Santarém Cruise Port Guide: Things to Do, Amazon Exploration & Practical Tips

Quick Take

Port Type

Amazon Expedition Gateway

Best For

Wildlife lovers, nature explorers, anyone wanting a genuine Amazon experience beyond the ship

Avoid If

You need air-conditioned comfort, reliable infrastructure, or easy walking sightseeing

Walkability

Low – the waterfront area is walkable but most worthwhile sites require a boat or vehicle

Budget Fit

Moderate – guided jungle and river tours add up; the town itself is cheap for food and browsing

Good For Short Calls?

Yes, with focused planning – a river boat excursion or Alter do Chão visit fits a half day

Port Overview

Ships anchor in the Rio Tapajós off Santarém and tender passengers ashore near the central waterfront. This is not a polished cruise destination – infrastructure is basic, signage is minimal, and you need a plan before you step off the tender. That said, the setting is extraordinary: you are at the confluence of the Amazon and the Tapajós, surrounded by genuine Amazonian wilderness.

Santarém itself is a mid-sized Brazilian city of around 300,000 people. The waterfront Orla do Tapajós has been tidied up in recent years and is pleasant enough for a short walk, but the town centre behind it is functional rather than picturesque. The real draws are outside the city: Alter do Chão, the flooded forests of Floresta Nacional do Tapajós, and the river itself.

Cruise lines visiting here – Lindblad, Hurtigruten Expeditions, Scenic, and similar expedition-focused operators – typically provide strong on-ship briefings and guided excursions, which is the smartest way to use your time. Independent travellers can manage, but logistics are harder and English is rarely spoken. Go ashore with purpose, not to wander.

Is It Safe?

Santarém is a working Brazilian city and the same sensible precautions apply as anywhere in the country: don't flash expensive cameras or phones, leave valuables on the ship, and stay aware in the market and busy street areas. The waterfront near the tender dock is generally fine during the day. After dark or in areas away from the main waterfront and market, the risk level rises; this shouldn't be an issue on a cruise port day.

The jungle and river environment carries its own risks: sun exposure on open boats is intense and comes fast, biting insects (including mosquitoes carrying dengue and malaria) are real, and humidity is brutal. Long sleeves, strong insect repellent with DEET, and sunscreen are not optional. Drink only bottled water; do not drink from taps or river-side stalls without checking.

Accessibility & Walkability

Santarém is challenging for travellers with limited mobility. The tender process involves boarding and disembarking small boats, which can be difficult in swell. The waterfront promenade is paved and mostly flat, but surfaces in the market area are uneven. Alter do Chão involves sandy paths and boat boarding. Jungle and flooded forest tours are not wheelchair accessible. If you have mobility limitations, check directly with your expedition cruise line – Lindblad and Hurtigruten in particular brief passengers honestly on what each excursion requires physically.

Outside the Terminal

There is no formal terminal – you step off the tender onto the waterfront landing near the Orla do Tapajós. The first impression is heat, humidity, and a lively open waterfront with local vendors, moored wooden river boats, and the city spreading behind it. There may be local guides and taxi drivers approaching immediately; they are generally harmless but persistent. Your ship will likely have a briefing point and possibly a small welcome desk from local operators. Get your bearings, confirm your plan, and move with purpose – time ashore is limited and the best experiences require travel away from this spot.

Beaches Near the Port

Local Food & Drink

Santarém has excellent local food if you know what to order. The Amazon basin produces some of Brazil's best freshwater fish: tambaqui (grilled or in stew) and tucunaré (peacock bass) are the ones to try. Açaí here is the real thing – thick, unsweetened, and served as a meal, not a trendy bowl with granola. Look for restaurants on or near the Orla do Tapajós waterfront for the most tourist-accessible options.

Alter do Chão has several decent open-air restaurants by the waterfront serving grilled fish, cold beer, and local juices made from cupuaçu, taperebá, and bacuri – all Amazon fruits worth trying. Budget $10-18 USD for a full meal with a drink in either location. Do not eat from unmarked riverside stalls unless you can see the food is freshly cooked and hot.

Shopping

The Mercado 2000 is the best shopping stop: Brazil nuts, jarred açaí, hammocks, and hand-painted Amazon crafts are all reasonably priced and authentic. Avoid souvenir stalls near the tender dock – the same mass-produced items at inflated prices. Alter do Chão has a few craft stalls selling locally made jewellery and ceramics that make decent small gifts. Don't expect duty-free or boutique retail; this is practical market shopping.

Money & Currency

Currency

Brazilian Real (BRL)

USD Accepted?

No

Card Payments

Limited – many local stalls and small restaurants are cash only. Some larger establishments may accept cards but don't rely on it.

ATMs

A few ATMs exist in Santarém town centre; bring Brazilian reais from the ship's currency exchange or a previous port if possible.

Tipping

10% service charge is often included in restaurant bills in Brazil; check before adding more. Small tips for boat guides are appreciated.

Notes

Bring small denomination notes in BRL. USD will not be accepted at most local businesses. Exchange on board before going ashore.

Weather & Best Time

Best months

June to November – lower water levels mean better beach access at Alter do Chão and easier forest walking. July and August are peak dry season.

Avoid

February to April – peak wet season, heavy daily rain, rivers high, Alter do Chão beaches may be submerged

Temperature

27-34°C (81-93°F) year-round with very high humidity; feels hotter in direct sun on the river

Notes

Expedition cruise season typically runs dry season (Jul–Nov). Rain can occur any month. Always carry rain gear and accept that heat and humidity are constants.

Airport Information

Airport

Santarém–Maestro Wilson Fonseca Airport (STM)

Distance

Approximately 15 km from the waterfront

Getting there

Taxi or app-based car (check availability locally); no scheduled bus service directly to the waterfront

Notes

Connections to Belém and Manaus, and onward to São Paulo or international hubs. If your expedition cruise starts or ends here, allow extra time – flight options are limited and cancellations are not uncommon on Amazon routes.