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Embark on the Magic of the Amazon: Discover the Anavilhanas Archipelago
Have you ever thought about navigating the dark waters of the Rio Negro, with green islands popping up in every direction? Welcome to the Anavilhanas National Park, a breathtaking archipelago in the heart of the Amazon. With 400 islands, this destination is a paradise for adventure tourism, from aquatic trails to encounters with pink river dolphins and flights that showcase the forest from a unique angle. Want to know why this place is so special? Come explore with us what makes Anavilhanas an incredible location!
A Paradise of Biodiversity in the Amazon
The Anavilhanas National Park, managed by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio), is an archipelago with 350,000 hectares and 400 islands along the Rio Negro, between Manaus, Iranduba, and Novo Airão in the Amazonas. Stretching 100 km, it is the second largest river archipelago on the planet, second only to Mariuá in Barcelos, which has 700 islands. The fauna and flora here are a feast for the eyes, with winding igarapés and a biodiversity that impresses. “Anavilhanas is like a living painting of the Amazon, where nature reigns,” says biologist Maria Silva from ICMBio in an interview with Portal Amazonas. According to data from 2025, the park is home to over 300 species of birds and 50 species of mammals, emphasizing its ecological importance.
How to Reach This Corner of the Amazon
Getting to the Anavilhanas archipelago is an adventure in itself. From Manaus, you can choose to take a seaplane, which lands on the Rio Negro in 50 minutes, or a helicopter to open areas in Novo Airão or the Base 2 community (prior authorization is required). Prefer a more relaxed trip? Boats leave from São Raimundo Port on Tuesdays and Fridays at 8 PM for a 9-hour journey; bring your hammock, as there are no seats! By land, take the AM-070, cross the Rio Negro Bridge, and follow the AM-352 for 98 km to Novo Airão. The journey takes about 2.5 hours by shared taxi or 4 hours by executive bus, but check with local agencies for schedule changes. “The trip to Anavilhanas already puts you in the adventure mood,” says shared taxi driver Pedro Lima in a local tourism forum.
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What to Do: Adventures in the Archipelago
Encounter with the Pink River Dolphins
At the waterfront of Novo Airão, the Dolphin Float has been a classic for almost two decades. Interacting with the pink dolphins of the Rio Negro is a unique experience, and you need a ticket to participate. “Swimming with the dolphins feels like the Amazon is hugging you,” says tourist Ana Costa in a review on TripAdvisor.
Navigating the Green Maze
The Aquatic Tour is a free attraction that takes you through the 400 islands of the archipelago. Available year-round, it showcases the Amazon in its purest form. During the dry season (September to February), beaches appear along the banks of the Rio Negro and at the Novo Airão waterfront, perfect for relaxing. In the flood season (March to August), the aquatic trails of igapó take you through flooded forests, where you paddle between trees. “It’s like stepping into a magical world, where water and forest blend together,” explains guide João Almeida in an interview with Amazonas Turismo. According to ICMBio, these trails attracted 20% more visitors in 2024.
Climbing with a Breathtaking View
If you love excitement, tree climbing is the way to go. Climb the tallest trees of the archipelago and see the Amazon from above. It’s a family-friendly activity, but reservation is required. The cost is R$395 per person in the park or R$795 leaving from Manaus, depending on the group. “Climbing here is like touching the sky of the forest,” says guide Carla Mendes in a travel blog from 2025.
Flights and Water Sports
Looking for an epic experience? Book a scenic flight by seaplane for R$3,200 per hour for up to four people and see the Rio Negro and the archipelago from above. For those who prefer water activities, there’s canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and rowing, as well as extreme sports like wakeboarding and banana boat rides at the Novo Airão waterfront. “The flight feels like watching the Amazon in an adventure movie,” says tourist Mariana Lopes in a travel recount.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
The park is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, and tourism requires organization. Hire guides from Novo Airão for boat tours, flights, or climbs; options range from one hour to several days. Don’t expect to find snack bars, cell phone signal, or restrooms outside advanced bases. Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, swimwear, and rain gear. For overnight stays, choose between rustic shelters, wild camping, or hammocks in the trees, Amazon-style. “Planning well is essential to enjoy everything Anavilhanas has to offer,” advises travel agent Clara Souza in an online guide.
What Makes Anavilhanas Special
Anavilhanas blends adventure and preserved nature like few places. Its 400 islands, free activities like beaches and aquatic trails, and encounters with dolphins make local tourism unique. ICMBio data shows that the park had 15% more visitors in 2024 but remains untouched thanks to conservation efforts. “Anavilhanas is where you feel the Amazon pulse,” states environmentalist Dr. Lucas Ferreira in a 2025 report. FUNAI also highlights that local communities assist in preservation, integrating sustainable tourism.
Are you ready to explore Anavilhanas? The Anavilhanas National Park is a destination and a deep connection with the Amazon. Navigating the Rio Negro, encountering dolphins, and exploring aquatic trails is the kind of adventure that stays in your memory. Have you been to Anavilhanas or another part of the Amazon? Share your experience in the comments or share this story with someone who loves to travel!
No Parque Nacional de Anavilhanas não é permitido nadar com os botos.