Kontiki Expeditions’ Super-Yacht
By Anne Kalosh
Kontiki Expeditions is an exciting new entrant for “small is beautiful” cruises.
The company has just introduced quirky explorations of coastal Ecuador aboard the 128-foot Kontiki Wayra.
This 18-passenger super-yacht has rich wood paneling and floors, contemporary furniture and stylish details.
The interior lounge of the 18-pax Kontiki Wayra. * Photo: Kontiki Expeditions
But what’s really special is the opportunity to delve into a seldom-visited coastline and get immersed in Ecuador’s wealth of birds, animals, flora, indigenous communities and cultural traditions while adhering to sustainable practices and giving back to the places visited.
Kontiki Expeditions’ super-yacht Kontiki Wayra’s size allows access to smaller ports and villages, starting from or ending at the cities of Manta or Guayaquil.
Travelers will explore small towns and nature reserves on an expedition-style adventure where locals join Kontiki staff to lead visits.
Excursions & Islands
Islands and inland areas visited include Bahia de Caraquez, San Mateo, Pile, San Lorenzo, Isla de la Plata, Agua Blanca and Puyango with its petrified forest. It will be possible to see blue-footed boobies, howler monkeys, cuzumbos, silver rays and hummingbirds.
Isla de la Plata, Ecuador. * Photo: Kontiki Expeditions
Among the excursions are a visit to a cacao farm to learn how chocolate is made, with a tasting; a gastronomic experience with ancestral cuisine and a cooking demonstration; and a New Latitude vineyard for a tasting (New Latitude wines are made from grapes grown in non-traditional areas).
Further excursions include hiking and wildlife spotting in the Pacoche Humid Forest and nature reserve, a visit to the artisan Toquilla straw hat weavers (these are the true Panama hats) and a tour of San Lorenzo lighthouse for amazing views and a turtle nesting site.
Travelers will sail to Isla de la Plata for a day of marine activities and a wildlife hike, visit the ancient community of Agua Blanca with a wellness-oriented swimming experience in the sulfur lagoon and Los Frailes beach where a club offers marine golf, kayaking, diving, paddle boarding and more.
Two Itineraries offered on Kontiki Expeditions’ Super-yacht
Kontiki Wayra operates two 7-night itineraries.
The Toquilla Expedition embarks at Manta and travels south to Guayaquil.
Meanwhile the Spondylus Expedition travels in the reverse direction. Only a couple ports are repeated.
The Toquilla itinerary. * Photo: Kontiki Expeditions
Delving Deeply into Ecuador
“We have the luxury of delving deeply into the areas we visit … We are proud to offer our luxurious yacht and crew to create an experience that is enriching, exciting and safe,” said Carlos Nuñez, CEO and founder of Kontiki Expeditions.
“Environmental protection is critical when it comes to cruising,” he added. “We adhere to strict sustainability standards onboard, at sea and on land. We are also committed to a variety of social programs including sponsorship of the Real Madrid Foundation to promote values to children through sports.”
Offers a Bespoke Experience
Before the cruise, a Kontiki concierge will reach out to learn passengers’ culinary and activity wishes in order to create a bespoke experience for varying interests.
Kontiki Expeditions’ Super Yacht
Kontiki Wayra has a sun deck, gourmet salon, two outdoor lounges, bar, hot tub, massage, yoga and a gym and fitness area.
The outdoor sundeck of the 18-pax Kontiki Wayra. * Photo: Kontikin Expeditions
A local chef creates farm-to-table and sea-to-table cuisine.
The nine staterooms are stylishly appointed with an eye to comfort using local, sustainable materials, decorated with a sense of place.
One of the 9 cabins aboard the 18-pax Kontiki Wayra. * Photo: Kontiki Expeditions
Onboard activities include cooking classes, wellness pursuits and chocolate and coffee tastings. The yacht is equipped with water toys and equipment for diving, snorkeling and paddle boarding.
A nearly 1:1 crew to passenger ratio allows for personalized service, from unpacking and packing luggage to creating a special meal or activity. Unlimited Wi-Fi is included.
Health, safety and security protocols are here.
COVID-19 vaccination is not mentioned, however current Ecuador entry requirements require proof of vaccination for ages 3 and older or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to boarding a flight to Ecuador.
Fares for Kontiki Expeditions’ Super-yacht Kontiki Wayra
Pricing begins at $7,245 per person, double occupancy for a 7-night cruise, and includes all activities, meals, transfers to/from ports, park entrance fees, guided expeditions and more.
Solo traveler and private charter rates are available.
The 18-pax Kontiki Wayra. * Photo: Kontiki Expeditions
Member of Small Luxury Hotels of The World
Kontiki Expeditions is the first water-based member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, a collection of independently spirited hotels — each “anti-chain and anti-same” with just 50 rooms on average.
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HEIDI SARNA
