Exploring the Amazon by Private Speedboat
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Port
Manaus, Brazil
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$999.95
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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 a 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 a curious natural phenomenon of a two-colored river, marking the start of the mighty Amazon. En route, observe the Ribeirinhos, or river people, carrying out their day-to-day activities. You'll also pass floating markets -- a chance to observe commercial life on the riverbanks.
Your private boat enters 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. Exotic birds, monkeys and wild orchids are also found here.
Back at the landing stage, 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-long bridge was opened in 2011 to link Manaus to the fertile lands south of the river. It has become an iconic symbol of the Amazon region and its expansion.
Continue to the Ponta Negra neighborhood with its upscale residences and golden beaches. The local floating pontoon on the grounds of the Tropical Hotel allows you to step ashore and stretch your legs. Return to the boat for the ride back to the ship.
Capacity: 6 guests. Your private party may be of any size up to the maximum capacity.
Notes:
A private regional speedboat is ordered per boat (not per person), so only one person in the party needs to book the tour. Shade is limited and temperatures are always high; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Bring a light, waterproof outer layer.