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A Journey Through Coastal History & the Heart of the Amazon

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A Journey Through Coastal History & the Heart of the Amazon
A Journey Through Coastal History & the Heart of the Amazon
A Journey Through Coastal History & the Heart of the Amazon
Macapa
Macapa
Devil's Island
Devil's Island
Cruising At Sea
Cruising At Sea
Bridgetown
Bridgetown
San Juan
San Juan
Santarem
Santarem
Manaus
Manaus
San Juan
San Juan
Boca Da Valeria
Boca Da Valeria
Bridgetown
Bridgetown
Our Price From
US$8,435
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
12 Days
 Cruise Starts
San Juan
 Cruise Finishes
Manaus
12 Day A Journey Through Coastal History & the Heart of the Amazon Itinerary (Explora Journeys)
Countries Explored: Puerto Rico, Montserrat, Barbados, French Guiana, Brazil
Ship
Departures
Passengers
922
Crew
700
Launched
2024
Cruise Code
SJUMAO12

Overview

Start in San Juan, where Caribbean history and Spanish culture majestically intertwine. From there, discover Montserrat's resilience in Little Bay and embrace Bridgetown's laid-back Bajan rhythm. Next, we uncover the haunting beauty of Devil's Island before witnessing Santarém's natural wonders. Let yourself admire the simplicity of Boca da Valeria, and finally, immerse yourself in Manaus during an overnight in the vibrant heart of the Brazilian rainforest.

Cruise Itinerary

Departs: 17:00

San Juan's picturesque cobblestone streets, plazas and chapels reflect its Spanish heritage. But the second oldest city in the Americas also boasts fine beaches, lush rainforests, verdant mountainsides, imposing forts and a lovely tropical climate. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in San Juan:

  • explore the El Yunque Rainforest
  • visit the Bacardi Rum Distillery
  • visit Fort Cristobal and the Old Town
  • play a round of golf at the Palmes del Mar Golf Resort
  • sail in San Juan Bay

Arrives: 09:00 Departs: 15:00

Little Bay is the gateway to the island of Montserrat. The island has been nicknamed 'the emerald isle' due to its lush verdant forests lined with lime trees and palms and also due to its Irish heritage. Much of the islands tourism is based around its volcano and its eruptions.

Top Things to Do in Little Bay:

  • take a boat tour of the island coast
  • trek to Runaway Ghaut
  • visit the Montserrat Volcanic Observatory
  • explore the 'Buried City' of Plymouth, destroyed by the volcanoes 1995 eruption

Arrives: 09:00 Departs: 18:00

Bridgetown, the captivating capital of Barbados, combines faded colonial history, captivating tradition, and vivid white beaches. Stately colonial buildings intermingle with colourful wooden homes, open-air markets and catch-of-the-day cafés. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Bridgetown:

  • ride an electric tram into Harrison Cave
  • look for green monkeys in the Barbados Wildlife Reserve
  • relax at the Copacabana Beach Bar
  • visit the George Washington House
  • go underwater in the Atlantis Submarine

A day at sea with Explora Journeys blends luxury, relaxation, and vibrant cosmopolitan life. Enjoy a morning Sundial Salutation to invigorate your body, followed by breakfast at the Emporium Marketplace. Hone your photography skills in the Explora Lounge, or indulge in a luxurious spa treatment as part of the Ocean Wellness program. Savor lunch at the Med Yacht Club, with dishes paired with regional wines.

Spend the afternoon at the adults-only Helios Pool & Bar or join a mixology class at the Malt Whisky Bar. As evening approaches, enjoy a Sunset Aperitivo with drinks and bites inspired by your destinations. End your day with an intimate candlelight performance, a Decadence experience, or enjoy a relaxing nightcap with panoramic ocean views.

Arrives: 09:00 Departs: 18:00

Devil's Island, part of French Guiana's Îles du Salut, is steeped in history and intrigue. Once a notorious French penal colony, it housed political prisoners like Captain Alfred Dreyfus. The island's dense jungle and treacherous waters made escape nearly impossible, adding to its eerie reputation. Visitors can explore remnants of the prison buildings, including cells and administration offices, which offer a sobering glimpse into the harsh conditions endured by inmates.

Beyond its grim past, Devil's Island boasts stunning natural beauty. The lush tropical vegetation and surrounding azure waters create a stark contrast to the island's history. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts will enjoy the island's diverse wildlife, including exotic birds and playful monkeys. A trip to Devil's Island is a journey through history and nature, offering a unique and hauntingly beautiful experience.

A day at sea with Explora Journeys blends luxury, relaxation, and vibrant cosmopolitan life. Enjoy a morning Sundial Salutation to invigorate your body, followed by breakfast at the Emporium Marketplace. Hone your photography skills in the Explora Lounge, or indulge in a luxurious spa treatment as part of the Ocean Wellness program. Savor lunch at the Med Yacht Club, with dishes paired with regional wines.

Spend the afternoon at the adults-only Helios Pool & Bar or join a mixology class at the Malt Whisky Bar. As evening approaches, enjoy a Sunset Aperitivo with drinks and bites inspired by your destinations. End your day with an intimate candlelight performance, a Decadence experience, or enjoy a relaxing nightcap with panoramic ocean views.

Arrives: 11:30 Departs: 14:00

Found in the Amazon delta where the river greets the Atlantic, Macapá, the capital of Brazil's Amapá state, is a city with a unique geographical distinction. Straddling the equator, it is home to the impressive 98-foot Marco Zero monument, where guests can symbolically stand in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres simultaneously.

Macapá's history is etched in its landscape, with remnants from Portuguese settlers dating back to the early 18th century. The Fortaleza de São José, a symbol of the city's colonial past, stands as one of Brazil's best-preserved military structures, echoing tales of a bygone era. Accessible only by boat or plane, Macapá also serves as a sanctuary for migrating birds who share the region's lush wetlands with flamingos, ibises, and other local species.

Arrives: 09:00 Departs: 18:00

Santarem is one of the Amazon's most important trading centres, and is rich in legend and nature. Best known for its location, it is surrounded by two rivers: the Amazon, of muddy water, and Tapajós, of clear, green water, forming a beautiful meeting of different waters that do not mix for several kilometres. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Santarem:

  • join a river cruise that takes you to the 'meeting of the waters'
  • hike a Tapajós National Forest trail
  • visit Casa da Farinha

Arrives: 07:00 Departs: 15:00

The Indian Village of Boca Da Valeria is nestled on a 400 ft hill overlooking the Amazon. With less than 100 people, the village boasts no tourism infrastructure. Yet it lures travellers by offering an authentic glimpse of the simple river life that the Amerindians have followed for centuries.

Ashore, you will find log canoes, grass huts, and a life of hunting and fishing unchanged since the time of the early explorers. Meaning "Mouth of the Valeria River," the remote fishing and trading village sits at the convergence of the Amazon and the Rio da Valeria.

Arrives: 08:00

Manaus, the 'Paris of the Jungle,' is the capital of Brazil’s state of Amazonas and offers a rich variety of culture, art, dining and nature. The former river village rests along the left bank of the Rio Negro. Ships will dock at the Porto Flutuante (floating docks).

Top Things to Do in Manaus:

  • visit the Rubber Museum
  • cruise Lake January to admire the giant Victoria water lilies
  • visit Acajatuba to interact with Pink Dolphins
  • wander the Military Zoo, a haven for endangered animals

Arrives: 10:00

Manaus, the 'Paris of the Jungle,' is the capital of Brazil’s state of Amazonas and offers a rich variety of culture, art, dining and nature. The former river village rests along the left bank of the Rio Negro. Ships will dock at the Porto Flutuante (floating docks).

Top Things to Do in Manaus:

  • visit the Rubber Museum
  • cruise Lake January to admire the giant Victoria water lilies
  • visit Acajatuba to interact with Pink Dolphins
  • wander the Military Zoo, a haven for endangered animals
Note: Ship ports may not be located in the starting & ending cities listed. Port and transfer details will be provided in your travel documentation. The provided itinerary is for informational purposes only. Activities and sightseeing attractions listed may not be available or achievable within the time in port.

Life Onboard Explora II

EXPLORA II
EXPLORA II

EXPLORA II embarked on her maiden voyage in 2024, paving the way to new discoveries and furthering possibilities. Exquisitely designed to offer you relaxed luxury, restoring life's essential balance with a combination of discovery and appreciation for wellbeing and nature. Read more

Inclusive Journeys
Inclusive Journeys

Experience vibrant cosmopolitan life aboard, with European luxury, 5-star dining, ocean wellness experiences, and tech-savvy comforts in sophisticated suites, all while enjoying beautiful sea views. Read more

Your Home At Sea
Your Home At Sea

Elegant, spacious and comfortable our ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences are designed to create a home at sea for our guests. Read more

Dining At Sea
Dining At Sea

Celebrating global talents and cultures, infusing global influences with personality, sophistication, and a touch of soul for a unique dining experience at sea. Read more

Leisure Experiences
Leisure Experiences

Discover Explora Journeys' collection of one-of-a-kind entertainment and enrichment experiences, designed to stimulate the mind and feed the soul. Read more

Ocean Inspired Wellness
Ocean Inspired Wellness

Ocean Wellness encompasses the physical, spiritual, and emotional health of our guests, ensuring their time with us is enriching and fulfilling. Read more

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Explora II Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Explora II' Reviews

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Explorer 2 - Wow just Wow 1 , NSW, Australia, Mar 2025
We had an amazing experience on Explora 2 from Lisbon to Barcelona in early April. The boarding was seamless, our cabin a lovely quiet haven, the food and restaurants were amazing, with so much choice. The icing on the cake was the Explora team, everyone was so friendly and nothing was ever too much trouble. We loved it and will return. Thank you read more for such a wonderful holiday.

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From $8,435
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Sunday 06 Feb 2028 06 Feb 28 San Juan
Thursday 17 Feb 2028 17 Feb 28 Manaus
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Explora II
A Suite Invitation
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US$8,435
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Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Explora Journeys. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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