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Pink dolphin

Amazon Exploration: Search for the Pink Dolphin

Example 5 Day Cruise aboard Manatee
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Board the M/V Manatee for this fascinating 5-day itinerary on the Amazon river. Visit remote villages and sail through unique and fragile ecosystems on your luxurious small-ship voyage. Join excursions into the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest to encounter a unique and untamed biodiversity, while your experienced crew takes care of every detail of your trip.
Getting a guided tour through the Amazon.Golden Tamarins are one of many types of animals you will see on your Amazon cruiseA group of swimmers enjoying the water.View stunning wildlife while exploring the Amazon aboard the ManateePink dolphin
Highlights
  • Search for the legendary pink river dolphin, black caiman & anaconda
  • Visit a school located on the banks of the Napo River & meet local children
  • View the rainforest from a 100-foot-high observation tower
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Quito | Fly to Coca | Embark

Depart from Quito in the morning and after a 30 minute flight arrive at Francisco de Orellana (Coca). Arrive in Coca and transfer to the docks to embark on a motorized canoe. Navigate down the river for about 60 minutes before meeting the M/V Manatee.Throughout the journey you have a chance to admire the rainforest landscape and sand banks of the great Napo River.

Immediately after boarding the M/V Manatee, continue navigating downstream. Settle in to your cabin and familiarize yourself with the ship as you sail. In the evening, disembark and take an evening walk to experience the forest's nocturnal activity.

Day 2: Yasuni National Park | Amazonian Communities

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: Visit to a Local Community | Life onboard

Start the day off by visiting an authentic Kichwa family on the banks of the Napo River, where you receive the opportunity to learn directly from members of the local community. 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 handicrafts 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: Forest Adveture | Observation Canopy Tower

Relax and enjoy the Manatee Amazon Explorer during the morning and disembark to 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.

In the afternoon, visit a canopy tower, built against a giant Kapok tree. 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.

In the evening, venture into the river on a canoe to search for black caimans with the help of your flashlights.

Day 5: Disembark | Coca | Fly to Quito

  • 1 Breakfast
In the morning visit the Amazonian Turtles, followed by a brunch on board the cruise ship. After brunch, disembark the Manatee and transfer by motorized canoe to Coca (1-hour ride), and fly to Quito.

Ship/Hotel

Manatee

Manatee

Manatee

The Manatee Amazon Explorer is an intimate way to explore the great Amazon - it holds just 30 passengers, and is a stunning example of jungle comfort and luxury.
Manatee Sun Deck
Manatee
Manatee

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

2026 DEALS - MANATEE 30064
The Ecuadorian Amazon awaits you aboard the Manatee Yacht.

Get up to 20% off for the second guest on selected 2026 departures.
Valid for new bookings until March 31, 2026.

Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
 
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MANATEE EARLY - MONKEY 30340
Explore the most biodiverse region on the planet—now it’s possible.

Plan ahead and enjoy a 10% discount aboard the Manatee Yacht. Valid for all departures from July to December 2026 and throughout 2027. Applicable to all bookings made by March 31, 2026. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
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Per person starting at
$3,016 2-3 travelers
Standard
20 sq meters, 10 cabins, 8 with twin single or double beds and 2 triple occupancy cabins with a twin bunk and a single bed. Each cabin features large picture windows and a balcony. Equipped with air conditioning, closets, bedside table, 24 hours of electricity and 110-voltage outlets and switches.
Deluxe
24 sq meters, 4 suites with twin single or double beds, or a double bed and a single pull out bed in the triple occupancy cabins. Each cabin features large picture windows, a balcony, and private Jacuzzi style baths. Each cabin is equipped with air conditioning, closets, bedside table, 24 hours of electricity and 110-voltage outlets and switches.
Included
  • 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners
  • 4 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Transfers to/from the vessel when arriving on recommended flights.
  • All excursions, rain ponchos, and rubber boots.
  • Exclusive access to VIP Lounge in Coca city (before and after the cruise).
  • Private & personalized assistance for Quito - Coca - Quito flights at both airports on the recommended flights.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Transportation to and from Quito airport.
  • All alcoholic & Non-alcoholic drinks
  • Satellite internet
  • Contribution to local communities

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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
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