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Delfin Amazon Cruises, the first to bring upscale river cruising to the most remote and spectacular tributaries of the Upper Peruvian Amazon, is offering two new four-day voyages on March 2 and April 28, 2020 featuring PHD Marine Biologist, Dr. Joanna Alfaro, specializing in Pink River Dolphins.  Aligned to Relais & Châteaux’s mission to promote the richness and diversity of the world’s cuisine and traditions of hospitality, Delfin prides itself on its world-class hospitality, combining authentic Peruvian gastronomy and understated luxury aboard uniquely designed vessels that allow guests to explore the Amazon in true style and comfort.

Dates:
March 24, 2020 – 4 Night Cruise, Delfin III Vessel
April 28, 2020 – 4 Night Cruise, Delfin III Vessel 

The pink river dolphin is a rare species found in the freshwater rivers of the Amazon near Iquitos, Peru. They are social, friendly, extremely intelligent creatures, and one of the highlights of a visit to the Amazon Basin. While aboard the Delfin III Amazon Cruise, guests will accompany Dr. Joanna Alfaro in the field to get a closer look at Pink River Dolphins and will be citizen scientists and contribute to the research of the pink river dolphin conservation. Dr. Joanna Alfaro will also be hosting special Pink River Dolphin Talks and Q&As onboard.

Dr. Joanna Alfaro’s conservation and research project focuses on river dolphin bycatch (when the dolphin is caught or “fished for” unintentionally), specifically estimating its frequency while working to mitigate its occurrence in the Peruvian Amazon and guests will get a unique opportunity to aid in this research. Guests will accompany Joanna to collect data in two different ways: Deploying Seapods. The seapods are tubes that are acoustic devices. This machine collects and records sounds of dolphins. Guests will be able to tell if there are dolphins in that particular area and what species of dolphin. They will be taught how to deploy the seapods themselves. Sightings. Guests will be taught how to identify dolphin species. Using binoculars, guests will be responsible to spot the dolphins and will learn how to properly collect and record data. They will also use a special “distance lamp” to spot the dolphins, in order to tell how far away they are from the vessel and will be recording the temperature of the water, where the dolphins are spotted.

Delfin III offers 22 suites with the highest levels of comfort for up to 44 passengers, making it the largest cruise offered. On the first deck, there are nine suites complete with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows as well as two spacious corner suites facing the front of the ship.The second deck is comprised of ten upper suites and the largest of all, the owner’s suite. The top deck features beautiful indoor and outdoor lounge areas, a sundeck with plunge pool, a spa and gym, and the bar.

On-board activities include expert talks from naturalists, Peruvian cooking classes and nightly entertainment with a local flavor. Expeditions include birdwatching trips, a visit to the start of the Amazon River where the Ucayali and Marañon Rivers merge, Piranha fishing, skiff excursions into Pacaya Samiria, the largest wildlife reserve in Peru, guided jungle walks, traditional village visits and the chance to meet local Amazonian people whose lives revolve around the river. Delfin Amazon Cruises has a strong commitment to preserving the rich biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest and works closely with its non-profit partner, The Kuyapa Foundation, which supports local communities and strives to protect Amazonia’s fragile ecosystem for generations to come.