By The UNCHARTED® editors · 7 min read
Set sail for an endless summer in nautical hideaways on bespoke boats that promise magnificent maritime adventures.
From Indonesia, Vietnam, and Cambodia to Peru and Ecuador, we’ve rounded up our favorite ways to hit the sea or set course down tropical channels as the cold season sets in.
We recommend that these excursions on small ships should be combined with other elements of a trip in order to fully explore their destinations. The Mekong, which floats down one of the mightest rivers in Asia, is meant to connect discerning travelers who want to visit UNESCO World Heritage Site Angkor Wat with the charms of Vietnam’s limestone mountains and historical cities. In Peru, the Nera, is a perfect way to explore the Amazon rainforest after time spent in Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley.
Read on to discover where we think you should be headed next to keep the sunshine and warmth rolling.
Indonesia: Explore the Secrets of the Banda Sea on the SV Blu
Raise anchor in the Coral Triangle on the luxurious long-range vessel, Blu, and discover a boat that meshes modern opulence with naval heritage. Originally a British naval HMS ship and later a private yacht of European aristocracy, Blu boasts a rich legacy, and she was recently given a facelift by Dutch interior yacht designer Cor D. Rover. The ship has 15 suites and state-of-the-art amenities including a library, spa, sun deck, saloon, and sky bar.
From Flores to Raja Ampat off West Papua and many places in between, guests experience twice-daily excursions so they can discover one of the world’s most biodiverse marine habitats. Home to majestic manta rays and whale sharks, and with over 1,500 species of fish and 600 species of coral, these islands present a kaleidoscopic display of aquatic life. Plan to discover hidden lagoons and secluded beaches by kayak, and snorkel or dive during a seven-to-twelve-day odyssey.
In this former hub of the global spice trade travelers can explore colonial Dutch and British forts that tell tales of a bygone era, visit the famed dragons of Komodo National Park, and hike across active volcanoes and the striking Kelimutu crater lakes.
Back onboard, experience the culinary delights of Indonesia’s spice route with dishes like salmon crudo with capers and beef short rib rendang, showcasing sustainably sourced food from across the region. Join local market errands to procure the day’s finest catch and savor the flavors that once brought merchants to this part of the world.
from $9,500 per person, on an 8-day experience
Cambodia & Vietnam: Take the Slow Boat to Experience the River Culture and Life on the SV Mekong
Embark on a journey through Cambodia and Vietnam aboard the floating sanctuary that is the Mekong. Imagined by the acclaimed architecture and interiors company Noor (the Mekong won gold in the Asia Hotel Design Awards), the boat features full-length windows that offer panoramic views of the winding river and passing rice paddies and thatch homes perched on wooden stilts above the freshwater.
This is a perfect trip for those who want to travel between these two countries comfortably but unconventionally and get a close look at the culture of the region — a far better approach than transferring by plane! Each morning, guests have the chance to explore the Mekong Delta's hidden treasures on personalized day trips.
Travelers can tour local temples and take leisurely bike rides. In Tân Châu, renowned for its exquisite silk, they’ll hop into traditional xe loi rickshaws en route to visiting fabric studios, while in Cái Bè, they can wander through century-old open courtyard homes from French colonial days. Visit bustling markets where the ship’s private chefs procure freshly-caught catfish, sugarcane prawns, coconuts, lemongrass, and aromatic coriander.
After a day filled with exploration — whether that’s kayaking (and perhaps spotting an Irrawaddy dolphin) or watching artisans weave intricate kroma yarn — return to the boat to enjoy a soothing massage or simply relax by the plunge pool. The bar menu, curated by Proof & Company, Asia Pacific's leading independent spirits distributor, includes extraordinary craft cocktails.
from $4,600 per person, on a 4-day experience
Peru: Get Deep Into the Amazon Rainforest on the
Venturing into the Amazon is possibly one of the most rewarding nature trips in the world — and a voyage into the selva (jungle) by boat up the mythical Rio Amazonas is the way to go. This great waterway originates from the foothills of the Andes in Peru and flows east on a 4,000 mile course toward the Atlantic Ocean, snaking its way through a region that’s home to more than a third of the world’s recorded plant and animal species.
We recommend embarking on a small ship expedition aboard the Nera. The ship’s design was inspired by the mystical black water lagoons that feed off the river, and it conveys a sense of tranquility and refined elegance (with a touch of drama!) — think sustainably-sourced natural wood, accents from the rubber boom era, and pieces from Peru, Portugal, and Spain. The boat was also custom-built to explore the biodiverse Pacaya Samiria National Reserve with minimal impact.
Wake to the jungle symphony and savor breakfast picnics by the river, where intrepid wanderers can fish for piranhas, observe taricaya turtles and caimans, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the elusive pink dolphin. Under the guidance of expert ecologists, excursions on foot are available to view ocelots, howler monkeys, three-toed sloths, toucans, macaws, and several types of radiant frogs — the group may even spot a jaguar from a safe distance! Kayak and canoes are available so guests can explore the Marañon and Ucayali tributaries.
At mealtime, savor rainforest-inspired cuisine and a menu created by Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, one of Peru’s most accomplished chefs, known for creating food from native Amazonian produce. Chef Schiaffino, brings culinary flair to each dish and serves up the likes of yucca gnocchi and grilled paiche fish with ají panka chili pepper adobo; he offers a ceviche masterclass, too.
from $4,800 per person, on a 4-day experience
Ecuador: Galápagos’ Underwater Wonders Aboard the SV Explorer
This volcanic archipelago, first named Las Encantadas or "the enchanted" by the bishop of Panama in 1535, has long been a haven for conservationists and adventurers. Now the islands are protected by a national park that covers 97% of the land, and it offers a stunning array of endemic species that were instrumental in inspiring Darwin’s and Wallace’s theory of evolution.
A great way to see the region is to combine a boat trip witha stay at a camp on land. The Explorer allows you to do just that. With room for only 12 guests, it offers an intimate setting that ensures a highly personalized experience.
Enjoy up-close encounters with iconic species such as the giant Galápagos tortoise and the striking blue-footed boobies, while still having time for snorkeling, sea kayaking, and island hopping. Spending time in these liquid depths reveals a tapestry of marine life, from frolicking penguins and gliding turtles to sea lions performing belly flops and colorful tropical fish darting about. This azure world is flourishing thanks to several protected marine reserves.
Moreover, there are opportunities to hike challenging trails up Alcedo Volcano and Sierra Negra, or opt for more leisurely strolls with stunning views.
Back on the boat, the Explorer's design features massive windows that fill its spacious guest areas with natural light, creating a calm environment that complements the dramatic vistas outside. In between all the activities, relax in the hot tub!
from $11,000 per person, on an 8-day experience
Ecuador: Explore the Galápagos in Style on
the SV Mare
If you’re looking for a highly refined and very environmentally-friendly Galápagos experience, you can’t go wrong with the Mare. Styled by the renowned yacht designer François Zuretti, it features seven expansive suites that have decor and prints inspired by the Wallace and Darwin era, paying homage to the islands’ history. Guests can enjoy both extravagant indoor and outdoor social spaces, including a sweeping sundeck and a multi-purpose Beach Club.
Choose between a comprehensive 14-night exploration of the islands, combining east and west itineraries, or opt for a weeklong sail.
The Mare has two naturalists to teach travelers about all the surrounding creatures and geography. They also have a partnership with the Charles Darwin Foundation and provide opportunities to visit the Marine Research Center to engage with experts on stewardship efforts aimed at protecting the region’s shark population and mangrove ecosystems.
The boat’s commitment to ethical sustainability is reflected in its culinary offerings, which emphasize locally sourced ingredients and support for regional farmers and fishermen. Signature dishes such as potato llapingachos, barbecued plantains, and shrimp ceviche highlight the best of local cuisine, while the cocktail list, featuring creations like the Bloody Mare, incorporates local ingredients such as the Andean mashua and tamarillo, a fruit that is similar to tomatoes.
With its luxurious accommodations and deep commitment to conservation, this yacht ensures a remarkable voyage through one of the world’s most extraordinary natural landscapes.
from $7,500 per person, on a 6-day experience
