First-class Amazon River Cruise
Manatee Amazon river cruise

First-Class Amazon River Cruise

Specially Designed to Cruise the Amazon Rainforest

The Manatee is a First-Class Amazon river cruise that will take you 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 an exclusively – designed vessel set to explore the Amazon in style.

Manatee Activities

Manatee Amazon Explorer allows its 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.

First-class Amazon River Cruise Accommodation

  • 4 Deluxe cabins with private whirlpool bathtubs (2 queens and 2 twin size bed)
  • 10 Standard cabins (5 queens and 5 twin size bed)

Facilities onboard the Manatee River Cruise

  • All cabins feature private balconies
  • All cabins are equipped with air conditioning system and a private bathroom with hot water
  • 2 cabins with queen bed, in any category, could be converted in triple cabins designed for 2 adults and 1 child under 12 years old, in sliding bed

Amenities

Make yourself at home with a complete range of onboard amenities.

  • A comfortable bar and lounge
  • Conference room
  • A cozy reading room
  • the Rainforest Spa
  • the Explorer´s Boutique
  • an Alfresco Lounge
  • Beautiful dining room
  • Outdoor Hot Tub
  • Observation deck

Manatee ensures that you enjoy the perfect rainforest journey in full comfort, navigating deep into the heart of one of the new seven wonders of the natural world, the Amazon.

Conservation and Eco-Friendliness

We are committed to caring for natural resources and the conservation of local cultures by applying responsible and sustainable tourism practices and community involvement in all of our operations. We have also initiated Capi’s Amazon River Program (CARP) that manages 3 non-profit sustainable rescue projects for endangered animals in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest: The Charapas turtle, the Pink River Dolphin, and the Manatee.

Connoisseur Amazon Tip:

As with the Anakonda River Cruise, cruising the Amazon Rainforest is by far the best option. If you are looking for a river cruise and want to consider a more budget-friendly option the Manatee Explorer is a perfect choice!

Check out the video below..

Manatee River Cruise Information

Manatee River Cruise Activities


• Indigenous Community Immersion

• Canopy Observation Tower

• Rainforest Walks – Day and Night

• Birdwatching

• BBQ Pit

• Swimming

• Kayaking

• Canoe Excursions

• Cooking Lessons – Traditional Dishes

• Handicraft demonstration

• Traditional Amazonian delicacies

• Stargazing

• Glamping (optional & additional cost)

The Manatee Amazon River Cruise has 2 long 8-day itineraries and 4 and 5-day options as well. You can find all 4 itineraries below.

Manatee Amazon River Cruise – 8 days/7 nights Itinerary


Friday – Friday


Day 1: Friday: Quito-Coca-Napo River

Your 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 Province of San Francisco de Orellana, take a  transfer to the dock and board a motorized canoe to begin our journey down the river for approximately an hour and a half, taking in the first sights and sounds of the Amazon. Soon after, reach the Anakonda Amazon Cruise ship and be welcomed aboard.

Once you have settled into the Anakonda Amazon Cruise ship, you will be joined by expert local naturalist guides who will provide us with a brief and informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon, after which 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 by going for a nighttime forest walk 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: Saturday: Pañacocha Biological Corridor

Continue to travel downstream to the Pañayacu River delta, where we will take a canoe trip to experience the sights of this fascinating water reserve. Pañacocha Lake is an ecosystem flooded by blackwaters. Pañacocha means “Piranha Lake” in the native Quechua language. The surrounding protected Rainforest is home to 9 species of primates, 500 species of birds and more than 100 fish species. This is the perfect habitat for Piranhas, the Water Monkey Fish (Arawana) and the White Caiman. In this little piece of paradise, we will participate in nature walks led by our local naturalist guides, and relax at a nearby campsite where we will enjoy a delicious Amazon-style BBQ and refreshing beverages.

After lunch, you will do some kayaking, and the bravest among us will enjoy a nice refreshing swim in the Piranha Lake! We promise it’s not as dangerous as it sounds!

Back on board the Anakonda Amazon Cruises, our guests will have the opportunity to attend a lecture given by our concierge and watch an educational documentary about the region.


Day 3: Sunday: Parrot Clay Licks / Amazonian Communities / Observation Tower

This morning, you 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, every day.

Later, we will visit the Quechua 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 local 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 and is the perfect photo opportunity! Birdwatchers and bird-lovers alike will especially enjoy this outing.


Day 4: Monday: Indillama and Napo River / The Northern Side of the Yasuni National Park 

We will begin the day kayaking along the Indillama River, one of the Napo River’s tributaries, which leads us into Yasuni National Park. Kayaks are smooth and silent, providing the very best opportunity to observe wildlife. Canoes can also be used to travel in search of more wildlife. The choice is yours! In these waters, you will find yourself surrounded by lush greenery. After an adventure-filled day, you may choose to take advantage of our observation deck where you can relax and experience a magical view under the stars. Our more energetic guests may choose to unwind with a night walk through the jungle to observe nocturnal creatures.


Day 5: Tuesday: The Heart of the Yasuni National Park

Early in the morning, we will visit Yasuni National Park. This is 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”.

Later in the afternoon, we will go canoeing in a blackwater lake, home to giant otters and the magnificent, albeit elusive manatee. We will also enjoy a pleasant hike in the Riparian/Gallery Forest, where we have the chance to spot a flock of birds and marvel at the intricate organization of a colony of leaf-cutter ants by the “Giant Fig Tree”, a truly majestic tree that is home to an abundance of wildlife, much like the “Giant Kapok Tree”.


Day 6: Wednesday: Quechua Family and Life on Board

We will start the day off by visiting an authentic Quechua family located on the banks of the Napo River, where we will receive cultural immersion and the opportunity to learn directly from members of the local community. We will then board the Manatee Amazon Explorer for lunch and some leisure time as we continue our navigation upstream. At this time, our guests will be delighted with our life onboard experiences and participate in a cooking class 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.

Guests are also invited to try their hands at making traditional handicrafts or enjoy our onboard facilities such as: a relaxing massage at the Rainforest Spa, a spectacular ever-changing scenery view from our Amazon Hut Tub, a delicious cocktail at our Bar and Lounge or just admire the amazing sunset or the stargazing at night from our Observation Deck Lounge. For our more active guests, a kayaking activity is the best choice to explore the nature around. There is an option for everyone!

*This day we are pleased to offer a camping program for our adventurous guests which is an alternative manner to explore this enchanting destination

(Optional activity for the 5 & 8 days Itinerary).


Day 7: Thursday: Forest Adventure and Observation Canopy Tower

This morning, you 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, every day.

Later, we will visit the Quechua 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 local 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 and is the perfect photo opportunity! Birdwatchers and bird-lovers alike will especially enjoy this outing.


Day 8: Friday: Farewell to Anakonda River Cruise 

This is where our adventure ends! Enjoy the last part of our return journey onboard and then disembark the Anakonda Amazon Cruises to take the motorized canoe back to Coca (one-and-a-half-hour ride).


Manatee Amazon River Cruise – 8 days/7 nights Itinerary


Monday – Monday


Day 1: Monday: Quito-Coca-Napo River

Your 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 Province of San Francisco de Orellana, take a  transfer to the dock and board a motorized canoe to begin our journey down the river for approximately an hour and a half, taking in the first sights and sounds of the Amazon. Soon after, reach the Anakonda Amazon Cruise ship and be welcomed aboard.

Once you have settled into the Anakonda Amazon Cruise ship, you will be joined by expert local naturalist guides who will provide us with a brief and informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon, after which 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 by going for a nighttime forest walk 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: Tuesday: The Heart of Yasuni National Park (Home of the Legendary Pink River Dolphin)

Early in the morning, we will visit Yasuni National Park. This is 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”.

Later in the afternoon, we will go canoeing in a blackwater lake, home to giant otters and the magnificent, albeit elusive manatee. We will also enjoy a pleasant hike in the Riparian/Gallery Forest, where we have the chance to spot a flock of birds and marvel at the intricate organization of a colony of leaf-cutter ants by the “Giant Fig Tree”, a truly majestic tree that is home to an abundance of wildlife, much like the “Giant Kapok Tree”.


Day 3: Wednesday: Quechua Family and Life on Board

We will start the day off by visiting an authentic Quechua family located on the banks of the Napo River, where we will receive cultural immersion and the opportunity to learn directly from members of the local community. We will then board the Manatee Amazon Explorer for lunch and some leisure time as we continue our navigation upstream. At this time, our guests will be delighted with our life onboard experiences and participate in a cooking class 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.

Guests are also invited to try their hands at making traditional handicrafts or enjoy our onboard facilities such as: a relaxing massage at the Rainforest Spa, a spectacular ever-changing scenery view from our Amazon Hut Tub, a delicious cocktail at our Bar and Lounge or just admire the amazing sunset or the stargazing at night from our Observation Deck Lounge. For our more active guests, a kayaking activity is the best choice to explore the nature around. There is an option for everyone!

*This day we are pleased to offer a camping program for our adventurous guests which is an alternative manner to explore this enchanting destination

(Optional activity for the 5 & 8 days Itinerary).


Day 4: Thursday: Forest Adventure and Observation Canopy Tower

Our guests can relax and enjoy the Anakonda Amazon Cruises 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, we will 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, we will bravely venture into the river on a canoe to search for black caimans with the help of our flashlights.


Day 5: Friday: Indillama and Napo River / The Northern Side of the Yasuni National Park 

We will begin the day kayaking along the Indillama River, one of the Napo River’s tributaries, which leads us into Yasuni National Park. Kayaks are smooth and silent, providing the very best opportunity to observe wildlife. Canoes can also be used to travel in search of more wildlife. The choice is yours! In these waters, you will find yourself surrounded by lush greenery. After an adventure-filled day, you may choose to take advantage of our observation deck where you can relax and experience a magical view under the stars. Our more energetic guests may choose to unwind with a night walk through the jungle to observe nocturnal creatures.


Day 6: Saturday: Pañacocha Biological Corridor

Continue to travel downstream to the Pañayacu River delta, where we will take a canoe trip to experience the sights of this fascinating water reserve. Pañacocha Lake is an ecosystem flooded by blackwaters. Pañacocha means “Piranha Lake” in the native Quechua language. The surrounding protected Rainforest is home to 9 species of primates, 500 species of birds and more than 100 fish species. This is the perfect habitat for Piranhas, the Water Monkey Fish (Arawana) and the White Caiman. In this little piece of paradise, we will participate in nature walks led by our local naturalist guides, and relax at a nearby campsite where we will enjoy a delicious Amazon-style BBQ and refreshing beverages.

After lunch, you will do some kayaking, and the bravest among us will enjoy a nice refreshing swim in the Piranha Lake! We promise it’s not as dangerous as it sounds!

Back on board the Anakonda Amazon Cruises, our guests will have the opportunity to attend a lecture given by our concierge and watch an educational documentary about the region.


Day 7: Sunday: Parrot Clay Licks / Amazonian Communities / Observation Tower

This morning, you 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, every day.

Later, we will visit the Quechua 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 local 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 and is the perfect photo opportunity!

Birdwatchers and bird-lovers alike will especially enjoy this outing.


Day 8: Monday: Farewell to Anakonda River Cruise 

This is where our adventure ends! Enjoy the last part of our return journey onboard and then disembark the Anakonda Amazon Cruises to take the motorized canoe back to Coca (one-and-a-half-hour ride).


Manatee Amazon River Cruise – 4 days/3 nights Itinerary


Friday-Monday


Day 1: Friday: Quito-Coca-Napo River

Your 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 Province of San Francisco de Orellana, take a  transfer to the dock and board a motorized canoe to begin our journey down the river for approximately an hour and a half, taking in the first sights and sounds of the Amazon. Soon after, reach the Anakonda Amazon Cruise ship and be welcomed aboard.

Once you have settled into the Anakonda Amazon Cruise ship, you will be joined by expert local naturalist guides who will provide us with a brief and informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon, after which 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 by going for a nighttime forest walk 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: Saturday: Pañacocha Biological Corridor

Continue to travel downstream to the Pañayacu River delta, where we will take a canoe trip to experience the sights of this fascinating water reserve. Pañacocha Lake is an ecosystem flooded by blackwaters. Pañacocha means “Piranha Lake” in the native Quechua language. The surrounding protected Rainforest is home to 9 species of primates, 500 species of birds and more than 100 fish species. This is the perfect habitat for Piranhas, the Water Monkey Fish (Arawana) and the White Caiman. In this little piece of paradise, we will participate in nature walks led by our local naturalist guides, and relax at a nearby campsite where we will enjoy a delicious Amazon-style BBQ and refreshing beverages.

After lunch, you will do some kayaking, and the bravest among us will enjoy a nice refreshing swim in the Piranha Lake! We promise it’s not as dangerous as it sounds!

Back on board the Anakonda Amazon Cruises, our guests will have the opportunity to attend a lecture given by our concierge and watch an educational documentary about the region.


Day 3: Sunday: Parrot Clay Licks / Amazonian Communities / Observation Tower

This morning, you 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, every day.

Later, we will visit the Quechua 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 local 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 and is the perfect photo opportunity! Birdwatchers and bird-lovers alike will especially enjoy this outing.


Day 4: Monday: Farewell to Anakonda Cruise 

This is where our adventure ends! Enjoy the last part of our return journey onboard and then disembark the Anakonda Amazon Cruises to take the motorized canoe back to Coca (one-and-a-half-hour ride).

End of services 

Manatee Amazon River Cruise – 5 days/4 nights Itinerary


Monday – Friday


Day 1: Monday: Quito-Coca-Napo River

Your 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 Province of San Francisco de Orellana, take a  transfer to the dock and board a motorized canoe to begin our journey down the river for approximately an hour and a half, taking in the first sights and sounds of the Amazon. Soon after, reach the Anakonda Amazon Cruise ship and be welcomed aboard.

Once you have settled into the Anakonda Amazon Cruise ship, you will be joined by expert local naturalist guides who will provide us with a brief and informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon, after which 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 by going for a nighttime forest walk 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: Tuesday: The Heart of Yasuni National Park (Home of the Legendary Pink River Dolphin)

Early in the morning, we will visit Yasuni National Park. This is 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”.

Later in the afternoon, we will go canoeing in a blackwater lake, home to giant otters and the magnificent, albeit elusive manatee. We will also enjoy a pleasant hike in the Riparian/Gallery Forest, where we have the chance to spot a flock of birds and marvel at the intricate organization of a colony of leaf-cutter ants by the “Giant Fig Tree”, a truly majestic tree that is home to an abundance of wildlife, much like the “Giant Kapok Tree”.


Day 3: Wednesday: Quechua Family and Life on Board

We will start the day off by visiting an authentic Quechua family located on the banks of the Napo River, where we will receive cultural immersion and the opportunity to learn directly from members of the local community. We will then board the Manatee Amazon Explorer for lunch and some leisure time as we continue our navigation upstream. At this time, our guests will be delighted with our life onboard experiences and participate in a cooking class 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.

Guests are also invited to try their hands at making traditional handicrafts or enjoy our onboard facilities such as: a relaxing massage at the Rainforest Spa, a spectacular ever-changing scenery view from our Amazon Hut Tub, a delicious cocktail at our Bar and Lounge or just admire the amazing sunset or the stargazing at night from our Observation Deck Lounge. For our more active guests, a kayaking activity is the best choice to explore the nature around. There is an option for everyone!

*This day we are pleased to offer a camping program for our adventurous guests which is an alternative manner to explore this enchanting destination

(Optional activity for the 5 & 8 days Itinerary).


Day 4: Thursday: Forest Adventure and Observation Canopy Tower

Our guests can relax and enjoy the Anakonda Amazon Cruises 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, we will 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, we will bravely venture into the river on a canoe to search for black caimans with the help of our flashlights.


Day 5: Friday: Farewell to Anakonda Cruise

This is where our adventure ends! Enjoy the last part of our return journey onboard and then disembark the Anakonda Amazon Cruises to take the motorized canoe back to Coca (one-and-a-half-hour ride).

Manatee Amazon River Cruise 2020 Rates

Manatee 2020 Rates

Included


  • Onboard accommodations
  • All meals onboard
  • Scheduled visits according to the itinerary with a certified naturalist guide
  • Unlimited supply of water, coffee, and tea
  • Transfers to Coca from the vessel when arriving on recommended flights

Not included

  • Air ticket Quito – Coca – Quito, USD 230.00 net per person. This rate will apply to adults and children. (The rate includes upon issuing the air ticket with us: private and personalized assistance for Quito – Coca - Quito flights at both airports. Exclusive access to our VIP Lounge (before and after the cruise), with modern, well-equipped facilities and air conditioning system, where we will provide our guests with complimentary coffee, tea, water, and light snacks.
  • ** For those passengers who choose not to purchase their air tickets with us, an additional fee of USD 40.00 per person, shall apply for the services listed above. * Subject to change without prior notice
  • Admission to local communities and natural reserves (USD 70.00 net per person for 4 & 5-day cruises, USD 80.00 net per person for the 8-day cruise) * Subject to change without previous notice.
  • Transfers to and from Quito’s airport
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Gratuities
  • Wi-Fi Internet (Due to the remote area of navigation, satellite internet is only available in certain zones and during certain times. Should our guests require this, we are able to offer it for the price of $15 for the entire duration of the cruise)
  • Personal expenses
  • Other services not specified in the program

Important Information


Important Information – Anakonda River Cruise


DO’S & DON’T’S


  • Opt for neutral clothing colors and avoid conspicuous clothing in bright colors or white, so as not to distract (or frighten) certain animals. The more you can blend into your surroundings, the better!
  • Make sure your electronic equipment is at least somewhat waterproof or packed in a waterproof bag or pouch, especially if you plan to use it during excursions.
  • Speak softly when on forest trails or canoe trips – loud voices can scare away the wildlife that everyone wants to see.
  • Watch your step and follow the group. Don’t try to get ahead of the guide or tour leader, and avoid lagging behind.
  • Always tell your guide if you see something and don’t hesitate to ask questions. That’s what your guide is there for!
  • Don’t Litter! Respect the forest and its wildlife. Bring a backpack or plastic bag in which you can discard plastic, wrappers, paper, and other waste.
  • With our guides and staff, you are in good hands. You can trust us! We have decades of experience showing guests the wonders of the Amazon. We are not only here to guide you and show you around, but also to take care of you and make you feel at home.
  • Take advantage of as many outings as possible… The adventure lies “out there”. We guarantee that, given the right conditions, every outing we have selected for our itinerary has been customized to offer unique and extraordinary experiences.
  • If you have physical limitations or concerns, do not hesitate to ask our guides if trails and activities are right for you. Most activities don’t require excessive physical effort, but please let us know if you are feeling any discomfort during an outing, and feel free to ask us for more information about what you may encounter during an outing once we have explained what it entails.
  • Don’t hesitate to share your interests and preferences with our staff! It is important to us that you make this adventure your own. We have the ability to offer a certain degree of flexibility in terms of alternatives to our daily activities. Although it is not always possible, we will do what we can to personalize your Amazon cruise experience.

Access to Manatee River Cruise


Your 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 Province of San Francisco de Orellana, take a  transfer to the dock and board a motorized canoe to begin our journey down the river for approximately an hour and a half, taking in the first sights and sounds of the Amazon. Soon after, reach the Anakonda Amazon Cruise ship and be welcomed aboard.

Once you have settled into the Anakonda Amazon Cruise ship, you will be joined by expert local naturalist guides who will provide us with a brief and informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon, after which 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

Packing List – Manatee Amazon River Cruise


  • Passport (and a color copy kept in a separate bag)
  • Comfortable walking or tennis shoes
  • Walking stick (optional)
  • Several lightweight pants (more than two)
  • DON’T BRING JEANS!
  • 3 or more long and short-sleeved shirts or blouses
  • Vests with pockets are useful for carrying camera equipment and other accessories
  • A windbreaker or sweater for breezy afternoons
  • Waterproof cotton socks (one pair per day)
  • Small, sturdy umbrella (one)
  • Shorts (at least one pair)
  • T-shirts (at least three)
  • Bathing suit/swimwear
  • Cotton underwear
  • Hat or cap
  • Water bottle
  • Sunscreen lotion
  • Sunglasses
  • A flashlight and extra batteries
  • Binoculars (available on board as a rental item)
  • Small waterproof backpack (available for purchase on board)
  • Insect repellant
  • Camera and extra batteries, enough memory cards
  • Personal first-aid kit
  • Plastic bags for storing wet clothing
  • Your own medications, if applicable. Don’t forget them!
  • Cash – we also accept credit cards on board.