This article aims to present an analysis on the survival strategies of urban floodplain residents in the riverside small cities of Afuá and Ponta de Pedras, both located in the state of Pará, Marajó archipelago. This research was based on the application of questionnaires to more than 13% of urban households in two urban floodplain districts of the two cities. The analysis presented refers to shared domestic units (DU's). In a context of social vulnerability, it was found that, among the survival strategies of families, are the relationships with relatives in the rural area (social capital); informal occupations and dependence on income transfer programs (financial capital); and seeking resources in the primary sector (natural capital). The younger population, even living in the city, has used these survival strategies related to traditional riverside practices. These strategies are essential to support policies for socioeconomic inclusion and reduction of inequality and poverty.