Amazonian River Dolphins in Brazil
Exploring the unique lives of Amazonian River Dolphins in the flooded rainforests of Brazil
June 15th - 21st, 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.
Staying on the Rio Negro and exploring the Amazon
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
Itinerary
We will have 5 days of Amazonian River Dolphin interactions and exploring the Amazon rainforest.
Dates: June 15th - 21st, 2025
Pricing: $4,900
Group Size: 6 guests maximum
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 have dinner at one of the al fresco restaurants in the historic square.
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We will have breakfast at the hotel and then transfer to the dock to board our liveaboard boat, where we will spend the rest of our week.
We will travel several hours down the Rio Negro, a tributary of the Amazon, to our special river dolphin location.
We will have our first river dolphin interaction today.
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We will spend our mornings with the river dolphins, when they are the most active.
In the afternoons, we will explore the Amazon rainforest.
Potential activities include:
Taking a small canoe through the flooded forest
Seeing the large Samaúma rainforest trees
Going into Anavilhanas National Park
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After our last river dolphin interaction in the morning, we will return to Manaus.
We will have our last al fresco dinner in Manaus’ historic central square and stay in a hotel in Manaus tonight.
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Time to say goodbye after an amazing adventure.
Guests will be dropped off at the airport in time for their flights home.
Accommodation
We will be spending most of our week on a dedicated liveaboard boat that allows us to maximize our time on the Amazon.
Liveaboard: 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.
Manaus: 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.
Booking Details
Ready to go on an incredible adventure?
Learn more
Learn more about our Amazon experiences
Questions?
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The trip is US$4,900.
This includes all activities, accommodation, airport pickup, and meals.
Accommodation will be twin sharing in hotels in Manaus and single rooms on the liveaboard.
Single room supplements for our hotel stays in Manaus are available for an additional charge.
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 liveaboard 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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There will be a maximum of 6 guests on this trip.
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
Whale talks
Accommodation
Meals
Airport transfers
Guide
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Brazil visa fees
Snacks & drinks
Gratuities
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Click the green “Book Now” button to submit your deposit for the trip.
You can also reach out to us at alex@thoughtfulexpeditions.com or by filling out the informational form below.
You can pay by credit card or bank transfer using the currency you prefer. (The trip is quoted in USD, but it is possible to pay in EUR, GBP, and other major currencies)
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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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A $1,500 deposit will be required to secure your spot on the trip.
The remaining balance will be split over 2 payments due 120 and 90 days before the trip begins.
Our payment processor charges no fees for bank transfers, and a standard 1.5% - 2.9% fee for credit cards.
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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