Latin American Cruises
Natural history and wildlife oriented, Latin American cruises are an ideal way to discover the continent’s prized rivers, lakes and seas. Travel and accommodations are aboard well-appointed and comfortable deluxe or first-class vessels (expedition ships, yachts, catamarans, motor sailors or river boats). Excursions encompass guided walks, wildlife observation, birding, snorkeling, optional diving and/or canoe excursions.
For a selected list of vessels used in the Peruvian Amazon, view our Peruvian Amazon river cruise vessels
For a selected list of vessels used in Galápagos, view our Galápagos cruise vessels
For expedition-style cruising in Patagonia, view our Australis cruises For maximum availability on these small boat cruises, plan ahead! Read more about how to book a Southwind cruise
PERU AMAZON CRUISE (aboard the M/V Aria)
This voyage takes us deep into the world’s greatest wilderness through an ever-changing vista of lush tropical rainforest. Our riverboat, one of the most luxurious in the Peruvian Amazon, plies these waters with comfort, elegance and attentive service, affording superb wildlife viewing from her observation deck.
Length: 10 Days/9 Nights (7 Days/6 Nights also available)
Season: Year-round
Land Cost: from $9,550
This voyage takes us deep into the world’s greatest wilderness through an ever-changing vista of lush tropical rainforest. Our riverboat, one of the most luxurious in the Peruvian Amazon, plies these waters with comfort, elegance and attentive service, affording superb wildlife viewing from her observation deck.
Length: 10 Days/9 Nights (7 Days/6 Nights also available)
Season: Year-round
Land Cost: from $9,550
GALAPAGOS WILDLIFE ODYSSEY (aboard the M/C Endemic)
Brought to the world’s attention by Darwin’s famous 1835 visit, Galápagos is Ecuador’s largest national park. The volcanic islands’ unique environment provides the perfect setting for birds, plants and reptiles which are are not found anywhere else on earth! Travelers of all ages can get up-close with approachable wildlife.
Length: 9 Days/8 Nights
Season: Year-round
Land Cost: from $8,400
Brought to the world’s attention by Darwin’s famous 1835 visit, Galápagos is Ecuador’s largest national park. The volcanic islands’ unique environment provides the perfect setting for birds, plants and reptiles which are are not found anywhere else on earth! Travelers of all ages can get up-close with approachable wildlife.
Length: 9 Days/8 Nights
Season: Year-round
Land Cost: from $8,400
GALAPAGOS WILDLIFE ODYSSEY (aboard the M/Y La Pinta)
Brought to the world’s attention by Darwin’s famous 1835 visit, Galápagos is Ecuador’s largest national park. The volcanic islands’ unique environment provides the perfect setting for birds, plants and reptiles which are are not found anywhere else on earth! Travelers of all ages can get up-close with approachable wildlife.
Length: 10 Days/9 Nights
Season: Year-round
Land Cost: from $8,005
Brought to the world’s attention by Darwin’s famous 1835 visit, Galápagos is Ecuador’s largest national park. The volcanic islands’ unique environment provides the perfect setting for birds, plants and reptiles which are are not found anywhere else on earth! Travelers of all ages can get up-close with approachable wildlife.
Length: 10 Days/9 Nights
Season: Year-round
Land Cost: from $8,005
GALAPAGOS AND MACHU PICCHU (aboard the M/Y La Pinta)
Experience two of South America’s most important and renowned destinations. The Galápagos, a foremost natural history destination, offers visitors the chance to see unique species of wildlife on a 5-day cruise. Machu Picchu, the jewel of Inca architecture, allows visitors a glimpse into a not-too-distant, fascinating past.
Length: 14 days/13 Nights
Season: April – December
Land Cost: from $11,800
Experience two of South America’s most important and renowned destinations. The Galápagos, a foremost natural history destination, offers visitors the chance to see unique species of wildlife on a 5-day cruise. Machu Picchu, the jewel of Inca architecture, allows visitors a glimpse into a not-too-distant, fascinating past.
Length: 14 days/13 Nights
Season: April – December
Land Cost: from $11,800
Smaller vessels offer an intimate atmosphere ideal for couples or groups of friends and typically accommodate between 16 and 24 guests. The two berths of a catamaran offer increased stability.
NEW! M/C ELITE
Type: 16 passenger Luxury Motor-catamaran
Length: 123 ft
Cruising speed: 12 knots
Specifically designed for sailing the Galapagos Islands, this mega-catamaran made its debut in the summer of 2019. Elite offers boutique style accommodations, superb service, gourmet food and top tier experience among all vessels operating in the archipelago. Elite is one-of-a-kind, exhibiting tasteful elegance and sophistication, but also stability, safety and splendor in all areas.
NEW! M/C ELITE
Type: 16 passenger Luxury Motor-catamaran
Length: 123 ft
Cruising speed: 12 knots
Specifically designed for sailing the Galapagos Islands, this mega-catamaran made its debut in the summer of 2019. Elite offers boutique style accommodations, superb service, gourmet food and top tier experience among all vessels operating in the archipelago. Elite is one-of-a-kind, exhibiting tasteful elegance and sophistication, but also stability, safety and splendor in all areas.
NEW! M/C ENDEMIC
Type: 16 passenger Luxury Motor-catamaran
Length: 115 ft
Cruising speed: 12 knots
As a new generation of luxury Mega-Catamarans, Endemic started cruising the islands in July 2018 offering superb service, gourmet food and 1st-class experiences. Endemic, known for its stability, elegance and comfort, features some of the largest Suites in vessels of this size.
Type: 16 passenger Luxury Motor-catamaran
Length: 115 ft
Cruising speed: 12 knots
As a new generation of luxury Mega-Catamarans, Endemic started cruising the islands in July 2018 offering superb service, gourmet food and 1st-class experiences. Endemic, known for its stability, elegance and comfort, features some of the largest Suites in vessels of this size.
NEW! M/T CAMILA
Type: 16 passenger Luxury Motor-trimaran
Length: 125 ft
Cruising speed: 11 knots
The only luxury trimaran in Galápagos, Camila was launched in 2018 to offer superb cruise experiences in the archipelago. Designed for functionality and comfort while exploring the “Enchanting Islands” and discovering its wildlife.
Type: 16 passenger Luxury Motor-trimaran
Length: 125 ft
Cruising speed: 11 knots
The only luxury trimaran in Galápagos, Camila was launched in 2018 to offer superb cruise experiences in the archipelago. Designed for functionality and comfort while exploring the “Enchanting Islands” and discovering its wildlife.
M/C PETREL
Type: 16 passenger Luxury Motor-catamaran
Length: 115 ft
Cruising speed: 14 knots
One of the finest catamarans in Galápagos, the Petrel offers a first-class way to visit these magical islands. Named after a sea bird common to Galápagos, the Petrel is like its namesake: elegant, swift and silent at sea.
Type: 16 passenger Luxury Motor-catamaran
Length: 115 ft
Cruising speed: 14 knots
One of the finest catamarans in Galápagos, the Petrel offers a first-class way to visit these magical islands. Named after a sea bird common to Galápagos, the Petrel is like its namesake: elegant, swift and silent at sea.
M/C CORMORANT
Type: 16 passenger Luxury Motor-Catamaran
Length: 108 ft
Cruising speed: 14 knots
The elegant Cormorant incorporates the very best of Galápagos Catamaran design. The modern and ample accommodation includes Jacuzzi, huge sun deck and a private balcony for each of the spacious staterooms and suites.
Type: 16 passenger Luxury Motor-Catamaran
Length: 108 ft
Cruising speed: 14 knots
The elegant Cormorant incorporates the very best of Galápagos Catamaran design. The modern and ample accommodation includes Jacuzzi, huge sun deck and a private balcony for each of the spacious staterooms and suites.
M/C OCEAN SPRAY
Type: 16 passenger Luxury Motor-Catamaran
Length: 113 ft
Cruising speed: 15 knots
The stylish M/C Ocean Spray was built exclusively for cruising the Galápagos and, as one of the few Mega-Catamarans in the islands, offers the best performance and comfort. With 11 crew members for only 16 guests, you are ensured top-notch personalized service.
Type: 16 passenger Luxury Motor-Catamaran
Length: 113 ft
Cruising speed: 15 knots
The stylish M/C Ocean Spray was built exclusively for cruising the Galápagos and, as one of the few Mega-Catamarans in the islands, offers the best performance and comfort. With 11 crew members for only 16 guests, you are ensured top-notch personalized service.
M/Y SEA STAR JOURNEY
Type: 16 passenger Superior First-Class Motor-yacht
Length: 138 ft
Cruising speed: 12 knots
A beautiful way to discover the Galapagos Islands is aboard a spacious boutique cruise yacht. The M/Y Sea Star Journey has all of the luxuries of home incorporated within her walls, and delivers one of the finest nature expeditions navigating the islands.
Type: 16 passenger Superior First-Class Motor-yacht
Length: 138 ft
Cruising speed: 12 knots
A beautiful way to discover the Galapagos Islands is aboard a spacious boutique cruise yacht. The M/Y Sea Star Journey has all of the luxuries of home incorporated within her walls, and delivers one of the finest nature expeditions navigating the islands.
Our mid-sized boats accommodate up to 50 passengers and feature a comfortable, relaxed environment perfect for clubs, schools and families that prefer more spacious surroundings while still enjoying a very personalized Galapagos adventure.
M/Y CORAL I
Type: 36 passenger First-Class Motor yacht
Length: 131 ft
Cruising speed: 10 knots
The M/Y Coral I accommodates 36 passengers in 18 comfortable cabins. The yacht has plenty of places to relax, including a sun terrace, reading area and hammocks. There is also a boutique aboard and an outdoor Jacuzzi.
M/Y CORAL I
Type: 36 passenger First-Class Motor yacht
Length: 131 ft
Cruising speed: 10 knots
The M/Y Coral I accommodates 36 passengers in 18 comfortable cabins. The yacht has plenty of places to relax, including a sun terrace, reading area and hammocks. There is also a boutique aboard and an outdoor Jacuzzi.
M/Y ISABELA II
Type: 40 passenger Deluxe Motor-yacht
Length: 166 ft
Cruising speed: 10 knots
Refined Isabela II features amenities of a larger vessel while maintaining a tasteful yet relaxed and intimate atmosphere. Her facilities include a large bar and lounge, spacious semi-formal dining room, one of the Galápagos’ most complete libraries and an ample sun deck with Jacuzzi and solarium.
Type: 40 passenger Deluxe Motor-yacht
Length: 166 ft
Cruising speed: 10 knots
Refined Isabela II features amenities of a larger vessel while maintaining a tasteful yet relaxed and intimate atmosphere. Her facilities include a large bar and lounge, spacious semi-formal dining room, one of the Galápagos’ most complete libraries and an ample sun deck with Jacuzzi and solarium.
M/Y LA PINTA
Type: 48 passenger Deluxe Motor yacht
Length: 207 ft
Cruising speed: 12 knots
As one of the islands’ newest vessels, La Pinta accommodates 48 passengers in luxurious comfort, and is an ideal size for cruising the waters of the Galápagos. Elegant public areas feature a stylish and modern atmosphere, with plenty of natural light and a nautical touch.
Type: 48 passenger Deluxe Motor yacht
Length: 207 ft
Cruising speed: 12 knots
As one of the islands’ newest vessels, La Pinta accommodates 48 passengers in luxurious comfort, and is an ideal size for cruising the waters of the Galápagos. Elegant public areas feature a stylish and modern atmosphere, with plenty of natural light and a nautical touch.
Larger ships carry up to 100 guests and are suited for more sizable gatherings including alumni groups and organizations with large memberships as well as for travelers preferring more formal surroundings, larger spaces, greater comfort and maximum stability.
M/V SANTA CRUZ II
Type: 90 passenger First-Class Cruise Vessel
Length: 235 ft
Cruising speed: 10.5 knots
Indoors and out, the Santa Cruz II offers handsome installations that make the most of the Galápagos, ensuring your stay on board will perfectly complement the day’s outings. Since its maiden voyage back in October 2015 it has navigated the Galapagos seas regularly.
M/V SANTA CRUZ II
Type: 90 passenger First-Class Cruise Vessel
Length: 235 ft
Cruising speed: 10.5 knots
Indoors and out, the Santa Cruz II offers handsome installations that make the most of the Galápagos, ensuring your stay on board will perfectly complement the day’s outings. Since its maiden voyage back in October 2015 it has navigated the Galapagos seas regularly.
M/V GALAPAGOS LEGEND
Type: 100 passenger Boutique Expedition Ship
Length: 301 ft
Cruising speed: 15 knots
The M/V Legend features 58 cabins for 100 passengers, and was fully refurbished in early 2015 and recently remodeled in late 2016.This vessel is small enough to ensure peacefulness and personalized attention, yet has all the amenities of a larger ship.
Type: 100 passenger Boutique Expedition Ship
Length: 301 ft
Cruising speed: 15 knots
The M/V Legend features 58 cabins for 100 passengers, and was fully refurbished in early 2015 and recently remodeled in late 2016.This vessel is small enough to ensure peacefulness and personalized attention, yet has all the amenities of a larger ship.
Southwind Adventures works with a select few Amazon river cruise vessels, carefully choosing the foremost ships operating on the Peruvian Amazon River. To ensure the best quality experience for our travelers, we select leading cruise vessels based on the criteria of safety, comfort, guides, and itineraries.
DELFIN III
Type: 42 passenger motorized luxury riverboat
Length: 169 ft
Cabin size: 237 to 597 sq ft
The Delfin III is the largest of the Delfin vessels, a new addition to luxury cruising in the Peruvian Amazon, launching Januar 2017. With just 22 suites, the Delfin III provides a luxurious and intimate venue from which to learn about one of the world’s most important waterways.
DELFIN III
Type: 42 passenger motorized luxury riverboat
Length: 169 ft
Cabin size: 237 to 597 sq ft
The Delfin III is the largest of the Delfin vessels, a new addition to luxury cruising in the Peruvian Amazon, launching Januar 2017. With just 22 suites, the Delfin III provides a luxurious and intimate venue from which to learn about one of the world’s most important waterways.
M/V ZAFIRO
Type: 38 passenger motorized luxury riverboat
Length: 162 ft
Cabin size: 226 to 480 sq ft
The M/V Zafiro is a floating five-star hotel that will draw you into the world of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Admire the beauty of the National Reserve and relax onboard with amenities like a Jacuzzi and first-class dining. Beginning in October 2015, M/V Zafiro will feature 4-day, 5-day, and 8-day itineraries.
Type: 38 passenger motorized luxury riverboat
Length: 162 ft
Cabin size: 226 to 480 sq ft
The M/V Zafiro is a floating five-star hotel that will draw you into the world of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Admire the beauty of the National Reserve and relax onboard with amenities like a Jacuzzi and first-class dining. Beginning in October 2015, M/V Zafiro will feature 4-day, 5-day, and 8-day itineraries.
DELFIN I
Type: 8-12 passenger motorized luxury riverboat
Length: 69 ft
Cruising speed: 8 knots
Cabin size: 340 to 360 sq ft
Launched in early 2006, M/V Delfin I is the original luxury Amazon vessel, setting the standards for quality and sophistication. It was fully refurbished in 2010. Delfin I is also the smallest and most exclusive, with only 4 suites total.
Type: 8-12 passenger motorized luxury riverboat
Length: 69 ft
Cruising speed: 8 knots
Cabin size: 340 to 360 sq ft
Launched in early 2006, M/V Delfin I is the original luxury Amazon vessel, setting the standards for quality and sophistication. It was fully refurbished in 2010. Delfin I is also the smallest and most exclusive, with only 4 suites total.
DELFIN II
Type: 28 passenger motorized luxury riverboat
Length: 120 ft
Cruising speed: 8 – 10 knots
Cabin size: 210 to 230 sq ft
Delfin II was launched in 2009 to extend the Delfin’s tradition of casual yet refined elegance in Amazon river cruising. Larger than its sister vessel, Delfin II has a total of 14 cabins: 10 suites and 4 master suites.
Type: 28 passenger motorized luxury riverboat
Length: 120 ft
Cruising speed: 8 – 10 knots
Cabin size: 210 to 230 sq ft
Delfin II was launched in 2009 to extend the Delfin’s tradition of casual yet refined elegance in Amazon river cruising. Larger than its sister vessel, Delfin II has a total of 14 cabins: 10 suites and 4 master suites.
M/V ARIA
Type: 32 passenger motorized luxury riverboat
Length: 147 ft
Cruising speed: 12 knots
Cabin size: 250 sq ft
An elegant medium size state-of-the-art vessel with character and grander features. The M/V Aria was designed by renowned Peruvian architect Jordi Puig and built specifically for the Amazon in 2010 and was launched in 2011.
Type: 32 passenger motorized luxury riverboat
Length: 147 ft
Cruising speed: 12 knots
Cabin size: 250 sq ft
An elegant medium size state-of-the-art vessel with character and grander features. The M/V Aria was designed by renowned Peruvian architect Jordi Puig and built specifically for the Amazon in 2010 and was launched in 2011.
NEW! M/V NERA
Type: 40 passenger motorized luxury riverboat
Length: 205 ft
Cruising speed: 10 knots
Cabin size: 323 sq ft
In the wake of the M/V Aria’s recognition, this elegant larger sister ship was launched in 2020. M/V Aqua Nera, embraces distinct eco luxe craftsmanship setting the standard for luxury river cruising on the Amazon.
Type: 40 passenger motorized luxury riverboat
Length: 205 ft
Cruising speed: 10 knots
Cabin size: 323 sq ft
In the wake of the M/V Aria’s recognition, this elegant larger sister ship was launched in 2020. M/V Aqua Nera, embraces distinct eco luxe craftsmanship setting the standard for luxury river cruising on the Amazon.