Amazon River by Private Speedboat
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Port
Manaus, Brazil
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
Information Not Currently Available
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$740
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3¾ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
From the pier, board a regional speedboat for a private sightseeing cruise along the Amazon River, accompanied by a pilot and bilingual guide.
First, head downstream, to the Meeting of the Waters. This is where the Rio Negro and Solimoes run side by side for many miles to create this curious natural phenomenon, marking the start of the mighty Amazon.
En route, observe the Ribeirinhos, or 'river people', carrying out their day-to-day activities, pass floating markets and observe the commercial life of the riverbanks.
Your private boat will then proceed to Lake January, an ecological park situated between the two rivers. Disembark and continue on foot along raised walkways. With luck, and river conditions permitting, you may be able to admire the Victoria Regia water lilies, the leaves of which can measure up to three feet across. Keep an eye out for exotic birds, monkeys and wild orchids.
Back at the landing, you'll have a little free time to purchase local Native arts and crafts before re-boarding the speedboat.
Your exploration now heads upstream as you pass by the floating port of Manaus and underneath the immense Ponte Rio Negro. This 2½-mile-wide bridge was opened in 2011 to link Manaus to the fertile lands south of the river and has become an iconic symbol of the Amazon region and its expansion.
After you have passed the bridge, your tour continues to the Ponta Negra neighborhood with its upscale residences and golden beaches. Upon arrival, disembark at the local floating port in the grounds of the Tropical Hotel to stretch your legs before returning to the boat and downriver to the ship.
Capacity: 6 guests. Your private party may be of any size up to the maximum capacity.
Please note: A private regional speedboat is ordered per boat (not per person), so only one person in the party needs to book the tour. The rainy season in the Amazon extends from December through March. Bring a light waterproof outer layer on tour with you. Your guide will do his/her best to speak English, but please keep in mind that the limited tourism infrastructure of Manaus is part of the city's charm, and bear with any language difficulties (s)he may encounter.