Setting sail in December 2026, the new &Beyond Amazon Explorer invites guests to experience the Peruvian Amazon, not simply as a destination to be witnessed, but as a living world to be understood. Carrying just 32 guests, the 74 m (242 ft) floating sanctuary will bring the company’s safari philosophy to the river for the first time, creating an experience shaped by curiosity, interpretation and the constantly changing rhythms of the rainforest.
As the second luxury expedition yacht in &Beyond’s growing portfolio, the Amazon Explorer introduces a fresh perspective on rainforest discovery that is rooted in the guiding philosophy that has shaped the company’s wilderness journeys for decades. It combines immersive exploration, longer time on the river and expert interpretation to create a deeper understanding of one of Earth’s most interconnected ecosystems. Here, exploration is not measured by how much ground is covered, but by how much is uncovered.
From mist-covered mornings aboard a skiff to quiet moments listening to the rainforest awaken, each day unfolds at the pace of the river. At the heart of the experience is the &Beyond Amazon Explorer- a floating sanctuary, carrying guests further into the channels of the Amazon while providing a constant connection to the forest beyond, with new perspectives emerging throughout the journey. Experiences have been carefully curated to deepen guests’ understanding of the destination. Guided skiff excursions, rainforest walks, kayaking adventures, night safaris and community visits are complemented by cultural encounters, wellness experiences and opportunities to learn directly from those who know the river best. Wildlife sightings may include pink river dolphins, three-toed sloths, squirrel monkeys, scarlet macaws, caiman and, for the very fortunate few, even the elusive jaguar may reveal itself, offering a rare glimpse of one of the rainforest’s most iconic inhabitants.
“The Amazon Explorer challenges many of the traditional assumptions of expedition travel,” says Mark Wheeler, &Beyond President. “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. That thinking has influenced every aspect of the Amazon Explorer and represents an exciting evolution in the kind of immersive, story-led experiences that &Beyond is known for.”
Designed to reveal different perspectives of the rainforest throughout the year, the Amazon Explorer offers three-, four- and seven-night journeys across both high-water and low-water seasons. Newly refined routing allows guests to experience the changing character of the destination as water levels transform the landscape. All journeys begin in Iquitos, followed by a transfer to Nauta, where guests embark on the yacht. During high-water periods, the rainforest opens access to flooded forests and remote waterways, while low-water seasons reveal a different side of the Amazon, showcasing the remarkable way in which the ecosystem adapts with the changing seasons.
Guided by carefully selected experts from the region who are trained to &Beyond’s guiding standards, a low number of guests per guide allows excursions to be tailored to individual interests and the changing conditions of the day. Rather than moving from one scheduled activity to the next, guests will be encouraged to follow their curiosity, pause when the forest offers something unexpected, and spend longer where a story begins to unfold.
Inspired by the principle that great design should feel connected to its surroundings rather than separate from them, the vessel itself blurs the boundary between accommodation and rainforest. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the passing forest, expansive decks invite moments of quiet reflection, and interiors showcase Peruvian craftsmanship through locally inspired Shipibo mosaics, textile art, natural materials and colours drawn from the river and rainforest. Designed and built for &Beyond by SIMA Shipyard, the vessel brings a contemporary, refined approach to expedition travel on the Amazon, with thoughtful design details that create a seamless connection between the guest experience and the extraordinary environment through which it travels.
Accommodating up to 32 guests, the yacht offers 12 Luxury Suites, two Superior Suites and the spacious 80 m² (861 sq ft) Deluxe Suite. Interleading Luxury Suites provide a family-friendly option, while the Deluxe Suite features a private balcony, expansive river views, a separate sitting area and a bathroom with both a bath and shower. Onboard facilities include the Explorer Centre, River Retreat, wellness centre, gym, media room, Signature Shop, sundeck and Pisco Bar. Included in every voyage are luxury accommodation, all meals, selected beverages, guided excursions, community visits, limited laundry service, Starlink internet connectivity, emergency medical evacuation insurance and exclusive use of two pairs of SWAROVSKI OPTIK binoculars per Suite throughout the duration of the journey.
“Peru is one of those destinations that rewards deep exploration and immersion by revealing its rarities,” concludes Wheeler. “The Amazon Explorer gives us the opportunity to share that experience in a distinctly &Beyond way, creating journeys that move beyond observation and towards a deeper understanding of the relationships between the river, rainforest, wildlife and people.”
With bookings now open for departures from December 2026, the &Beyond Amazon Explorer invites travellers into the lungs of the Earth through a choice of immersive three-, four- and seven-night journeys. Guests booking selected departures can take advantage of the Amazon Explorer Early Bird Offer, with savings of up to 20% available on eligible voyages. The experience can also be combined with journeys to Machu Picchu, Patagonia and the Galapagos Islands for a broader exploration of South America’s most remarkable destinations.
