Enjoy a different experience in the Brazilian Amazon with the best river cruises, comfortable accommodations and wonderful activities in the forest.
Cruise ships are loved by many people on their vacations, but did you know you can cruise on rivers? Better yet, did you know you can cruise on the rivers of the Amazon Rainforest, like Rio Negro, Tapajós and the all-powerful Amazon River?
Aboard comfortable and even luxury vessels, travelers indulge themselves in high quality services provided by hospitable crews, comfortable accommodations and Amazonian cuisine.
Excited to delve into the forest? Then you’ll surely enjoy the cruises’ activities, like hiking, canoeing, boat trips, fishing, wildlife watching, tree climbing, witnessing the Meeting of Waters, sunrise contemplation, visiting local communities (including indigenous groups) and much more. It’s truly a once in a lifetime experience, full of adventure aboard the best ships in the largest rainforest in the world!
Check out below our curated list with the best Amazon river cruises in Brazil!
1 – Katerre Expeditions
Katerre has some of the best and most popular Amazon river cruises in Brazil. Aboard Jacaré-Açu, a beautiful wooden boat with three floors and eight cabins, up to sixteen people can enjoy the wonders of the forest in the most authentic way possible.
Gliding across the Rio Negro, being amazed by the beauty of the Amazon Rainforest is inevitable. The sky is clear, orange-tinted in the early morning and blue when the sun is at its brightest. The trees are vibrant and green. The water is dark, but still peaceful and welcoming, allowing for a deeper experience in nature. For the New York Times, journalist Seth Kugel said he “traded infinity pools for infinite waterscapes” when he decided to choose a cruise instead of a jungle lodge.
Besides joining all the exciting activities, guests also have a great stay experience in cozy cabins with double or bunk beds, air-conditioning, private bathrooms, hot showers, and fresh sheets and towels. Common areas include a dining room, living room, bar, and a solarium with chairs, tables, hammocks, sun loungers and a powerful sound system to play music. Feeling hungry? This river cruise offers delicious local cuisine dishes – three meals a day and snacks!
Choose one of our options for this amazing adventure: 4-day, 5-day or 7-day tour.
2 – Zaltana
Big, modern and sophisticated, the almighty Zaltana is the best Luxury Amazon river cruise you’ll ever find in Brazil. With ten spacious cabins – all of them with double or single beds, air-conditioning, elegant decor, private bathrooms, amenities, and panoramic views –, up to 20 guests can comfortably sail in this impressive boat to live the most incredible experience of their lives.
Zaltana also includes a TV and entertainment room, living room, and sun deck with a shower room, tables, and chairs. Guests can get a drink at the bar on the main deck or savor the flavors of the fine-dining restaurant specializing in Amazonian dishes. Every single spot in the boat is pristine, offering a comfortable and refined experience even to the most demanding clients.
Besides your typical activities (jungle hiking, fishing, animal spotting, etc.), the itinerary also includes exploring the islands and river beaches of Anavilhanas National Park and a wonderful luau on Praia Grande beach.
The Zaltana vessel is available only for charter from May to August, but there are two open departures in July 2025. Contact us for more information.
3 – Kaiara
Kaiara stands out for being one of the only Amazon river cruises in Brazil that departs from Belém, the capital of Pará. With three different boats (Amazon Dolphin, Belle Amazon, and Tupaiú), travelers have the unmissable chance of sailing in the Amazon and Tapajós rivers.
With tours ranging from four to six days, Kaiara cruises guarantee unforgettable moments in Alter do Chão, a small town on the riverbanks of Tapajós River. Custom itineraries include hiking in the Amazon, swimming in igarapés (water courses), visiting river beaches, engaging with local communities, wildlife watching, handicraft lessons, recreational fishing, etc.
Kaiara boats have comfortable cabins (with double, single or bunk beds, air conditioning and private bathrooms), dining rooms, living rooms, balconies, and sun decks with beautiful panoramic views. Considered a food-centric experience, the incredible dishes lovingly made by a talented mother-daughter duo is one of the highlights of this Amazon river cruise according to Financial Times.
4 – La Jangada
Inspired by Jules Verne’s Eight Hundred Leagues on the Amazon, La Jangada’s name comes from the original French title of this iconic novel, La Jangada – Huit Cents lieues sur l’Amazone. Modern and aesthetically pleasing, this chic catamaran pampers travelers with its spacious decks, refined designs, and twelve air-conditioned ensuite cabins.
La Jangada Amazon Cruise is the perfect mix of comfort and adventure. Trips ranging from four to eight days include a vast list of activities, such as hiking, boat trips in Rio Negro, animal spotting, hiking, fishing, visiting waterfalls and natural pools, camping in the forest, exploring the Anavilhanas and Jaú National Park, trekking in Madadá Caves, engaging with indigenous and riverside communities, etc.
Common areas feature a charming terrace with tables and chairs, two lounges with couches and TVs, a restaurant that serves delicious Amazonian and Brazilian food, a bar with classic and signature drinks, a lecture room, and a theater room.
Please notice: La Jangada is only available for chartering. Contact PlanetaEXO if you’re interested in this amazing river cruise!
5 – Untamed Amazon
The Untamed Riverboat is described as the ultimate sustainable Amazon cruise experience. Partially powered by solar energy, it also has an advanced water treatment system and fuel-efficient engines that follow international environmental standards. Many consider it a green ship due to its efforts to preserve the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil and keep its ecological footprint to a minimum.
This five-star stay includes eight spacious ensuite cabins – six of them with floor-to-ceiling windows to ensure the most stunning views of the forest –, high-quality amenities, a local cuisine restaurant, bar, dining room, living room, sun decks, and entertainment areas.
Eight different itineraries – plus a New Year cruise, corporate events, and tailor-made trips –, ranging from two to ten days, include canoeing, photo safaris, evening sightseeing, jungle trekking, etc.
6 – Amazon Clipper Premium Cruise
One of the longest-running ecotourism options in the area, going strong for 35 years, Amazon Clipper offers the best Amazon river cruises in Brazil in the small-ship category. The MV Premium is the most luxurious vessel of their fleet, perfect for people who desire a high-end stay.
There are sixteen air-conditioned ensuite cabins with twin or queen-size beds, excellent amenities, a lecture room, a swimming pool, jacuzzi, leisure deck, bar, restaurant, dining room, lounge, sun deck, and a large observation deck with a fantastic 360 view.
Wonderful activities await on the 4-day trip across the waters of Rio Negro: stargazing, aquatic trails, night tours, swimming, boat tours in Anavilhanas National Park and January Ecological Park, and much more.
7 – Tucano Amazon River Cruise
Another great small ship is the Tucano, a modest-sized motor yacht with a fast engine. This design helps it reach places other riverboats can’t, making it the only vessel to explore the deepest parts of the Central Amazon Conservation Complex alongside crew members with more than 30 years of experience.
This is why the Tucano is the perfect option for those who wish to take wildlife watching to the next level – plus, the noise pollution control system is an amazing tool to prevent scaring animals away. Activities also include aquatic trails, night tours, boat trips in the Anavilhanas archipelago, etc.
Sixteen guests can comfortably rest in eight different air-conditioned ensuite cabins (single, twin, queen-sized and bunk beds), and relax in the dining room, lounge, and observation deck.
Ready to sail the best Amazon river cruises in Brazil?
Every nature lover should experience a river cruise to immerse themselves in the largest rainforest on Earth. Need a hand to choose the best vacation option for you? No problem! Check our list of Amazon tours in Brazil and contact PlanetaEXO if you have any questions or concerns, so we can start planning your adventures in the waters of Amazonian rivers!
FAQ
When is the best time to enjoy Amazon river cruises?
Since each cruise has its schedule, PlanetaEXO will let you know about specific dates to book your trip.
You should also pay attention to weather conditions. In general, the best time to visit the Amazon Rainforest is between January and September, but there are a few things to consider. More information here.
Are Amazon river cruises safe?
Yes, Amazon river cruises are safe. The vessels follow strict protocols and there are first responders among crew members to offer assistance if needed. In case of emergency, a speedboat is ready to rescue you and bring you to the nearest city.
What should I pack for an Amazon river cruise?
- Clothing (light clothes): t-shirts, long-sleeved T-shirts (preferably with UV protection), pants, shorts, hats or caps, swimwear
- Shoes: flip flops, sandals, sneakers for hiking
- Travel essentials: documents, money (cash and credit/debit cards), medication, sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), insect repellent
- Equipment: flashlight, raincoat, microfiber towel, personal reusable water bottle
What should I do to reduce environmental impact during a river cruise in the Amazon?
- Mind your objects so they don’t fall in the water or get lost in the forest
- Take your trash back to the cruise and make sure all waste is disposed of properly
- Use water wisely
- Avoid toiletries with harmful chemicals
- Educate yourself on local culture
- Follow the instructions of crew members and tour guides
- Choose sustainable tourism operators
