AndBeyond, known for its conservation-focused luxury adventures, will expand its South American portfolio with a new river expedition yacht in Peru's Amazon. The AndBeyond Amazon Explorer, currently under construction in Peru, is scheduled to begin operations on Sept. 29, 2026.
The vessel will offer expeditions from Iquitos through Nauta and into the five-million-acre Pacaya Samiria National Reserve in the Peruvian Amazon. Guests can choose between three-, four- and seven-night itineraries.
"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 Joss Kent, executive chairman and CEO of AndBeyond. “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."
The yacht, designed in collaboration with yacht architect Ken Freivokh and Adriana Hoyos Interior Design, will accommodate a maximum of 32 guests across 12 luxury suites, two superior suites and one deluxe suite (15 suites total). Accommodations range from 355 square feet to more than 860 square feet.
The luxury yacht will feature a pool deck for relaxation.
Credit: 2025 AndBeyondThe interior design will incorporate elements of local Shipibo-Conibo culture and Kene art. Amenities will include spa and gym facilities, an interactive cooking area for demonstrations and classes, an Explorer Centre for educational talks and a River Retreat area with a pool deck and a lounge.
"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."
Activities will include excursions via skiffs and kayaks into the rainforest; guided walks to spot wildlife; piranha fishing; birdwatching; and night expeditions to observe caiman, bats, frogs, snakes and nocturnal birds. The company will train specialized guides over the next 18 months.
Public spaces onboard the yacht will include a lounge.
Credit: 2025 AndBeyondIn alignment with its conservation mission, AndBeyond is planning to support community-led conservation projects in the region, including initiatives to boost native river turtle populations and educational programs for Indigenous communities.
"With the Amazon known as the lungs of the world and in view of the increasing threats that it is facing, its protection aligns very strongly with our impact initiatives and goals," Kent said. "We believe that we can bring tourism to this extraordinary area in a responsible way that highlights its beauty and diversity while still protecting it."
Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by AndBeyond. It has been fact-checked and reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.