Manatee Amazon Explorer

Manatee Amazon Explorer: A journey through amazonian wonder. In the heart of the Amazonian Basin, the Manatee Amazon Explorer stands as a beacon of exploration and discovery. This riverboat isn’t just a vessel; it’s a portal to a world where nature reigns supreme, and borders blur in the face of the Amazon’s boundless expanse. Recently awarded the prestigious title of Latin America’s Best River Cruise Ship in the 2021 First Edition of the World Cruise Awards, the Manatee Amazon Explorer comes with over two decades of experience navigating the pristine upper basin of the Napo River, extending its journey into Peru, where it merges with the mighty Amazon River near Iquitos and the Aguarico River. Designed with a keen understanding of the Amazon’s capricious nature, this vessel offers all the essential comforts needed for an expedition of this caliber.

Unveiling the Manatee Amazon Explorer: A Closer Look

The Manatee Amazon Explorer is a remarkable River Expedition Vessel, meticulously crafted in 2017 and proudly registered in Ecuador. Its dimensions are impressive, with a length of 121 feet (37m), a beam of 30 feet (8.5m), and a draft of 0.75m. With a gross tonnage of 214 tons, the vessel effortlessly cruises at a speed of 12 knots, driven by the power of 2 John Deere 435 HP Marine Engines, accompanied by 2 x 80 KVA John Deere generators, encapsulated for noise reduction. To ensure a steady supply of clean, freshwater, the boat is equipped with a water treatment plant with a capacity of 4800 liters.

Safety is paramount on the Manatee Amazon Explorer, evident in the state-of-the-art features such as GPS tracking by the Ecuadorian Navy, radio communication with a separate battery pack, satellite phone, satellite internet, life jackets, flares and signals, fire extinguishers, and smoke detectors placed in every cabin. As an added layer of security, an automatic defibrillator is also on board. To explore the waters with minimal environmental impact, the vessel carries two fiberglass ecologic canoes, each fitted with four-stroke low-emission engines. This harmonious coexistence with nature is a testament to the commitment to preserve this remarkable ecosystem. Ensuring seamless communication and safety, constant radio communications are maintained with the main vessel. The Manatee Amazon Explorer can accommodate up to 30 passengers, making it an ideal vessel for intimate and immersive Amazonian journeys.

Exploring the Layout of Decks and Cabins Aboard Manatee Cruise

When you step on board the Manatee Amazon Explorer, you’ll find a thoughtfully designed layout that enhances your Amazonian adventure. Let’s delve into the details of each deck, from the first deck to the observation deck.

First Deck – The Heart of the Vessel

The first deck of the Manatee Amazon Explorer is not just a functional space; it’s the heart of the vessel. Here, you’ll discover the lobby, where your journey begins. As you step on board, the lobby welcomes you with its warm and inviting ambiance. It’s the place where you receive a friendly introduction to the adventures that lie ahead.

Moving along the first deck, you’ll find the dining room, a place where culinary delights meet the Amazon’s natural wonders. This is where you’ll savor delicious meals, meticulously prepared by our culinary team, using fresh, local ingredients. The dining room provides a space for nourishment and camaraderie as you share your Amazon experiences with fellow travelers.

In addition to the guest-focused spaces, the first deck also houses the quarters of our dedicated crew. These quarters are where the hardworking individuals who ensure your comfort and safety call home during your expedition.

Second Deck – The Boutique and Standard Suites

The second deck of the Manatee Amazon Explorer is where you’ll find a combination of boutique and standard suites. This deck offers a range of accommodations, each designed with your comfort and connection to the Amazon in mind.

The boutique suites on this deck are spacious and offer a level of luxury that enhances your Amazon adventure. With carefully designed layouts and panoramic windows, these suites create an inviting atmosphere that allows you to fully appreciate the Amazon’s breathtaking beauty.

Alongside the boutique suites, the second deck also accommodates the standard suites, which offer cozy and comfortable retreats. They feature large windows that connect you with the Amazon’s vibrant ecosystem, allowing you to take in the sights and sounds of the rainforest.

Third Deck – Bar, Lounge, and Deluxe Suites

The third deck of the Manatee Amazon Explorer is where you’ll find both relaxation and luxury. It features the bar, an ideal spot to unwind and share stories with fellow travelers. The bar offers a selection of beverages, making it a hub of social interaction and a place to toast to the day’s Amazonian discoveries.

Adjacent to the bar, the lounge provides a comfortable and stylish setting. Here, you can relax, read a book, or simply soak in the ambiance. The lounge is where you can engage with fellow passengers, bond over shared experiences, or simply appreciate the serenity of the Amazon.

The third deck is also home to the deluxe suites, which epitomize luxury. These suites offer spacious accommodations that invite you to connect with the Amazon in style. From the ceiling-to-floor windows that provide uninterrupted views of the rainforest to the private balcony, the deluxe suites are designed for the ultimate Amazon experience.

Observation Deck – Embrace the Outdoors

The observation deck of the Manatee Amazon Explorer is the crowning jewel of the vessel. Here, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the Amazon while enjoying a range of outdoor amenities. This is where you’ll find the outdoor hot tub, a place to relax and soak in the natural splendor of the rainforest. As you recline in the hot tub, you’ll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Amazon, creating a truly unique and serene experience.

The observation deck also features a lounge area, where you can unwind and take in the extraordinary views that stretch out before you. It’s a space that invites contemplation and connection with the Amazon’s wonders.

In summary, the Manatee Amazon Explorer is not just a vessel; it’s a well-designed space where you can fully embrace the beauty and magic of the Amazon. Each deck has a unique role to play, enhancing your Amazonian adventure and ensuring that every moment of your journey is unforgettable.

Exquisite Accommodations: Where Luxury Meets Nature

As you set foot on the Manatee Amazon Explorer, you’ll soon realize that it’s more than just a boat; it’s your gateway to a world of luxurious accommodations designed to enhance your Amazonian experience. With a capacity for 30 passengers, this river expedition vessel boasts a range of beautifully appointed suites that will make your journey unforgettable.

Spacious Suites for Ultimate Comfort

The suites on board offer not just a place to rest your head but a window to the enchanting Amazon. With large panoramic windows, they provide the perfect vantage point to immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you. Private balconies offer a serene space to soak in the sights and sounds of the rainforest. As the sun sets over the Amazon, your private haven provides the ideal spot to witness this magical transformation.

Deluxe Suites – Your Personal Oasis

For those seeking the epitome of luxury, the Manatee Amazon Explorer offers four river-facing deluxe suites. These spacious retreats, covering an area of 23 square meters (247 square feet), are a sanctuary of comfort and style. With ceiling-to-floor windows, they create an uninterrupted connection with the surrounding nature. The private balcony provides a tranquil setting to unwind and savor the breathtaking views.

As you return from your Amazonian adventures, the air conditioning system ensures a comfortable temperature within your deluxe suite. To complete your oasis of relaxation, the deluxe suites feature private bathrooms equipped with hot water and a rejuvenating whirlpool bathtub. After a day of exploration, sink into the soothing waters and let your senses be transported to the heart of the rainforest.

Standard Suites – A Cozy Retreat

The Manatee Amazon Explorer also offers ten river-facing standard suites, each covering an area of 19 square meters (204 square feet). These suites provide a snug and inviting space for those who value both comfort and immersion in the natural world. Just like the deluxe suites, the standard suites feature ceiling-to-floor windows that offer uninterrupted views of the Amazon rainforest. The private balcony is a welcoming spot to enjoy your morning coffee or embrace the evening ambiance.

The air conditioning system in the standard suites ensures a cozy and refreshing atmosphere throughout your stay. Each standard suite is equipped with a private bathroom, complete with hot water, ensuring both convenience and comfort. Wash away the day’s adventures in style, as you prepare for another day of exploration in the heart of the Amazon. The Manatee Amazon Explorer invites you to savor the Amazonian experience while luxuriating in cozy retreats designed to enhance your journey.

Venturing into the Amazon with Manatee Cruise: Itineraries

The Manatee Amazon Explorer offers captivating 4, 5, and 8-day itineraries, with departures scheduled every week on Mondays and Fridays. During these mesmerizing journeys, passengers delve into the wonders of the Limoncocha Biological Reserve and Yasuni National Park, Ecuador’s most extensive protected animal reserve. With a crew of willing and knowledgeable guides who are passionate about sharing their wealth of information on the Amazon’s tropical rainforest, your journey is guided by experts committed to maximizing your comfort and experience.

Limoncocha Biological Reserve: A Pristine Paradise

The Limoncocha Biological Reserve, nestled in the Sucumbios province of Ecuador, sprawls across 11,399 acres (4,613 hectares) of lush, untouched land. The reserve is a sanctuary for a diverse range of flora and fauna, boasting over 350 species of birds, black caimans, motelo turtles, and even the elusive jaguars. The Limoncocha lagoon, one of the reserve’s most prized treasures, is bordered by grassy banks that serve as a preferred habitat for amphibians and reptiles.

Yasuni National Park: A Biodiversity Hotspot

Yasuni National Park, a protected area encompassing approximately 10,000 square kilometers, is situated between the Napo and Curaray Rivers in the Pastaza and Orellana Provinces of Amazonian Ecuador. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, designated alongside the Waorani Ethnic Reserve in 1989, is a biodiversity hotspot where amphibian, bird, mammal, and vascular plant diversity peak in the western hemisphere.

Moreover, the park is a sanctuary for amphibian diversity, surpassing other sites sampled in the western Amazon. Its location, approximately 250 kilometers from Quito, places it at the heart of a zone where the richness of life within the Amazon ecosystem flourishes.

A Typical Day in the Amazon with Manatee Cruise

Every day aboard the Manatee Amazon Explorer is an adventure. A typical day during a 5-day/4-night journey may include a serene canoe ride along the Napo River, a visit to a local community to immerse yourself in the local culture, an exhilarating climb up an observation tower to witness the Amazon from an elevated perspective, and an enthralling night walk where you’ll encounter the Amazon’s nocturnal wonders. As an added highlight, guests have the opportunity to enjoy “glamping,” a unique and immersive experience.

Each camp is securely elevated above ground on a wooden platform and features comfortable beds, charming rustic furniture, and impeccable service. In the evening, a local guide will regale you with captivating stories about Amazonian adventures and the enchanting way of life in this magical region. As the morning sun paints the Amazon with new colors, travelers embark on a kayak excursion, affording them the chance to observe incredible wildlife up close and personal.

Book Your Amazonian Adventure

The Manatee Amazon Explorer is your ticket to exploring the unique and wildlife-rich Ecuadorian Amazon. With prices starting from $2,070 per person, based on double occupancy, for a four-day itinerary, embarking on this adventure has never been more enticing. The Amazon awaits, with all its secrets and wonders, ready to be discovered. The Manatee Amazon Explorer ensures that your journey through this lush and enchanting realm is not just an adventure; it’s a life-changing experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic and wonder of the Amazon with the Manatee Amazon Explorer. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or someone looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this is an expedition that offers something for everyone. Book your Amazonian adventure today and prepare for an unforgettable journey into the heart of one of the world’s most magnificent ecosystems.