Weather in Marajó Island

Marajó is the world's largest river-sea island, a vast expanse of flooded savannah at the mouth of the Amazon where water buffalo outnumber cars and outnumber most other things too — they're used for transport, dairy, even a buffalo-mounted police unit in the main town of Soure. Beaches of river-meets-ocean sand, indigenous ceramic traditions, and an unhurried, off-grid pace make it one of the most distinctive day or overnight trips from Belém.

Best areas to stay in Marajó Island

Soure

The island's main town, with the simplest accommodation options, the buffalo-mounted police, and access to nearby beaches.

Salvaterra

A smaller town across the river from Soure, known for its beaches and a slightly quieter pace.

Praia do Pesqueiro

A wide, popular beach near Soure where the river meets the sea, lined with simple beach bars.

Joanes

A tiny village with colonial ruins and beaches, reachable by road from Salvaterra.

Getting to Marajó Island

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Flights

Fly into Belém (BEL), then take a ferry (around 2-3 hours) to Camará port on Marajó, followed by a short road transfer to Soure.

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From London

~14-17 hours from London including connections, plus the ferry crossing.

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Getting around

Mototaxis, bicycles and the occasional bus cover Soure and Salvaterra; onward travel mostly relies on local transport and tours.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Marajó Island?

Ferries run from Belém to Camará port on Marajó (around 2-3 hours), followed by a road transfer to Soure, the main town. Some tours combine the crossing with onward transport.

When is the best time to visit Marajó?

August to December (drier season) is best for road travel and beach visits; the rainy season (roughly January to June) floods much of the island's interior.

What is Marajó known for?

Water buffalo, used for everything from milk and cheese to transport and even police patrols, alongside traditional Marajoara ceramics and wide river beaches.

Is Marajó developed for tourism?

Not heavily — accommodation is simple guesthouses and small pousadas rather than resorts, which is part of its appeal for travellers wanting an authentic, low-key Amazon-delta experience.

What food should I try on Marajó?

Buffalo cheese and buffalo-milk dishes are a local specialty, alongside the river fish and açaí common throughout the Amazon delta region.

Traveler reviews

★★★★☆

Genuinely felt like nowhere else I've been — water buffalo wandering through town, wide empty beaches, and barely any other tourists. Basic but memorable.

André V. · September 2024

★★★★☆

Did it as an overnight trip from Belém and it was a great contrast to the city — slow, hot, and full of buffalo everywhere you look. Accommodation is very simple though.

Laura K. · October 2023

★★★★★

Praia do Pesqueiro at sunset with buffalo grazing nearby is an image I won't forget. Worth the effort of getting there for something totally different.

Pedro A. · August 2024