Motor Yacht Tucano Cruise was built in the tradition of the steamboats that navigated the Amazon in the late 19th century. This traditionally designed boat has several crucial advantages for Amazon river travel; the two most important are: shallow draft and large volume of the interior space.
The riverboat design of the vessel with three full decks gives the vessel a large interior space. This extra space goes into ample overhead ceilings, large cabins, and full size bathrooms. The vessel is not a luxury vessel and some of the cabins are larger than the others, but most travelers agree that the boat is comfortable and elegant.
An especially important feature of the vessel is that the riverboat style allows the M/Y Tucano to have many large windows. There are over seventy windows all of which are three feet high and can be opened and closed. Though the vessel is air- conditioned, many passengers choose to open the windows in order to enjoy the scent of Amazon blossoms. Every cabin has at least four of these windows which makes the vessel bright and airy, which is a very different experience than yachts with port holes and sealed skylights. Tucano’s large interior space enables the guest to relax in comfort on our expedition cruises.
The five double staterooms in the Yellow category are the most spacious on the vessel. Each features two beds positioned side by side, separated by a small nightstand. These rooms are numbered 0, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Stateroom number “0” is uniquely furnished with one queen-size bed and an additional single bed. The beds in all Yellow Category rooms can be converted into queen-size beds.
These staterooms are designated for solo travelers. Numbered 1 and 8, each features a single twin bed. Upon request, they can be upgraded to Green category staterooms.
The Green category includes two staterooms, numbered 2 and 7, each equipped with upper and lower berths. While these rooms are smaller than the Yellow category staterooms, they remain comfortable and well-appointed. They are exterior rooms featuring large windows, private bathrooms, and air conditioning. Green staterooms are also more budget-friendly compared to the Yellow category.
This morning all guests board the vessel the Motor Yacht TUCANO and depart 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 never know 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 search for wildlife. We may also go for a swim in some of the world’s most clean and refreshing water. (L-D)
Early this morning we explore the rainforest along the waters edge in our launches. We should hear and perhaps see howler monkeys along with 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 explore the forest in our launches and listen to the sunset chorus of birds and frogs. (B-L-D)
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. 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. (B-L-D)
After our two morning excursions 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. (B-L-D)
Today we depart the Rio Jauaperi and for the next two days proceed downstream on the Rio Negro exploring a new collection of rainforest habitats. In the daytime we will continue to scout in our launches, walk in the forest, and at night search for nocturnal wildlife. (B-L-D)
After a walk in the forest we cross to the West bank 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 TUCANO goes downstream to arrive at daybreak 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”. (B-L-D)
This morning we explore the Lago Janauari Ecological Park where seasonally 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 “Encontra das Aguas” a stark several mile long line where the world’s two 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. (B-L-D)
In the morning all guests disembark from TUCANO. Some guests will participate in an optional tour of the city of Manaus before transferring to the airport. (B)
Price is per person, double occupancy and includes accommodations, guided excursions, meals as indicated in the itinerary. Prices and itineraries are subject to change without notice. Bottled water served free of charge. On joining the group on Day One, passengers board the vessel on a short walk from the lobby of the Hotel Tropical, Manaus.
CABINS
A Generous Salon
From this large space, filled with windows and situated at the front of the vessel, we are treated to fantastic vistas of the wilderness around us. Meals are served here and we have a library of choice books on Amazon wildlife.
Large Observation Deck
The top deck is open and has a large shade canopy. It is a wonderful place to spot wildlife or soak in the vastness of the Amazon. There is space to catch some sun and watch the Macaw parrots screeching across the afternoon sky.
Middle Deck Balcony
This wide balcony faces forward and is a serene spot to relax as we wind our way along the forested shore. It is also a good place to observe monkeys jumping from one vine to another and pink dolphins leaping into the air.
