Delfin - Amazon River Cruise
​(Tour report May 2017) 
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​A journey into the Amazon is an experience that many only dream about - an opportunity to enter one of the world’s most biologically diverse areas and to sight an abundance of exotic species of flora and fauna!   To do so, effortlessly, and in great style, is to view the Amazon aboard a luxury river cruise, especially with Delfin!   ​
In 2006, the Delfin Amazon Cruise company was launched to do just that, to provide guests with an opportunity to enjoy an authentic and luxurious Amazon experience.  The Delfin Amazon Cruise fleet now consists of three river vessels. 
Built in 1978 and updated in 2010, Delfin I is a deluxe vessel with 4 wood-panelled and air-conditioned cabins for up to 8 guests.  Two of the suites even boast a private whirlpool, for the ultimate treat!  Their second luxury cruise vessel is the Delfin II, launched in March 2009, offering 14 air-conditioned suites for up to 30 guests.  Their third vessel, the Delfin III​, was built in 2015 and re-launched in May 2017, offering guests the highest levels of luxury.  This new vessel is also the largest in their fleet, with 22 suites offering capacity for up to 43 guests.  ​
All vessels have first-class bar and dining facilities, and provide outstanding jungle excursions with expert guides in stable expedition skiffs.  ​Delfin III also offers a fully equipped gym, plunge pool on the open-air Sun Deck, and Spa!  Upper level observation decks provide a comfortable place to relax and watch the river go by, manned by cheerful local crews that offer the full range of service that can be expected in a high-end city hotel.  On-board teams also provide medical aid and security, should that ever become necessary.  
Dining on board one of the Delfin Fleet is also a special experience.  With the Amazon providing a bountiful supply of fresh ingredients, the talented chefs prepare gourmet cuisine throughout your journey. Whilst on board, the chefs offer several local fruits and vegetables, some of which we feel sure you will never have heard of before.​
Before every meal the staff decorate the dining room and tables with bright coloured creations made by the locals. The presentation is so spectacular that guests are photographing each meal to capture the creativity. During meal time the service is impeccable with white-gloved waiters greeting you by name and presenting each plate with an explanation of what it consists. 
The service provided by the staff on board each of the vessels is impeccable. The friendly barman is always waiting for you with a tray of ice-cold drinks on return from every excursion.  Following dinner, if you’re lucky, the crew might pop into the dining room with guitar and maracas in hand for a little performance.   And at night, while you are dining, your room is “turned-down” leaving your bed ready for slumber and a chocolate on your pillow for  “sweet dreams”!
To reach the cruise, most guests fly into Lima then on to Iquitos in the NE of Peru.  Here, Delfin transport meets them and transfers them down to the port of Nauta (one hour) where they board their selected Delfin cruise.  The cruises on each vessel differ slightly in time and route, but all visit the pristine reserve that is Pacaya-Samiria, the world's largest protected flood forest!  It is said that, during the rainy season, up to 85% of the forest is flooded and only accessible by boat.  
Here, there are only two seasons, the wet and the dry.  Choosing the best time to travel can be difficult as both seasons offer amazing opportunities and rewards. The wet/flooded season runs from December to April and is generally cooler and wetter, but still hot and humid.  During this time the rivers and streams are higher allowing navigation to waterways inaccessible during the dry season.  The latter runs from June to November.  At this time more jungle trails are accessible allowing guests to explore deeper into the jungle.
The sights are awe-inspiring and so very different, and in some cases you, too, can be invited to participate.   On one  excursion we were invited to go piranha fishing!  This is similar to fly-fishing, but the bait is a juicy piece of raw meat!  Within seconds of dipping your rod into the water there is a swarm or piranhas all fighting to take hold of the bait.  With a quick snap of the wrist you’ll be sure to catch one. They’re quite small, but you wouldn’t want to get in the way of their ferocious looking teeth!  If that experience wasn’t enough to get the adrenalin going….. picture a scene from Australia’s “The Crocodile Hunter” series, cruising up and down the Amazon River in the pitch black of night, floodlight shining towards the river bank.  On the sighting of glowing red eyes the skiff edges closer ever so slowly. Then, bam! The guide dives his arms into the water and pulls out a wriggling caiman for all to see.  This was a baby Whit Caiman ........... the parents can be up to 3 metres long, and Black Caiman up to 5m!
On the more cultural side of experiences, one of the highlights is a visit to a local village located several hours from civilization.  Even in such isolation, these villagers have managed to create a little community buzzing with activity.  While men are building boats or working on their huts, the women are creating bright coloured weaves and decorations to sell to the tourists. Curious children follow your trail, giggling and waiting for the gift of a chocolate or a colouring book. A small cost for a tourist, but an amazing gift for a child. 
Our most enthralling experience was a sighting of the mysterious pink dolphin.  Considered an endangered species, these playful and curious creatures can be spotted performing water ballet near the river basins and streams.  But there are so many other wonderful creatures to be spotted, be they flying, swimming, or just watching!
  So whatever experience it is that you are after, you will be sure to find it on an excursion with Delfin Amazon Cruise!