Delfin III
Amazon River, Peru
Launched in 2015, the Delfin III is a 169-foot-long riverboat with 22 luxurious suites and a 44-passenger capacity. Built with sustainably harvested hardwoods, the ship’s design, decor and amenities incorporate materials and artisan handicrafts, like Peruvian textiles, ancient tools and artwork sourced from river-bordering villages, some of which we visit on our journey. The elegant dining area serves a buffet breakfast and lunch, followed by a seated multi-course dinner featuring traditional Peruvian cuisine like ceviche, local fishes doncella and paiche, potatoes, purple corn and tropical fruits like camu camu.
Large, air-conditioned guest suites with floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the river, wildlife and dense rainforest. Queen or two twin beds come dressed in cool, Peruvian pima cotton bedding. All suites have a seating area, electronic safe, ample storage, individual climate control and spacious en suite bathrooms with hot showers and all-natural toiletries. The covered outdoor lounge and sun deck offer cushioned chaise lounges, gleaming hardwood floors and a sparkling plunge pool. A yoga and exercise room provides space for fitness and relaxation, and the ship has a massage suite and an on-board massage therapist. The indoor air-conditioned Canopy Lounge is a comfortable gathering spot with a bar and snacks. Here, guests gather for naturalist presentations and nightly entertainment, including live music with the ship’s crew. The Delfin III has an open bridge policy, and guests are welcome to inquire about the navigation systems and chat with the captain at any time.
Most of the ship’s guides were born and raised in the rainforest in small communities throughout the Peruvian Amazon. Many have also participated in training sessions and projects with Peruvian and North American professors, researchers, scientists and other professionals involved with the study and conservation of the Amazon rain forest.
The Delfin III is Biosphere Certified, an internationally recognized sustainability accolade earned for having a positive impact on sustainable tourism, carbon footprint reduction, resource conservation and promotion of social inclusion and cultural heritage.