andBeyond has confirmed that its new expedition yacht, the Amazon Explorer, will begin sailing the Peruvian Amazon in December 2026. The 74-metre vessel, designed for 32 guests, will offer three-, four-, and seven-night itineraries that adapt to the rainforest's seasonal rhythms, giving travellers a year-round window into one of the world's most biodiverse regions.
The Amazon Explorer is positioned as a response to the growing demand for immersive, low-impact expedition travel in South America. Unlike traditional river cruises that focus on covering distance, andBeyond is emphasising depth of experience — guided skiff excursions, rainforest walks, and night safaris led by naturalist guides. Guests can expect encounters with pink river dolphins, jaguars, and a vast array of bird species, with itineraries tailored to both the high-water and low-water seasons.
Onboard comfort and design
The yacht will feature 12 Luxury Suites, two Superior Suites, and a single 80-square-metre Deluxe Suite, all designed to blend contemporary comfort with a safari aesthetic. Onboard amenities include a wellness centre, a gym, and a Pisco Bar, the latter a nod to Peruvian culture. The vessel's design prioritises large windows and open decks to keep guests connected to the surrounding landscape.
Mark Wheeler, andBeyond's President, framed the launch as a departure from conventional expedition cruising. "The Amazon Explorer challenges many of the traditional assumptions of expedition travel," he said. "Success here is not about reaching a particular place or ticking off sightings. It comes from taking the time to understand the relationships that shape the rainforest."
This philosophy aligns with andBeyond's broader conservation-led model, which has long been a hallmark of its African safari operations. The company is applying that same ethos to the Amazon, where it has partnered with local communities and conservation groups to ensure that tourism contributes to the protection of the rainforest.
Itineraries and access
Departures will begin in Iquitos, Peru's gateway to the Amazon, with guests transferred to Nauta for embarkation. The choice of Iquitos — accessible only by air or river — underscores the expedition's remote positioning. From there, the yacht will navigate the Amazon's tributaries, allowing guests to explore flooded forests, oxbow lakes, and riverine communities that are otherwise difficult to reach.
The itineraries are designed to be flexible, with daily activities adjusted based on wildlife activity and water levels. During the high-water season, guests may paddle through flooded forest canopies, while the low-water season opens up sandbars and trails for walking safaris. This adaptability is a key selling point for travel advisors, who can recommend the yacht to clients seeking a genuinely bespoke Amazon experience.
andBeyond is offering early-bird savings for bookings made in advance, a strategy that has become common among expedition operators to secure initial occupancy. The company has not yet released full rate details, but the vessel's positioning suggests a luxury price point, comparable to other high-end Amazon river cruises.
The Amazon Explorer adds to a growing fleet of expedition vessels in South America, but its focus on small-group, interpretive travel sets it apart. For travel professionals, the launch represents a new option for clients who have already done the Galápagos or the African safari circuit and are looking for a different kind of wilderness encounter.
As the travel industry continues to see strong demand for experiential and sustainable travel, andBeyond's entry into the Amazon market is a signal that the region remains a priority for luxury operators. The company's existing portfolio includes lodges and camps across Africa, India, and South America, and the Amazon Explorer is its first dedicated expedition yacht.
For agents and tour operators, the yacht's December 2026 debut offers a lead time to build bespoke itineraries around the vessel, potentially pairing it with andBeyond's other South American offerings. The company has indicated that it will work closely with the trade to support early sales, including familiarisation trips and marketing collateral.
The Amazon Explorer's launch also comes at a time when river cruising is expanding beyond Europe and Asia, with operators increasingly looking to remote destinations. The Peruvian Amazon, with its wildlife and cultural richness, is a natural fit for this trend. As andBeyond's Wheeler put it, the goal is not just to visit the rainforest but to understand it — a message that is likely to resonate with discerning travellers and the advisors who serve them.
