The Amazon Odyssey

Our Amazon cruises are the most thoughtful, interesting and authentic explorations of the Amazon rainforest. With 25 years of cruise operations we are able to offer explorations that are comfortable, authentic, and superior to other cruises. When travelers explore with us, they are able to experience the very best that the Amazon has to offer. Our cruises have all the essential elements of an excellent program:

--Comfortable accommodations

--Small groups

--Skilled guides

--Thoughtful itinerary

--Exploration of some of the most pristine rainforest in the Amazon.

Begun in the early 1980's, the business that became Amazon Nature Tours was a lumber importing company. We would buy lumber from sawmills in the rainforests of the Amazon and distribute it to factories and lumber outlets here in the United States. But by 1988 we became aware and convinced that rainforest conservation was one of the most important goals of our time, so in 1989 we began to offer the first "ecotours".

 At first few people thought that ecotourism would ever amount to more than a tiny niche in the travel industry. But to quote Victor Hugo: "An invasion of armies can be resisted but not an idea whose time has come". Now, as we enter our twenty second year, "ecotourism" has matured into a multi-million dollar industry and the term has become a household word. The first ecotours were rugged expeditions into the Amazon and guests had to be prepared for inconvenience and discomfort. Nowadays ecotourists can travel in comfort to some of the most remote corners of the globe.

This twenty two year milestone shows not only that ecotourism has struck a chord with the travelers, but also proves the success of a compelling idea: that small scale nature tours can help support local communities while at the same time helping protect the environment.

The growth and evolution of the ecotourism industry is reflected also in how our company has developed. The first "ecotours" took place in the Amazon rainforest on somewhat creaky riverboats. The trips were interesting, but the accommodations primitive. But today the our trips take place on the Motor Yacht Tucano, a comfortable, air-conditioned vessel specifically designed for wildlife observation. The comfort of the vessel permits just about anyone to access and enjoy the wonders of the Amazon rainforest. The Amazon programs retain the essential elements of an ecotour: a small group size, minimal environmental impact, and support for conservation. Most importantly, the staff in the Amazon have prospered. For many of the crew members, their children are the first in their families to be able to go to school.

Over the years our staff and guests have observed and experienced some of the most astonishing creatures and environments in tropical America.Come with us and share with us this great and important adventure.

Our Amazon Cruises:

Our two Amazon River cruises explore the wilds of the Amazon rainforest in different ways. Our Amazon expedition cruises are for travelers that wish to go deep into the wilderness rainforest to explore the heart of wild nature and our compact Amazon cruises are for travelers that will visit many other destinations in Brasil and only have time for a shorter, but still intensive cruise. Both cruises are extraordinary experiences and are superior to virtually all other cruises offered in the Amazon.

Family Cruises:

The Amazon is a fascinating place for young people as well as adults. All of our Amazon trips are family friendly, but in order to make it easier for families with young children to travel on our trips, we offer cruises on specific dates every year that include activities that help children enjoy the experience. Family Departures have the same theme as our regular departures, that of understanding the Amazon environment and observing the plants and animals.

Four Things Make Our Trips the Most Interesting and Fun Amazon Experience:

Small Groups: On our fixed departures we accept a maximum of 9 cabins. By keeping the group size small, we stay focused on the forest and are not distracted by a mob scene. A small group also allows guests to spend much more time with the guides----which really enriches the experience.

Highly Skilled Guides: Our guides are some of the very best in the Amazon. They are naturalists which helps us unlock the secrets of the magnificent wildlife of the rainforest.

Exploratory: All of our trips are a little different. We try to visit particular places only a few times per year. This ensures that the trips are interesting for both the guests and the guides---the trips are never routine tourist traps. We often see creatures missed by other travelers.

We Take care of the Details: We have been conducting trips in the Amazon since 1989. We do everything possible to make the trips interesting and enjoyable to our guests.