship: the spacious social areas, comfortable suites, and an observation deck that offers spectacular views.
Once you have comfortably settled into The New M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer, we will be joined by local tour/nature guides who will give us a complete and condensed introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon. Following this Amazonian induction, we will enjoy dinner under the mesmerizing sunset. An evening walk is organized after sunset; giving us the opportunity to discover the forest’s nocturnal activity while listening to the incessant sounds of nature.
Immediately after boarding The New M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer, we continue navigating downstream. This will be the first of many opportunities passengers will have to enjoy the exciting features of our cruise ship: the spacious social areas, comfortable suites, and an observation deck that offers spectacular views.
Once you have comfortably settled into The New M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer, we will be joined by local tour/nature guides who will give us a complete and condensed introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon. Following this Amazonian induction, we will enjoy dinner under the mesmerizing sunset. An evening walk is organized after sunset; giving us the opportunity to discover the forest’s nocturnal activity while listening to the incessant sounds of nature.
Before disembarking, we will enjoy breakfast atop the cruise ship’s deck, accompanied by the bird’s melody. After this unique gastronomic experience, we disembark on land for our first daylight close-and-personal tropical rainforest experience. It is on this morning adventure, where we will learn about the relationship between plants and animals while closely watching out for samples of Amazonia’s fascinating biodiversity at every turn.
After this extraordinary encounter with the Ecuadorian Amazon, we will enjoy lunch aboard, The New M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer navigates to one of the most pristine and little explored sections of Ecuadorian Amazonia, home to the legendary Pink River dolphin, Black Caiman and Anaconda. We may also find river turtles and various species of monkeys, as well as the primitive Hoatzin, a one-of-a-kind bird locally known as "the Stinky Turkey". The only way to actually visit this flooded ecosystem is by canoe, a ride that will reveal the beauty of a lush jungle world.
Throughout the day, The New M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer will continue navigating alongside the Ecuadorian-Peruvian border. After such an incredible day in the Amazon, we will end the night accompanied by a delicious dinner and by local guides, ready to answer any and all questions pertaining to the Ecuadorian Amazon. For our more adventurous passengers, please inquire about our camping program.
After this extraordinary encounter with the Ecuadorian Amazon, we will enjoy lunch aboard, The New M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer navigates to one of the most pristine and little explored sections of Ecuadorian Amazonia, home to the legendary Pink River dolphin, Black Caiman and Anaconda. We may also find river turtles and various species of monkeys, as well as the primitive Hoatzin, a one-of-a-kind bird locally known as "the Stinky Turkey". The only way to actually visit this flooded ecosystem is by canoe, a ride that will reveal the beauty of a lush jungle world.
Throughout the day, The New M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer will continue navigating alongside the Ecuadorian-Peruvian border. After such an incredible day in the Amazon, we will end the night accompanied by a delicious dinner and by local guides, ready to answer any and all questions pertaining to the Ecuadorian Amazon. For our more adventurous passengers, please inquire about our camping program.
The New M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer will continue upstream, en route to the Pañacocha Lake (Piranha Lake, in the native language Quechua). Here we will be marveled by the unique creatures that inhabit the area: Common Squirrel Monkeys, and of course the infamous Piranhas. The ecosystem of the Pañacocha Lake and its surrounding areas make it the perfect habitat for the Piranha, as well as the Water Monkey Fish, known locally as Arawana and the White Caiman. Later, we will be given the once in a lifetime opportunity to visit an Authentic Indigenous home, belonging to the Oraco family.
After, we return on board the cruise for lunch and take a moment to relax while navigating upstream. After lunch we will offer various cultural lectures, documentary screenings, and hands on experiences regarding topics about: local handcrafts and cuisine. We will offer a lecture and documentary screening, and if time permits, learn about (and make) typical handicrafts of the area. In the afternoon, we explore one of the largest river islands of the Napo River, home to hundreds of Amazonian monkeys.
Unquestionably, after an entire day in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon, you will have more questions than answers about the amazon. Luckily for our passengers, we will host a dinner accompanied by local nature and cultural guides who will make sure everyone on board is an expert on Ecuadorian Amazonia. We visit a school located on the banks of the Napo River, where we will have the opportunity to interact with children of the area and learn about the educational system of a remote jungle community in Ecuador.
After, we return on board the cruise for lunch and take a moment to relax while navigating upstream. After lunch we will offer various cultural lectures, documentary screenings, and hands on experiences regarding topics about: local handcrafts and cuisine. We will offer a lecture and documentary screening, and if time permits, learn about (and make) typical handicrafts of the area. In the afternoon, we explore one of the largest river islands of the Napo River, home to hundreds of Amazonian monkeys.
Unquestionably, after an entire day in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon, you will have more questions than answers about the amazon. Luckily for our passengers, we will host a dinner accompanied by local nature and cultural guides who will make sure everyone on board is an expert on Ecuadorian Amazonia. We visit a school located on the banks of the Napo River, where we will have the opportunity to interact with children of the area and learn about the educational system of a remote jungle community in Ecuador.
Breakfast on board. We set out to visit one of the most amazing spectacles located on this side of the western Amazonia, known as Parrot Clay Licks, these unique pools of mud are rich in minerals and attract hundreds of parrots, parakeets and amazons every day. Weather permitting; we will have a chance to visit this astonishing natural phenomenon. Later we will visit the Sani Warmi Kichwa Interpretation Center, where a group of Kichwa women will speak and share about their customs, cuisine and daily life.
They have created the center in order to showcase their culture. The visit to the Sani Warmi community is a unique opportunity to learn about Amazonian lifestyles along the Napo River. You will also have the opportunity to buy handmade crafts, local products and souvenirs. We will enjoy lunch on board, as we navigate to Puerto Pedro. Before sunset, we will visit the Añangu Tower, which offers great photograph opportunities after climbing a ceibo tree and enjoy an astonishing view of the Amazon from its wooden tower.
This is a great opportunity to do birdwatching activities. Wether permitting and as an optional excursion, a stop at the Yakukawsay Kichwa Interpretation Centre, and end with an interesting evening walk through the forest (depending on accessibility, river water levels and weather conditions). Our trip into Ecuadorian Amazon, ends here, as we will begin our trip back to Itaya. Our last night in the Ecuadorian Amazon, will enjoy a farewell cocktail with all our staff.
They have created the center in order to showcase their culture. The visit to the Sani Warmi community is a unique opportunity to learn about Amazonian lifestyles along the Napo River. You will also have the opportunity to buy handmade crafts, local products and souvenirs. We will enjoy lunch on board, as we navigate to Puerto Pedro. Before sunset, we will visit the Añangu Tower, which offers great photograph opportunities after climbing a ceibo tree and enjoy an astonishing view of the Amazon from its wooden tower.
This is a great opportunity to do birdwatching activities. Wether permitting and as an optional excursion, a stop at the Yakukawsay Kichwa Interpretation Centre, and end with an interesting evening walk through the forest (depending on accessibility, river water levels and weather conditions). Our trip into Ecuadorian Amazon, ends here, as we will begin our trip back to Itaya. Our last night in the Ecuadorian Amazon, will enjoy a farewell cocktail with all our staff.
In the morning, disembark The New M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer and transfer by motorized canoe to Coca (1-hour ride); flight to Quito. In the morning we will visit the Amazonian Turtles, followed by a brunch on board the cruise ship. After brunch, we disembark the M/V Anakonda and will be transfer by motorized canoe to Coca (1-hour ride); flight to Quito.
Standard suite from $1965.00
What's Included?
- Transfer In and Out from Coca’s airport to and from the M/V Manatee
- On board Accommodation
- Programmed visits according to itinerary with a certified naturalistic guide
- Unlimited water, coffee and tea
- All meals while on board
Not Included
- Air ticket Quito – Coca – Quito
- Transfers to and from Quito’s airport
- Communities entrances fees
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Tips and gratuities
- Internet Wi-Fi
- Personal Expenses
- Any other service not mentioned
What to bring?
- Sunhat + Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Walking Shoes/Sneakers + Waterproof Sandals
- Socks: Tall socks that don’t slip easily inside rubber boots. Two pairs per day are ideal
- Light-weight, Earth- or Darkcolored, Long-sleeved Shirts and T-shirts
- Light-weight Quick-dry Hiking Pants
- Goretex Jacket
- Insect Repellent
- Binoculars (waterproof) + Backpack
- Headlamp (or Flashlight) + Extra Batteries
- Inexpensive Magnifying Glass (optional)
- Personal First Aid Kit + Medication
- Camera + Dry Bags
- Rubber Boots are supplied at the cruise
Important Notes
- All prices are per person
- Children under 12 years sharing room with parents
- The detailed itinerary above is a standard model of our operation. We intend to offer everything as planned, but it is important to note depending on technical or operational difficulties beyond our control, The New M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer reserves the right to modify the itinerary without notice.
- Glamping optional excursion $296 per night / per person (minimum 2 pax)