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Uncover the secrets of the River Sea

The Amazon River and rainforest is one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Cruise along the river and discover its amazing secrets.

There may be endless debates about the Amazon’s length and whether it is longer than the Nile but there is no disputing its might and force.

The Amazon invites superlative after superlative. And here are just a few mind–boggling facts. It is the world’s largest river basin and is the source of one fifth of all the free–flowing fresh water on earth. The Amazon is the largest in terms of the size of its watershed, the number of tributaries, and volume of water discharged into the sea. Over 2000 species of fish can be found in the Amazon basin – more species than in the entire Atlantic Ocean. Not only that, the river is the lifeblood of the Amazon rainforest. The rainforest produces more than 20% of the world’s oxygen – no wonder it is often referred to as the ‘lungs of our planet’. And it is home to more than half the world’s species of flora and fauna, and one in ten known species on earth.

In short, the Amazon is arguably the world’s most important eco–system. It’s therefore no surprise that the Amazon simply invites exploration. The sheer vastness of the river and her tributaries means that small cruise ships such as Spirit of Adventure can sail along its waters. And there is no better way of exploring the mighty Amazon than on a cruise. Next March you can join Spirit of Adventure as she embarks on an Amazon adventure in Brazil. You fly to Barbados and embark the ship in Bridgetown before sailing to Belém in Brazil. Belém is the starting point for many Amazon cruises. The town itself is one of Brazil’s busiest ports and a wealthy past is evident in the elegant central avenues. Belém still retains its Portuguese colonial architecture that exists alongside the modern skyscrapers and buildings. From here, you enjoy your first exciting foray through the Amazon jungle and cruise along its myriad creeks and narrow channels.

The next few days see you cruise from Belém to Manaus, one of the most popular stretches of the Amazon to explore. Encounter the narrow passage of water that is Breves Narrow, where you can look out for exotic flora and fauna. Independently explore Almeirim which is situated on banks of the Amazon in the region known as Jari. Sail to Santarem, where you can view the ‘wedding of the waters’ – where the Tapajos and Amazon rivers meet but do not mix for miles. Also enjoy a guided walking tour that takes you around Santarem and its 18th-century cathedral. One of the highlights of the cruise is Parintins, a small village on Tupinambarana Island and famed for its Boi Bumba festival in June. You can enjoy a preview performance of the Boi Bumba Folklore show that has over 100 dancers and musicians, and experience a vivid flavour of the dazzling main event which is held in June. Then arrive in Manaus, a modern city lying in the heart of the Amazon rainforest and well placed for exploring a diversity of wildlife. The surrounding jungle is home to one of Brazil’s most endangered primates, the Pied Tamarin, and you can go in search of one on a river cruise. The next stage of your adventure takes you to Boca da Valeira, a tiny remote village at the confluence of the Amazon and Valeria rivers. Here, you can observe Amazon Indians living as they did hundreds of years ago and learn more about their lives and traditions. Afterwards, a motorised canal trip on the nearby lake allows you to look out for the rich bird and wildlife. There’s even the opportunity to try piranha fishing if you dare! Boca da Valeira is followed by Alter do Chao, set on the Tapajos river. This small resort is edged by white sandy beaches and the deep blue waters of the river and you can enjoy a memorable beach barbecue here. Your final Brazilian destination is Macapá, the state capital of Amapá. From here, you venture for one final time into the surrounding Amazon estuary that’s home to flamingo, toucan, ibise, alligator, manatee, anteater and armadillo.

Spirit of Adventure then heads out of the mouth of the Amazon and sails north along the South American coastline to French Guiana, Surinam and Guyana. At Devil’s Island in French Guiana, you can freely explore this notorious former French penal colony. Several films, songs and numerous books feature the island, most famously ‘Papillon’, the 1970 book by ex-Devil’s Island convict Henri Charrière. In Surinam, visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Central Surinam Nature Reserve and the historic area of the 17th–century capital Paramaribo. Then take in the 18th and 19th-century Dutch architecture of Georgetown in Guyana.Your cruise concludes in the Caribbean - an idyllic end to your adventures in the Amazon. The penultimate port of call is Scarborough in Tobago. Less commercial and touristy than other Caribbean islands, this exquisite tropical haven is blessed with uncrowded beaches, ancient rainforests, tiny fishing villages and colourful coral reefs. Afterwards, cruise to Bridgetown in Barbados where you disembark Spirit of Adventure.