14 Amazon Sex Positions to Tap Into Your Most Powerful Self

Unleash your inner queen with the Amazon sex position, where you’re the boss. The Amazon, named after the badass mythical tribe of female warriors, is a twist on the classic woman-on-top position, and a great chance to bond with your partner over a fun new sexual challenge.

“The Amazon position doesn’t just spice up your physical play—it’s a playful invitation to challenge sexual norms and explore power dynamics in a fresh, fun, and (ideally) flexible way,” says Niki Davis-Fainbloom, sex educator and fetish expert. The position, a mash-up of both cowgirl and missionary, is kind of tricky to do, but so very worth it for the many benefits, both physical and psychological. “Because of the angle, it can create deep, unique penetration that might hit spots you didn’t know existed,” says Davis-Fainbloom. And if you’re going in anally with a strap-on, you have the perfect angle for well-aimed P-spot stim for partners with penises.

Psychologically, it’s also extremely hot. The simple act of trying something new—especially something that’s a bit difficult—helps you both slow down and pay close attention to each other, which is crucial for truly intimate sex. “Nontraditional sexual positions take a bit of focus, so it’s a good way for people to get out of their heads, be playful, and tune into whether it feels good,” says ob-gyn and certified sex coach Renée Hilliard, MD.

If you’re in a cis-het relationship, it’s also a good opportunity to experiment with non-traditional gender roles, who’s doing what, and shake yourselves out of a sex drought (if you’re experiencing one). “The visual element can be fresh and sexy because the person on the bottom gets a tantalizing view of their partner taking charge, while the partner on top can feel empowered and confident in the driver's seat. Add in a little dirty talk or eye contact, and this may be the best ‘delivery’ of your life,” says Davis-Fainbloom.

A huge caveat: Be careful up there. With great badassery comes great responsibility. “Take your time and be sure you’re steady and confident in your balance before thrusting, because if you fall over or move too quickly, you could literally break their penis,” says sex and relationship expert Antonia Hall, author of The Ultimate Guide to a Multi-Orgasmic Life. Which, hard pass. If you’re feeling skittish about the whole penis-breaking situation, the Amazon is also a great choice for pegging. “In fact, because it often involves some bending of the phallus away from the body, a strap-on may be a better option than a penis,” says Jess O’Reilly, PhD, resident sexologist at Astroglide.

Here's how to do the Amazon, plus a bunch of variations to make it all yours.

1. The Classic Amazon

Your partner lies on their back with their knees bent and legs slightly spread. You straddle them and squat over them, hovering until you can slowly maneuver your vagina onto their penis or strap-on. Now what? Move slowly as you find a good angle and depth that works for both of you. “For extra clitoral stimulation, try adding a wearable vibrator to the mix. Some couple's toys are designed to be worn vaginally during P-in-V sex, and feature a U-shaped design that hugs the inner hot spots and clitoris simultaneously,” says Riccio. “This way, both players can enjoy extra stimulation at the same time!”

SHOP NOW We-Vibe Match Couples Vibrator, $139, Babeland

2. The Throne

Be the boss and be served at the same time. “In the throne position, the receiving partner sits upright on the edge of a sturdy chair or bed, legs spread wide and feet planted firmly on the ground. The penetrating partner stands or kneels in front of them and guides themselves inside. Then, the receiver then wraps their legs around the penetrating partner's body for extra stability,” says Davis-Fainbloom. “This position allows the receiver to lean back and relax into the sensation while the penetrator takes control of the rhythm and depth. You are royal—it’s time you be treated that way!” Add a penis ring for bonus throbbing.

SHOP NOW JimmyJane Tarvos Remote Controlled Vibrating Cock Ring, $80, Lovers

3. The Tease

This variation plays with Dom/sub dynamics in a way that will get even slightly BDSM-curious ultra-aroused. "The penetrating partner takes full control, holding off on entry until the receiving partner is desperate and begging for it," says Davis-Fainbloom. "Before any movement begins, the penetrating partner commands the scene with words alone. They whisper sultry, dominant phrases like ‘Tell me how badly you want it’ or ‘You don’t get to feel me inside you until you beg for it." (Is it getting...hot in here?)

"When the receiver finally earns the pleasure, the penetrating partner starts really slow with just the tip, and refuses to go any deeper until they feel like the teasing has reached its peak. The receiver is left squirming, gasping, and practically pleading for more, while the penetrator enjoys every moment of their delicious torment. This is a slow-burn build-up, where anticipation and denial become the name of the game.” Add a dollop of CBD-infused arousal oil to amp up the desire even more. (If even humanly possible!)

SHOP NOW Intimacy Sex Oil with CBD, $44, Foria Wellness

4. The Wet Amazon

A true queen knows how to service herself on land or sea. Hop in the shower, slap a vibrating dildo with a suction cup onto the floor, lower yourself onto it, and have your way with it. Some Dildic Wisdom: Dildos that have a suction cup and vibrate and are waterproof are a little bit of a unicorn, so make sure yours all those features. (Waterproof being most crucial, obvi.) Don’t forget some toy safe water-based lube.

SHOP NOW Velvet Dream Rechargeable Liquid Silicone Vibrating Dildo, $55, Lovehoney

SHOP NOW Enjoy Water-Based Lubricant, $17, Lovehoney

5. The Soft Serve

Going the strap-on route? “If you're using a strap-on, it's best to pick a softer density dildo with some flexibility to it,” says Riccio. “Using a dildo that's too firm minimizes players' ability to explore different angles and variations on this position, so go with a soft, silicone dildo that's got a bit of bend!” If the person on the bottom is the one wearing the strap-on they can tease the person on top by lubing up the head of their dildo and making circles around the top person’s clit.

SHOP NOW ColourSoft 5" Soft Dildo, $34, Good Vibes

6. The Amazonish

“If the Amazon position feels too tough on the hips or knees, have each partner keep one leg down on the same side,” says Riccio. The person on the bottom has one leg outstretched, while the person on top keeps one knee on the bed. On the other side, the person on top keeps one foot planted on the bed, and the person on the bottom keeps their leg up as they normally would in this position. “This should provide a better range of motion, and allow players to comfortably control the depth of penetration.”

7. The Amazonitrix

The Amazon is great for exploring your inner dominant, but it also gives a usually-dominant partner the chance to chill and explore their submissive side. “Some people love the psychological factor of giving away all control,” says Katherin Winnick, sex coach and BDSM expert at Let’s Talk Sex. Lean into the vibe by acting like a boss—tell them what you want, take your pleasure as you wish and maybe test out a blindfold or other BDSM gear. (Remember: Set boundaries beforehand, let anyone bail anytime for any reason, and give good aftercare.)

SHOP NOW Bondage Boutique Seduce Me Lover's Bed Bondage Kit, $80, Lovehoney

8. The Wonder Woman

Be a true queen and use your throne to sit on your partner’s face. “Hold onto the wall or bed frame for support and grind your hips to your liking,” says Liv Arnold, an erotic rom-com writer. “Or your partner can hold their tongue in position while you find your pleasure spots.” If you’re super into the fantasy, spring for a Wonder Woman costume (there’s also a more generic “Warrior Goddess” version).

SHOP NOW Rubie’s Women’s Wonder Woman Costume, Price Varies, Amazon

9. The Kinked-Up Amazon

As with any and all BDSM-adjacent positions (or any type of sex, for that matter), set boundaries beforehand, establish a safe word, and communicate! Once you’ve done that, cuff your partner’s wrists together before you ride them. Tease them by rubbing your lubed hands up their thighs, touching their sensitive spots but not ~quite~ enough to make them cum, and make them beg for more of you.

SHOP NOW Adam & Eve Scarlet Couture Bound To Surrender Cuffs, $15, Adam & Eve

10. The Super-Charged Amazon

Adjust the position to your liking with new angles and all the toys you require. “The lower partner can prop their head and upper back up for support and to change the angle (and likely ease penetration),” says O’Reilly. Use your hands for extra stimulation or add a vibrating toy, she says. A couples’ vibrator that stimulates your clit and the inside your vagina at the same time can make it ~amazing~.

11. The Kneeling Amazon

If squatting isn’t your thing (understandable—it’s squatting), then do the same thing but on your knees. It takes a little pressure off your legs but mainly, no squatting. Feel free to access your clit via hand or toy.

SHOP NOW Lovelife Cuddle Mini, $59, Lovelife

12. The Reverse Amazon

If their legs just keep getting in the way, you can go for a reverse Amazon move by turning around like you would in reverse cowgirl. (This is a more advanced move.) You can rest some of your weight on their thighs, and if they’re into your ass, well, there it is. They can look or touch, depending where y’all are with butt stuff.

13. The Amazon Queen

Be extra Amazonian and do it with your own damn self. Stick a vibrator or dildo between two pillows, squat over it and start humping that thing for hands-free love. Try it with a rabbit vibrator and you won’t even care that you’re squatting because it will just be that good.

SHOP NOW Doc Johnson’s iVibe Select, iRock, $150, Good Vibes

14. The Double Amazon

Are you both queens who need to be serviced? Assume the position(s) but use a double headed dildo, flexible vibrator, or wearable vibrating strap-on between you. (And if you’re not doing anything else, invent a longish, flexible, double-headed rabbit vibrator because the world needs you now!)

SHOP NOW Bendable Together Vibrating Realistic Double-Sided Dildo 14.8 Inch, $46, Adorime