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Though the boutique yacht company Kontiki Expeditions is delivering new cruise ships that are small in size, the experiences of the Ecuadorian Coast are bound to be huge.
Meet Kontiki Expeditions, pioneers in conscious luxury travel, offering immersive and sustainable expeditions on small cruise ships that sail the untouristed Ecuadorian coast and feature hiking, snorkeling, meetings with locals, in-depth cultural explorations, wellness activities and gastronomy. As we’re all concerned with our general wellness, Kontiki prioritizes guest and crew health with established sanitization protocols, and unheard of small guest numbers.
Kontiki offers nine-stateroom yachts that introduce a maximum of 18 guests to the richesse of the land and sea, giving them the ability to visit smaller ports and allow for experiences in heretofore-unvisited areas.
Kontiki Expeditions
Kontiki offers nine-stateroom yachts that introduce a maximum of 18 guests to the richesse of the land and sea, giving them the ability to visit smaller ports and allow for experiences in heretofore-unvisited areas. The yachts are 128 feet-long and include a sundeck, gourmet salon, bar, jacuzzi, gym and fitness area and two outdoor lounges.
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The first of the small cruise ships, the Kontiki Wayra, is scheduled to set sail in December, initially starting with two multi-stop, eight-day itineraries that feature hiking, snorkeling, meetings with locals, in-depth cultural explorations, wellness activities and gastronomy. These two itineraries, The Toquilla and The Spondylus, travel along the Ecuadorian coast and take full advantage of the country’s wealth of birds, animals, flora, fauna, indigenous foods and cultural traditions while adhering to a philosophy of sustainability and giving back to communities.
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Our new expeditions reveal the beauty and authenticity of coastal Ecuador, passing through small, uncrowded towns, historical sites, forests, wetlands, pristine beaches and protected ecological reserves.
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“We are pioneers in offering luxury sea expeditions along seldom-traveled routes,” Carlos Nuñez, Founder and CEO, said. “Our new expeditions reveal the beauty and authenticity of coastal Ecuador, passing through small, uncrowded towns, historical sites, forests, wetlands, pristine beaches and protected ecological reserves.”
A fundamental part of the Kontiki small expedition yachts is supporting the communities visited while also enriching the guest experience. “We believe strongly that conscious travel is especially important as we connect our guests with local communities. Giving back is as important as receiving,” Nuñez said.
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The programs are led by 10 crew members and two local experts committed to sustainability and conscious travel, as they explore the concept of small cruise ships. Onboard, wellness professionals, naturalist guides and a local chef add to the distinctive Kontiki experience. Guests can expect to see the country’s beloved blue-footed boobies along with sea lions and howler monkeys. They can enjoy gastronomic experiences featuring local chocolate, seafood and produce both onboard and on land.
“Ecuador is home to our first small expedition yacht experience, and we look forward to expanding our concept of small-yacht luxury to other countries as well. We are excited about sharing our beautiful yachts and destinations with adventurous travelers who share our passion for exploration and conscious travel,” Nuñez said.