Santarém, Pará, Brazil
Where the blue-green Tapajós crashes into the muddy Amazon, Santarém is your gateway to white-sand river beaches, cathedral rainforest, and one of nature's most arresting color-clash spectacles.
Where the blue-green Tapajós crashes into the muddy Amazon, Santarém is your gateway to white-sand river beaches, cathedral rainforest, and one of nature's most arresting color-clash spectacles.
Smaller expedition ships typically dock at Santarém's downtown river quay; larger ocean vessels may anchor mid-river and tender passengers ashore — confirm with your cruise line before port day.
💡 Pro move: Cash in Brazilian Reals is essential — ATMs exist downtown but card acceptance is limited at markets and smaller operators. Carry small bills.
Berthing in Santarém depends on ship size — smaller expedition vessels tie up at the downtown river quay while larger ships anchor offshore and tender in.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Expedition / small ships | Cais do Porto, Santarém waterfront📍 | Docked |
| Larger ocean cruise ships | Mid-river anchorage, Santarém📍 | Tendered |
Santarém rewards those who venture out — the river beach at Alter do Chão and the Meeting of the Waters are extraordinary, and the rainforest starts minutes from town.
Seen from a boat, the vivid blue-green Tapajós and the chocolate-brown Amazon run side by side without mixing for several kilometres — one of the most striking natural phenomena in South America. Boats depart from the waterfront.
Find Meeting of Waters tours →Called the 'Caribbean of the Amazon', Alter do Chão's white sand spits and crystal-clear Tapajós water are strikingly beautiful. Best at low water (July–November) when the sandbars are fully exposed. The village has restaurants and craft stalls.
Find Alter do Chão tours →A vast protected tract of primary Amazon rainforest starting just south of Alter do Chão. Guided walks venture into the canopy-shaded interior for birds, monkeys, and giant trees. Access is by boat and trail.
Find Tapajós forest tours →Early-morning or dusk boat trips along the Amazon and Tapajós floodplain hunt for pink river dolphins, caimans, sloths, and Amazonian birdlife. Local guides know where to look.
Find Amazon wildlife tours →The Mercado Modelo on the waterfront sells açaí, exotic Amazon fruits, dried fish, and regional crafts. A short walk away, the Centro Cultural João Fona houses archaeological and historical collections, including Tapajônica ceramics, in one of the city's oldest buildings.
Find Santarém city tours →Santarém's compact riverfront is walkable from the quay; everything else requires a boat or wheels.
From the Cais do Porto, follow the riverside promenade past the Mercado Modelo to the waterfront square — a slice of everyday Amazonian town life with river views, açaí vendors, and fishing boats tied up alongside.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Once at Alter do Chão, a short walk from the main square to the water's edge passes craft shops, local restaurants, and the boat landing for the sandbar. Combine with beach time.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Santarém, Pará, Brazil (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 84°F / 29°C | 76°F / 24°C | 27 | 6:41 AM | 6:55 PM |
| Feb | 84°F / 29°C | 76°F / 24°C | 27 | 6:47 AM | 6:58 PM |
| Mar | 84°F / 29°C | 76°F / 24°C | 30 | 6:44 AM | 6:50 PM |
| Apr | 84°F / 29°C | 76°F / 24°C | 29 | 6:37 AM | 6:40 PM |
| May | 84°F / 29°C | 76°F / 24°C | 30 | 6:35 AM | 6:35 PM |
| Jun | 84°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 25 | 6:40 AM | 6:38 PM |
| Jul | 85°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 19 | 6:45 AM | 6:44 PM |
| Aug | 87°F / 31°C | 79°F / 26°C | 9 | 6:42 AM | 6:44 PM |
| Sep | 89°F / 32°C | 79°F / 26°C | 8 | 6:31 AM | 6:36 PM |
| Oct | 89°F / 32°C | 80°F / 27°C | 10 | 6:19 AM | 6:29 PM |
| Nov | 88°F / 31°C | 79°F / 26°C | 14 | 6:16 AM | 6:30 PM |
| Dec | 86°F / 30°C | 78°F / 26°C | 22 | 6:26 AM | 6:41 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Taxis wait outside the port gate and can take you to the city center (~2–3 km away) in about 10 minutes. Agree on a fare before departing, as meters are not always used.
Uber operates in Santarém and offers upfront pricing via the app. A reliable option for fare transparency on the short ride to the waterfront city center.
Some cruise lines offer shuttle transfers to the city center; check with your ship before docking. Availability and pricing differ by operator.
The port is roughly 2–3 km from the historic waterfront and central market (Mercadão 2000), a walkable distance in cooler morning hours but hot and humid midday.
Mototaxis (motorcycle taxis) are common in Santarém and are a cheap, quick way to get around locally — though not recommended for luggage-heavy travelers or the uninitiated.
Upcoming cruises that call at Santarém, Pará, Brazil. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.