Luxury meets conservation as andBeyond prepares to unveils its new Amazon Explorer yacht, set to navigate Peru's biodiverse rainforest waterways from September 2026. Olivia Palamountain reports

Conservation-led luxury adventure company andBeyond is launching a high-tech river expedition yacht to be based in the Peruvian Amazon.

Featuring the ultimate in modern design and technology, the andBeyond Amazon Explorer features just 15 elegant suites and innovative features including a River Retreat pool deck.

The andBeyond Amazon Explorer is currently under construction at the SIMA Shipyard in Iquitos, Peru, and is due to set sail on September 29, 2026.

It will offer a selection of three and four-night itineraries as well as a full seven-night itinerary, and promises intimate adventures into one of Earth's most precious ecosystems while supporting local conservation initiatives.“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. 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,” says andBeyond executive chairman and CEO Joss Kent. “We look forward to bringing our trademark brand of hospitality and interpretive guiding to the Peruvian Amazon.”

Conceptualised in collaboration with yacht architect Ken Freivokh and Adriana Hoyos Interior Design, the andBeyond Amazon Explorer combines the elegant lines of an ocean-going yacht with a small and relatively intimate size.The yacht will offer just 12 luxury suites, two superior suites and one deluxe suite, catering to a maximum of 32 guests.

In line with andBeyond's design ethos, the interiors will reflect an authentic sense of place inspired by local Shipibo-Conibo culture and featuring touchpoints of local Kené art.

In addition to the extra spacious suites, the andBeyond Amazon Explorer will include a variety of innovative touches that bring more focus to the guest experience.

Generous spa and gym areas will ensure that guests have the ultimate ability to relax and unwind while on board, while dining spaces will include an interactive cooking station that will allow for cooking demonstrations and classes.An "Explorer Centre" will provide an opportunity for guests to engage more deeply in the destination with informative talks by the guides, while the pre-expeditionary area will offer a comfortable place for briefings and preparations to embark on the yacht’s numerous excursions.

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 travellers can relax and take in the magnificent scenery.

The planned excursions will focus on exploring the river, its tributaries and the surrounding conservation areas. Additional activities will include guided nature walks, looking for sloth, fishing for piranha, birdwatching and even night-time expeditions to search for caiman, bats, frogs, snakes and nocturnal birds.In alignment with this, andBeyond is researching and planning to support various community-led conservation projects, including one aimed at boosting the population of native river turtle species. The company is also looking to establish a scholarship program for local community students, as well as to take part in an initiative to further educational opportunities for indigenous communities living in the area.

“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,” says Kent. “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.”