Raúl García, known as “El Capi” (short for “The Captain”) is as much a travel expert as he is an ecotourism entrepreneur and pioneer. He is the founder and CEO of Anakonda Amazon Cruises, the only cruise line in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest.
In 1992, Raúl founded the travel agency Advantage Travel. He launched his own river cruise, the Manatee, in 2002. In 2013, he launched the Anakonda, his most ambitious project and the product of nearly half a century of navigation in Ecuadorian waters.
Raúl’s work is motivated by a deep commitment to meld conservationism with unique travel experiences. In 1985, he co-founded Ecuador’s Ecotourism Society, which worked to implement sustainable practices in the Amazon that both benefited the environment and the people living there.
Based on this commitment, one of the main visions of the cruise line over the past 15 years has been to support the communities of the Ecuadorian Amazon and provide them with an alternative form of income. Over 50% of the staff of Anakonda Amazon Cruises’ two current vessels—the Anakonda and the Manatee—are members of the local communities. Additionally, Raúl has worked to develop two endangered species conservation programs that are maintained by the communities. These act as experiences for cruise guests and affords the communities the ability to support themselves in a sustainable way by taking care of the environment.
Additionally, Raúl organizes cultural encounter activities for every one of the cruise line’s itineraries. Guests are invited to experience the traditional meals and customs of the communities. Raúl takes great care to make sure the experience is as authentic as possible and that careful consideration is taken with absolute respect for community members. Guests meet with community members in their homes or village centers and are introduced by the guides, many who are from the area.
Here’s more from Anakonda:
What unique services or benefits do you offer to families?
At Anakonda Amazon Cruises, we offer families a unique opportunity to explore one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth while enjoying the comfort of a boutique expedition cruise.
Our intimate, small-ship experience is ideal for families and multigenerational travelers looking to connect through meaningful adventures. From spotting wildlife and exploring the rainforest with expert naturalist guides to visiting local Indigenous communities and learning about Amazonian traditions, every day brings opportunities for discovery, education, and unforgettable family memories.
Unlike traditional land-based Amazon experiences, our cruises allow families to explore remote areas of the Ecuadorian Amazon without constantly packing and unpacking, combining exciting daily excursions with comfortable accommodations, excellent cuisine, and personalized service.
Above all, we offer families the chance to disconnect from their everyday routines, reconnect with nature and each other, and experience the Amazon together in an authentic and meaningful way.
In what ways does your business work with the family travel industry?
We work closely with travel advisors and tour operators by providing personalized support, product training, webinars, familiarization trips, and marketing resources to help them confidently promote the Ecuadorian Amazon to their clients.
As direct cruise operators, we offer firsthand destination expertise and work alongside our partners to design memorable experiences for families and multigenerational travelers. Through our sister company, Advantage Travel, we can also help create seamless itineraries combining the Amazon with Ecuador's mainland highlights and the Galápagos Islands.
We also welcome opportunities to collaborate with travel media, content creators, and industry partners to showcase the Amazon as an exciting, educational, and meaningful destination for family travel.
What do you believe makes you unique?
As the only river cruise line in the Ecuadorian Amazon, Anakonda Amazon Cruises offers families a truly unique way to discover one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
What sets us apart is our ability to combine authentic rainforest exploration with the comfort and convenience of a boutique expedition cruise. Unlike traditional jungle lodges, our vessels navigate along the Napo River, allowing families to discover different ecosystems, encounter incredible wildlife, and connect with local Indigenous communities, all while enjoying the comfort of their floating home.
Our small-group excursions, expert naturalist guides, and immersive cultural experiences create meaningful opportunities for children, parents, and grandparents to learn, explore, and connect together.
We believe our greatest value lies in transforming a once-in-a-lifetime Amazon adventure into a comfortable, educational, and unforgettable shared family experience.
What else do you want to make sure people know about you?
Exciting adventures are on the horizon! We are currently offering special rates on selected departures and exclusive Early Monkey Booking Discounts for 2027 and 2028.
These offers are a fantastic opportunity for travel advisors to help families plan their next unforgettable Amazon adventure while enjoying exceptional value.
We invite travel advisors and industry partners to connect with our team to learn more about our upcoming departures, special promotions, and opportunities to create extraordinary family travel experiences in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Reach us at anakondaamazoncruises.com.
Photos by Diego Escobar, courtesy of Anakonda Amazon Cruises.
