Port information & tips for Santana
Santana is the fascinating gateway to the Brazilian state of Amapá and is picturesquely located on the northern banks of the mighty Amazon. The region impresses with its untouched nature and the authentic lifestyle of the rainforest, with the immediate proximity to the equator exerting a very special charm. Cultural highlights include the famous Marco Zero equator monument, the imposing Fortaleza de São José de Macapá, and the informative Museu Sacaca open-air museum. Cruise ships dock at the Companhia Docas de Santana (CDSA) terminal, which offers direct access to the port town. From here, the city center can be explored, while the state capital Macapá, located about 20 kilometers away, is easily accessible thanks to organized transfers and taxis.
The port of Santana in Brazil, located in the state of Amapá on the Amazon River, primarily serves as an important cargo port and logistics center for the region. Cruise ships visit Santana as a deep-water port, where processing is carried out by Brazilian authorities and Macapá often serves as the starting point for excursions. A dedicated cruise terminal is currently not available; ships dock at the cargo piers.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region is primarily by air via a major international airport in Brazil, from where you take connecting flights to the nearest Macapá International Airport (MCP). Macapá Airport (MCP) is approximately 18 to 23 kilometers from Santana. Airlines such as GOL, LATAM, and Azul offer regular connections from Brazilian hubs such as Brasília, Belém, or Campinas. Due to the long flight duration, it is recommended to arrive at least one day before the planned embarkation.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Macapá Airport (MCP), you can easily reach the port of Santana by taxi. The journey takes about 20 to 22 minutes, with the cost of a taxi ranging between R$90 and R$120. There is a good connection via the federal highway BR-156, which passes through Santana. It is advisable to organize transfer options in advance, as the port of Santana primarily serves cargo traffic and does not offer specific cruise shuttles to the same extent as large cruise ports.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
For a relaxed start to your cruise, an overnight stay in Macapá or Santana before embarkation is highly recommended. You will find various hotels in Macapá, the capital of the state of Amapá, as well as in Santana. Many travelers take the opportunity to explore the city of Macapá with its international airport before heading to the port in Santana.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
