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 exclusively - designed vessel set to explore the Amazon in style.
The 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.
South America
Amazon Explorer
5 Days aboard Manatee Amazon Explorer . From NZD $5,585$5,027pp.
Details
Overview
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Book by 28th February 2025
Itinerary Highlights
- Visit local family homes and meet representative members of the Amazonian community
- Shopping for local handcrafts made by local communities
- Learn about ancient cultures that lived in the area at the Archaeological/Ethnographic Museum
- Take a canoe trip to seek out some of the most rare wildlife
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Quito - Coca - Napo River
- Day 2: The Heart of Yasuni National Park & Secoya Community
- Day 3: Kichwa Family & Life on Board
- Day 4: Observation Canopy Tower & Forest Adventure
- Day 5: Coca - Quito - Airport
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1: Quito - Coca - Napo River
Our adventure begins in the city of Quito, Capital of Ecuador. After taking a short 30- minute flight from Quito to the Amazon city of Coca, located in the Orellana Province, we will transfer to the dock and board our motorized canoe to begin our 90-minute journey down the river, taking in the first sights and sounds of the Amazon. Soon, we will reach the Manatee Amazon Explorer and receive our welcome aboard.
Once we have settled into the Manatee Amazon Explorer, we will be joined by expert local naturalist guides who will provide us with a brief and informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon. After, guests will have their first opportunity to discover the exciting features of our cruise ship: spacious social areas, comfortable suites, and the observation deck that allows us to admire the changing rainforest landscape as we glide down the Napo River.
After dinner, we will plunge straight into the Amazon rainforest by going for a nighttime forest walk (optional excursion) to observe the forest’s nocturnal activity and experience the thrill of the vivid noises and aromas that come from so much biodiversity.
Day 2: The Heart of Yasuni National Park & Secoya Community
After a delicious breakfast, we will go on a motorized canoe to spend some time exploring one of the large islands where we could see eagles, oropendolas, woodpeckers, and many other birds.
We will then board the Manatee Amazon Explorer for lunch and enjoy of the onboard experiences such us a spectacular ever-changing scenery view from the Amazon hut tub, a delicious cocktail at the bar and lounge, or admire the breathtaking landscapes from the observation deck.
Later in the afternoon, we will visit Yasuní National Park, a pristine and relatively undisturbed region of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Our guests will be pleased to learn that this is the home of the legendary pink river dolphin! In this area, we can also find anacondas, river turtles and various primate species, as well as the colorful hoatzin, a unique bird that is known locally as the stinky turkey.
Near Yasuní live the Secoyas, a minority community that our guests will have the opportunity to visit and share their traditions and lifestyle.
Day 3: Kichwa Family & Life on Board
We will start the day off by visiting an authentic Kichwa family located on the banks of the Napo River, where we will have the opportunity to learn directly from members of the local community.
We will then board the Manatee Amazon Explorer for some leisure time as we continue our navigation upstream. At this time, our guests will be delighted with our life onboard activities and participate in a cooking lesson with our expert chef who will share recipes and techniques using fresh and organic ingredients to prepare exquisite traditional Ecuadorian food that you can replicate at home. After lunch, guests are also invited to try their hand at making traditional handicrafts and attend an ancestral cultures lecture with one of our local guides. For our more active guests, a kayaking activity is the best choice to explore the surrounding nature. There is an option for everyone!
Day 4: Observation Canopy Tower & Forest Adventure
Our guests can relax and enjoy the Manatee Amazon Explorer during the morning. After, they will disembark to visit an observation tower in the rainforest canopy, which offers astonishing 360-degree vistas. The perspective at the top of this observation tower is truly glorious, looming above the lush treetops and providing a view of the sheer vastness of the Amazon Basin. This is the perfect photo opportunity! Birdwatchers and bird-lovers alike will especially enjoy this outing.
In the afternoon, we will explore the nearby forest for a walk to discover a myriad of different animals and plant species that can only be found in the Amazon basin. A kayak activity is also available to explore this area.
Back on board the Manatee Amazon Explorer, we will be delighted with an exquisite farewell dinner.
Day 5: Coca - Quito - Airport
This is where our adventure ends! Enjoy the last part of our return journey onboard and then disembark the Manatee Amazon Explorer to take the motorized canoe back to Coca (90 minutes ride approximately).
Next Departure Date: 27 Jan 2025
| Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 Jan 2025 - 31 Jan 2025 | NZD$5585pp | ||
| Standard Suites | NZD$5585pp | Contact us | |
| Deluxe Suites | NZD$6981pp | Contact us | |
| 03 Feb 2025 - 07 Feb 2025 | NZD$5585pp | ||
| 10 Feb 2025 - 14 Feb 2025 | NZD$5585pp | ||
| 17 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2025 | NZD$5585pp | ||
| 24 Feb 2025 - 28 Feb 2025 | NZD$5585pp | ||
| 03 Mar 2025 - 07 Mar 2025 | NZD$5585pp | ||
| 10 Mar 2025 - 14 Mar 2025 | NZD$5585pp | ||
| 17 Mar 2025 - 21 Mar 2025 | NZD$5585pp | ||
| 24 Mar 2025 - 28 Mar 2025 | NZD$5585pp | ||
| 31 Mar 2025 - 04 Apr 2025 | NZD$5585pp | ||
| 07 Apr 2025 - 11 Apr 2025 | NZD$5585pp | ||
| 14 Apr 2025 - 18 Apr 2025 | NZD$5585pp | ||
| 21 Apr 2025 - 25 Apr 2025 | NZD$5585pp | ||
| 28 Apr 2025 - 02 May 2025 | NZD$5585pp | ||
| 05 May 2025 - 09 May 2025 | NZD$5585pp | ||
| 12 May 2025 - 16 May 2025 | NZD$5585pp | ||
| 19 May 2025 - 23 May 2025 | NZD$5585pp | ||
| 26 May 2025 - 30 May 2025 | NZD$5585pp | ||
| 02 Jun 2025 - 06 Jun 2025 | NZD$5027pp | ||
| 09 Jun 2025 - 13 Jun 2025 | NZD$5027pp | ||
| 16 Jun 2025 - 20 Jun 2025 | NZD$5027pp | ||
| 23 Jun 2025 - 27 Jun 2025 | NZD$5027pp | ||
| 30 Jun 2025 - 04 Jul 2025 | NZD$5027pp | ||
| 07 Jul 2025 - 11 Jul 2025 | NZD$5027pp | ||
| 14 Jul 2025 - 18 Jul 2025 | NZD$5027pp | ||
| 21 Jul 2025 - 25 Jul 2025 | NZD$5027pp | ||
| 28 Jul 2025 - 01 Aug 2025 | NZD$5027pp | ||
| 04 Aug 2025 - 08 Aug 2025 | NZD$5027pp | ||
| 11 Aug 2025 - 15 Aug 2025 | NZD$5027pp | ||
| 18 Aug 2025 - 22 Aug 2025 | NZD$5027pp | ||
| 25 Aug 2025 - 29 Aug 2025 | NZD$5027pp | ||
| 01 Sep 2025 - 05 Sep 2025 | NZD$5027pp | ||
| 08 Sep 2025 - 12 Sep 2025 | NZD$5027pp | ||
| 15 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025 | NZD$5027pp | ||
| 22 Sep 2025 - 26 Sep 2025 | NZD$5027pp | ||
| 29 Sep 2025 - 03 Oct 2025 | NZD$5027pp | ||
| 06 Oct 2025 - 10 Oct 2025 | NZD$5027pp | ||
| 13 Oct 2025 - 17 Oct 2025 | NZD$5027pp | ||
| 20 Oct 2025 - 24 Oct 2025 | NZD$5027pp | ||
| 27 Oct 2025 - 31 Oct 2025 | NZD$5027pp | ||
| 03 Nov 2025 - 07 Nov 2025 | NZD$5027pp | ||
| 10 Nov 2025 - 14 Nov 2025 | NZD$5027pp | ||
| 17 Nov 2025 - 21 Nov 2025 | NZD$5027pp | ||
| 24 Nov 2025 - 28 Nov 2025 | NZD$5027pp | ||
| 01 Dec 2025 - 05 Dec 2025 | NZD$5027pp | ||
| 08 Dec 2025 - 12 Dec 2025 | NZD$5027pp | ||
| 15 Dec 2025 - 19 Dec 2025 | NZD$5027pp | ||
| 22 Dec 2025 - 26 Dec 2025 | NZD$5027pp | ||
| 29 Dec 2025 - 02 Jan 2026 | NZD$5027pp |
Alternative itinerary options:
- 4 Day Manatee Amazon Explorer: Amazon Explorer
- 8 Day Manatee Amazon Explorer: Amazon Explorer (A)
- 8 Day Manatee Amazon Explorer: Amazon Explorer (B)
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Standard Suites
10 Standard Suites (20 m²/ 215 ft²), 5 suites with 1 queen bed and 5 suites with 2 twin beds.
Deluxe Suites
4 Deluxe Suites (24 m²/ 258 ft²), 2 suites with 1 queen bed and 2 suites with 2 twin beds, each with a private whirlpool tub facing the river.
Manatee Amazon Explorer Deckplan
Specifications
Registered in: Coca 2017
Manufactured: Coca, Ecuador
Length: 37 meters
Beam: 23 feets / 7 meters
Tonnage: 214.04grt
Maximum speed: 15.0 knots downstream
Speed: With the current, up to 15.0 knots/ Against the current, between 5.0 to 8.0 knots
Capacity: 10 standard suites (2 triples) and 4 deluxe suites( own jaccuzzi at Deluxe suites)All with air conditioning system, private balcony, ceiling to floor windows, hair dryer,safety box.
Crew members: 10, including a cruise manager, English-speaking naturalist guides, 4 native guides, Captain,and crew members.
Communication devices: Telephone, HF and VHF radio.Satellite internet.
Whats included?
- All meals on board.
- All excursions, rain ponchos, and rubber boots.
- Transfers to / from the vessel when arriving on our recommended flights.
- Exclusive access to our VIP Lounge in Coca city (before and after the cruise).
- Private & personalized assistance for Quito - Coca - Quito flights at both airports on our recommended flights.
What’s not included?
- Air ticket (USD 250 net per person)
- Contribution to local communities (USD 70 net per person for 3 & 4-night cruises and USD 80 net per person for 7-night cruises)
- Transfers to and from Quito airport
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities
- Satellite internet and any other unspecified services
Notes
NOTE: The foregoing itinerary is our standard operating model. We intend to offer everything as planned and will make every effort to do so, however depending on inclement weather, technical or operational difficulties beyond our control, the Manatee Amazon Explorer reserves the right to modify the itinerary without notice.
• For our adventurous guests, this day, we are pleased to offer a camping program as an alternative manner to explore this enchanting destination (Optional activity for the 5 & 8 days Itinerary).
- Please visit our website to review our sales terms and conditions.
- Minimum recommended age: 6 years.
- Maximum availability for Triple Suites:4 triple suites (1 queen bed and 1 additional sliding bed).
- Please inquire about availability for single-use suites.
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
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