Seen from above, the Rio Negro dissolves into a mosaic of hundreds of elongated islands, dark channels and flooded forests. This is Parque Nacional de Anavilhanas, one of the largest river archipelagos on the planet — more than 400 islands forming a labyrinth of black water and green forest in the heart of the Amazon, just 180 km from Manaus.
Base: Novo Airão
The gateway is Novo Airão, a small riverside town on the right bank of the Rio Negro, reached by car or boat from Manaus — most guesthouses and agencies arrange the transfer. From there depart the speedboat and canoe trips that thread through the channels of the archipelago, with stops for trails, river swims and pure contemplation.
Dry season or flood: two different parks
Anavilhanas changes completely with the level of the river. During the flood (first half of the year), the water invades the forest and creates the igapós — paddling a canoe between the treetops is an almost mystical experience. In the dry season (September to February), the river drops and reveals stunning white sand beaches against the dark water, such as Camaleão, do Meio and Tiririca. There is no wrong season: there are two parks to get to know.
The dolphins of Novo Airão
The town’s most famous experience is the encounter with the pink river dolphins at the floating platform, a decades-old project that turned hunting into conservation and environmental education. We have devoted a whole article to it: the encounter with the dolphins of Novo Airão.
Culture and nature together
Beyond the trips through the archipelago, it is worth getting to know the Indigenous and riverside communities of the region, with guided trails, pottery workshops and cassava-flour making. The Madadá caves, the rock walls and the night outings to spot caimans and watch the stars complete the menu. At the end of October, the Eco Festival do Peixe-Boi takes over the town with music and dance in defence of the gentle giant of the rivers.
Practical tips
- Book at least 2 nights in Novo Airão — the Amazonian rhythm does not suit a day trip.
- The Rio Negro has few mosquitoes (its acidic water does not breed them), but take repellent for the trails.
- Sunscreen, hat and a rain jacket: the weather changes fast in the Amazon.
- Hire accredited local guides — the money stays with the community that protects the park.
🥾 Who is it for?
Effort: easy — boat and canoe trips through the labyrinth of islands. Children: from ages 4-5; river beaches in the dry season are a bonus. Older travelers and reduced mobility: very feasible — Novo Airão has simple boarding and the trips are contemplative.
