Zenith Amazon Yacht Cruise

The Zenith Yacht represents the absolute height of sophisticated luxury on the Amazon River. Operating out of the city of Manaus, the capital of Brazil's Amazon, the Zenith was built exclusively to offer ecological adventure river cruise charters to discerning clients and corporations, in unrivalled five-star luxury.

The destination - Brazil's Amazon Rainforest - speaks for itself. Home to 30% of the world’s biodiversity, it is of untold value to the planet's future, with its genetic and medicinal potential, as well as it's importance in absorbing greenhouse gases. It is endlessly fascinating ... and jaw-droppingly beautiful.

Every single feature of the Zenith - from high-tech navigation and communication systems to spectacular cabins, luxurious social areas and a highly-accomplished crew - is designed to make your voyage as secure, comfortable and interesting as possible. The yacht also has two Jet Skis for those thrill-seekers who enjoy watersports.

Please note that 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 Brazilian Amazon Yacht Cruise

This is a sample of the type of itinerary that is available aboard the Zenith, exploring the rich biological and ethnological heritage of the Rio Negro area.

Please note that all itineraries can be specifically customised to your tastes and timeframe.

Day 1: Manaus: Embarkation
(Dinner)

Arrival in Manaus with direct transfer to a hotel or directly to the Zenith Yacht, where we help you check in to your spacious cabins, and then offer a welcome briefing, with refreshing drink, to introduce the facilities and crew on board, and discuss the itinerary.

The Yacht departs at 2.00 pm, from the pier of the Tropical Hotel sailing up the Rio Negro to the Paradise Village Rubber Plantation Museum. Here you can see a close representation of life in a rubber plantation during the golden ages of the Rubber Boom.

5.00pm: Return to the yacht and continue sailing to the Anavilhanas Archipelago, the world´s largest freshwater island chain, with over 400.

Dinner on board and overnight.

Day 2: Nova Airao
(All meals)

This morning you have the option of a Sunrise Tour, involving a short canoe ride to see the sunrise and also some of the abundant birds and other endemic species

We have breakfast on return to the boat.

Then, we sail to Novo Airão to visit the Almerinda Malaquias Foundation, to see how the locals make their handicrafts and souvenirs. Then we go to the pier to see and feed the pink dolphins.

Lunch.

In the afternoon, you have the option of swimming from an Amazon 'beach' or using one of the jet skis. Or you can just relax on board the beautiful Zenith Yacht. 

Delicious dinner on board.

Overnight

Day 3: Lake Janauary
(All meals)

Breakfast

Sailing down the river to a region called Jaraqui for a 4-hour jungle trek to see some of the flora and the fauna in the region, including medicinal plants ... and hints on how to survive in the jungle!

We then visit a local riverside community to interact with the indigenous villagers, while learning about their lifestyle.

Lunch, followed by free time.

In the late afternoon, before sunset, we stop at Lake Janauary to do some piranha fishing, followed by a caiman-spotting tour after nightfall. During this tour you can hear the sound of the frogs, crickets and the other sounds of the Amazon after dark.

Dinner on board and overnight.

Day 4: Meeting of the Waters - Manaus
(Breakfast)

This morning, after breakfast, we walk along a boardwalk, through flooded forest, to see giant Victoria Regia water lilies, one of the emblematic plants of the Amazon rainforest.

We then sail to the Meeting of the Waters - the natural landmark of the State of Amazonas - where the black water of the Negro River meets the muddy water of the Solimões River to form the Amazon, thus flowing side by side for some 12 miles without mixing.

Sail back to Manaus.

Please note that some of the above mentioned excursions are subject to change, especially during low water season (November through March), when some of the lakes and waterways are inaccessible.

Activities on the Zenith Yacht

Amazon Jungle Trekking: hikes of up to three hours to enjoy the most bio-diverse habitat on Earth, in the expert company of a Zenith naturalist and biologist guide who will explain this fascinating environment which includes medicinal plants and herbs; trees up to 45 meters high with gigantic roots; and a plethora of fauna, such as numerous monkeys.

Excursions by Skiff: we take the motorized expedition canoes to explore the Amazon lakes, streams and flooded forest.

Piranha Fishing: using basic rods and hooks, bated with meat, we can catch several different species of piranha and others fish, from our skiffs. Great photo opportunities, and great fun. 

Bird Watching: countless species to be heard and spotted. The Zenith guides and crew will be available to help you with identification. 

Visits to Riverside Communities: the Amazon River has a fascinating ethnography, as well as natural history, and the Zenith is sure to visit indigenous villages in order to interact with the welcoming and fascinating locals. 

Nocturnal Alligator Spotting: after dark, we take the skiffs and use spotlights to look for Amazonian Cayman, and other nocturnal animals. This is also a good opportunity to listen to the sounds of the rainforest at night, which is wonderfully different to that of the day.

Kayaking: using individual or double kayaks, we paddle through lakes and creeks observing the beautiful scenery and wildlife at our leisure. In high water season (April to July), we can paddle inside the flooded forest which is a real highlight.

River Dolphin Encounters: on almost every trip, passengers have the chance to see river dolphins close-up, and take some magical photos.

NB. These activities are dependent on weather conditions, water levels and other circumstances beyond the control of the Zenith crew.

These activities should only be undertaken by those in reasonable physical shape.

Brazil Amazon Tour Prices: Zenith

4-Day Amazon River Cruise:

~ $50,400, or $4,200 per person

Price Policy:

 - Per person price assumes full charter capacity of 12 persons in DOUBLE OCCUPANCY Cabins
 - Published Prices for 2013 Amazon Cruises only
 - Itineraries of longer duration are available at a rate of +$16,800 per extra day, or +$1,400 per person based on full charter of 12 persons

Included:
 - All meals and alcoholic beverages (except premium brands)
 - Expert, bilingual guides and excursions
 - Transfer to / from Manaus airport
 - Use of Jet Skis

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

Book Now!

Zenith Amazon Yacht Specifications

Built: 2008

Type of vessel: River Yacht

Material: Marine Aluminium

Port of Embarkation: City of Manaus, Amazonas

Vessel Registry: Brazil

Length: 120ft / 36m

Beam: 25ft / 7.6m

Draft: 5ft / 1.5m

Capacity: 12 passengers

Crew: 9

Generator: 2 x Kohler 65kwa

Engine: 2 x 800HP Caterpillar 3406

Cruising Speed: Average 14 mph

Navigation by GPS Instruments and Thermal Cameras

Iridium Satellite Mobile phone

Marine Radio UHF, VHF SSB

Security cameras

Internet

Cable TV w/164 channels

Jet Ski (Yamaha)

Accommodation: 6 cabins

- 1 Master suite with King-size bed: 11 square meters
- 2 Suites with Queen-size beds: 11 square meters
- 3 Cabins with two twin beds: 9 square meters
- All cabins equipped with Cable TV; spacious bathrooms with hot water and hair dryer; and AC/DC electrical system

Dining Room with Bar

Living Room with TVs, Desk, Library & Comfortable Seating.

The Zenith Yacht is available for charter, and as such the itineraries are geared to your timeframe and tastes. There is no one route map, therefore.

And you can add a call to action under the video.