The Amazon gateway city of Manaus serves up excellent river experiences for every type of traveler. Short day trips let you spot pink dolphins and visit indigenous villages, while multi-day cruises venture deep into the rainforest with comfortable cabin accommodations. The best tours combine wildlife viewing, cultural encounters, and expert naturalist guides – I especially love the intimate 3-day riverboat journeys that include night safaris and visits to local communities.
For families, the 6-hour dolphin-watching tours provide amazing photo opportunities without exhausting young travelers. More adventurous souls should consider the 4-day expeditions that include camping and piranha fishing. Most tours include hotel pickup and meals.
Let’s explore the top-rated Amazon cruise options from Manaus.
Key Points
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Amazon River Boat Adventures offers family-friendly tours with a maximum of 6 travelers, providing a personalized experience with hotel pickup, meals, and a professional guide for $900 per person.
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Dolphin Interaction Tours provide a 4-hour guided trip on the Amazon River with opportunities to feed and learn about pink river dolphins, starting from ₹6,004 per person.
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Extended Amazon River Tours offer a 4-day immersion in the wilderness, with wildlife spotting, cultural experiences, and activities like piranha fishing and canoeing, catering to moderately fit travelers.
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Unique Local Experiences offer a 3-hour boat ride exploring flooded forests and fish farms, led by knowledgeable local guides and priced at $69.63 per person.
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Manaus to Belém multi-day boat trips provide scenic views along the Amazon River, accommodating up to 20 participants with flexible accommodations starting from $200 per person.
Amazon River Boat Adventure From Manaus
The Amazon River Boat Adventure from Manaus offers an immersive experience into the heart of the world’s largest tropical rainforest.
With 91% of travelers recommending it, this tour provides excellent value for money and is family-friendly. Guests can choose from morning or afternoon departures and expect close encounters with friendly dolphins.
The tour accommodates a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience. Inclusions like hotel pickup, meals, and a professional guide make this a hassle-free adventure.
While not wheelchair accessible, the moderate physical fitness level required makes it suitable for most. At $900 per person, this tour offers a Lowest Price Guarantee, making it an attractive option for those seeking an Amazon river boat experience.
Read our full review: Amazon River Boat Adventure From Manaus Review
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Manaus: Guided Amazon Dolphins Day Trip With Boat and Pickup
Manaus: Guided Amazon Dolphins Day Trip With Boat and Pickup offers visitors a chance to explore the stunning Amazon River and its iconic pink river dolphins.
The 4-hour experience, priced from ₹6,004 per person, takes guests on a boat journey through the Black River to Lake Acajatuba.
Along the way, they’ll have the opportunity to interact with the dolphins, feeding and learning about their habitat.
The tour also showcases the region’s diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
With hotel pickup and drop-off, live guides, and food/drinks included, this trip provides a convenient and enriching way to discover the wonders of the Amazon.
Cancellation is free up to 2 days in advance.
Read our full review: Manaus: Guided Amazon Dolphins Day Trip With Boat and Pickup Review
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4-day Amazon River Boat Tour From Manaus
This 4-day Amazon River boat tour from Manaus, Brazil, offers travelers a chance to enjoy the captivating wilderness of the Amazon.
Cruising along the river, you’ll spot diverse wildlife like sloths, anacondas, alligators, and Tucuxi dolphins. The tour also includes a visit to the Paraiso village, where you can experience the local culture.
Activities range from piranha fishing and canoeing to wildlife viewing. The small-group size ensures a personalized experience.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, 3 nights’ onboard accommodation, most meals, and a professional guide.
Not recommended for those with certain medical conditions, the tour requires a moderate fitness level.
Read our full review: 4-day Amazon River Boat Tour From Manaus Review
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Amazonas: Boat Ride With a Local Amazonian
For those seeking a glimpse into the heart of the Amazon, the Amazonas: Boat Ride with a Local Amazonian offers an intimate and immersive experience.
Priced at $69.63 per person, this 3-hour tour takes adventurers through flooded forests, a floating village, and a massive Pirarucu fish farm. Guests can witness the phenomenon of the meeting of two rivers and even try their hand at fishing.
Despite some complaints about the tour’s organization and value, the overall rating of 4.7/5 suggests a high-quality experience guided by knowledgeable locals.
With hotel pickup, mineral water, and souvenirs available, this tour provides a unique window into the wonders of the Amazon.
Read our full review: Amazonas: Boat Ride With a Local Amazonian Review
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Manaus to Belém by Boat
Journeying from Manaus to Belém by riverboat offers travelers a captivating window into the heart of the Amazon Rainforest.
While access is primarily by boat, the options can be overwhelming for newcomers. This tailored journey is designed to meet individual needs and expectations, with 4 nights of flexible accommodations included.
Travelers must have a valid passport, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Not recommended for pregnant individuals or those with serious medical conditions, the trip takes around 97 hours.
Customer reviews highlight preferences for privacy and mixed experiences with local accommodations, though most travelers can participate.
Read our full review: Manaus to Belém by Boat Review
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Manaus: Old City Guided Tour Plus Amazon River Boat Tour
Travelers seeking a comprehensive introduction to Manaus can embark on the “Manaus: Old City Guided Tour Plus Amazon River Boat Tour“. Priced at $69.63 per person, this 4-9 hour excursion showcases the city’s history, culture, and natural wonders.
Highlights include a walking tour of Manaus’ neoclassical architecture, visits to the Amazon Theatre and Rio Negro Palace, and encounters with local markets and floating fish farms.
The tour also includes a speedboat ride to the Meeting of the Waters and Lake January, where giant water lilies and a suspended canopy walkway await.
With complimentary hotel pickup, knowledgeable guides, and high ratings, this tour provides an immersive and value-packed Manaus experience.
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Manaus to Tabatinga by Boat
This multi-day boat trip takes travelers on a scenic journey along the Amazon River from Manaus to Tabatinga.
Departing at 8:00 am, the tour accommodates up to 20 participants and is priced from $200 per person.
Included are meals, private transportation, drinks, and hammocks.
Passengers must have a valid passport, and the tour isn’t recommended for those with serious medical conditions.
With a perfect 5-star rating based on 1 review, this boat tour provides an immersive Amazon experience.
Travelers can expect convenient hotel drop-off at the end of the journey.
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From Manaus Cruise Terminal: Amazon Rainforest Highlights
Immersing oneself in the Amazon’s lush splendor from Manaus Cruise Terminal proves a captivating option for cruisers seeking to explore the region’s natural wonders.
From $150 per person, guests can choose between three distinct routes, each offering unique experiences.
The 8-hour “Meeting of Waters, Dolphins & Indian Village” tour showcases the famous confluence of the Rio Negro and Amazon River, as well as interactions with indigenous communities.
The 6-hour “Presidente Figueiredo Amazon Waterfalls” explores stunning cascades and a cave, while the 4-hour “Half-day Manaus City Tour” highlights the city’s landmarks.
Pickup, transportation, guides, and select meals are included, though reviews indicate room for improvement in overall satisfaction.
Read our full review: From Manaus Cruise Terminal: Amazon Rainforest Highlights Review
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Manaus to Santarém by Boat
For those seeking a more immersive Amazon experience, the boat journey from Manaus to Santarém offers a captivating opportunity to witness the region’s vibrant riverside communities and lush natural landscapes.
Travelers can enjoy the comfort of a private cabin during the just over a day-long voyage, with complimentary hotel transfers and all taxes included.
While food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages, are available for purchase, the experience isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.
Despite some past concerns about pricing and reservation issues, the journey offers a chance to observe life along the Amazon River in a private setting.
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Travelers seeking a deeper exploration of the Amazon’s tranquil waterways can embark on a captivating 3 or 4-day cruise along the Rio Negro and Anavilhanas Archipelago from Manaus.
Priced from $600 per person, this small-group tour offers an immersive experience, with guided hikes, wildlife spotting, and interactions with indigenous communities.
Guests can swim with pink river dolphins, fish for piranhas, and learn jungle survival techniques.
The well-equipped boat accommodates up to 15 people, providing comfortable hammocks and a private cabin.
Meals, including traditional Amazon dishes, are included, along with essential amenities.
With an exceptional 4.9/5 rating, this cruise promises a unique and unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.
Read our full review: From Manaus: 3 or 4-Day Rio Negro & Anavilhanas River Cruise Review
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Manaus to Tabatinga by Boat in Private Cabin! Boat to Tabatinga in Cabin!
Embarking on a 6-day Amazon River cruise from Manaus to Tabatinga, travelers can relax in the comfort of a private cabin with air-conditioning, accommodating up to 15 passengers.
The booking includes three meals per day, eliminating the need for organizing transport and meals. Amenities like internet access and pickup options are provided.
Travelers must have a valid passport, and the experience isn’t recommended for those with serious medical conditions or pregnant women.
Priced from $650 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, the cruise has a 3.0 rating based on 2 reviews, with concerns about price disparity and trip duration.
Read our full review: Manaus to Tabatinga by Boat in Private Cabin! Boat to Tabatinga in Cabin! Review
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Manaus to Belem 5-Day Local Boat Trip
Those looking to explore the mighty Amazon River can opt for the 5-day local boat trip from Manaus to Belém. Priced from $150 per person, this budget-friendly experience includes hotel pickup, accommodation in a hammock or air-conditioned cabin, and meals at $15 per day.
Highlights include close encounters with local flora and fauna and an immersive cultural experience. However, travelers should expect basic shared facilities if choosing the hammock option, limited connectivity, and flexible “River Time” schedules.
With an overall rating of 3.2/5 based on 31 reviews, the trip offers mixed experiences from immersive to basic and crowded conditions.
Read our full review: Manaus to Belem 5-Day Local Boat Trip Review
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Manaus New Years Eve by Boat – New Years Eve in Manaus by Boat!
Manaus transforms into a vibrant, festive destination on New Year’s Eve, with revelers flocking to the banks of the Rio Negro for a unique celebration by boat.
The Manaus New Year’s Eve by Boat event offers a buffet dinner, drinks, and round-trip shared transfers for up to 12 travelers. With a smart casual or formal dress code, the experience give you a memorable way to ring in the new year.
However, reviews indicate issues with long queues, disorganized buffet, and safety concerns during boarding and unboarding.
The host has acknowledged the feedback and invited future adventures with Amazon Amazing Tours.
Read our full review: Manaus New Years Eve by Boat – New Years Eve in Manaus by Boat! Review
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Manaus Amazon River Cruise Tour 4D/3N Exploring Rio Negro
Travelers can enjoy the wonders of the Amazon on the 4-day/3-night Manaus Amazon River Cruise Tour that explores the Rio Negro.
This small group tour includes pickup from Manaus, allowing for a seamless start to the adventure. Guests will cruise along the black waters of the Rio Negro, one of the Amazon’s major tributaries, taking in the lush rainforest and diverse wildlife.
With a 4.9 rating and priced at $600 per person, this tour provides an in-depth Amazon experience for a reasonable cost.
Stops include the Anavilhanas Archipelago, a network of islands and inlets, offering opportunities to spot animals and explore the unique ecosystem.
Read our full review: Manaus Amazon River Cruise Tour 4D/3N Exploring Rio Negro Review
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Manaus: Reveillon New Years Eve Party Boat Tour
Visitors to Manaus can ring in the new year with a guided boat tour that offers a unique and unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration on the Amazon.
The 5-hour tour departs at 8 PM and returns at 12:30 AM, with guides offering tours in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. Priced from $100 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a themed dinner, a local DJ, and shared champagne, water, and juice.
Guests can watch fireworks from Ponta Negra beach and enjoy live entertainment throughout the event. A reserve now and pay later option is available, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Private group options are also offered.
Read our full review: Manaus: Reveillon New Years Eve Party Boat Tour Review
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Recap
Manaus offers a variety of boat tours and cruises along the Amazon River and its tributaries. Visitors can explore the Amazon Rainforest, spot wildlife, and experience local culture. Tours range from day trips to multi-day excursions, catering to different budgets and interests. Whether you’re looking for an adventure, a relaxing journey, or a New Year’s Eve celebration, Manaus has a boat tour that’ll suit your needs.