Kontiki small-yacht expeditions launching this fall

i By June 30, 2020 No Comments

A new luxury cruise player is entering the waters off the Ecuadoran coast this fall.

Kontiki Expeditions, a start-up small yacht company focusing on conscious travel and immersive experiences, will debut two eight-day itineraries in December: The Toquilla Expedition and The Spondylus Expedition.

“We are pioneers in offering luxury sea expeditions along seldom-travelled routes,” says Carlos Nuñez, founder and CEO. “Our new expeditions reveal the beauty and authenticity of coastal Ecuador, passing through small, uncrowded towns and historical sites, forests and wetlands, pristine beaches, and protected ecological reserves.”

All images courtesy of Kontiki Expeditions. (Top of page) Exterior view of Kontiki Expedition yacht. (Gallery) 1. Yacht stern. 2. Entrance to yacht interior. 3. Diving equipment. 4. Jacuzzi. 5. Forward open-air lounge and stairs. 6. Diningroom. 7-9. Stateroom.

A key component of the Kontiki program is supporting the communities visited while 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,” adds Nuñez.

Kontiki guests will sail aboard 128-foot yachts, each with nine staterooms, a sundeck, a gourmet salon, two outdoor lounges, bar, Jacuzzi, and a gym and fitness area. Health security protocols include mandatory temperature screening and pre-boarding health declarations for guests; hourly sterilization of frequent touchpoints (handrails, lift buttons, table-tops, door handles, etc.); frequent cleansing of public spaces using fogging and wiping with hospital-grade disinfectant; mandatory wearing of facemasks and gloves by frontline crew as well as housekeeping and F&B crew; two seatings for meals to ensure physical distancing; and more.

The expedition programs will be led by 10 crew members and two local experts committed to sustainability and conscious travel. The onboard staff will also include wellness professionals, naturalist guides and a local chef.

“Ecuador is home to our first expedition and we look forward to expanding our concept of small-yacht luxury to other countries as well,” explains Nuñez. “We are excited about sharing our beautiful yachts and destinations with adventurous travellers who share our passion for exploration and conscious travel.”