&BEYOND LAUNCHES AMAZON EXPLORER YACHT IN PERU

In a bold expansion of its South American portfolio, conservation-focused luxury adventure company &Beyond has announced the launch of its latest project: a cutting-edge river expedition yacht set to explore the breathtaking biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon. The &Beyond Amazon Explorer, currently under construction at the SIMA Shipyard in Iquitos, Peru, is scheduled to set sail on its maiden voyage on September 29, 2026.

This launch marks a significant step for &Beyond in bringing its signature brand of sustainable luxury tourism to one of the world’s most ecologically important regions. “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 &Beyond Executive Chairman & CEO Joss Kent.

“We believe it is our duty to protect and preserve the world’s biodiversity hotspots, and this progressively designed new river expedition yacht allows us to introduce our guests to this incredibly important habitat in a way that is both sensitive and immersive.”

Operating from the port city of Iquitos and traveling through Nauta into the vast Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, the &Beyond Amazon Explorer will offer curated 3- and 4-night itineraries, along with a comprehensive 7-night journey. Kent noted that the upper reaches of the Amazon River provide ideal conditions for this type of expedition. “The river here is narrower than further downstream in Brazil and has less river traffic. We’ve designed a yacht that is sleeker and more graceful than the traditional barge-style boats in this region, but still compact enough to access the key navigable channels,” he explained.

The design of the yacht has been developed in collaboration with world-renowned yacht architect Ken Freivokh and Adriana Hoyos Interior Design. With just 15 suites — including 12 luxury, two superior, and one deluxe — the vessel will cater to a maximum of 32 guests. The suites range from a generous 33 square metres (355 sq ft) to an expansive 80 square metres (860 sq ft), ensuring an intimate and exclusive experience. As with all &Beyond properties, the interiors will reflect an authentic sense of place, drawing inspiration from the local Shipibo-Conibo culture and incorporating elements of Kené art, native flora and fauna, and regional history.

Onboard, guests will enjoy a range of amenities crafted to enhance comfort and engagement. A luxurious spa and gym area will provide opportunities for wellness, while interactive dining spaces — including a live cooking station — will bring Peruvian culinary traditions to life. The Explorer Centre will serve as a hub for guest education, with presentations and talks hosted by the ship’s expert guides. A pre-expedition lounge will offer a relaxed space for briefings and gear-up sessions before daily excursions. Taking cues from ocean-going yachts, the Amazon Explorer will also feature the River Retreat — a leisure deck with a pool and lounge area overlooking the river’s mesmerizing landscape.

The planned expeditions will take guests deep into the heart of the Amazon via skiffs and kayaks, with opportunities for birdwatching, piranha fishing, rainforest hikes, and even nighttime adventures in search of caimans, bats, and other nocturnal wildlife. True to its safari roots, &Beyond will staff the vessel with expert guides trained to deliver the same interpretive, story-rich experience the company is known for in Africa.

“With the Amazon known as the lungs of the world and in view of the increasing threats it faces, its protection aligns very strongly with our impact initiatives and goals,” Kent said. “We believe we can bring tourism to this extraordinary area in a responsible way that highlights its beauty and diversity while still protecting it.”

In line with its strong conservation ethos, &Beyond is developing several community-led initiatives in the region. Among these are projects to help restore native river turtle populations, scholarship programs for local students, and education-focused partnerships aimed at empowering Indigenous communities.

About

&Beyond

&Beyond designs luxury adventures in some of the world’s most irreplaceable natural spaces across Africa, Asia, South America, and Antarctica. With a portfolio of exceptional lodges, camps, and now yachts, the company curates transformative travel experiences that connect guests with nature, culture, and purpose. Rooted in conservation, &Beyond redefines exploration with sustainability at its heart — ensuring that every journey not only inspires but also protects.