Ecuador Sea Expedition Luxury Private Yacht

Luxury Private Yacht Expedition in Ecuador 6D/5N

Overview

Immerse yourself in a transformative experience with emphasis on the fundamental values of conscious travel and sustainability aboard a private yacht with access to all natural reserves, beaches and protected areas on the Ecuadorian Coast.

Itinerary

DAY 1

AYANGUE / MANTA

Sunday, Manta - Ayangue

Our discovery journey of coastal Ecuador starts in Manta, one of the most important ports in the country and a strategic location for tourism in Manabí. This beach city is internationally known for its fishing industry, whose star product, tuna, is exported all over the world. Our shuttle will take you to Manta’s port authority (TPM), from where we will board M/Y Kontiki Wayra for check-in and a welcome drink. Our concierge will introduce you to our crew members, go over the yacht areas and assign the staterooms that will become home for the next 6 days.
In the evening, we will enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by our executive chef onboard.
Overnight sailing to Ayangue.

DAY 2

AYANGUE / MACHALILLA NATIONAL PARK

Monday, Ayangue - Machalilla National Park

We start our day at Ayangue, a small coastal town also known as the Pool of the Pacific because of its calm waters.
After breakfast onboard, we will depart in one of our tenders to the nearby islet El Pelado for a snorkeling expedition. This is a unique opportunity to swim with the local community of sea lions and explore the submarine secrets of the area.
From June until October, this also becomes a privileged location to see humpback whales closely.
By noon we will return to the yacht for marine activities in the ocean club and lunch onboard.
After lunch, we will disembark on the beach of Ayangue and after a short beach walk, we will arrive to a charming place where we will learn about the Valdivia culture. This is a millenary culture that maintains intact its pottery tradition, inherited from the pre-Inca Valdivia culture (4500 B.C.). We will learn about the techniques and materials
used in making ancestral pieces as we make our own handcraft in a beautiful “experience in clay”.
We will return to the yacht for dinner.
Sailing to Machalilla National Park.

DAY 3

ISLA DE LA PLATA / MACHALILLA NATIONAL PARK

Tuesday, Machalilla National Park - Isla de la Plata

After a hearty breakfast, we will disembark in Machalilla National Park where a land transfer will take us to Agua Blanca. This small community houses archeological pieces from one of the oldest civilizations in South America, the Manteño Culture, which dates back to the year 1500 A.C. Temples, country houses, typical ancient squares and other archeological remains are some of the treasures in Agua Blanca.
A short walk through its forest will show us butterflies, hummingbirds and local trees such as the algarrobos. During our visit, we will celebrate an ancestral ritual of purification and gratitude, that will connect us with nature and with ourselves, accompanied by the guidance of the shamans of the community. Return to the yacht for lunch.
In the afternoon we will enjoy a private beach experience in the islets of Machalilla National Park and will enjoy diverse marine activities such as snorkel, paddleboard, kayak or swim in our beach club which includes an oceanic pool, a water slide, SeaBobs, etc.
We will go back to the yacht to enjoy a beautiful sunset and dinner in the main deck*.
Sailing to Isla de la Plata.
*Depending on favorable weather conditions

DAY 4

ISLA DE LA PLATA / PACOCHE

Wednesday, Isla de la Plata - Pacoche / San Lorenzo

After breakfast, we will start our activities with a wet landing in Isla de la Plata, which belongs to Machalilla National Park. Isla de la Plata holds beautiful natural treasures and a walk through its trails will take us to nesting areas of Blue Footed Boobies, Masked Boobies, and Frigatebirds. After our land exploration, we will go back to the yacht for lunch.
In the afternoon we will do a guided underwater snorkeling expedition to learn about the marine ecosystem in the island. We will be able to see a variety of marine species including giant stingrays, whale sharks, and turtles. During mating season, June to October, we will be able to see from the distance humpback whales that come to warmer waters to
mate and give birth. Scuba diving is available upon request at the time of booking.
In the afternoon we will enjoy a sunset party* with the freshest seafood of the area and our signature cocktails.
Sailing to Pacoche / San Lorenzo.
*Depending on favorable weather conditions

DAY 5

BAHíA DE CARáQUEZ / PACOCHE

Thursday, Pacoche / San Lorenzo - Bahía de Caráquez

After breakfast onboard, we will disembark in the harbor of Manta where a land transfer will take us to the Refuge of Coastal Marine Wildlife Pacoche.
Our first visit is to the tropical humid forest where we will hike through one of its trails to take a look at the community of howling monkeys who live in the middle of its exuberant vegetation.
Afterwards, we will go to San Lorenzo, one of the largest nesting spots for marine turtles in Ecuador, if we are lucky, we will get to see baby turtles on their way to the ocean during hatching season.
We will enjoy a special gastronomic experience in San Lorenzo using the manabita ancestral oven. After lunch, we will learn about the toquilla straw hat tradition with a local family of weavers from Pile. The small town of Pile is known for the community of artisan weavers responsible for making the finest and most expensive Toquilla straw hats in the world. We will be able to see firsthand how the hats are made. Incorrectly known as Panama Hats, the Toquilla Straw Hat was designated in 2012 as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of the World.
In the afternoon we will return to the yacht and enjoy some relaxing time and dinner onboard.
Sailing to Bahía de Caráquez.

DAY 6

BAHíA DE CARáQUEZ / MANTA

Friday, Bahía de Caráquez - Manta

We start day 6 with breakfast onboard, before departing aboard our dinghies to Puerto Amistad in Bahía de Caráquez, where a land transfer will take us to Iche in San Vicente.
A gastronomic lab led by Fuegos Foundation, Iche was founded to educate local chefs in creating ‘haute cuisine' using ancestral techniques of food preparation.
A gastronomic farm to table experience hosted by local chefs that will reveal a mix of history, tradition and the unique flavors of coastal cuisine. Cacao, salprieta, corviche, and chillangua are some of the local flavors that will add to our foodies' lexicon.
Check- out and transfer to Manta’s airport or hotel of your choice.
End of services.

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Terms & Conditions

PAYMENT TERMS:

25% of the tour cost at the time of booking
75% or balance no later than 95 days prior to the tour departure date

CANCELLATION FEES:

Up to 90 days before departure: refund less 25% of total tour cost.

Between 89 and 65 days prior to the tour departure date refund less 25% of the total.

Less than 65 days prior to the tour departure date: No refund, 100% of the total is payable.

An additional 15% Administrative fee will be charged from Palace Tours against any refunds. All cancellation fees and administrative fees is applicable for FULL Tour price before coupons.

The above times are based on local time of the destination where the tour is provided. In order to provide enough time for processing cancellation, guests need to add 3 business days to the above timeframes.

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover the losses incurred in case of cancellation. For information on available plans or to purchase travel insurance, please visit www.palacetours.com/insurance.

Tips & FAQ

USEFUL INFORMATION

Land Expeditions

The yacht will sail along the coast and will anchor close to the shore. Expeditions to land sites will start with a dinghy ride that may result in wet or dry landing. Wet landing involves stepping into water (ankle to knee high) and walking to shore; dry landings involve stepping directly into land. Our expert guides will lead all zodiac rides and will assist you during either type of landing. A detailed brief of the expeditions is provided ahead of time to inform about the location, topography of the land (most of the trails are easy or moderate), weather and appropriate clothing. Land transfers will be necessary to reach some sites. Vans are used for transportation to ensure comfort, safety and timely departures. There is usually one guided visit per day allowing for enough time to discover and connect with local culture and with nature. Our oceanic beach club and water activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, SUPs, Seabobs and swimming are also available in most coastal expeditions.

Water Activities

We are well equipped to help you enjoy multiple opportunities for water activities available during our expedition. Snorkeling equipment (masks, fins and snorkels) and 3 mm wetsuits are available in various sizes free of charge in a first come first served basis. Wetsuits are not often necessary as average water temperature off the coast of Ecuador
ranges from 22°C(74°F) y 28°C(80°F). If you are a frequent snorkeler, you can plan ahead and bring your own equipment for a perfect fit and comfort. Four tandem kayaks and four stand up paddleboards are also available for coastal exploration and fun.

Gratuities

You will quickly discover that the warm smiles and greetings from our staff extend well beyond the chilled glass of champagne that welcomes you aboard. A service charge is not included in the fare as it is optional and should be based merely on your perception of our crew performance at the end of the expedition. As a guideline we suggest that each passenger leaves between USD 20-30 per day for the guides, and USD 50-70 per day for the crew, which is the international standard for Luxury Expeditions. Gratuities may be paid in cash or charged to your credit card and will be distributed among our crew and guides.