M/V Delfin I, Iquitos

Location

ex Iquitos (Iquitos, Peru)

Description

A luxury small (67 foot) river boat sleeping up to 8 passengers in 4 very spacious suites, all with private panoramic terraces. On the top deck there is an open-air lounge area and bar. The air-conditioned dining room is on the second deck, serving Peruvian cuisine reflecting the cultural diversity of the country and prepared with fresh local ingredients.

Departures

Mondays (3N) and Thursdays (4N)

Capacity

8

Activities

The Delfin I cruises to the beautiful Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, the largest protected area in Peru with over 2 million hectares. The guides are excellent. Activities are mainly taken by motorised skiffs to observe wildlife during the early morning and early evening/night time. There is also the opportunity to visit the local communities, fish for piranha and go on excursions.

Accommodation

4 luxury suites (2 Master suites and 2 Deluxe suites), all measuring 340 sq ft and with a private deck. The 2 Deluxe suites also have a private plunge pool. All cabins are air-conditioned, have panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, private facilities and mini-bar.

Our comments

The classic way to experience the Amazon and its tributaries on an exclusive small river boat. Wonderful wildlife, knowledgeable guides, first class service and ideal for relaxing too. We would recommend the 4 night cruise which takes you deeper into the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve.

When to go

Year round. June to October is the low water season and November to May high water, and exact itineraries vary slightly to suit conditions.

Client comments and reviews

Delfin 1 was stunning and I can safely say that it lived up to all my expectations. We had a brilliant 4 days aboard. Our suite was on the lower deck, and had a cool ‘jacuzzi’. I wasn’t quite sure about this but actually we made very good use of it. The food on board was incredibly good (apart from the toast!), and served by the wonderful Wilson with very good cheer. Upstairs, there was a lovely, open bar and lounge area - Martin was a most excellent maker of cocktails! Our guide, Sandro, was also excellent. The excursions were all great fun and interesting and Sandro also gave us talks each day on aspects of the trip. We went in the dry season but I now have an ambition to return in the wet season to compare the two - I would definitely do it on board Delfin 1. - ML (September 2015)

Delfin I offers 3 and 4 night cruises into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, journeying along the Marañon river.

Delfin I: 3 night itinerary (low water season)

Day 1: Iquitos; Nauta
Day 2: Fundo Casual (skiff exploration and jungle walk); Amazonas village (community visit); night safari
Day 3: Amazon Park (jungle trail and canopy walkway); Yanayacu Pucate (skiff exploration and in search of pink river dolphins);
Day 4: Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre of River Mammals; Iquitos

Delfin I: 3 night itinerary (high water season)

Day 1: Iquitos; Nauta; Pahuachiro (skiff exploration); Nauta Caño (night safari)
Day 2: Las Palmas (early morning birdwatching and sloth expedition); Yanayacu Pucate (community visit, kayaking and swimming); Amazon Park (jungle trail); evening Shaman ceremony
Day 3: Yanayaquillo (skiff expedition with picnic breakfast and piranha fishing); Piranha creek (skiff exploration); Puerto Prado night hike
Day 4: Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre of River Mammals; Iquitos

Delfin I: 4 night itinerary (low water season)

Day 1: Iquitos; Nauta; Marañon River (skiff excursion)
Day 2: Fundo Casual (skiff exploration and jungle trail walk); Yanayacu Pucate (skiff exploration, and dolphin watching) ; Yachay (night safari)
Day 3: Amazon Park (jungle trail and canopy walk); Marañon River (community visit)
Day 4: Yarapa River (kayaking and skiff exploration); union of the rivers
Day 5: Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre of River Mammals; Iquitos

Delfin I: 4 night itinerary (high water season)

Day 1: Iquitos; Nauta; Pahuachiro (skiff exploration); Nauta Caño (night safari)
Day 2: Las Palmas (early morning birdwatching and sloth expedition); Yanayacu Pucate (community visit, kayaking and swimming); Amazon Park (jungle trail); evening Shaman ceremony
Day 3: Yanayaquillo (skiff expedition with picnic breakfast and piranha fishing); Piranha creek (skiff exploration)
Day 4: Puerto Miguel (community visit); Cumaceba (skiff exploration and kayaking); Puerto Prado night hike
Day 5: Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre of River Mammals; Iquitos

The low water season is from June to November and the high water season from December to May. All itineraries are subject to change, due to weather and other conditions.

Deluxe Suite

On the main deck, these 2 suites have king size beds (or twin beds). They are air-conditioned, have panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, private facilities and mini-bar. They also have the added feature of private cool water plunge pools.

Master Suite

On the 2nd deck, with king size beds, these suites are the same size, and offer the same amenities, as the Deluxe suites, but without the plunge pool.