The fulls and the ebbs of the Negro River in Manaus

The fulls and the ebbs of the Negro River in Manaus

Another very curious thing about the Negro is the amazing difference of 10 metres, in average, of its level, reaching its peak in june, when the Negro is full, and the lower in october, when the ebb is stronger.

For this reason, Manaus harbor floats, as it follows the Negro´s fulls and ebbs. If you go there during the ebb, you can see the marks of each year´s maximum level, at the harbor wall. 

During those ebbs, many beaches are formed in the banks of Negro and its smaller tributaries, called igarapés, where manauaras, the people from Manaus, go to enjoy the day. 

They take speedboats that can cross the Negro very quickly, leaving them in these beaches. 

Swimming in the Negro is quite an experience: the black hot water seems a tea full of organic material. It is all very natural but it is not a clear water. Don´t go wearing white swim clothes! 

Although caymans and big fish are supposed to be there, they fear people and don´t get close, but I woul drecommend not swimming alone or far from groups of people. 

The biggest threat, however, are small fishes called candirus, which can get inside the urethra or other parties of the body. So, one must avoid pissing in the river and locals always advise us to wear tight swimwear, such as the brazillian sungas for man and french maillots for woman, at least under the shorts or bermudas.

If you aren´t in the mood of such adventure, you can just stay in the sands admiring the landscape. Generally there are some small snackbars offering snacks and drinks.