Amazon
Expedition Cruises by M/Y Tucano
 About Amazon Nature Tours
We began operating ecological tours in the Brazilian Amazon
in 1989, though we have worked in the Amazon since 1982.
The Motor Vessel TUCANO went into service in 1997. Our
programs are the most intensive and thoughtful offered in the
entire Amazon. We have conducted hundreds of trips in the
Amazon, many with very well known guests and scientific
guides. Your passengers will find our trips fascinating.
Expedition Cruising is Different
Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon is different from both cruises
and forest lodges. It is an "expedition cruise" which means that
we explore far into the forest. We see creatures that are hidden
to other visitors. Our cruise is the most informative, active,
and authentic trip in the Amazon.
Authentic and Active Program
Our trips go beyond the tourist experience of most trips to
the Amazon. We visit areas that are not visited by other groups.
We see creatures that are almost never seen on other Amazon
trips. The program is also active with several excursions off
the boat every day. Every morning we walk in the forest. But
there is no difficulty for older travelers because when we go
into the forest we divide into small groups each with a private
guide and woodsman.
Small Groups
We accept a maximum of 18 passengers on our cruises. With
this small group, travelers can spend more time with the guides
which makes it a much better experience.
Comfortable Vessel and High Quality Service
The M/Y TUCANO is the most comfortable expeditionary
vessel in the Amazon. All the cabins are outside cabins with
private baths and air-conditioning. The vessel is elegant with
lots of polished brass and highly varnished woodwork. We
have a large crew that keeps the vessel clean and helps travelers
in every way possible to enjoy the trip. 
Highly Skilled Guides
Our guides are some of the very best in the Amazon. They are
skilled bilingual naturalists and their experience helps
passengers unlock the secrets of the magnificent wildlife of
the rainforest.
Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon
Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon is different from all other cruises
offered in the Amazon. It is an "expedition cruise". We go far
into the forest and are able to see creatures that are hidden to
other visitors. We explore some of the most untouched
rainforest in the entire Amazon. The voyage begins in Manaus,
Brazil, and over eight days the MOTOR YACHT TUCANO
navigates far up the Rio Negro [pronounced NAY-GRO]. In the
daytime and often at night we seek out the wildlife that still
lives in the world´s greatest of wilderness. There are very few
settlers so the plants and animals are still abundant.
The voyage on the M/Y TUCANO is quite active. Together
with our naturalist guides we get out into the forest and explore - not simply watch from the deck of the vessel. There are
daily walks in the forest and we frequently scout in our launches
the small streams that branch off the main river. Some days
we swim off deserted beaches in water as pure and clean as
rainwater and we are always treated to vistas of wild rainforest
stretching as far as the eye can see.
On our excursions into the rainforest we observe magnificent
plants of every imaginable shape and size. We listen to the
exotic calls of birds and mammals and watch them from a
forest trail or while scouting the river´s edge our launches. In
the evenings we have a brief discussion about the creatures
that we observed and the extraordinary ways in which the plants
and animals have evolved to live in this ancient rainforest. Some
nights we explore the river´s edge in our launches and with
spotlights we see caiman, close relatives of crocodiles.
Our basic navigation plan is to voyage upstream Northwest
on the Rio Negro as far as a major river called the Rio Jauerperi,
about 200 miles from Manaus, Brazil. Along the way we explore
many small tributaries where the forest is wild and undisturbed.
Our journey takes us too many different rainforest habitats which
allows us to see a great diversity of wildlife.
On the last day of the voyage we travel to the "Encontro das
Águas", the meeting of the waters of the world´s two largest
rivers: The Amazon River and the Rio Negro. The light colored
water of the Amazon and the dark water of the Negro do not
readily mix and the two rivers flow side by side for many miles.
We explore the beautiful and fabulously rich environment where
these rivers meet and visit the Lago Janauari Ecological Park which
lies in a wedge-shaped delta that divides these two storied
rivers.
The Amazon Odyssey
A Compact but Engaging Amazon Cruise
The Amazon Odyssey visits some of the most essential areas to observe the wildlife and culture of the rainforest. Our journey especially concentrates on the Amazon River where we walk in towering rainforests, glide along narrow streams deep in the forest, and explore flooded grasslands that stretch from horizon to horizon. Though a compact cruise, the Amazon Odyssey is able to experience the many different environments of the Amazon, teeming with life.
Most of our cruise will take place on the Amazon River, but we begin with an afternoon in forest flooded by the ink black water of the Rio Negro. This low and dense forest is called the Igapó. We will excursion in our launches and experience a fantastic diversity of flora and fauna. During the night the M/Y TUCANO will travel downstream all the way to the confluence of the Rio Negro and the greatest river on Earth: The Amazon.
In the next days we will have up to four excursions off the vessel every day. Early mornings we glide along quiet streams in an environment called the Varzea. Here the forest is deeply shaded by giant rainforest trees that are draped with vines and orchids. The silence is broken only by the rustling of leaves by Squirrel Monkeys feeding or by the occasional piercing shriek of a Screaming Piha bird. Some nights in our launches we search for nocturnal creatures in the star filled darkness.
Our travels take us also to vast plains of waving grass which are home to some of the most spectacular wildlife of the Amazon. On lazy afternoons we may fish for the famous Amazon resident, the Piranha, some of whom we may see again on an appetizer plate. During our voyage we are treated to the ever changing vistas of travel on the mighty Amazon River itself. Most travelers are astonished by the scale and grandeur of this majestic waterway that drains a continent.
On the Amazon Odyssey we not only focus on the rainforest, but also on the culture of the people who live in this vast wilderness. We visit small fishing villages perched on the river bank where the traditional life is still guided by the rhythms of the rise and fall of the river. We also visit the homesteads of families who make and grow almost everything they need. For many travelers these visits with local settlers, whose lives are so dramatically different from ours, are some of the most memorable experiences of the cruise. Another fascinating visit is a stop at one of the bustling river trading towns. Here a vibrant river trade continues as it has for centuries. The last evening of the cruise we will coast along one of the greatest ports in the world, the Porto de Manaus. At our farewell dinner we will have the opportunity to reflect on our extraordinary experience and offer a toast to one of the most remarkable places on Earth.
Click below for other information:
| 1st
day
|
Meeting at 7:00 AM at Tropical Ecoresort lobby. All guests board the vessel the MOTOR
YACHT TUCANO and depart at 8:00 AM upstream on the Rio Negro.
Through the morning we will cruise through the world´s largest
river island system, the Anavilhanas Archipelago. From the
observation deck we scan the magnificent tangle of vegetation
at the water´s edge. By mid-afternoon the vessel has gone beyond
the frontier of settlement and entered a wilderness area. Both
shores are covered by dense rainforest. Though we cannot
predict what we will see, we have a good chance of observing
pink river dolphins and a large collection of exotic birds. Most
certainly we will be treated to magnificent forest vistas and
the spectacular trees themselves. In the late afternoon we
embark in the launches and hunt for wildlife. We may also go
for a swim in some of the world´s most clean and refreshing
water. (LD) |
| 2nd
day
|
Early this morning we explore the rainforest along
the water´s edge in our launches. We should hear and perhaps
see howler monkeys and we should hear a morning serenade
of toucans. After breakfast we go for a walk in the forest where
we will get a good start on understanding Amazon ecology.
Around midday we return for lunch and the vessel will get
underway, perhaps stopping at a place to swim. In the late
afternoon we will again explore the forest in our launches and
listen to the sunset chorus of birds and frogs. (BLD) |
| 3rd
day
|
This morning there will be an early exploration of the
waking forest. We will keep our eyes open for monkeys... on
most trips we see them often. We return for breakfast followed
by either a walk in the forest or an excursion in the launches.
M/Y TUCANO will travel during the middle of the day and
we stop in the afternoon for an excursion. Tonight the vessel
may travel a bit more as we marvel at the night sky crowded
with stars. (BLD) |
| 4rd
day
|
After our two morning excursions THE M/Y TUCANO
will navigate along the heavily forested shore, scouting for
wildlife. We may stop for a visit at a settler´s home carved out
of the forest. In the early afternoon we will be near an
extraordinary river called the Rio Jauaperi. Here we will see a
kind of forest known as the varzea. We will scout along the
shoreline for some of the extraordinary creatures found only
in this unique environment. Weather permitting we will do a
night excursion to observe nocturnal creatures. (BLD) |
| 5rd
day
|
Today we depart the Rio Jauaperi and head downstream
on the Rio Negro exploring a new collection of rainforest
habitats. In the daytime we will continue to scout in our
launches and walk in the forest, and at night we will continue
our hunts for nocturnal wildlife. (BLD) |
| 6rd
day
|
After a walk in the forest we cross to the west side of
the Rio Negro, exploring as we go. We will stop at the
substantial boat building village of Novo Airão. As we walk
through the streets we´ll marvel at how the 19th Century thrives
in this remote corner of the globe. Tonight the MOTOR YACHT
TUCANO goes downstream to arrive by morning near the
confluence with the Amazon River. As we glide through the
starry darkness this is a good night to sip the national drink
of Brazil, the "Caipirinha" and perhaps try a bit of samba on
the top deck. (BLD) |
| 7rd
day
|
This morning we explore the Lago Janauari Ecological
Park where the thick brown water of the Amazon flows swiftly
through the forest. This area is usually a very good place to
observe wildlife. Around midday the vessel will travel to the
"Encontro das Águas" a stark several mile long line where two
of the world's largest rivers, the Amazon and the Negro, join
in a turbulent maelstrom. Here the dark water of the Negro
runs beside the opaque brown water of the Amazon. In the
afternoon we scout one of the hidden streams in the area to
try to see more of the Amazon´s beautiful and bizarre creatures.
Tonight there will be one last excursion looking for nocturnal
life. (BLD) |
| 8rd
day
|
In the morning, after a hearty breakfast, all guests
disembark from the M/Y TUCANO by 8:00 AM. (B) |
The Amazon Odyssey -
Departing on Mondays (5 days and 4 nights)
| 1st
day
|
This afternoon (04:00 PM) we embark on the MOTOR YACHT TUCANO in Manaus, Brazil. We depart upstream on the Rio Negro and as the
vessel glides upstream we will have our first talk about Amazon environments. By late afternoon, we enter one of the world's largest
river island systems, the Anavilhanas Archipelago. The boat will weave along a winding channel with rainforest on both sides in a riot of
brilliant vegetation. Weather permitting, we will go for an excursion in the gnarled and dense flooded forest known as the Igapó. Along
the river bank we may see some Squirrel Monkeys and we may hear the other-worldly growls of Howler Monkeys echoing through the primitive
rainforest. The Amazon has one of the greatest collection of birds in the world and we are sure to see some of these brightly colored
jewels perched in the treetops. We return to the M/Y TUCANO for hors d'oeuvres on the observation deck and a toast to the rainforest sunset. Following
dinner we will embark in our launches in search of nocturnal creatures such as the Caiman, the Amazon's crocodilians. We may also see one of the large night birds such as a Potoo with its bulging
eyes and large mouth adapted to swallow the huge Mariposa Moths, Later this evening our vessel will weigh anchor and we will voyage
downstream through the night to the Xiborena Peninsula that divides the two of the world's most storied rivers: the Rio Negro and the
Amazon River. (D)
|
| 2nd
day
|
Rising early, we will excursion in the Lago Janauari Ecological Park, a dense forest that is flooded with the coffee colored water of the Amazon River. We explore a labyrinth of small channels overhung with gargantuan trees and vines. Listening to the chatter of creatures in the undergrowth we also keep our eyes open for monkeys, Three Toed Sloths, and the occasional Collared Anteater. By mid morning we return to the M/Y TUCANO for a hearty breakfast and some time to relax. By late morning we foray off the vessel again to explore this environment rich in life. Near midday, following lunch, we navigate downstream to the "Encontra das Aguas", the several mile long joining of two of the world's greatest rivers, the Rio Negro and The Amazon. The dark and light waters run side by side for several miles without mixing.
Often Pink River Dolphins and also Grey River Dolphins leap and cavort along this stark line of contrasting currents. We then will begin to navigate upstream on the Amazon River until the late afternoon. On Brazilian maps this river is given the name Rio Solimões - but it is the same vast, turbulent, mighty river that we know of as the Amazon. At this point in its course, it has truly become the most magnificent river on the planet and carries fully 20% of all the fresh water on Earth. We will travel upstream on the Amazon River into the late afternoon when we should reach a channel on the south bank of the Amazon where, conditions permitting, we can access a large lake called Lago Janauacá. Here we encounter a new and fascinating environment known as the Varzea. In our launches we glide down narrow channels where we expect to see creatures found only on the
South side of the Amazon River. Tonight we will foray out in our launches to hunt for nocturnal life. In the beam of our powerful spotlights we should see the glowing eyes of Caiman, the Amazon's crocodiles.
(BLD)
|
| 3rd
day
|
We begin our day with an early launch excursion, but for our mid-morning excursion will go for a walk in a small village. We will appreciate the slow pace of life that follows the rhythms of the seasons and river cycles. About midday the M/Y TUCANO will return to the deep brown and forceful current of the Amazon River. Our destination this afternoon depends on the vessel's Captain. We will go either to the north or south side of the Amazon River depending on the season and the weather. Our choice will be whichever offers us the best chance of observing wildlife. Late afternoon we will further explore the wilds of this tropical paradise. (BLD) |
| 4rd
day
|
This morning we will scout for more of the bizarre creatures of the Amazon. On our mid-morning excursion we visit a local homesteaders and walk through their gardens and learn how traditions help families survive in the remote interior. Time permitting we will also visit one of the river towns where trade still thrives in goods that have been grown, caught, or collected in this vast rainforest. During lunch we turn the bows of the M/Y TUCANO downstream on the Amazon River and we will navigate east with the swift current. Through the afternoon we weave in and out of islands that dot the North bank of the river and we will enjoy vistas of forest and homesteads along the river banks.
In the late afternoon we should be near the Rio Negro and we will venture out for one more excursion along a narrow channel called Parana Xiborena or we will return to Lago Janauari Ecological Park. At sunset we slowly ascend the Rio Negro, passing along but not stopping at the Porto de Manaus, one of the world's great ports.
More than a thousand miles from the sea, Manaus is the major port for much of the entire Amazon. We will see boats of every imaginable shape and purpose that serve this continent sized forest. Tonight we will sample the national drink of Brasil, the Caipirinha and have a farewell dinner. (BLD) |
| 5rd
day
|
Early this morning travelers will disembark the vessel at the riverside dock of the Hotel Tropical. (B)) |
Meal Codes: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Please note that the day to day schedule is approximate. The exact
order of the days and specific features may be altered due to
navigational and other scheduling considerations.
Degree of Difficulty: Good health is necessary. Most guests can
have a quite enjoyable trip by simply staying on board the M/Y
TUCANO and participating in launch excursions. Participants in our
walks in the forest must be able to comfortably walk for two or
more hours at a time. There are several excursions off the vessel
daily. The vessel is air-conditioned in the middle of the day and
during the night.
Departures 2010
Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon - Departing on Saturdays (8 days and 7 nights)
The Amazon Odyssey - Departing on Mondays (5 days and 4 nights)
| Oct 11-15 |
Nov 01-05 |
Nov 29-Dec 03 |
Dec 13-17 |
Departures 2011
Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon - Departing on Saturdays (8 days and 7 nights)
| Jan 01-08 |
Jan 15-22 |
Jan 29-Feb 05 |
Feb 12-19 |
Mar 05-12 |
Mar 19-26 |
Apr 02-09 |
Apr 16-23 |
| Apr 30-May 07 |
May 14-21 |
May 28-Jun 04 |
Jun 11-18 |
Jun 25-Jul 02 |
Jul 09-16 |
Jul 23-30 |
Aug 06-13 |
| Aug 20-27 |
Sep 10-17 |
Oct 01-08 |
Oct 15-22 |
Oct 29-Nov 05 |
Nov 12-19 |
Nov 26-Dec 03 |
Dec 10-17 |
| Dec 24-31 |
The Amazon Odyssey - Departing on Mondays (5 days and 4 nights)
| Jan 24-28 |
Feb 07-11 |
Mar 14-18 |
Mar 28-Apr 01 |
Apr 11-15 |
May 23-27 |
Jun 06-10 |
Jun 20-24 |
Jul 04-08 |
| Jul 18-22 |
Aug 01-05 |
Aug 15-19 |
Sep 05-09 |
Oct 10-14 |
Oct 24-28 |
Nov 07-11 |
Nov 21-25 |
Dec 05-09 |
 
| Packages & Rates (PER PERSON) |
| Valid to |
Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon (8d/7n) |
The Amazon Odyssey (5d/4n) |
| Nov. 2010 |
Package: US$ 2,100.00 / Cabin fee: US$ 220.00 |
Package: US$ 1,400.00 / Cabin fee: US$ 110.00 |
Nov. 2011 |
Package: US$ 2,500.00 / Cabin fee: US$ 270.00 |
Package: US$ 1,400.00 / Cabin fee: US$ 110.00 |
Prices Include: Price is per person, double occupancy. Price
includes accommodations, transfers, and meals as indicated in
the itinerary. Bottled water served free of charge. Prices and
itineraries are subject to change without notice.
Prices Do
Not Include: Any airfare, departure taxes, gratuities, visa fees,
or items of a personal nature.
Single Travelers: No single supplement is charged if the
passenger is willing to share with another same sex passenger.
Passengers may request single occupancy with a single
supplement of 50% of the cruise cost. Single accommodations
on the cruise may not always be available. The single cabins on
the boat are not as large as the double cabins.
Triple Cabins: Some of the cabins on the M/Y TUCANO
can accept three travelers. This is helpful for families. In cabins
"3" and "4" a third narrow bed can be placed between the
single beds. Cabin "0" has a queen size bed and also a single
bed. There is no discount for triple occupancy; passengers pay
the double rate.
Discounts for Children: Children 12 years and under at the
time of travel who share a room with an adult are eligible for
a discount of 50% off the Cruise Rate, subject to cabin
availability. |
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