MANAUS, AMAZON

We’ll take an approximate one-hour riverboat ride up the dark waters of the mysterious Rio Negro. Here we’ll see the huts of the ribeirinhos (river people), clustered on the riverbanks. For our comfort, the riverboat is equipped with restroom facilities (although these may be basic), and we can purchase refreshments from a cash bar; US Dollars are accepted. (Complimentary mineral water is supplied.)

Our Amazon River cruise takes us to the January Lake, to a landing stage from which we now board motorised, ten-seater canoes for a close-up view of the local vegetation and trees. With luck (and river conditions permitting) we may be able to admire Victoria Regia water lilies, the leaves of which can measure up to one metre across (usually at their largest in May-time). Back at the landing stage, we should have a little free time to purchase local Indian arts and crafts, before rejoining the riverboat.

During our tour we will actually come to the ‘Meeting of the Waters’, where the muddy yellow water of the mighty Solimões and the clear, dark water of the Rio Negro meet and continue to flow together without intermingling, forming the Amazon River.

TOUR NOTES: There is some walking involved in this tour (approximately 150 metres/500 feet to board the riverboat), and it is necessary for participating passengers to be agile enough to board the riverboat by a gangplank and step into the motorised canoes. Please note that there are 10 wooden steps to negotiate should you wish to be seated on the upper level of the riverboat. For your reference, the upper level of the riverboat is only half covered. Caution is advised when getting in and out of the canoes. Please be aware that water levels constantly vary, therefore the itinerary is subject to change without prior notice, for which Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines cannot be held responsible. You may get sprayed with water whilst participating in this tour. The Meeting of the Waters can also be viewed from our cruise ship while approaching Manaus. It is possible the duration of this tour could extend to 4½-5 hours. Wear lightweight clothing and flat-soled shoes, and don’t forget to bring sun protection. Please be advised that it takes approximately 1 hour from the port to reach the meeting of the waters [however this may increase depending upon the water conditions] another 60 minutes approximately to reach the canoe station, and then a further 60 minutes to return to the port. The river trip in the canoe will last approximately 60–75 minutes.

TEXT IS CORRECT AT THE TIME OF PUBLISHING