Cruise port Santarem
Port information & tips for Santarem
Santarém is the fascinating gateway to the heart of the Amazon, spectacularly located at the confluence of the emerald-green Rio Tapajós and the clay-brown Amazon. The third-largest city in the state of Pará enchants travelers with its authentic Brazilian joie de vivre and a lush tropical backdrop that delights nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike. Absolute highlights include the impressive "Encontro das Águas" natural spectacle, where the different colored waters flow side by side for kilometers, as well as the magnificent Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Conceição and the lively Mercado Municipal. Cruise ships dock at the Porto de Santarém, from where the historic city center is easily accessible by taxi or shuttle thanks to the short distance of about two kilometers.
The cruise port of Santarém in Brazil is a central hub for Amazon cruises and can be ideally reached by guests from the DACH region by plane with a layover in Brazilian metropolises. Docking takes place at the modern Docas de Santarem Cruise Ship Dock, located approximately 2-3 kilometers from the city center. There is no dedicated terminal building, and depending on the ship and capacity, docking may occur directly at the pier or via tendering.
Airplane
The primary arrival option is via Santarém–Maestro Wilson Fonseca International Airport (STM), located around 13-15 kilometers from the port. Direct flight connections from Europe to Santarém do not exist. Travelers from the DACH region therefore first fly to major Brazilian hubs such as São Paulo (GRU) or Rio de Janeiro (GIG) – for example with Lufthansa from Frankfurt – and from there continue with a domestic flight to Santarém. Good domestic connections exist from Manaus (MAO), Belém (BEL), and Brasília (BSB) to Santarém Airport, among others.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Santarém Airport (STM), you can easily reach the city center and the port by taxi in about 12-20 minutes. The costs for a taxi ride are between R$ 75 and R$ 95. Many cruise lines also offer included transfers from the airport to the river cruise ships. Ride-hailing services like Uber are also a convenient option. For a more budget-friendly alternative, city buses run between the airport and the city, with line 01 serving the airport.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from Europe and the necessary domestic flights, an overnight stay in a hotel in Santarém on the day before embarkation is recommended. This allows for a relaxed start to your cruise without the stress of long layovers. Numerous hotels are available in Santarém, often located near the port or the city center, and some offer free airport shuttles.
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 your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
Also during the voyage: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The cruise port of Santarém in Brazil is a central hub for Amazon cruises and can be ideally reached by guests from the DACH region by plane with a layover in Brazilian metropolises. Docking takes place at the modern Docas de Santarem Cruise Ship Dock, located approximately 2-3 kilometers from the city center. There is no dedicated terminal building, and depending on the ship and capacity, docking may occur directly at the pier or via tendering.
Airplane
The primary arrival option is via Santarém–Maestro Wilson Fonseca International Airport (STM), located around 13-15 kilometers from the port. Direct flight connections from Europe to Santarém do not exist. Travelers from the DACH region therefore first fly to major Brazilian hubs such as São Paulo (GRU) or Rio de Janeiro (GIG) – for example with Lufthansa from Frankfurt – and from there continue with a domestic flight to Santarém. Good domestic connections exist from Manaus (MAO), Belém (BEL), and Brasília (BSB) to Santarém Airport, among others.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Santarém Airport (STM), you can easily reach the city center and the port by taxi in about 12-20 minutes. The costs for a taxi ride are between R$ 75 and R$ 95. Many cruise lines also offer included transfers from the airport to the river cruise ships. Ride-hailing services like Uber are also a convenient option. For a more budget-friendly alternative, city buses run between the airport and the city, with line 01 serving the airport.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from Europe and the necessary domestic flights, an overnight stay in a hotel in Santarém on the day before embarkation is recommended. This allows for a relaxed start to your cruise without the stress of long layovers. Numerous hotels are available in Santarém, often located near the port or the city center, and some offer free airport shuttles.
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 your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
Also during the voyage: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The port of Santarém is located at the impressive confluence of the Amazon and Rio Tapajós and, thanks to its advantageous location, allows for easy access to the city and untouched nature.
On Foot
You can reach the lively center and the Mercado Municipal in about 20 to 30 minutes on a walk along the Avenida Tapajós waterfront promenade. This route immediately offers a wonderful view of the colorful hustle and bustle of the local fishing boats and the glittering water.
Taxi and Mototaxi
Official taxis wait for passengers directly at the port exit and will take you to the city's sights in just a few minutes. You can also use the mototaxis that are very common in Santarém, which allow for quick transport while providing an authentic local travel experience.
Water Taxis and Boats
Water taxis and regional boats are available directly at the pier or at the nearby Praça do Pescador for excursions to the famous Encontro das Águas. These watercraft are the heart of local transport and also offer a convenient way to reach the idyllic village of Alter do Chão via the river.
To make the most of your day in the heart of the Amazon, we recommend a combination of the fascinating natural phenomenon right in front of the harbor and a relaxed excursion to the paradisiacal shores of the Rio Tapajós.
Encontro das Águas
Right off the coast of Santarém, the crystal-blue waters of the Rio Tapajós glide for miles alongside the clay-brown Amazon and, thanks to its central location, offer a spectacular natural spectacle that can be perfectly admired on a short boat trip.
Alter do Chão
This charming place is often referred to as the Caribbean of the Amazon due to its white powdered sugar beaches and, thanks to its easy accessibility, is the ideal destination for a relaxing day of swimming in the crystal-clear river water.
Centro Histórico & Mercado Municipal
The historic center around the traditional market provides an authentic insight into life on the Amazon and is also the perfect place to discover local handicrafts or sample regional delicacies directly along the waterfront path.
Alter do Chão & Ilha do Amor
The picturesque village of Alter do Chão, often referred to as the "Caribbean of the Amazon," is easily accessible from the port in about 45 minutes by taxi or boat and, with the famous Ilha do Amor, offers one of the most spectacular sandy beaches in Brazil. The crystal-clear, warm freshwater of the Rio Tapajós invites you for a refreshing swim, while the well-developed infrastructure with charming kiosks provides local specialties and cool drinks. Thanks to the relaxed atmosphere and the gentle breeze, this place is ideal for a restful day in nature and also offers wonderful opportunities for small boat trips into the nearby lagoons. It is best to visit the beach directly in the morning to enjoy the idyllic tranquility to the fullest, and plan your return journey to the ship at least two hours before departure.
The return journey to the port of Santarém is very straightforward thanks to the city's central location and good connections to the tourist highlights.
Taxi
You can reliably find taxis at central locations such as Praça do Pescador or directly in front of the Mercado Municipal, as well as at the major hotels in the city center. If you have taken a trip to the famous beach of Alter do Chão, cars are available there at the main square at all times, which will bring you safely back to the port terminal in about 45 minutes.
Boat & Water Taxi
If you have spent the day at the riverbank or in Alter do Chão, you can use private speedboats that will take you directly back to the Orla de Santarém. From the water taxi landing stage at Praça do Pescador, it is also just a short walk to the port entrance, ensuring you arrive on time for boarding.
On Foot
From the city center and the lively waterfront promenade Orla de Santarém, a direct path along the river leads back to the port grounds. The route is flat and easy to find thanks to its proximity to the terminal, with security personnel at the port gate conveniently managing access for cruise guests.
