01 Sep 2025
I can't recommend this tour highly enough. It has everything especially for you to get an instant taste of the Amazon.
First and foremost the guides are brilliant. Francisco who owns the company is an incredible MAN. He is very polite and accommodating as well as being one of the funniest people you are likely to meet.
The tour starts with your pick up in your hotel ( ours in was in the centre of Manaus) Francisco was there on time (7.30am) and hen there was drive of about an hour to the river to board the boat. We are handed over to our guides ( one was for English speakers and another for Brazilians). In total there were about 10 of us the boat. Within about 2 minutes of getting on the bat we were able to catch a close up of pink river dolphins.
Our English speaking guide Vinisius was brilliant and took time to explain everything in details. The crew provide water throughout the trip ( which you will need).
The first half of the trip was along the river before it opened into the Anavilhanas Archipelago. You only see this and do not actually go into this huge complex of islands. But the opening to this area will blow your mind.
We went swimming- so bring bathing clothes do not miss this opportunity! All the time the crew are very respectful of Nature, they do not do gimmicking stuff like attract dolphins etc. If this is what you want then these are not your people
We saw lots of animal including monkeys getting on the boat and even sloths. The local guide- Paolo was again remarkable- he was the spotter and found all sorts of animals and all the while there were dolphins.
You then have lunch at the riverside ( at the guides home!). The food was good- grilled fish, salads, rice etc. When the guides found out that I was vegetarian, they got the cook to fry some eggs for me- another wonderful gesture. Regarding lunch, the only thing you need to pay for is the drinks other than water. After a lazy but not too long lunch, the guide takes you into the forest for a walk. This was again very enjoyable- lots of insects and amazing plants.
The trip ends with us being picked up for the drive back to the hotel. My son who is 12 loved this day so much. He smiled all day long and into the night.
We would like to thank Fracnsco, Vinisius and Paolo for a day that will live long in the memory. Do yourself a favour and get booking!