The best dolphin encounters in Manaus center around the remarkable “meeting of the waters,” where the Rio Negro and Solimões River converge. Small-group boat tours depart daily from the main port, offering 6-8 hour excursions that combine wildlife viewing with cultural experiences.
I’m especially fond of tours that limit participants to 8-12 people, ensuring better dolphin sightings and more meaningful interactions with local communities. The most worthwhile operators provide regional lunches and employ experienced naturalist guides who understand dolphin behavior and respect marine wildlife guidelines.
Check out these carefully selected Manaus dolphin tours that combine responsible wildlife practices with authentic Amazon experiences.
Key Points
- Guided Amazon Dolphins Day Trip from Manaus offers a 6-hour tour to witness the “meeting of the waters” and swim with pink river dolphins.
- The tour includes a regional lunch at Rainha da Selva floating restaurant and an opportunity to interact with indigenous communities.
- Concerns have been raised about the ethical implications of dolphin interactions, and it’s important to consider animal welfare during the tour.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but children are allowed with adult supervision, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
- The tour is priced at Kč 1,697 per person and can be booked through Tangol, with a maximum group size of 15 participants for a more personalized experience.
Meeting of the Waters & Pink Dolphin Tour With Lunch
On this captivating day trip from Manaus, travelers will witness the mesmerizing “meeting of the waters” where the dark-hued Black River converges with the sandy-colored Solimões River.
The tour offers nature enthusiasts the chance to spot rare wildlife and even swim with the iconic pink dolphins. Lunch is included, featuring a buffet with various dining options.
Led by a bilingual guide, the tour lasts approximately 6 hours and includes round-trip transfers from select Manaus hotels.
While not wheelchair accessible, children are welcome as long as they’re accompanied by an adult. Operated by Tangol, the tour has a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.
Reviews are generally positive, with highlights including the pink dolphin encounter and the quality of the lunch.
However, some travelers have expressed concerns about overcrowding on the boats and limited swimming time with the dolphins.
To ensure the best experience, it’s recommended to consider smaller group tours and engage actively with the guide.
Read our full review: Meeting of the Waters & Pink Dolphin Tour With Lunch Review
Book now: Check availability
Manaus: Meeting of the Waters & Pink Dolphin Tour With Lunch
Travelers can embark on a captivating day trip from Manaus to witness the mesmerizing “meeting of the waters” where the dark-hued Black River converges with the sandy-colored Solimões River.
This 6-hour tour, offered in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, provides the opportunity to swim with the iconic pink dolphins in their natural habitat. After the river encounter, guests will enjoy a regional lunch at the Rainha da Selva floating restaurant.
The tour also includes a visit to an indigenous village, allowing visitors to interact with the Dessanos and Tucanos ethnic groups and learn about their traditional practices, including the jungle pharmacy.
With hotel pickup and drop-off, a live guide, and gratuities included, this tour offers a convenient and comprehensive experience.
However, some past travelers have expressed concerns about the ethical implications of interacting with the dolphins and the potentially overcrowded nature of the activity.
Read our full review: Manaus: Meeting of the Waters & Pink Dolphin Tour With Lunch Review
Book now: Check availability
Manaus: Guided Amazon Dolphins Day Trip With Boat and Pickup
Setting out on a captivating guided Amazon Dolphins Day Trip from Manaus, travelers can enjoy the wonder of the region’s iconic pink river dolphins.
This 4-hour experience offers a unique opportunity to observe and interact with these intelligent creatures in their natural habitat. Departing from centrally located hotels, the tour takes guests on a journey through the Black River to Lake Acajatuba, where they can feed and engage with the friendly pink dolphins.
Along the way, travelers will also have the chance to spot diverse avian species and other wildlife. The tour is led by English, Spanish, and Portuguese-speaking guides, ensuring a seamless and informative experience.
With a maximum group size of 15 participants, the trip provides an intimate and personalized encounter. Priced at Kč 1,697 per person, the guided Amazon Dolphins Day Trip is an unmissable activity for nature enthusiasts visiting Manaus, Brazil.
Read our full review: Manaus: Guided Amazon Dolphins Day Trip With Boat and Pickup Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Manaus offers several excellent dolphin watching tours. The Meeting of the Waters & Pink Dolphin Tour With Lunch and the Guided Amazon Dolphins Day Trip With Boat and Pickup are two top options. These tours provide the chance to see the famous pink river dolphins and experience the unique confluence of the Amazon River and the Rio Negro. Booking in advance is recommended to ensure availability.