andBeyond to Introduce New Amazon Yacht in Peru

Luxury adventure company andBeyond will introduce a river expedition yacht, the Amazon Explorer, on the Amazon River in Peru in 2026.

Currently under construction at the SIMA Shipyard in Iquitos, Peru, the 32-guest vessel is scheduled to set sail on Sept. 29, 2026.

“As we expand our portfolio in South America, the biological diversity of the Peruvian Amazon makes it the ideal destination for our brand of sustainable luxury tourism,” said andBeyond executive chairman and CEO Joss Kent. “We believe that it is our duty to protect and preserve the world’s biodiversity hotspots, and this progressively designed new river expedition yacht will allow us to introduce our guests to this incredibly important habitat in a way that is both sensitive and yet truly immersive.”

Amazon Explorer will operate from the port of Iquitos and will offer a selection of three- and four-night itineraries, as well as a full seven-night option.

“We have very deliberately chosen this site as our base of operations since the upper reaches of the Amazon River are best suited to the kind of expeditionary cruise that we are planning to provide for our guests,” Kent said. “The river here is narrower than further downstream in Brazil and there is less river traffic.”

He added that the yacht is “sleeker and more graceful than most of the other barge-style boats” found on this part of the river.  It offers just 12 luxury suites, two superior suites, and one deluxe suite, which range from 355 square feet to 860 square feet. The interior design will be inspired by local Shipibo-Conibo culture and feature touchpoints of local Kené art.

The andBeyond Amazon Explorer will also generous spa and gym and an intimate dining space that includes an interactive cooking station to allow for cooking demonstrations and classes. The yacht’s Explorer Centre will provide an opportunity for guests to engage more deeply in the destination with informative talks by the guides. Inspired by the Beach Club format of many ocean-going yachts, the spacious design of the andBeyond Amazon Explorer will also allow for the addition of the River Retreat, a leisure area that includes a pool deck and lounge where travelers can relax and take in the scenery.  

Planned excursions will focus on exploring the river, its tributaries, and the surrounding conservation areas. Guests will be able to reach deep into the rainforest using smaller boats known as skiffs or even kayaks. Additional activities will include guided walks, fishing for piranha, birdwatching, and even night-time expeditions to search for caiman, bats, frogs, snakes, and nocturnal birds. 

All expeditions will be led by expert guides, selected for their operational experience and knowledge of the destination. Over the next 18 months, the andBeyond guide training team will work with these individuals to infuse them with the finer points of the company’s particular style of guiding.