- Overview
- Itineraries
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
- Booking
- Rates
The Manatee Amazon Explorer’s flexibility as a comprehensive navigation adventure that takes visitors to many different visitor sites within the Ecuadorian Amazon Basin or jungle — visitor sites that you would forcibly not be able to visit if you stayed only in one place— is, quite clearly, one of the most notorious differences between visiting the Amazon Basin with us or choosing one of the many fine ecolodges in the area. That fact becomes even more attractive when taking into account that we work with first-rate guides, that the variety of excursions and itineraries we choose is ample and compelling, that our excellent service and professional savoir-faire creates a pampering, relaxing vacation for the most demanding guests, that we couple all our efforts with a heartfelt commitment to the communities and nature of the Amazon.
The Manatee Amazon Explorer is fully equipped and maintained in order to handle the most challenging conditions and circumstances, and is manned by experienced and conscientious expedition staff and crew. The canoes used for daily shore landings are rugged and versatile and are operated responsibly by experienced personnel. Onboard you will be fully briefed on all pertinent safety issues and concerns, as well as our environmental policy; passengers also receive appropriate and detailed briefings before each landing.
DECKS AND CABINS
First Deck
Includes lobby, dining room, and crew quarters.
Second Deck
Where you’ll find the boutique and standard suites.
Third Deck
Features the bar, lounge, and deluxe suites.
Observation Deck
Where you’ll enjoy the outdoor hot tub, lounge, and extraordinary views.
Standard Suite
14 Standard suites (20 m² / 215 ft²) with private balconies
Deluxe Suite
4 Deluxe suites (24 m² / 258 ft²) with whirlpool bathtub and private balconies
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| Built | 2017 |
| Port of embarkation | Coca, Ecuador |
| Vessel´s Registry | Ecuador |
| Type of vessel | River Expedition Vessel |
| Length | 121 feet / 37 m |
| Beam | 30 feet / 8.5 m |
| Draft | 0.75 meters |
| Gross Tonnage | 214 tons |
| Cruising speed | 12 knots |
| Electricity | 110 / 220 volts |
| Engines | 2 John Deere 435 HP Marine Engines |
| Generators | 2 x 80 KVA John Deere (Encapsulated for noise reduction) |
| Water | 4800-liter water treatment plant |
| Safety | GPS tracking by the Ecuadorian Navy, radio communication with separate battery pack, satellite phone, satellite internet, life jackets, flares and signals, fire extinguishers, and smoke detectors in each cabin, automatic defibrillator on board |
| Launch boats | 2 fiberglass ecologic canoes equipped with four-stroke low emission engines; constant radio communications with the main vessel. Total capacity of 30 passengers |
| Crew | 20 crew members including a captain, cruise manager, English-speaking native guides, crew members and staff |
| Accommodation | Up to 30 passengers with private facilities |
| Suites Features | 14 Suites: 4 deluxe suites & 10 standard suites. All suites have large panoramic windows with a view, private balconies and include air conditioning system |
| Social Areas | Bar lounge/ conference room indoor. Dining Room. Outside Lounge with “al fresco” dining facilities. Sundeck with lazy chairs. Boutique, Outdoor Jacuzzi. |
This is a journey that takes us into the endless heart of biodiversity, the Amazon Basin. Given the remote and pristine nature of this jungle, the very best way to explore it is by navigating down the Napo River on a carefully – designed vessel set to explore the Amazon in style.
The M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer allows our guests to experience unparalleled adventures in total comfort. Journey with us down freshwater rivers, both whitewater and black water, and encounter different Amazonian ecosystems, including the possibility to observe fascinating animals such as pink river dolphins, manatees, caimans and piranhas, as well as hundreds of native bird and primate species.
Itineraries
DAY 1
FRIDAY: QUITO – COCA – NAPO RIVER
Our adventure begins in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. After a 30-minute flight from Quito to the Amazonian city of Coca, we will transfer to the dock and board our motorized canoe for a 90-minute journey down the river, taking in the beauty of the Amazon, until we reach the Manatee Amazon Explorer and receive our warm welcome aboard. On the Manatee, we will be joined by expert local naturalist guides, who will provide us with a brief, informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon; and afterwards guests will have the opportunity to explore our cruise ship and admire the rainforest landscape as we glide down the Napo River. After a delicious dinner, we will take a nighttime forest walk to hear the sounds of the rainforest and observe the nocturnal wildlife.
DAY 2
SATURDAY: PAÑACOCHA, THE MYTHICAL PIRANHA LAGOON
We will travel downstream to the Pañayacu River delta, where we will embark on a canoe trip to Pañacocha Lake (“Piranha Lagoon” in the native Kichwa language), an ecosystem flooded by blackwater river water. The surrounding protected rainforest is home to primates and birds and is the perfect habitat for piranhas, the Paíche or pirarucu (one of the world’s largest freshwater fish), the white caiman, and hundreds of other aquatic animals. The surrounding protected rainforest is home to primates and various bird species, which we will be able to spot during a walk with our guides. We will then recharge our energy with an Amazon-style barbeque at a community camp, and after a short rest, we will take part in aquatic activities such as kayaking and/or swimming. Back on board the Manatee, we will build on what we learned with an interesting talk about the region given by our guides.
DAY 3
SUNDAY: PARROT CLAY LICKS AND AMAZON COMMUNITIES
We will set out on our motorized canoes early in the morning to witness one of the most incredible sights on this side of the Western Amazon - the famous parrot clay licks. This unique place is rich in minerals and attracts hundreds of colorful parrots, parakeets, and Amazon birds who meet up here to lick the clay which provides a healthy boost to their digestion. In the afternoon we will visit the Kichwa women’s community project, where we will learn about the indigenous lifestyle along the Napo river, their ancestral culture, and their community, and will have the opportunity to support them by purchasing handicrafts, local products, and souvenirs, as well as the opportunity to participate in the Charapas Turtle Conservation that we support together with the community.
DAY 4
MONDAY: RETURN
This is where our adventure ends! But first, we will enjoy our return to Puerto Providencia where we will disembark the Manatee Amazon Explorer and ride back to the city of Coca in the motorized canoe.
DAY 1
MONDAY: QUITO – COCA – NAPO RIVER
Our adventure begins in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. After a 30-minute flight from Quito to the Amazonian city of Coca, we will transfer to the dock and board our motorized canoe for a 90-minute journey down the river, taking in the beauty of the Amazon, until we reach the Manatee Amazon Explorer and receive our warm welcome aboard. On the Manatee, we will be joined by expert local naturalist guides, who will provide us with a brief, informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon; and afterwards guests will have the opportunity to explore our cruise ship and admire the rainforest landscape as we glide down the Napo River. After a delicious dinner, we will take a nighttime forest walk to hear the sounds of the rainforest and observe the nocturnal wildlife.
DAY 2
TUESDAY: HOME OF THE LEGENDARY PINK RIVER DOLPHIN AND THE SECOYA COMMUNITY
In the morning we will explore the lower part of the Napo River, where we will spot different bird species such as eagles, oropendolas and the celebrated woodpeckers. In the afternoon we will visit Yasuni National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on the planet and home to the legendary pink dolphin. This is the perfect opportunity to participate in our pink dolphin conservation program, which we are involved in together with the Martinica community in the Cocaya area, providing a safe haven where these dolphins can live and feed without the risk of being hunted. The Secoyas people, a minority ancestral culture, live near Yasuni and will show us how to prepare traditional cassava bread during our visit.
DAY 3
WEDNESDAY: KICHWA FAMILY AND LIFE ONBOARD
We will begin the day by visiting an authentic Kichwa family on the banks of the Napo River, where we will have the opportunity to learn directly from members of the local community about their lifestyle. We will then board the Manatee and participate in a cooking class with our expert chef, who will show us how to prepare exquisite traditional Ecuadorian fare. Guests are also invited to try their hand at traditional handicrafting or to take in the magnificent Amazon environment from our open-air hot tub, enjoy cocktails at our Bar and Lounge, or delight in some nighttime stargazing from our Observation Deck. Our more active guests will have the opportunity to explore nature in this area by kayak.
DAY 4
THURSDAY: FOREST ADVENTURE AND CANOPY OBSERVATION TOWER
We start the day by visiting an observation tower built in a giant millenary kapok tree, where guests can marvel at the impressive 360° view from the top overlooking the treetops of the forest canopy and contemplate the sheer vastness of the Amazon. In the afternoon, we will explore the primary forest and spot the different plant and wildlife species endemic to this ecosystem. We can also find the strange and unique bird known as the hoatzin, or as it’s known locally, the “stinkbird”.
DAY 5
FRIDAY: RETURN
This is where our adventure ends! But first, we will enjoy our return to Puerto Providencia where we will disembark the Manatee Amazon Explorer and ride back to the city of Coca in the motorized canoe.
DAY 1
MONDAY: QUITO – COCA – NAPO RIVER
Our adventure begins in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. After a 30-minute flight from Quito to the Amazonian city of Coca, we will transfer to the dock and board our motorized canoe for a 90-minute journey down the river, taking in the beauty of the Amazon, until we reach the Manatee Amazon Explorer and receive our warm welcome aboard. On the Manatee, we will be joined by expert local naturalist guides, who will provide us with a brief, informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon; and afterwards guests will have the opportunity to explore our cruise ship and admire the rainforest landscape as we glide down the Napo River. After a delicious dinner, we will take a nighttime forest walk to hear the sounds of the rainforest and observe the nocturnal wildlife.
DAY 2
TUESDAY: HOME OF THE LEGENDARY PINK DOLPHIN AND THE SECOYA COMMUNITY
In the morning we will explore the lower part of the Napo River, where we will spot different bird species such as eagles, oropendolas, and the celebrated woodpeckers. In the afternoon we will visit Yasuni National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on the planet and home to the legendary pink dolphin. This is the perfect opportunity to participate in our pink dolphin conservation program, which we are involved in together with the Martinica community in the Cocaya area, providing a safe haven where these dolphins can live and feed without the risk of being hunted. The Secoyas people, a minority ancestral culture, live near Yasuni and will show us how to prepare traditional cassava bread during our visit.
DAY 3
WEDNESDAY: KICHWA FAMILY AND LIFE ONBOARD
We will start the day off by visiting an authentic Kichwa family on the banks of the Napo River, where we will receive the opportunity to learn directly from members of the local community. We will then board the Manatee for lunch as we continue upstream. Guests will participate in a cooking class with our expert chef and prepare exquisite traditional Ecuadorian. Guests are also invited to try their hand at traditional handicrafting or enjoy our onboard facilities, including the Rainforest Spa, the spectacular view from our Amazon Hot Tub, cocktails at our Bar and Lounge, and stargazing from our Observation Deck.
DAY 4
THURSDAY: FOREST ADVENTURE AND CANOPY OBSERVATION TOWER
We start the day by visiting an observation tower built in a giant millenary kapok tree, where guests can marvel at the impressive 360° view from the top overlooking the treetops of the forest canopy and contemplate the sheer vastness of the Amazon. In the afternoon, we will explore the primary forest and spot the different plant and wildlife species endemic to this ecosystem. We can also find the strange and unique bird known as the hoatzin, or as it’s known locally, the “stinkbird”.
DAY 5
FRIDAY: INDILLAMA AND NAPO RIVERS, THE NORTH SIDE OF YASUNI NATIONAL PARK
We will begin the day kayaking on the Indillama River, one of the Napo River tributaries that will take us to Yasuni National Park. Kayaks are comfortable, smooth, and silent, providing an ideal opportunity for spotting wildlife. We can also use canoes to travel in search of even more wildlife. After an adventure-filled day, guests can take advantage of our observation deck and experience a magical view under the stars. Our more energetic guests can choose to unwind with a night walk through the jungle in search of nocturnal creatures.
DAY 6
SATURDAY: PAÑACOCHA, THE MYTHICAL PIRANHA LAGOON
We will travel downstream to the Pañayacu River delta, where we will embark on a canoe trip to Pañacocha Lake (“Piranha Lagoon” in the native Kichwa language), an ecosystem flooded by blackwater river water. The surrounding protected rainforest is home to primates and birds and is the perfect habitat for piranhas, the Paíche or pirarucu (one of the world’s largest freshwater fish), the white caiman, and hundreds of other aquatic animals. The surrounding protected rainforest is home to primates and various bird species, which we will be able to spot during a walk with our guides. We will then recharge our energy with an Amazon-style barbeque at a community camp, and after a short rest, we will take part in aquatic activities such as kayaking and/or swimming. Back on board the Manatee, we will build on what we learned with an interesting talk about the region given by our guides.
DAY 7
SUNDAY: PARROT CLAY LICKS AND AMAZON COMMUNITIES
We will set out on our motorized canoes early in the morning to witness one of the most incredible sights on this side of the Western Amazon - the famous parrot clay licks. This unique place is rich in minerals and attracts hundreds of colorful parrots, parakeets, and Amazon birds who meet up here to lick the clay which provides a healthy boost to their digestion. In the afternoon we will visit the Kichwa women’s community project, where we will learn about the indigenous lifestyle along the Napo river, their ancestral culture, and their community, and will have the opportunity to support them by purchasing handicrafts, local products, and souvenirs, as well as the opportunity to participate in the Charapas Turtle Conservation that we support together with the community.
DAY 8
MONDAY: RETURN
This is where our adventure ends! But first, we will enjoy our return to Puerto Providencia where we will disembark the Manatee Amazon Explorer and ride back to the city of Coca in the motorized canoe.
DAY 1
FRIDAY: QUITO – COCA – NAPO RIVER
Our adventure begins in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. After a 30-minute flight from Quito to the Amazonian city of Coca, we will transfer to the dock and board our motorized canoe for a 90-minute journey down the river, taking in the beauty of the Amazon, until we reach the Manatee Amazon Explorer and receive our warm welcome aboard. On the Manatee, we will be joined by expert local naturalist guides, who will provide us with a brief, informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon; and afterwards guests will have the opportunity to explore our cruise ship and admire the rainforest landscape as we glide down the Napo River. After a delicious dinner, we will take a nighttime forest walk to hear the sounds of the rainforest and observe the nocturnal wildlife.
DAY 2
SATURDAY: PAÑACOCHA, THE MYTHICAL PIRANHA LAGOON
We will travel downstream to the Pañayacu River delta, where we will embark on a canoe trip to Pañacocha Lake (“Piranha Lagoon” in the native Kichwa language), an ecosystem flooded by blackwater river water. The surrounding protected rainforest is home to primates and birds and is the perfect habitat for piranhas, the Paíche or pirarucu (one of the world’s largest freshwater fish), the white caiman, and hundreds of other aquatic animals. The surrounding protected rainforest is home to primates and various bird species, which we will be able to spot during a walk with our guides. We will then recharge our energy with an Amazon-style barbeque at a community camp, and after a short rest, we will take part in aquatic activities such as kayaking and/or swimming. Back on board the Manatee, we will build on what we learned with an interesting talk about the region given by our guides.
DAY 3
SUNDAY: PARROT CLAY LICKS AND AMAZON COMMUNITIES
We will set out on our motorized canoes early in the morning to witness one of the most incredible sights on this side of the Western Amazon - the famous parrot clay licks. This unique place is rich in minerals and attracts hundreds of colorful parrots, parakeets, and Amazon birds who meet up here to lick the clay which provides a healthy boost to their digestion. In the afternoon we will visit the Kichwa women’s community project, where we will learn about the indigenous lifestyle along the Napo river, their ancestral culture, and their community, and will have the opportunity to support them by purchasing handicrafts, local products, and souvenirs, as well as the opportunity to participate in the Charapas Turtle Conservation that we support together with the community.
DAY 4
MONDAY: INDILLAMA AND NAPO RIVERS, THE NORTH SIDE OF YASUNI NATIONAL PARK
We will begin the day kayaking on the Indillama River, one of the Napo River tributaries that will take us to Yasuni National Park. Kayaks are comfortable, smooth, and silent, providing an ideal opportunity for spotting wildlife. We can also use canoes to travel in search of even more wildlife. After an adventure-filled day, guests can take advantage of our observation deck and experience a magical view under the stars. Our more energetic guests can choose to unwind with a night walk through the jungle in search of nocturnal creatures.
DAY 5
TUESDAY: HOME OF THE LEGENDARY PINK DOLPHIN AND THE SECOYA COMMUNITY
In the morning we will explore the lower part of the Napo River, where we will spot different bird species such as eagles, oropendolas, and the celebrated woodpeckers. In the afternoon we will visit Yasuni National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on the planet and home to the legendary pink dolphin. This is the perfect opportunity to participate in our pink dolphin conservation program, which we are involved in together with the Martinica community in the Cocaya area, providing a safe haven where these dolphins can live and feed without the risk of being hunted. The Secoyas people, a minority ancestral culture, live near Yasuni and will show us how to prepare traditional cassava bread during our visit.
DAY 6
WEDNESDAY: KICHWA FAMILY AND LIFE ONBOARD
We will begin the day by visiting an authentic Kichwa family on the banks of the Napo River, where we will have the opportunity to learn directly from members of the local community about their lifestyle. We will then board the Manatee and participate in a cooking class with our expert chef, who will show us how to prepare exquisite traditional Ecuadorian fare. Guests are also invited to try their hand at traditional handicrafting or to take in the magnificent Amazon environment from our open-air hot tub, enjoy cocktails at our Bar and Lounge, or delight in some nighttime stargazing from our Observation Deck. Our more active guests will have the opportunity to explore nature in this area by kayak.
DAY 7
THURSDAY: FOREST ADVENTURE AND CANOPY OBSERVATION TOWER
We start the day by visiting an observation tower built in a giant millenary kapok tree, where guests can marvel at the impressive 360° view from the top overlooking the treetops of the forest canopy and contemplate the sheer vastness of the Amazon. In the afternoon, we will explore the primary forest and spot the different plant and wildlife species endemic to this ecosystem. We can also find the strange and unique bird known as the hoatzin, or as it’s known locally, the “stinkbird”.
DAY 8
FRIDAY: RETURN
This is where our adventure ends! But first, we will enjoy our return to Puerto Providencia where we will disembark the Manatee Amazon Explorer and ride back to the city of Coca in the motorized canoe.
- Onboard accommodations.
- All meals on board.
- Scheduled excursions according to the itinerary.
- Certified naturalist local guides.
- Coffee station (unlimited supply of water, coffee, and tea).
- Exclusive access to our VIP Lounge in Coca City (before and after the cruise).
- Transfers to/from the vessel when arriving on our recommended flights.
- Private & personalized assistance for Quito – Coca - Quito flights at both airports when arriving on our recommended flights.
- Air ticket Quito – Coca – Quito, USD 250.00 per person. (Subject to change)
For those guests who choose not to purchase their air tickets with us, an additional fee of USD 40.00 per person shall apply for the services listed above.
*Communities fees. USD 70.00 per guest for 4 & 5-day cruises, USD 80.00 per guest for 8-day cruises (Subject to change) - Transfers to and from Quito’s airport.
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Wi-Fi Internet. (*6)
- Gratuities, we suggest to our guests: for our guides, USD 10 per day, per guest; and for the crew, USD 15 per day, per guest.
- Other services not specified in the program.
2025 RATES
ACCOMMODATION:
- 4 Deluxe Suites, each with a private whirlpool bathtub (2 queen and 2 twin size beds).
- 10 Standard Suites (5 queen and 5 twin-size beds). With private balconies
FACILITIES:
- All suites feature a private balcony.
- All suites are equipped with an air conditioning system and a private bathroom with hot water.
- 2 suites, in any category, can become triple with sliding bed (designed for 2 adults and 1 child under 12 years old).
2025 RATES IN USD PER PERSON DBL ACCOMMODATION
| TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION | TYPE OF SUITE | MAXIMUM CAPACITY | CRUISE LENGTH | ||
| 4D / 3N | 5D / 4N | 8D / 7N | |||
| FRI - MON | MON - FRI | FRI - FRI / MON - MON | |||
| DOUBLE | Standard Suite | 22 passengers | $ 2.415 | $ 3.016 | $ 4.827 |
| TRIPLE | $ 2.053 | $ 2.564 | $ 4.103 | ||
| SINGLE | $ 3.623 | $ 4.524 | $ 7.241 | ||
| CHILDREN UNDER 12 YRS OLD | $ 1.208 | $ 1.508 | $ 2.414 | ||
| DOUBLE | Deluxe Suite | 8 passengers | $ 3.022 | $ 3.770 | $ 6.030 |
| TRIPLE | $ 2.569 | $ 3.205 | $5.126 | ||
| SINGLE | $ 4.533 | $ 5.655 | $ 9.045 | ||
| CHILDREN UNDER 12 YRS OLD | $ 1.511 | $ 1.885 | $ 3.015 | ||
| GLAMPING (Optional Excursion) | Up to 8 passengers (Minimum 2 passengers) | $ 300,00 per person | |||
IMPORTANT NOTES FOR CHILDREN RATES:
- Child rate applies to 1 child per cabin.
- The minimum age to navigate on our river cruise is 6 years old from the start of the trip. Children should share a suite with an adult.