The physical influence of sea tides on the lower reaches of the Amazon River can be identified more than 1000 km upstream from the sea. Analysis of upstream tidal wave propagation on the Amazon River contributes to the understanding of the hydrodynamics of the lower reaches and to the quantification of the influence of sea level on sedimentation rates. Continuous over-the-year recording of water levels has been undertaken at eight locations along the lower reaches of the Amazon River and flow measurement campaigns have been organized for different river discharge rates (100 000 m3 s−1, 190 000 m3 s−1 and 250 000 m3 s−1) and sea-tide amplitudes (2–3·5 m). Damping, time-delay and deformation of the tidal wave signals, depending on water regimes and distances from the sea, have been analyzed. The physical processes of wave propagation and cyclic water storage and release have been investigated both through data analysis and the application of mathematical hydrodynamic models. The impact of tidal pulses on sediment transport to the sea has been assessed.