Best Amazon River Cruises in Brazil

Enjoy an exceptional ecotourism experience with the best river tours in the Amazon, comfortable onboard accommodations and wonderful activities in the forest

Cruise ships are loved by many people, but did you know you can cruise on rivers? Better yet, did you know you can sail across the rivers of the Amazon Rainforest, like Negro River, Tapajós and the all-powerful Amazon River?

Aboard comfortable vessels, passengers indulge in high-quality services provided by attentive crews, premium accommodations, and itineraries perfect for tourists who are looking for the best river cruises in the Amazon.

PlanetaEXO, an expert in ecotourism and Amazon Rainforest tours in Brazil, has curated a fantastic river cruise selection for all types of travelers. Working alongside the most reputable local operators in the region, we offer only the best experiences. Check it out below!

1 – Katerre

Katerre has some of the best Amazon cruises in Brazil. Aboard Jacaré-Açu, a beautiful wooden boat with three floors and eight cabins, up to sixteen guests can enjoy the wonders of the forest in the most authentic way. 

Gliding across the Negro River, being amazed by the beauty of the forest 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 more profound 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 an Amazon jungle lodge. 

Outdoor activities include hiking, visiting local communities, boat rides, wildlife watching, fishing, swimming, relaxing on river beaches, etc.

Furthermore, visitors also have a great stay experience in cozy cabins with double or bunk beds, air-conditioning, private bathrooms, hot shower, and fresh sheets and towels.

Common areas include a dining room, a living room, a bar and a solarium with chairs, tables, hammocks, sun loungers and a powerful sound system to play music. Feeling hungry? This Amazon river boat cruise offers delicious local cuisine dishes — three meals a day and snacks!

Available in 4-day, 5-day or 7-day tours. Learn more about this adventure.

2 – Zaltana

Big, modern and sophisticated, the almighty Zaltana is considered by many the best luxury Amazon river cruise in Brazil.

With ten spacious cabins — all with double or single beds, air-conditioning, elegant decor, private bathrooms, amenities and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer panoramic views of the forest —, up to 20 guests can comfortably sail in this impressive vessel to live the most incredible experience of their lives.

Zaltana also includes a TV and entertainment room (with high-speed internet), a 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.

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. Learn more about this adventure.

3 – Kaiara

Kaiara stands out for being one of the only Amazon cruises in Brazil to depart from Belém, capital of Pará. With three different vessels (Amazon Dolphin, Belle Amazon and Tupaiú), travelers have the unmissable chance of sailing in Alter do Chão, a small town on the riverbanks of the Tapajós River.

Custom itineraries include hiking, swimming in igarapés (water courses), visiting river beaches and local communities, handicraft lessons, recreational fishing, night spotting, sunrise contemplation, etc.

Considered a food-centric experience, the incredible dishes lovingly made by a talented mother-daughter duo are one of the highlights, according to the Financial Times.

The boats also feature 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. Learn more about this adventure. 

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 passengers with its spacious decks, refined design and twelve air-conditioned ensuite cabins.

This luxury river cruise in the Brazilian Amazon is the perfect blend of comfort and adventure. Multiple day trips include a vast list of activities, such as hiking, boat trips, animal spotting, hiking, fishing, visiting waterfalls and natural pools, camping in the forest, exploring the Anavilhanas and Jaú National Park, 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. 

La Jangada is one of the best Amazon river cruises in Brazil, but it’s only available for chartering. Talk to our team to learn information.

5 – Untamed Amazon

The Untamed Amazon riverboat is described as the ultimate sustainable cruise experience. Partially powered by solar energy, it also has an advanced water treatment system and fuel-efficient engines that follow international environmental standards.

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, local cuisine restaurant, a bar, a dining room, a living room, sun decks and entertainment areas.

Eight different itineraries — in addition to New Year cruises, corporate events and tailor-made trips — include canoeing, photo safaris, evening sightseeing, jungle hiking, and much more.

👉 Read more: How to get to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil?

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.

One of the longest-running ecotourism options in the area, going strong for over 35 years, Amazon Clipper offers some of the best Amazon 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, lecture room, swimming pool, jacuzzi, a leisure deck, gourmet area, a dining room, a lounge, a sun deck and a large observation deck with a fantastic 360 view.

Wonderful activities await on 6-day trips across the waters of the Amazon and Negro rivers: stargazing, aquatic trails, night tours, swimming, boat tours, visiting native communities, etc.

👉 Read more: When is the Best Time to visit the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil

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.

Another great small ship is the Tucano, a modest size motor yacht with a fast engine. This design helps it reach places other boats can’t, making it the only vessel able to explore the deepest parts of the Central Amazon Conservation Complex, in Novo Airão, a small town 195 km away from Manaus.

This is why this Amazon cruise in Brazil is the perfect option for those who wish to take wildlife watching to the next level, as the noise pollution control system is efficient to prevent scaring animals away. Activities also include guided hikes, night tours, skiff safaris, kayaking, 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 or observation deck.

How much does an Amazon river cruise cost?

Considering accommodation, services, diverse itineraries, and infrastructure of the vessels, Amazon cruises costs an average of R$ 18.000 (approximately US$ 3,462 and € 2.916) per person. Prices vary according to cabin category, season, trip duration, etc.

Check out the prices and other information below:

RIVER CRUISE	HIGHLIGHTS	DURATION	STARTING PRICE*
Amazon River Cruise in Brazil (Katerre)	Hiking, boat rides, wildlife watching, fishing, river beaches, visiting local villages.	4 days 5 days 7 days	US$ 2,505
Luxury Amazon Cruise in Brazil (Zaltana)	Sophisticated stay, Meeting of Waters, Anavilhanas, wildlife watching, hiking, piranha fishing, river beaches, luau.	5 days	US$ 3,770
Amazon River Cruise from Alter do Chão (Kaiara)	Expedition in the Tapajós River (Alter do Chão, Pará), hiking, wildlife watching, canoeing, night spotting, visiting local villages.	5 days	US$ 2,630
La Jangada	Wildlife watching, engaging with indigenous groups, boat rides, jungle hiking, fishing, night safaris.	13 days	US$ 7,890
Untamed Amazon	Eco-friendly riverboat, canoeing, hiking, photo safaris, night tours, recreational fishing.	5 days	US$ 3,985
Amazon Clipper Premium Cruise	Expeditions on the Amazon and Negro rivers, aquatic trails, swimming, boat tours, stargazing, native communities.	6 days	US$ 1,917
Tucano Amazon River Cruise	Expeditions in the Central Amazon Conservation Complex, hiking, night tours, kayaking, skiff safari.	5 days	US$ 2,750

*Per person, based on double occupancy in group departures. Prices may vary depending on season and availability. Exchange rate as of February 10th, 2026; subject to change.

Everything you should know about river cruises in the Amazon

When is the best time to enjoy Amazon Rainforest cruises?

River cruises operate throughout the entire year, but itineraries vary according to the seasons. 

See more information: What’s the best time of the year for Amazon River Cruises in Brazil?

Are Amazon river cruises safe?

Yes, Amazon river cruises are safe. The vessels follow strict safety protocols and there are first responders among crew members to offer assistance if needed. In case of emergency, a speedboat is ready to rescue passengers and bring them to the nearest city.

How long do river cruises in the Amazon take?

River cruises are multiple-day experiences. PlanetaEXO offers tours lasting from 4 to 7 days, but it’s possible to extend your trip.

What should I pack for an Amazon river cruise?

Light clothes, comfortable shoes, hats or caps, sunglasses, raincoat, a flashlight, sunscreen, insect repellent, travel essentials (documents, cash, debit/credit card, medication), powerbank and chargers (phones, cameras, laptops, tablets).

What to expect on an Amazon river cruise?

Expect to be awed by the beauty of the Amazon Rainforest. Sailing across the rivers allows you to explore nature from a whole new perspective to admire the fauna and flora of the richest ecosystem in the world.

Meanwhile, elegant accommodations and premium services guarantee a high-stay experience for couples and families alike. 

Are Amazon cruises worth it?

More than worth it! River cruises are some of the most fascinating activities in the Amazon because they present the perfect fusion of ecotourism and comfort: connection with nature, responsible travel, and exclusivity. It truly is an unforgettable experience.

Ready to plan your Amazon river cruise in Brazil?

Now that you know everything about the best Amazon river cruises, shall we start planning your next vacation?

As an expert in Amazon Rainforest tours in Brazil, PlanetaEXO is an ecotourism platform that works with the finest local operators to offer unforgettable experiences for all travelers. Contact us now!