The Manatee Amazon Explorer navigating Amazon Rainforest Manatee cruise
  1. Home
  2. Amazon
  3. Ecuador
  4. Manatee Amazon Explorer
Private Charter

Manatee Amazon Explorer

Superior cruising in the Ecuadorian Amazon, pairing comfort and quality with the wild of the jungle.

Overview

With over 20 years of sailing in Ecuador’s Oriente region, the Manatee Amazon Explorer was and continues to be, the pioneer in Ecuadorian Amazon cruising. At 121-feet in length and with a capacity for 30 adventurous guests, the Manatee may be smaller than her luxury sister ship the Anakonda, but remains a superior and spacious option for comfortably cruising to one of the most biodiverse places on earth, the remote and remarkable Yasuní National Park.

Luxurious Adventure

A direct descendent of the first tourist cruise to explore the upper basins of the Napo and Aguarico Rivers – following in the wake of the Francisco de Orellana himself – this 2017 luxury reincarnation of the original Manatee, named after the graceful Amazonian manatee found in these waters, has taken accommodation levels to the next level whilst keeping all of the adventure.

In total, the Manatee has fourteen spacious, air-conditioned, river-facing suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and ensuite facilties providing exceptional views and an unexpected level of comfort in the depths of the Amazon. The four designated deluxe suites also have their own whirlpool bathtubs, replete with relaxing bubbles and resplendent views of the rainforest, and give the hot tub on the observation deck a run for its money.

When not enjoying the spacious observation deck’s unobstructed views, comfy sofas and sun loungers, guests can also unwind in the inviting panoramic indoor lounge-cum-conference room, or succumb to the serenity of the Crystal Room, ideal for curling up in with a book.

The friendly and attentive crew will extend their warm Amazonian hospitality and keep everyone entertained and at ease. Any children on board can get involved with fun cooking classes using fascinating local ingredients, whilst parents can try their hands at making a cocktail with fruits from the jungle – or simply enjoy one from the well stocked onboard bar. Dine on sumptuous food, freshly prepared juices and snacks, all served in the first deck’s chic dining room or al fresco in the popular outdoor lounge.

The Manatee is also one of the few boats in the Amazon to offer satellite internet access, although you shouldn’t be short of natural entertainment with so much to see all around you. Manatee guests will also be able to relax in the purpose-built, private VIP lounge at the pier in Coca both before boarding and after disembarking the vessel, with complimentary refreshments available.

Extensive Itineraries With Interesting And Unique Activities

The Manatee’s four-, five- and even eight-day itineraries have plenty of adventurous activities available for all ages and abilities, including itinerary features unique to Ecuador. Explore Jatuncocha’s series of lagoons home to river otters, caiman and the infamous anaconda. Stand above the canopy at a panoramic observation tower built against a giant kapok tree for the most spectacular of views.

Grab your binoculars and take to the canoes for one of the Amazon’s most spectacular shows as macaws, parakeets and parrots gather at a hidden clay lick, sometimes in their hundreds, to ingest the clay’s important detoxifying minerals.

On the longer itineraries, there is also an incredible one-night camping option (with applicable surcharge) for up to 8 passengers, an unmissable opportunity to sleep in a private, thatch roof cabin by the wildlife, and piranha-rich Lake Pañacocha, deep in the Pañacocha Protected Forest Reserve.

Visit a record-breaking region home to almost 600 bird species, 150 amphibian species, and in just one hectare both a staggering 100,000 insect species and more tree, shrub and liana species than anywhere else in the world. Witness all these natural wonders and more aboard a Manatee Amazon Explorer cruise.

Itineraries & Prices

All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion.

1 / 3
4-Day
5-Day
8-Day

4 Day - Napo River Exploration

itinerary map

Embarkation

PM: 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 afterward, 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.

Manatee Amazon's 4-Day Itinerary Day One - Embarkation.
Location
Quito - Coca - Amazon River
Day
1 / 4

Pañacocha Biological Corridor & The Mythical Piranha Lagoon

AM: 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. 

PM: 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 onboard the Anakonda, we will build on what we learned with an interesting talk about the region given by our guides.

Manatee Amazon's 4-Day Itinerary Day Two - Jungle Excursion.
Location
Amazon River
Day
2 / 4

Parrot Clay Licks & Amazonian Communities

AM: 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. 

PM: 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.

Manatee Amazon's 4-Day Itinerary Day Three - Parrot Clay Lick.
Location
Amazon River
Day
3 / 4

Disembarkation

AM: This is where our adventure ends! But first, we will enjoy our return to Puerto Providencia where we will disembark the Anakonda Amazon Explorer and ride back to the city of Coca in the motorized canoe.

Manatee Amazon's 4-Day Itinerary Day Four - Disembarkation.
Location
Amazon River - Coca
Day
4 / 4
1 / 4

5 Day - Napo River Exploration

itinerary map

Embarkation

PM: 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 cruise 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 afterward, 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.

Manatee Amazon's 5-Day Itinerary Day One - Embarkation.
Location
Quito - Coca - Amazon River
Day
1 / 5

Home of the Pink Dolphin & The Secoya Community

AM: 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. 

PM: In the afternoon we will visit Yasuní 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 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.

Manatee Amazon's 5-Day Itinerary Day Two - Amazon Community Visit.
Location
Amazon River
Day
2 / 5

Kichwa Family & Life Onboard

AM: 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. 

PM: 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 handcrafting 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.

Manatee Amazon's 5-Day Itinerary Day Three - Cooking Activities Onboard.
Location
Amazon River
Day
3 / 5

Forest Adventure & Observation Canopy Tower

AM: 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. 

PM: 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”.

Manatee Amazon's 5-Day Itinerary Day Four - Spotting Wildlife.
Location
Amazon River
Day
4 / 5

Disembarkation

AM: This is where our adventure ends! But first, we will enjoy our return to Puerto Providencia where we will disembark the Manatee Amazon Cruise and ride back to the city of Coca in the motorized canoe.

Manatee Amazon's 5-Day Itinerary Day Five - Disembarkation.
Location
Amazon River - Coca
Day
5 / 5
1 / 5

8 Day - Napo River Exploration

itinerary map

Embarkation

PM: 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 cruise 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 afterward, 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.

Manatee Amazon's 8-Day Itinerary Day One - Embarkation.
Location
Quito - Coca - Amazon River
Day
1 / 8

Home of the Pink Dolphin & The Secoya Community

AM: 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. 

PM: In the afternoon we will visit Yasuní 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 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.

Manatee Amazon's 8-Day Itinerary Day Two - Jungle Excursion.
Location
Amazon River
Day
2 / 8

Kichwa Family & Life Onboard

AM: 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. 

PM: 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 handcrafting 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.

Manatee Amazon's 8-Day Itinerary Day Three - Kayaking on the Amazon River.
Location
Amazon River
Day
3 / 8

Forest Adventure & Observation Canopy Tower

AM: 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. 

PM: 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”.

Manatee Amazon's 8-Day Itinerary Day Four - Kayaking on the Amazon River.
Location
Amazon River
Day
4 / 8

Indillama River, Napo River & Yasuni National Park

AM: We will begin the day kayaking on the Indillama River, one of the Napo River tributaries that will take us to Yasuní 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. 

PM: 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.

Manatee Amazon's 8-Day Itinerary Day Five - Feeding Pink River Dolphins.
Location
Amazon River
Day
5 / 8

Pañacocha Biological Corridor & The Mythical Piranha Lagoon

AM: 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. 

PM: 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 onboard the Manatee, we will build on what we learned with an interesting talk about the region given by our guides.

Manatee Amazon's 8-Day Itinerary Day Six - Kayaking on the Amazon River.
Location
Amazon River
Day
6 / 8

Parrot Clay Licks & Amazonian Communities

AM: 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. 

PM: 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.

Manatee Amazon's 8-Day Itinerary Day Seven - Spotting Wildlife.
Location
Amazon River
Day
7 / 8

Disembarkation

AM: 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.

Manatee Amazon's 8-Day Itinerary Day Eight - Disembarkation.
Location
Amazon River - Coca
Day
8 / 8
1 / 8

Accommodations

Social Areas

Lounge & Conference Room
Tsumi Bar
Al Fresco Dining
Crystal Room
Reading Room
Indoor Dining Room
Lobby Area
Boutique
Lounge & Conference Room Manatee Cruise
Manatee Cruise Bar
Outdoor Dining Manatee
Manatee's 'Crystal' Reading Room
Manatee Reading Room
Manatee Dining Room
Social Lobby Area Manatee Cruise
Boutique Shop Manatee

Suites & Cabins

Manatee’s Standard Suite. Manatee’s Standard Suite - Triple.
10 Cabins

Standard Suite

Guests
2 - 3
Size
20 m² / 215 ft²
Beds
Double / Twin

The Standard Suites are incredibly spacious and have a private balcony for you to relax in the environs of the Amazon. The suites are fully air-conditioned and have powerful hot water showers for you to refresh.

Manatee’s Deluxe Suite - King. Manatee’s Deluxe Suite - Bathroom. Manatee’s Deluxe Suite - Twin. Manatee’s Deluxe Suite - King.
4 Cabins

Deluxe Suite

Guests
2 - 3
Size
24 m² / 258 ft²
Beds
King / Twin

The Deluxe Suites can accommodate single, double or even triple occupancy with ease. The bathrooms feature a gorgeous whirlpool style tub and each cabin has its own private balcony, combined with ceiling high windows for an unrivalled view of the Amazon. 

Technical Information

Deck Plan

Features

  • Connecting cabins
  • Cabins with balconies
  • Air conditioning
  • Pool / Jacuzzi
  • Massage room
  • Lecture room
  • Wheelchair access
  • Camera room
  • WIFI available

Equipment

  • Satellite phone
  • Kayaks / Canoes
  • Fishing equipment
** Use of certain equipment at additional cost, ask for details
As Featured In