Amazonian River Dolphins in Brazil
Exploring the unique lives of Amazonian River Dolphins in the flooded rainforests of Brazil
June 9th - 13th, 2025
Learn more about our Amazon experiences
Amazonian River Dolphins in the flooded rainforest
Amazonian River Dolphins, or "botos", live incredibly unique lives in an environment that is very different from most other cetaceans.
In this part of Brazil they have long been thought to have magical properties, and we will be going to an equally magical place to see them.
Every year seasonal rains flood the forest, creating an exceptional opportunity to have encounters with these river dolphins at our “boto beach” with golden sunlight reflecting off the shallow sand -- a truly special experience.
Exploring the Amazon by day and al fresco meals in comfort by night
Each day we will depart from our 5 star hotel and head down the Rio Negro river to our “boto beach” location to interact with Amazonian River Dolphins.
With luck, we will hopefully have several hours of interactions with the dolphins before having lunch prepared by our own private chef.
In the afternoon we will either maximize our time with the dolphins or explore other nearby rainforest activities before heading back to Manaus.
Each evening we will have the opportunity to dine at the al fresco restaurants around the historic square next to the Teatro Amazonas.
Experiences
Interactions with Amazonian River Dolphins in the flooded forest and exploring the rainforest
Learning about the unique lifestyle of freshwater dolphins and the mystical lore of Amazonian River Dolphins
Dining al fresco in Manaus’ historic district next to the Teatro Amazonas
Itinerary
Dates: June 9th - 13th, 2025
Pricing: $4,900
Travel: Fly to Manaus (MAO) in Brazil. Visitors from the US, Canada, and Australia must apply for an e-visa before coming to Brazil.
Included: All scheduled water and land activities, whale talks, accommodation, meals, airport transfers
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Fly into Manaus airport (MAO) in Brazil, where you will be picked up and taken to our hotel in the central historic district of Manaus. The drive will take about 25 minutes.
After you settle in, we will have a trip briefing covering what to expect on our trip, how we will manage interactions with the Amazonian River Dolphins, and our schedule for the week.
We will then have dinner at one of the al fresco restaurants in the historic square.
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Each morning we will have breakfast at the hotel and then transfer to the dock to board our boat, which will take us far down the Rio Negro river in search of pink Amazonian River Dolphins.
With luck, we will have several hours of dolphin interactions each day followed by a lunch prepared by our private chef.
After lunch depending on how the group is feeling, we will either continue with our dolphin interaction or go explore other rainforest activities such as seeing the Samaúma trees or searching for monkeys in Paraná do Ariau.
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Time to say goodbye after an amazing adventure.
You will be dropped off at the airport in time for your departure flight home.
Accommodation
We will be staying at the beautiful Juma Opera, a 5 star hotel, located in the central historic district of Manaus, located across the street from the famed Teatro Amazonas.
Guests will be in comfortable twin sharing rooms, with single rooms available for an additional supplement.
The hotel has wifi, a pool, gym, restaurant, and bar.
Booking Details
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Learn more about our Amazon experiences
Questions?
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The trip is US$4,900.
This includes all activities, accommodation, airport pickup, breakfast, and lunch.
Accommodation will be twin sharing rooms at the Juma Opera hotel in Manaus. Single room supplements are available for an additional charge.
A $1,500 deposit is required to secure your spot and the balance is due on April 15th, 2025, approximately 60 days before our trip starts.
Our payment processor allows you to pay by bank transfer or credit card in your local currency (GBP, EUR, etc) if that is more convenient.
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Most connections into Manaus (MAO) will be through Miami (MIA), São Paulo (GRU), Rio de Janerio (GIG), Brasilia (BSB), Bogota (BOG), or Panama City (PTY).
We will pick you up from the airport.
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Visitors from the USA, Canada, and Australia have to apply for an e-visa before coming to Brazil.
This e-visa can be applied on the VFS web site and costs $80.90.
Visitors from most other countries (including from the UK and EU) do not need a visa to enter Brazil.
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Manaus has good mobile data reception and our hotel has reliable wifi.
We will bring Starlink on board our boat to provide us with internet access while on the river.
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A trip to the Amazon is more accessible than you may expect.
We will spend our time on the Rio Negro, which has acidic water that reduces some of our exposure to mosquitos.
Swimming in the water is not an issue — piranhas, parasites, etc are not present.
Bring long sleeved clothing and mosquito repellent for our adventures into the rain forest.
A Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended by the WHO, but not required. Some countries, such as Australia, may require you to have a Yellow Fever vaccine if returning from Brazil.
Walking in the central historical district of Manaus is usually safe, but stay aware and avoid walking alone at night.
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Everyone is welcome.
Most of our interactions with river dolphins will be in shallow water.
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All scheduled water and land activities (3 boto days)
Whale talks
Accommodation
Meals
Airport transfers
Guide
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Brazil visa fees
Snacks & drinks
Gratuities
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Water temperature in the Rio Negro will be approximately 28 C — very warm.
Most people will be comfortable wearing a swim suit with a long sleeve rash guard for sun protection.
The weather in Brazil is warm and humid. Average temperatures will be between 25-30 C and short rain showers are possible.
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Unfortunately, there are no cancellations within 90 days of the trip starting.
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We are always happy to talk about trip, answer questions, or offer recommendations.
Please reach out to:
Instagram: @alexpham.underwater
Contact form below