Intimate Yacht Offers Safe Luxury Cruise Options

The view from Kontiki Wayra pool deck --courtesy Kontiki Expeditions

A new yacht is offering a highly personal adventure cruise. Kontiki Expeditions’ first expedition yacht Kontiki Wayra, features only nine luxury staterooms that offer the comfort of a small luxury hotel.

It’s the first ship added to the portfolio of the exclusive Small Luxury Hotels of the World. “We are thrilled to announce Kontiki Expeditions as the first yacht member to join the portfolio,” Kenan Simmons, VP of Americas for SLH says. “The voyages are independently minded and offer a uniquely sustainable way to explore the sought-after destinations off the coast of Ecuador. The intimacy and individuality that Kontiki offers are exactly what travelers are yearning to experience now.”

Guests can choose between two sea expeditions between Guayaquil and Manta, Ecuador which provide an immersion into the local cultures, traditions and cuisine of each port. The first voyage scheduled May 30, 2021, comes at a time when demand has soared for exclusive and safe cruising options.

The eight-day sea expeditions provide an immersion into the local cultures, traditions and cuisine of each stop. Mood lighting, warm wood tones, panoramic views and huge walk-in showers make this an elegant nautical experience.

Kontiki Wayra stateroom–Courtesy Kontiki Expeditions

The communal areas include an on-deck jacuzzi and Chill Parlour with soft loungers to take in the views and a glass of chilled Champagne. The boutique expedition visits five provinces and reveals seldom-visited spots including deserted beaches, ecological reserves and natural treasures. A crew of 10 on board will arrange activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkeling straight from the deck. Alternatively, the on-board spa is a relaxing retreat. The relaxation extends to dining  featuring organic and local delicacies.

Destinations include Isla de la Plata, an uninhabited island off Ecuador’s coast. Sea tortoises and several species of boobies make their home on land, while giant rays glide under the surface. From June to October, groups of migrating humpback whales put on playful acrobatic displays.

Explore the community of Mompiche, where artisan fishermen offer friendly smiles and share traditions, including Marimba music. Wander the mangroves and pick shellfish to enjoy for dinner, or explore the beach and private nature reserve on horseback. As the final stop, the city of Guayaquil, also known as La Perla del Pacifico (Pacific’s Pearl), offers a historic and vibrant culture.

Kontiki has firm sustainability goals, including reducing the CO2 footprint to offset emissions, eliminating single-use plastic by 2022, and collaborating with local communities to promote their economic development and participate in social projects aimed at improving their quality of life. All-inclusive fares are from $7,245 U.S.

Expedition deck of Kontiki Wayra–courtesy Kontiki Expeditions
About Wallace Immen 755 Articles
Wallace Immen is Executive Editor of The Cruisington Times, the Best in Cruising, Travel, Food and Fun. He's sailed on all of the world's seas to ports in over 100 countries and travelled on every continent.