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Manatee Amazon Explorer Cruises
 The Manatee Amazon Explorer, received the award for Latin America’s  Best River Cruise Ship in the 2021 First Edition of the World Cruise Awards.
Visit two of the famous protected areas of eastern ECUADOR, the Yasuní National Park and the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. Come and enjoy a unique journey along the lush upper Napo River, one of the tributaries of the great Amazon River. We invite you to explore one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems, with its fascinating wildlife and stunning scenery. Experience the roar of howler monkeys, meet indigenous rainforest peoples and so much more on these 4,5 and 8 day cruises that depart every week on Mondays and Fridays. The 5 and 8 day cruises go beyond all of the lodges and signs of oil field work, into pristine territory.
In addition to our rainforest explorations, another important feature of the program will be our visits to the homes of forest residents. We will visit and learn what their lives are like, living on the edge of this vast trackless forest. A walk through their gardens is always interesting and we will learn their survival skills, which permit them to continue living in the complex tropical forest environment. Almost all forest dwellers collect plants for medicines and we will talk to them about which plants they collect and their uses. During our voyage you will have the opportunity to meet and interact with many different communities that live along the shores of the Napo River Basin.
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"Glamping" as a new program highlight. Each camp is fully sealed and above ground on a wooden platform, and is equipped with comfortable beds, charming rustic furniture, and superior service. Our guests will be able to enjoy gourmet meals, champagne and hot showers in our tented camp area after an exciting nature walk.You may choose between four different camp sites (Cocaya, Jatum Cocha Yasuni, Huririma and Sani), where you can enjoy and explore the beautiful rainforest and its incredible biodiversity of plants and animals, such as the black caimans or otters. In the evening, a local guide will tell you exciting stories about adventures and the way of life in the magical amazon region. In the morning, travelers will go for a kayak excursion on the river and observe incredible wildlife. After a delicious breakfast, they will go back on board the Manatee Amazon Explorer.

5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS ITINERARY
MONDAY – FRIDAY

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 Amazon, until we reach the Manatee Amazon Explorer and receive our 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; afterwards, guests will have the opportunity to explore our cruise ship and admire the rainforest landscape as we glide down the Napo River. After dinner, we will take a nighttime forest walk to observe the rainforest's nocturnal activity and vividly experience its biodiversity first-hand.

DAY 2 TUESDAY: THE HEART OF YASUNI NATIONAL PARK (HOME OF THE LEGENDARY PINK RIVER DOLPHIN)
Early in the morning, we will visit Yasuni National Park, a pristine region of the Ecuadorian Amazon, home to 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 known locally as the “stinky turkey”. In the afternoon, we will take a motorized canoe to a black-water lake, home to giant otters and the elusive manatee, and enjoy a pleasant hike in the riparian/gallery forest, with the chance to spot flocks of birds and marvel at the intricate organization of a colony of leaf-cutter ants.

DAY 3 WEDNESDAY: KICHWA FAMILY & 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 & OBSERVATION CANOPY TOWER
Our guests can relax and enjoy the Manatee Amazon Explorer during the morning and disembark to explore the nearby forest and discover a myriad of animals and plant species endemic to the Amazon basin. In the afternoon, we will visit a canopy tower built against a giant kapok tree and take in the view from the top as we loom above the lush treetops and look down on the sheer vastness of the Amazon. In the evening we will take a canoe onto the river to search for black caimans by flashlight.

DAY 5 FRIDAY: RETURN
This is where our adventure ends! Enjoy the final part of our return journey, then disembark the Manatee Amazon Explorer to take the motorized canoe 90 minutes back to Coca.
  • The deluxe cabins are on a higher deck.
  • 10 Standard Cabins have a  shower (standup, no tub) and are 20m2
  • 4 Deluxe Cabins have a jacuzzi  and are 24m2
  • Either cabin type is available with  matrimonial  or twin beds
IMPORTANT NOTES:
1. You must wear a life vest during all boat and canoe trips.
2. Trained naturalist Guides offer advice, give informative talks and conduct all excursions.
3. There is an entrance fee to Yasuni National Park of USD 20 per person (subject to change) and must be paid by passengers directly.
4. The programs described are subject to change without notice, and can be operated in different sequences depending on climatic and operational conditions. All decisions are oriented in terms of passengers interest and safety.
5. For your comfort, bottled water is supplied during your stay, free of charge.
6. All meals are included in the cost of the program. Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are available at extra cost.
7. Electricity is 110 volts AC.
"Everything was perfect! Thank you for asking. I really can’t thank you enough for your planning. The bus tour was on time, a comfortable way to travel and a knowledgeable tour guide. The travel to and from Coca was easy and the manatee was a perfect way to see the amazon. Thank you for all you did to make our vacation wonderful!"  Meg

"The trip went absolutely perfectly, thank you so much for getting that all arranged! I know these are difficult times and that makes it so much harder to make this happen so we really appreciate it.  Thank you again!"  Brody and Cyd 

4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS ITINERARY
FRIDAY – MONDAY

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 Amazon, until we reach the Manatee Amazon Explorer and receive our 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; afterwards, guests will have the opportunity to explore our cruise ship and admire the rainforest landscape as we glide down the Napo River. After dinner, we will take a nighttime forest walk to observe the rainforest's nocturnal activity and vividly experience its biodiversity first-hand

DAY 2 SATURDAY: PAÑACOCHA BIOLOGICAL CORRIDOR
We will travel downstream to the Pañayacu River delta, where we will take a canoe trip to Pañacocha Lake (“Piranha Lake” in the native Kichwa), an ecosystem flooded by black-waters. The surrounding protected rainforest is home to primates and birds, and is the perfect habitat for piranhas, paiches (one of the largest freshwater fishes in the world), the white caiman, and hundreds of other aquatic animals. We will participate in nature walks led by local naturalist guides, and relax at a nearby campsite, where we will enjoy an Amazon-style BBQ. After lunch, we will do some kayaking and swimming activities. Back on board the Manatee, our guests will have the opportunity to attend a lecture and watch an educational documentary about the region.

DAY 3 SUNDAY: PARROT CLAY LICKS – AMAZONIAN COMMUNITIES & OBSERVATION TOWER
In the morning we will set out on canoes to observe one of the most incredible sights on this side of the Western Amazon, the parrot clay licks. This unique place is rich in minerals and attracts hundreds of colorful parrots, parakeets and amazon birds. Afterwards, we will visit a Kichwa Cultural Center, where we will learn about Amazon communities and their ancestral culture, traditions, and cuisine. Members of the local community will teach us about indigenous lifestyles along the Napo River, and we will have the opportunity to support the community by purchasing handicrafts, local products, and souvenirs. Before sunset, we will visit an observation tower in the rainforest canopy, which offers an astonishing 360-degree view of the Amazon basin. Bird-lovers will especially enjoy this outing.

DAY 4 MONDAY: RETURN
This is where our adventure ends! Enjoy the final part of our return journey, then disembark the Manatee Amazon Explorer to take the motorized canoe 90 minutes back to Coca.

8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS ITINERARY
MONDAY – MONDAY or
​FRIDAY-FRIDAY

This is a combination of the 3 and 4 night itineraries
From January to June 2026,  selected departures allow travelers to navigate the Napo River aboard the  Manatee Amazon Explorer. During these months, you will explore one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, travel through pristine landscapes, and engage with local communities who share their culture and way of life.

This limited-time offer is valid for bookings confirmed by March 31, 2026. Enjoy 20% off for the 2nd guest on the Manatee Explorer for these dates:

4 day/3 night, Fri.-Mon. - Jan. 30-Feb. 2, Feb. 13-16*, Feb. 20-23*, Feb. 27-Mar 2, Apr 10-13*, May 8-11*, June 5-8*, June 12-15, June 26-29
5 day/4 night, Mon.-Fri. - Jan. 26-30*, Feb. 16-20*, Feb. 23-27*, Mar 23-27, Mar 30-Apr 3, Apr 13-17, Apr 27-May 1, May 4-8*, May 11-15, May 18-22, June 1-5*, June 8-12*, June 22-26*
* Ask for 8 days departures

  • The promotion is valid for new bookings until March 31, 2026, and cannot be used with any other discount.
  • The deal applies to specific selected departures from January to June 2026.
  • Rates are based on International rates.
  • Full non-refundable payment is required at the time of booking
  • All bookings are subject to availability and written confirmation.
  • Additional conditions may apply
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Enjoy a 10% discount on the Manatee Explorer,  applicable to all departures from July to December 2026 and throughout 2027. The promotion is valid for bookings made by March 31, 2026.
  • valid for new bookings made by March 31, 2026, and cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions.
  • Valid for departures from July 1, 2026, to December 19, 2027, except Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
  • Minimum recommended age for children: 6 years.
  • Rates are based on International  rates.
  • A 20% non-refundable deposit is required at the moment of booking.
  • All bookings are subject to availability and written confirmation.
  • Restrictions apply.

2026 rates per person, double occupancy for Manatee Explorer:
room type
suite type
4 days
5 days
8 days
double
standard
$2415
$3016
$4827
double
deluxe
$3022
$3770
$6030
2027 rates per person, double occupancy for Manatee Explorer:
room type
suite type
4 days
5 days
8 days
double
standard
$2542
$3175
$5081
double
deluxe
$3181
$3968
$6347
*Child rate of 50% off applies for each adult, ie 1 adult/1 child, 2 adults/2 children. If there are 3 children and 2 adults the third child will pay full adult rate.
​Triple rate of 45% off can only be applied if 3rd person is under 12
​add 50% to double rate for single occupancy
Glamping = $500 per person per night
Tariff Subject to change without previous notice, Prices are per person. A cancellation policy applies.

The Exploration Trips include:
• River Transportation.
• Accommodations in Single, Double or Triple Staterooms.
• All Meals (B, L, D), snacks, etc.
• Purified Water
• Excursions in the forest (all kind).
• Visits to Native Communities.
• Excursions Leaders (Biologists, Zoologists, Botanists, etc).
• Lectures by our Excursions Leaders.

Does Not Include:
• Air Fare Quito-Coca-Quito : Round trip (Quito – Coca – Quito): USD 250.00 One way (Quito – Coca / Coca – Quito): USD 140.00 (subject to change)
• Travel Insurance
• Gratuities
• Bar Drinks, Soft Drinks
• Community entrance fees $ 70* (4 and 5 days) and $ 80* (8 days) 
Extra charge for wi fi: $15 per cruise
RESERVATIONS
​A reservation is valid only with a written confirmation. Once the reservation is confirmed, the client has a time limit of 5 business days to send a deposit of 20% of the total invoice  in order to hold and guarantee the reservation. Our system automatically eliminates all reservations that don´t have a deposit registered after the time limit specified above.
Full payment is required 65 days prior to the cruise departure.
 
CANCELLATION TERMS

Long-Term Cancellations
    • From booking confirmation date to 61 days prior to cruise departure:
      All initial deposits are non-refundable.
Short-Term Cancellations
    • 60 days or less prior to cruise departure:
      Total payment is non-refundable and will be applied as the cancellation fee.
We strongly recommend that our guests take out travel insurance for increased protection.
PLEASE NOTE:
  • Certain third-party arrangements may not be changed after confirmation, and any change or cancellation regarding these may result in a charge of up to 100% of the total cost, depending on the third parties offering the services.
  • For cancellations, any applicable wire fees and credit card commissions will be deducted from the refund calculation.
  • Depending on the future conditions of the pandemic, we can modify the policies detailed above. This will be communicated in a timely manner to your preferred contact details.​​
Amazon Adventures