Jacaré-Açu Amazon Cruise

The Jacaré-Açu combines adventure, ecology and comfort. With special authorization to operate in some of the most remote parts of the Brazilian Amazon and a well-trained and very experienced crew, she is able to undertake thrilling itineraries of up to ten days, that offer incredible scenery, wonderful wildlife-spotting opportunities, and constant adventure activities.

The Jacaré-Açu has been inspired by the traditional charm of caboclo culture - the European-Indian racial mix that has arisen along the Amazon, and developed a distinct set of customs and practices. So the boat draws on their boat-building tradition, the cuisine is rich in local ingredients and influence, and the itinerary visits and supports Amazon riverside communities.

The eight-cabin boat is rustic and cosy, with room for only 16 passengers, but still boasts all modern amenities. So, all cabins are air-conditioned and with private facilities; and there are three inviting public areas for relaxation and socializing ... and meal times!

And if you wish to include a dose of adventure amongst all the beautiful scenery and wildlife, then the Jacaré-Açu can offer tree climbing, jungle hikes, parasailing, inflatable tubes and piranha fishing.

Please note that the Jacaré-Açu is the sister ship of the smaller Awapé. When a departure has fewer than eight passengers, the Awapé is used.

NB. A pre-arranged visa is required by holders of US, Canadian and Australian passports, among others, in order to enter Brazil. Ask us for more details.

4-Day Amazon Riverboat Cruise: Anavilhanas Archipelago

This four-day trip really packs a punch offering a wide range of activities, wildlife attractions and cultural interaction, in a short time. Imagine yourself climbing giant Amazon trees, parasailing, swimming with pink dolphins, interacting with the local Tuiuka peoples, while sailing up the Rio Negro to the heart of Anavilhanas, the world's largest river archipelago and, for obvious reasons, a protected region.

Moreover, the Rio Negro has almost no mosquitoes on account of the natural insecticide in its waters!

Day 1: Manaus - Rio Solimões - Rio Negro
(Lunch & Dinner)

Embarking at 9am from the Tropical Hotel Pier in Manaus, we welcome you aboard the Jacaré-Açu, and give you an introductory briefing about the itinerary and the background to some of the incredible things you will witness.

Our first excursion is in our expedition canoes at Lago Janauary, a rich ecosystem fed by the waters of the Rio Solimões, which is abundant in organic nutrients, and therefore supports an abundance of Amazon birds, reptiles, exotic plants and giant trees. You are likely to see Tucuxi River Dolphins, Pink River Dolphin, Cocoi Heron, Great Egret, Blue-Yellow Macaw, Festive Parrot, Rufescent Tiger-herons, Yellow-rumped Caciques, Crested Oropendola and Jacamars, among many others.

Once back on board, we sail along the Paraná do Paracuuba to the Rio Solimões, enjoying our first lunch on board as we do so.

In the afternoon, we arrive at the famous Meeting of the Waters, where the black Rio Negro meets the clearer water of the Solimões and they run parallel for more than nine miles.

Then it’s time to search for pirarucu, the largest scaled fish in the world, nicknamed the Lion of the Amazon.

While we have dinner on board, the boat sails up the Rio Negro towards the Anavilhanas Archipelago.

Day 2: Rio Negro - Rio Ariaú - Acajatuba Lake
(All meals)

At daybreak, we can watch the sun rise over the Tupé Beach settlement, beside the high Rio Negro.

After breakfast on board, we visit the village where we will have the opportunity to witness their well-preserved history, customs, dance and handicrafts. The villagers communicate in two indigenous languages, Tuiuka and Tukano.

Once back on board the Jacaré-Açu, we have lunch and then sail to the Rio Ariaú, a beautiful blackwater river enclosed by giant trees and dense vegetation. Here we have the option of climbing one of the trees - or at least, some of it - using ropes.

We continue to Lago Acajatuba to see the iconic pink Amazon river dolphin up close, in an area where the locals live in floating houses region.

After dinner on board, we set out in our expedition canoes to search for caiman and other nocturnal animals.

Day 3: Anavilhanas Archipelago
(All meals)

Upon waking up, we are in the heart of the Anavilhanas River Archipelago - 100,000 hectares of islands and canals within the Rio Negro and a further 260,000 hectares of riverside forest. So, after breakfast, we take to the canoes to explore this stunning region of creeks, lagoons and river beaches. There is even time to float in inflatable tubes in the sweet water of the Rio Negro.

After lunch, we visit an Amazon farmhouse, where the owner will explain his way of life, his ancestry, and the crops he raises, such as manioc and fruit.

We then make a guided trek through the rainforest, to spot and learn about the flora and fauna.

Finally, this evening, we have the option of staying overnight in a hammock at an atmospheric jungle hut camp. Around the campfire, we can share stories and learn about the way of life of the Amazon's settlers

Day 4: Anavilhanas - Manaus
(Breakfast)

For those that camped in the rainforest, the day starts with the sound of the jungle - and especially its birdlife and primates - waking up. Breakfast will be at the camp, before we hike back to the boat, looking out for wildlife along the way. 

This morning's excursion may be some piranha fishing in Jaraqui Creek or a visit to a local museum.

There is also the chance to do some parasailing behind the boat over the Rio Negro. This is optional.

This afternoon, we sail back to Manaus, arriving at approximately 3pm.

5-Day Amazon Riverboat Cruise: Jau National Park

The Jaú National Park is the largest freshwater forest park in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with an abundance of wildlife and beautiful scenery; and yet it is still relatively unexplored by tourism.

This five-day itinerary offers the full Amazon experience, in a relatively short timeframe, as you explore the Park's paths, waterfalls, and creeks, and visit riverside communities bursting with genuine northern Brazilian charm.

Day 1: Manaus - Novo Airão - Anavilhanas
(Lunch & Dinner)

This morning at 9am we pick you up from your hotel or the airport in an air-conditioned van, and drive to the riverside town of Novo Airão. We arrive here in the early afternoon, and give you a briefing on the Amazon's biology, history and the things you may see, along the way.

After boarding the Jacaré-Açu, we start sailing through the spectacular Anavilhanas Archipelago while enjoying our first delicious lunch on board.

In the afternoon, we take a ride on the motorised canoes through the islands and lagoons of the archipelago. This is an area rich in wildlife, and we hope to see two species of river dolphin, as well as multiple species of birds, such as herons, egrets, macaws, parrots, caciques, oropendolas and jacamars

To cool off, there is the chance to jump overboard for a refreshing swim in the Rio Negro.

Once back on the boat, we set sail to Madadá Observatory, a spectacular lookout over the Rio Negro, with basic bungalow facilities in the middle of the jungle.

After dinner on board, you can choose if you want to spend the night in your cabin or in a hammock at the Observatory.

Day 2: Anavilhanas - Madadá
(All meals)

After breakfast, we make a three hour round-trip hike through virgin rainforest to Madadá Caves, with our guides giving a mini jungle survival course, along the way.

We then visit an Amazon farmhouse to learn about local customs, farming techniques and crops. 

In the late morning, we have another chance to cool off in the Rio Negro, using inflatable tubes.

After lunch on board, we take the canoes to an indigenous riverside community, where the locals speak Yanomami and Tukano, and have fascinating centuries-old customs.

Once back on the boat we set sail to Sleepy Beach, on the Rio Jau, where we will anchor for the night. 

Day 3: Jaú National Park
(All meals)

This morning we sail to the Jaú National Park Ranger Station, and then along the Rio Jaú, a river of mirror-like waters, with likely sightings of aquatic mammals and birds.

The Park consists of three major rivers - Unini to the North, Carabinani to the South and Jau in the middle - along with countless smaller black water tributaries. The water level varies drastically during the course of the year and the igapó forest found near the waterways can be flooded for up to eight months of the year. This type of forest is tropical and humid, with as many as 200 species per hectare. 

In the rainy season, we moor the boat and take the canoes through the Park’s creeks, looking for families of Giant Otters.

In the dry season, we explore the Rio Pauini, a tributary filled with boulders and waterfalls.

On return to the Jacaré-Açu, we sail to the indigenous community of Aturia where we moor for the evening.

After dark, we go looking for caiman and nocturnal animals in the canoes, using spotlights.

Day 4: Jaú National Park
(All meals)

This morning, after breakfast, we visit Aturia village, where we can learn more about traditional life in the Amazon. The children of the village are always extremely happy to interact with visitors, so be prepared to get involved in a game of soccer or swimming or some impromptu arts and crafts. 

We have lunch on board the boat and then you have the option of climbing a giant chestnut tree using ropes. All instruction and equipment provided on request.

We have a guided hike to Itaubal Waterfall, through virgin rainforest which is good for spotting jungle mammals. We can have a welcome shower in the waterfall on arrival. 

Once back on the boat, we sail out of Jaú National Park.

Day 5: Novo Airão - Manaus
(Breakfast & Lunch)

Today we continue sailing from Jaú to Novo Airão. On the way, we may have the chance to swim Pink River Dolphins. A real highlight. 

Once back in Novo Airão, we take a city tour to see the ship-building, the craftsmanship and other attractions of this Amazon River town.

We have a farewell lunch on board, before taking the van back to Manaus, arriving at approximately 6pm.

7-Day Amazon River Cruise: Jauaperi-Apuau

This little-populated section of the Rio Negro - between Novo Airão and Rio Branco - includes some of the most beautiful and diverse locations in the whole of Amazonia. The Rio Branco contains a lot of organic sediment, which provides the basis for the rich flora and fauna of the area; and has created the many river islands of the Anavilhanas Archipelago. Moreover, the left bank of the Rio Negro, around the Rio Apuaú, is a plateau, which has given rise to a number of stunning cataracts, as the water descends to the main waterways. 

This seven-day itinerary is ideal, then, for those looking to explore this magical region, in a comfortable riverboat, with plenty of contact with nature and adventure opportunities, such as swimming, canoeing, fishing and camping.

Day 1: Manaus - Novo Airão - Anavilhanas
(Lunch & Dinner)

This morning at 9am we pick you up from your hotel or the airport in an air-conditioned van, and drive to the riverside town of Novo Airão. We arrive here at lunch time, and give you a briefing on the Amazon's biology, history and the things you may see, along the way.

After boarding the Jacaré-Açu, we start sailing through the spectacular Anavilhanas Archipelago while enjoying our first delicious lunch on board.

In the afternoon, we take a ride on the motorised canoes through the islands and lagoons of the archipelago. This is an area rich in wildlife, and we hope to see two species of river dolphin, as well as multiple species of birds, such as herons, egrets, macaws, parrots, caciques, oropendolas and jacamars

To cool off, there is the chance to jump overboard for a refreshing swim in the Rio Negro.

Once back on the boat, we set sail to the Rio Apuaú, as we have dinner and then spend our first night in the comfortable cabins.

Day 2: Rio Apuaú: Waterfalls & Camping
(All meals)

This morning, we awake in the beautiful Apuaú region. After breakfast, we take the motorised skiffs up Içana Creek, until we reach a series of waterfalls. Here we can swim, dive and enjoy the magnificent setting.

Lunch is a barbecue of grilled fish and side dishes, followed by a welcome nap in a hammock. Then, we start hiking through the primary rainforest, for about an hour and a half, to the Trovão Creek Waterfall. The boat crew will have already set up the campsite here, and so the rest of the afternoon can be spent in the natural pools. 

Dinner is taken at the camp, around the fire, as we listen to stories and folklore from caboclo culture. We have the choice of sleeping in a tent or a hammock. 

Day 3: Rio Apuaú: Waterfalls
(All meals)

We awake to the sound of the jungle coming to life, and have time to refresh ourselves once again in the pools and waterfalls.

After breakfast at the camp, we can choose how to return to the Jacaré-Açu: we can either take the motorised canoes all the way down Trovão Creek; or we can hike to Içana Creek, where we canoe downstream using the force of the current to propel us. 

Once back on board the boat, we sail back to the Rio Negro, and we have the whole of the afternoon and evening to relax on board. 

Day 4: Anavilhanas National Park
(All meals)

We awake this morning at the Anavilhanas National Park Ranger Station #2, which is located in terra firme rainforest. From here, we will visit an old orchard, which is a good place to spot primates and agoutis. 

Once back at the boat, we continue sailing to the northern limit of the Park. 

In the late afternoon, we set out in our expedition canoes to do some piranha fishing and then search for caiman which are particularly prevalent and sizable in this area.

Day 5: Rio Jauaperi
(All meals)

The Jauaperi River is a black water river, but its flora and fauna shows some elements of a brown water ecosystem, owing to its proximity to the Rio Branco. A feature of this environment is the bird life, including the pre-historic hoatzin ... also known as the 'stinkbird', on account of its unsavoury odour, a result of its digestive system!

Here we use the canoes to explore the area and its wildlife, gather wild fruits and do a spot of fishing. 

After dinner on board, we set out in our expedition canoes to search for caiman and other nocturnal animals.

Day 6: Rio Branco & Moura Village
(All meals)

We return to the Rio Negro, today, in the area near the mouth of the Rio Branco. Here we stop at the village of Moura to stock up on supplies, and then we spend time at Tiao River Beach, which is an ideal place for swimming and exploring, followed by a beach barbecue and a nap in a hammock. 

After lunch, we visit a giant kapok tree, beside the Rio Branco, that is over 500 years old. 

The rest of the day is spent on board, as we sail back down the Rio Negro: a chance to relax, eat, talk about what we've seen and enjoy the views passing by from the sun deck.

We continue sailing through the night. 

Day 7: Novo Airão
(Breakfast & Lunch)

We have breakfast on board and then take a city tour of Novo Airão to see the ship-building, the craftsmanship and other attractions of this Amazon River town. Pink river dolphins can regularly be seen in the river near the town.

We have a farewell lunch on board, before taking the van back to Manaus, arriving at approximately 6pm. 

Brazil Amazon Tour Prices: Jacaré-Açu

4-Day Amazon River Cruise: Anavilhanas Archipelago:

~ Per Person:                               $1,279

5-Day Amazon River Cruise: Jau National Park:

~ Per Person:                               $1,389

7-Day Amazon River Cruise: Jauaperi-Apuau:

~ Per Person:                               $1,949

Price Policy:
 - All prices listed are PER PERSON in DOUBLE OCCUPANCY Cabins
 - Published Prices for 2013 Amazon Cruises only
 - Single Supplement: 50% in addition to adult rate, on average (depends on cabin)
 - 3 year minimum age on all departures
 - Children under 10 years of age receive a 25% discount
 - Children under 7 years of age receive a 50% discount

Included:
 - All Meals
 - Expert, bilingual guides and excursions
 - Individual Travel Insurance

Not Included:
 - International or Domestic Airfares
 - Airport Taxes
 - Cost of medical emergencies, including evacuation
 - Gratuities
 - Souvenirs or additional services
 - Cost of relevant visas
 - Anything else not listed as included

The Jacaré-Açu is also available for charter: 

1 to 8 passengers: $2,599 per day
9 to 16 passengers: $2,999 per day 

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Jacaré-Açu Amazon Cruiseship Specifications

The regional, wooden style of the Jacaré-Açu gives the sensation of traveling in a line boat like the natives in the region, but with more comfort, and security. 

Built: 2010

Type of vessel: River vessel

Port of Embarkation: City of Novo Airão

Vessel Registry: Brazil

Length: 22m / 72ft

Beam: 6.5m / 22ft 

Decks: 3

Capacity: 16 passengers

Crew: 7 including naturalist guide & local guide

Electricity: Bank of Batteries for conversion of 12V to 110V, offering energy without noise

Engine: 250HP

Cruising Speed: 10mph / 16kph

Water: Mineral water used for all cooking and drinking. 

Waste: 3,000 liter septic tank

Communication & Navigation: GPS, Sonar, Radar, Amateur Radio, Nautical maps

Launch Boats: Rowboats or motorized canoes are used depending on excursion needs

8 Cabins: 

- Air-conditioning 
- Private Bathroom
- High-quality Bedding
- Showers do not have hot water

Public Areas:

- Solarium with a shower, bar, observatory, seats and lounge chairs
- Living room with thematic library
- Observation Deck 

Equipment on board: 

- Fridge & Freezer
- Drinking Fountain (with purified water)
- Inflatable rafts and accessories for river and waterfall visits
- Binoculars
- Parasailing equipment
- Tree Climbing equipment 
- Fishing equipment
- First Aid Kit 
- Card Games & Board Games
- Powerful Flashlight for night excursions
- Equipment for nights in the jungle

Meals: 

- Three per day
- Local & International Cuisine
- All meals cooked using purified water
- Snacks, soft drinks & mineral water available 24/7 
- Various dietary requirements catered for: eg Vegetarian & Low Fat

Amazon Cruiseship Jacaré-Açu: 4-Day Itinerary Departure Dates:

2013

~ Fri, 17th - Mon, 20th May: SOLD OUT

~ Fri, 24th - Mon, 27th May

~ Thurs, 30th May - Sun, 2nd June

~ Fri, 7th - Mon, 10th June

~ Fri, 14th - Mon, 17th June

~ Fri, 21st - Mon, 24th June

~ Fri, 28th - Mon, 1st July

~ Fri, 5th - Mon, 8th July

~ Fri, 12th - Mon, 15th July

~ Fri, 19th - Mon, 22nd July

~ Fri, 2nd - Mon, 5th Aug

~ Fri, 16th - Mon, 19th Aug

~ Fri, 30th Aug - Mon, 2nd Sept

~ Fri, 13th - Mon, 16th Sept

~ Fri, 27th - Mon, 30th Sept

~ Fri, 11th - Mon, 14th Oct

~ Fri, 18th - Mon, 21st Oct

~ Fri, 1st - Mon, 4th Nov

~ Fri, 15th - Mon, 18th Nov

~ Fri, 6th - Mon, 9th Dec

~ Fri, 20th - Mon, 23rd Dec

Amazon Cruiseship Jacaré-Açu: 5-Day Itinerary Departure Dates:

2013

~ Weds, 1st - Sun, 5th May

~ Fri, 10th - Tues, 14th May

~ Sat, 27th - Weds, 31st July

~ Fri, 9th - Tues, 13th Aug

~ Fri, 23rd - Tues, 27th Aug

~ Fri, 6th - Tues, 10th Sept

~ Fri, 20th - Tues, 24th Sept

~ Sun, 6th - Thurs, 10th Oct

~ Fri, 25th - Tues, 29th Oct

~ Fri, 8th - Tues, 12th Nov

~ Fri, 15th - Tues, 19th Nov

~ Fri, 22nd - Tues, 26th Nov

~ Fri, 29th Nov - Tues, 3rd Dec

~ Fri, 13th - Tues, 17th Dec

~ Weds, 18th - Sun, 22nd Dec

Amazon Cruiseship Jacaré-Açu: 7-Day Itinerary Departure Dates:

2013

~ Sun, 12th - Sat, 18th May

~ Sun, 9th - Sat, 15th June

~ Mon, 1st - Sun, 7th July

~ Sun, 4th - Sat, 10th Aug

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