Duration
3 to 8 days
Amazon River Expedition from Manaus
Your own boat, deep into the Rio Negro
For travelers who want to go deeper, see more, and be on the move. A traditional riverboat with the comfort of the 21st century, slipping into side-channels the day tours never reach.
Start / End
Manaus
Lodging
Air-conditioned river suite
Physical level
Easy, on the move
Style
Private charter available
Untouched rainforest, uncompromising comfort
Your journey pairs a traditional, colonial-style riverboat with the comfort of the 21st century. The shallow draft lets it slip into the narrowest side-channels, reaching forest that is still wild and untouched. On board you find air-conditioned suites and two viewing decks, with canoes carried along for excursions into the remotest corners.
Because you are always moving, you see more of the river than any single lodge can offer, the Anavilhanas Archipelago, dolphin waters, quiet igarapés, and communities far from the day-tour routes. For travelers who want the top tier, the same expedition can run as a fully private charter, your boat, your route, your pace, with a crew and naturalist dedicated to your group alone.
Choose your reach, from a long weekend to a full expedition
Longer routes go further from Manaus and deeper into wild water. All can run as a private charter.
3 to 4 days
Rio Negro Escape
The classic taste of river life. Anavilhanas, a night safari, pink dolphins, and the Meeting of the Waters on the way back.
- Anavilhanas
- Night safari
- Meeting of the Waters
5 to 6 days
Dolphin and Archipelago Voyage
More time on the water and further upriver. Longer stretches of untouched channel, more wildlife, and unhurried days on deck.
- Deeper channels
- More wildlife
- Days on deck
8 days
Jaú Frontier Expedition
The full expedition toward the Jaú frontier, for travelers who want the wildest, most remote river Brazil can offer.
- Remote frontier
- Jaú route
- Full expedition
Any length
Private Charter, Your Route
The top tier. The whole boat is yours, with a dedicated crew and naturalist. We design the route entirely around your group.
- Private boat
- Your route
- Dedicated crew
One example of a river expedition
One example, every trip is tailored.
- Day 1
Embark in Manaus and first sail
Welcome at the port and embarkation in the early afternoon. As the boat slips onto the Rio Negro, a welcome drink on deck, your first sunset over the water, then an evening canoe trip into the still channels.
- Embarkation
- Sunset on deck
- Day 2
Anavilhanas and night safari
Explore the Anavilhanas, the largest freshwater island archipelago on Earth, by canoe and on a guided walk. After dark, a night safari to spot caiman and the forest’s secret nocturnal life.
- Anavilhanas
- Jungle walk
- Night safari
- Day 3
River dolphins and local life
A day of encounters. Try piranha fishing, visit a caboclo community for an honest glimpse of river life, then swim with the pink dolphins in the warm Amazon water.
- Piranha fishing
- Caboclo community
- Pink dolphins
- Day 4 · Finale
The Meeting of the Waters and return
Witness the famous Meeting of the Waters, where the dark Rio Negro and pale Rio Solimões run side by side for kilometers without mixing. After a last look at the Janauari eco-park, return to Manaus around midday.
- Meeting of the Waters
- Janauari eco-park
- Return Manaus
Included on every expedition
Air-conditioned suites
Stylish suites with double or twin beds and individually controlled air conditioning.
Private bath, hot water
Every suite has its own bathroom with a warm shower, in the middle of the rainforest.
Two viewing decks
Wide panoramic views over the river, ideal for sunrise and sunset.
Naturalist guide
Experienced guides interpret the flora, fauna, and the life of the river peoples.
Full board and galley
All meals on board, freshly prepared, including regional specialities.
Canoes carried along
Canoes travel with the boat for excursions into the narrowest channels.
Life aboard the expedition
Honest expectations
What life aboard is really like
A riverboat is intimate by design, cabins are cozy and days follow the river rather than a rigid clock. It is warm and humid, and some excursions mean climbing in and out of canoes. In exchange you wake somewhere new each morning, reach water most visitors never see, and trade a fixed base for the freedom of the whole river. For travelers who like to keep moving, nothing else compares.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the shared and private charter? +
On a private charter the entire boat, crew, and naturalist are yours, and we design the route around your group alone. It is the top-tier way to travel the river, ideal for families and small groups who want full flexibility.
How much time is spent on the boat versus off it? +
You sleep and dine aboard, and sail between areas, but the highlights happen off the boat by canoe and on foot. Expect a rhythm of excursions morning and evening, with time on deck in between.
Is it a smooth ride? +
The Rio Negro is calm black water, so it is a gentle experience rather than open-sea sailing. The boat moves slowly and steadily through the channels.
Which route is best for wildlife? +
Longer routes reach wilder, less-visited water and generally mean more wildlife. Season matters too, and we match the route and timing to what you most want to see.
Woven into these journeys
This Amazon experience slots neatly into one of these multi-day private journeys.
Journey Highlights of Brazil
Rio, Iguaçu, the Amazon and the beach, in one unhurried line
View
Journey Wildlife & Nature
Where the wild things still are
View
Journey Family & Multi-Generational
Brazil for all ages, from toddlers to grandparents
View
Journey Honeymoons & Milestones
The big trip for two, planned around privacy and timing
ViewWhat travelling with us was actually like
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My wife and I have always been thrilled by Brazil, but we had never dared to organise the trip ourselves. Authentic Brazil Travel planned the whole journey for us, including some destinations we did not know. The trip was superbly organised, the guides were great, the accommodations lovely and the transfers punctual. Thanks to the wonderful guides and their tips we felt safe the entire time and got to discover a lot of new things. Gladly again!
A little Brazilian sunshine
Your Brazil starts here.
A few ideas are all we need to start planning something personal.
- 24h response
- Completely non-binding
- Personal consultation
Rather compose it yourself, stop by stop? Design your own journey
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