Amazon River Dolphins | Respectful, Magical — Thoughtful

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Amazonian River Dolphins in Brazil

Exploring the unique lives of Amazonian River Dolphins in the flooded rainforests of Brazil

2026

June 15th - 21st, 2026

2025

June 9th - 15th, 2025 (Completed)

Learn more about our Amazon experiences

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Amazonian River Dolphins in the flooded forests of the Amazon

Amazonian River Dolphins (or “botos” as they are called in Brazil) 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.

We will be based on our own liveaboard boat, with a private chef and single rooms for every guest. This setup allows us to maximize our experience, as we can interact with the Amazonian River Dolphins at the best times while also exploring different parts of the rainforest along the way.

Experiences

Interactions with Amazonian River Dolphins in the flooded forest
Exploring the rainforest: canoe trips into the flooded forest, seeing Samaúma trees, exploring Anavilhanas National Park
Learning about the unique lifestyle of freshwater dolphins and the mystical lore of Amazonian River Dolphins
Staying on a liveaboard boat in the Amazon with private rooms and a private chef
Dining al fresco in Manaus’ historic district next to the Teatro Amazonas

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Itinerary

Join a small-group, liveaboard expedition on Brazil’s Rio Negro to meet Amazonian River Dolphins in the flooded forest. We will based on a private liveaboard boat with single rooms and a chef, taking part in ethical, no-feeding encounters at a secluded “boto beach,” exploring the Amazon, learning the lore of botos, and visiting riverine communities. This 7-day trip includes activities, meals, airport transfers, and accommodation. Ideal for wildlife lovers seeking an unforgettable, thoughtful river dolphin experience you can be proud of.

Dates: June 15th - 21st, 2026

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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Accommodation

We will be spending most of our week on a dedicated liveaboard boat that allows us to maximize our time on the Amazon. Each guest will have their own private room with en-suite bathroom. We will have a private chef preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner for us and have internet access through Starlink.

On our arrival and pre-departure days we will be staying at a beautiful hotel in the central historic district of Manaus, located across the street from the Teatro Amazonas. Rooms in the hotel will be shared for those 2 nights, but a single room supplement is available.

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Excited to join this adventure?

Learn more

Learn more about our Amazon experiences

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FAQs

What is the chance of seeing Amazonian River Dolphins?
Very good. There is a good chance that we will see them the majority of days we go out. Interactions will depend on weather conditions and how the dolphins are feeling, but it is likely we will have interactions almost every day.

What are the interactions with Amazonian River Dolphins like?
We go to a place far down the Rio Negro we call the “Boto Beach”. It is a beautiful location where river dolphins come into the shallow flooded forest above a sandy bottom. We will wade out and wait for the dolphins in this shallow water. The botos are very curious and will often come right up to “poke” you.

Is this ethical? How is this different than the other River Dolphin trips I see offered?
We do not feed or use fish in our interactions. Other operators may do this, but we do not believe this creates good conditions for truly observing these amazing animals. We have set up the trip to have more natural and less exploitive encounters. We believe this is better for both us and for the animals, and it has led to very good results in previous trips.

What experience is needed to participate?
There are no pre-requisites for this trip, aside from a willingness to listen and learn.

What other species will we see?
We will likely also see Tucuxi, another river dolphin species from the boat, but it is unlikely we will see them in the water. For those interested we may also be able to see Amazonian Manatees being rehabilitated at a research center in Manaus.

How do you approach interactions and what makes this trip unique?
Thoughtful trips focus on observing wildlife on their terms, while going deeper to learn more. We strive to minimize impact and invasiveness, which we believe also lead to more natural and meaningful encounters. We will have talks to learn more about the Amazon and its unique flooded forest ecosystem, and why it is so special we get to see endangered river dolphins. We will also learn more about the riverine and indigenous residents of the area through community visits.

How large is the group?
There will be a maximum of 6 guests on this trip.

What gear and clothing should I bring?
Mask, snorkel, swimsuit, and long sleeve rash guard to protect you from the sun. Lightweight, long sleeve breathable clothing for when we are on land. Hat and sun protection.

Water temperature 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 daily rain showers are possible.

Is it safe?
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 greatly reduces our exposure to mosquitos. Swimming in the water is not also an issue as piranhas and parasites are not present.

What vaccinations do I need?
A Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended by the WHO, but not required. Having long sleeved clothing and mosquito repellent should be sufficient for most people.

How much does this trip cost and what is included?
The trip is $4,900. This includes all activities, accommodation, transport, meals, and whale talks. Guests will have single rooms on the liveaboard and shared rooms in our Manaus hotel on the arrival and pre-departure days. Single rooms for these nights are available for an additional charge.

Do I need to get a visa for Brazil?
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.

How do I book my spot on the trip?
You can submit your $1,500 deposit to secure your place on the trip by clicking the “Book Now” button at the top or bottom of this page, or by contacting us at alex@thoughtfulexpeditions.com.

What are the payment terms?
A $1,500 deposit will be required to secure your spot on the trip. The remaining balance payment will be due 120 days before the start of the expedition.

We use WeTravel as our payment processor. The WeTravel platform allows you to manage your remaining balance payments and pay via credit card or bank transfer using the currency of your choice.

What are the cancellation terms?
Greater than 120 days before the trip — Refund, less a $500 administrative fee. We can waive the fee if you transfer your deposit to another trip.

90 - 120 days before the trip — 50% refund.

Less than 90 days before the trip — Unfortunately refunds are not possible for cancellations within 90 days of the trip starting.

How can I learn more about the trip?
We are always happy to connect and talk through whether this trip would be a good fit for you. You can contact us at alex@thoughtfulexpeditions.com or on Instagram.