Delfin 2 Amazon

The Peru-based Delfin Amazon Cruises is a boutique houseboat cruise operator that owns and operates two Amazon-deployed riverboats—Delfin II (built in 2009) and Delfin III (built in 2015). These sisterships are similarly designed, with Delfin III offering slightly greater passenger capacity. Both vessels share similar exterior and interior design, onboard amenities (dining and entertainment), services, and stateroom features.

Both Delfin II and Delfin III operate cruises along tributaries of the Amazon River Basin in Peru. They are designed with floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows, offering unobstructed views of the rainforest scenery.

History – Construction and Ownership

Delfin II and Delfin III are fully owned by Delfin Amazon Cruises, a Peruvian company founded in 2006 by Aldo Macchiavello and his wife Lissy Urteaga. Aldo manages the company, while Lissy, an interior designer, oversees the interior décor of the ships. She also plans daily onboard activities and develops long-term dining concepts in coordination with the ship’s Master Chef.

Internationally, RV Delfin II is represented and chartered by Lindblad Expeditions, a premium small-ship cruise company operating in partnership with National Geographic (NatGeo), a U.S.-based non-profit institution focused on science and education.

The Lindblad–NatGeo partnership offers guests expedition-style cruises, designed for active exploration. All itineraries are destination-specific and include professionally guided land tours and shore excursions themed around regional history, culture, and wildlife.

Another charterer of Delfin Amazon riverboats is Abercrombie & Kent (A&K Travel), a UK-based luxury travel company.

Cabins

Delfin II features a contemporary design with fine Peruvian wood interiors. The ship offers 14 spacious suites, including 4 Master Suites with 180-degree panoramic windows and 10 Suites, four of which are connecting and suitable for families.

Shipboard Dining and Entertainment

Delfin II has a maximum capacity of 30 passengers, served by 15 crew. The vessel has three decks (two with accommodations) and 14 staterooms in four suite categories. All suites feature wall-to-wall windows. Amenities include a comfortable lounge, modern sleeping quarters, an outdoor plunge pool, spa and gym facilities, and an open-seating dining room.

The top deck, added in 2014, features an air-conditioned Lecture Room with panoramic windows and modern AV equipment, a massage room, exercise room, boutique shop, library, and an open-air observation lounge with a bar and cushioned seating. Dining onboard is exclusively based on locally sourced ingredients.

Delfin II operates 4- and 5-day itineraries focused on the Amazon’s diverse wildlife, including mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. The ship does not feature TVs, telephones, Internet access, nightclubs, or 24-hour food and beverage service. Internet and mobile phone coverage are unavailable throughout most of the cruise, with a few exceptions along the route. A satellite phone is available onboard for emergency use (charges apply). Rain gear is provided.

Each ship is equipped with 10-person skiffs for excursions. Guests can swim directly from the skiffs using the swim ladder. Delfin II and Delfin III are the only Amazon cruise ships in Peru equipped with their own fleets of kayaks. All itineraries include a Lindblad–NatGeo-certified photo instructor onboard.

Delfin Amazon Cruises primarily operates under charter and is a pioneer in the Upper Amazon region, offering 10-day itineraries that explore the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve exclusively.

Lindblad–NatGeo Amazon Cruisetour Itineraries

Beginning January 2026, Delfin II and Delfin III (both chartered by Lindblad–NatGeo) will offer two distinct itineraries:

6-day "Upper Amazon River Expedition" – Explores Peru’s rainforest and navigates the waterways of Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Guests visit ribereños (Amazonian river communities), enjoy guided wildlife encounters (e.g., pink river dolphins, monk saki monkeys), and participate in photography sessions with NatGeo-certified instructors.

10-day "Wild Peru Escape: Amazon and Machu Picchu" – Combines the 6-day expedition with land tours of Peru’s UNESCO sites, including two days at Machu Picchu and explorations of Lima and Cusco.

Below is an example of a 7-night / 8-day Upper Amazon River cruise on Delfin II, with roundtrip travel from Lima and boarding in Iquitos. Prices start at approximately USD 7700 per person (double occupancy):

These Peru Amazon cruise packages include two domestic flights (to/from Lima) and two bus transfers (to/from the ship in Iquitos).

Note: For a complete list of river cruise ships and riverboats, visit the "itinerary" section of CruiseMapper’s River Cruises hub. All cruise companies and their fleets are listed there.