Information & FAQ

Everything you need to know before your Amazon adventure

Amazon River Boat logo

This page contains important details and answers to common questions about your Amazon River Cruise. Please read it carefully before arriving in Manaus to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip

Amazon River Boat logo

Everything You Need to Know

 

📌 Flights to Manaus

  • Manaus International Airport (MAO) receives direct flights from major cities like São Paulo, Brasília, and Miami
  • Most international flights connect through São Paulo (GRU) or Brasília (BSB)

 

📌 Airport Transfers

  • We offer private transfers from the airport or hotel directly to the boat
  • Taxis and ride-sharing apps (Uber, 99) are also available at the airport

 

📌 Where to Stay in Manaus

 


📌 Pickup & Departure Location

  • Hotel & airport pickup included – We will pick you up from your Manaus hotel or the airport
  • Provide the pickup location and time in the booking form, or at least 5 days in advance.
  • Departure point: Manaus Port (Downtown). – See Map link –

📌 Boarding & Departure Time

  • Recommended departure time: 8:00 AM (Flexible).
  • If you arrive later: We can adjust the time to fit your schedule.

📌 What Happens If You’re Late?

  • If you experience flight delays or other issues, please notify us as soon as possible.
  • We will do our best to reschedule your departure if necessary.


📌 Best Time to Visit

  • The Amazon is beautiful year-round, but each season offers a different experience:
    • June (High Water Season): Best for canoeing through flooded forests.
    • October (Low Water Season): Sandbanks and beaches appear along the river.
    • August to October: Warmest months.
    • January to April: Rainiest period.

📌 Temperature & Climate

  • Hot & humid year-round (25–35°C / 77–95°F).
  • Expect both sunshine and rain in any season.

📌 Mosquitoes & Malaria Risk

  • Rio Negro’s acidic waters reduce mosquito populations.
  • Malaria risk is low, but insect repellent is recommended.

 

📌 Clothing & Equipment

  • Light & breathable clothes (quick-dry recommended).
  • Long-sleeved shirts & pants (for jungle walks).
  • Waterproof gear (raincoat, dry bag).
  • Hat, sunglasses & sunscreen.
  • Insect repellent (DEET-based recommended).
  • Sturdy hiking shoes & sandals.

📌 For Children

  • Same essentials as adults, plus:
    • Extra snacks & entertainment for downtime.
    • Kid-friendly mosquito repellent.

 

📌 What’s Included

  • Your own boat and crew (Captain, Guide, Chef & Deckhand)
  • All meals on board (Full Board)
  • Excursions & activities – customizable to your preferences
  • Transfer from hotel or airport
  • Bed linen and towels, included for the number of cabins specified for each boat. Hammocks are also available

 

For more information about the boats, please visit Our Boats and for details about the cruise program, see the River Cruise page.

 

📌 What’s Not Included

  • Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, etc.) – available for purchase separately
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, etc.)
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional private excursions or activities not listed in the standard itinerary, or any special requests outside the standard program

 

 

📌 Included Activities (all tours are flexible and customizable)

  • Meeting of the Waters – Witness the spectacular phenomenon where the dark Rio Negro and the sandy-colored Solimões River flow side by side without mixing for kilometers.
  • Janauari Ecological Park – Explore flooded forests, giant water lilies, and diverse wildlife in this protected reserve (included in shorter cruises).
  • Anavilhanas Archipelago – Navigate through one of the world’s largest river archipelagos, home to unique ecosystems and abundant wildlife (available on longer cruises).
  • Jungle trekking – Discover medicinal plants, giant trees, and rainforest survival techniques.
  • Canoeing in flooded forests – Paddle through the igarapés (narrow creeks) during high water season.
  • Piranha fishing – Try your luck at catching these famous Amazonian fish.
  • Swimming with pink dolphins – A unique opportunity to interact with these rare creatures.
  • Sunrise & sunset tours – Experience the Amazon’s most magical moments.
  • Night excursions – Spot caimans and listen to jungle sounds in total darkness.
  • Indigenous tribe visit – Discover the unique traditions, rituals, and daily life of the local indigenous communities.
  • Local riverside village visit – Experience the charm of a nearby riverside village and gain insight into the lifestyles and customs of the people living along the river.
  • Custom stops based on your preferences – We can stop anywhere along the journey according to your wishes, while following the guide’s recommendations to ensure the best experience and safety.

📌 number of activities depends on the length of your cruise.

  • Shorter cruises (2–3 days): Meeting of the Waters, Janauari Ecological Park, jungle trekking, pink dolphins, and other key highlights.
  • Longer cruises (4+ days): Includes all shorter cruise activities plus additional experiences such as Anavilhanas Archipelago and extended wildlife exploration.
  • Flexible activities: We do not have a fixed maximum or minimum number of activities per day. The program is customized to suit your preferences and needs, ensuring a personalized experience.

📌 Wildlife You May Encounter

  • Common sightings: 🐒 Monkeys (squirrel, howler, capuchin), 🦥 sloths, 🐬 pink river dolphins, 🦜 toucans, parrots, macaws, 🐊 caimans.
  • Less common but possible: 🦔 Anteaters, 🦦 otters, 🐍 anacondas, 🦋 poison dart frogs.
  • Rare & nocturnal species: 🐆 Jaguars, 🐯 ocelots, 🦇 vampire bats.

📌 Best Time for Wildlife Spotting

  • Daytime: Best for monkeys, sloths, birds, and dolphins.
  • Dusk & dawn: Great for caimans, night birds, and river otters.

 

📌Full board included

  • First day: Lunch & dinner.
  • Middle days: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
  • Last day: Breakfast & lunch.

📌Meals include

  • Fresh fish, meat, chicken, and tropical fruits etc.
  • Vegetarian and vegan options available.
  • We can handle food allergies.
  • Most meals will be served onboard, but some can be enjoyed on the riverbank or a beautiful beach.

📌Included beverages

  • Water, juice, tea, and coffee.
  • Other drinks (soda, beer, wine, etc.) must be purchased separately.
  • Filtered or bottled water is provided on board and for excursions.

Please inform us in advance about any special dietary needs.



📌 Recommended Vaccinations

  • Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended (at least 10 days before travel).
  • Bring mosquito repellent to prevent bites.

📌 Malaria

  • The Rio Negro area, where we operate, is an excellent destination for tourism due to the very low risk of malaria. Typically, using mosquito repellent is sufficient to stay protected. However, we still recommend consulting with your healthcare provider for personalized advice before your trip.

📌 Local Currency & Payments

  • Brazil’s currency: Brazilian Real (BRL).
  • ATMs available in Manaus, but not in the rainforest.
  • Bring some cash for personal expenses.

 

📌 Wi-Fi Availability

  • Cruzador I has Wi-Fi via Starlink, but Araujo Junior does not have Wi-Fi.
  • On some days, we will stop at locations where it is possible to connect to Wi-Fi.

📌 Mobile Network Coverage

  • Mobile coverage is available in Manaus, but further up the rivers, coverage can be limited or absent.

📌 Electric energy

  • 110v outlets on board.

 

📌 Accepted Payment Methods

  • Brazil: PIX & bank transfer.
  • International: Credit card (Stripe), PayPal, SWIFT, Wise.

 

📌 Cancellation Policy

  • More than 30 days before arrival: 90% refund.
  • Between 30 and 5 days before arrival: 50% refund.
  • Less than 5 days before arrival: No refund.
  • PayPal & Stripe fees are non-refundable.

 

Check if your travel insurance covers cancellations.

 

Our Boats

See all details about the boats for your Amazon cruise.

What’s Included?

See everything that’s included in your private Amazon cruise.

Ready to Book?

Choose your dates and confirm your cruise today.