Discover The Amazon River Cruises

The Amazon River Cruises

The Amazon River or River Amazon of South America is the largest river in the world by volume, with a total river flow greater than the next top ten largest rivers flowing into the ocean combined.

The Amazon River accounts for approximately 1/5 of the world's total river flow, and it has the largest drainage basin in the world. There is an ongoing dispute regarding its length, and along with the Nile it is one of the contenders for the position as the longest river in the world. Because of its vast dimensions, it is sometimes called The River Sea (o rio-mar in Portuguese), and at no point is it crossed by bridges.[1] In 1500, Vicente Yañez Pinzón was the first European to sail into the river. Pinzón called the river flow "Río Santa María de la Mar Dulce", later shortened to "Mar Dulce" (sweet sea).

Amazing wildlife is identified as the expedition navigates into one of the world's largest wild wetland areas - the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Many species of monkeys, hundreds of colorful exotic birds and family groups of both Gray and Pink River Dolphins can be observed in a single day of exploration.

Five and six-star ships cruise the Amazon River as part of longer Caribbean and South America itineraries and typically begin or end in Manaus, Brazil, the capital of the State of Amazonas. Between Manaus and the Atlantic, your Amazon River cruise will likely visit Santarem to view the "wedding of the waters" where the Tapajos and Amazon rivers meet but don't mix for miles. Typical shore excursions include visits to Boca da Valeria, where you can barter for goods and observe Amazon Indians living as they did hundreds of years ago, or to Parintins, a small village on Tupinambarana Island known for the Boi-Bumba festival, a ritual of magic, mystery, passion and faith that has been held for over 80 years.

The Amazon river and its tributaries are the largest fresh water system on the planet and home of the most biodiverse region. In the Amazon rainforest you can find thousands of insects, birds, plants and of course several species of mamals, reptiles and fish.

This region of South America has enticed the most avid explorers from all walks of life, from the most adventure driven individuals to those who where not so shure.

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