What are pink river dolphins and where to see them in the Brazilian Amazon Jungle
- Rachel
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
The Amazon River is home to two species of river dolphin. The pink river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis), also called boto, is the larger and more widely known species. Adults can reach up to 2.5 metres in length and weigh more than 150 kilograms. They are easily identified by their long beaks, flexible necks, and pink colouring, which becomes more visible with age.
The second species is the tucuxi (Sotalia fluviatilis). It is smaller, usually less than 1.5 metres in length, and has grey colouring. The tucuxi is often mistaken for a young boto but is genetically and behaviourally distinct. It resembles marine dolphins more closely in shape and movement. Tucuxis usually avoid areas with heavy boat traffic and are less likely to approach humans.
Both species inhabit river channels and flooded forests across the Amazon Basin. Botos are more commonly seen near feeding platforms and tourist sites because they are more tolerant of human activity. Tucuxis are usually observed from a distance during boat trips.
Folklore of the pink river dolphin
Pink river dolphins hold an important place in Amazonian folklore. One of the most common stories describes the boto as a shape-shifter that transforms into a man at night. According to the legend, the dolphin emerges from the river dressed in white clothing and a hat to hide its blowhole. It is said to attend village festivals and seduce young women before returning to the water by morning. This legend has been passed down through generations in riverside communities and remains a well-known part of cultural storytelling. It reflects the long history of interaction between people and these animals in the Amazon Basin.
Festivals related to the dolphin
In the town of Alter do Chão, located on the Tapajós River in the state of Pará, the boto is celebrated during the Sairé Festival. This annual festival takes place in September and combines Catholic traditions with Indigenous cultural elements.
One of the central events is the competition between two groups that represent different dolphin characters, the Cor de Rosa (pink dolphin) and the Tucuxi. The performances include music, dance and theatre, focusing on the myth of the boto and its connection to local identity. Each team prepares elaborate presentations involving storytelling, choreographed movement and traditional songs.
The structure of the competition is influenced by the Parintins Folklore Festival, held annually on the island of Parintins in Amazonas. At Parintins, two teams, Garantido and Caprichoso, compete in large-scale performances centred on Amazonian themes. The Sairé Festival adapts this format but on a smaller scale. Parintins draws tens of thousands of people each year, while Sairé attracts a few thousand. It is a community event rather than a stadium-scale competition.
The Sairé Festival has deep historical roots. The first recorded celebrations date back to the early 1700s when Jesuit missionaries introduced a Catholic procession in the region. Over time, Indigenous groups incorporated their own rituals and stories, including the boto legend. The dolphin-themed competition was added in the 1970s, inspired by the success of Parintins. Since then, the Cor de Rosa and Tucuxi teams have used the boto myth as the central element of their presentations.
Like Parintins, the Sairé Festival features judges, staging, costumes and coordinated performances. The event highlights the cultural importance of river dolphins, connecting historical folklore with contemporary performance and reinforcing the boto’s role in the identity of the region.
Manaus and the surrounding region
Manaus is the starting point for many Amazon tours. A number of operators offer trips specifically to see pink river dolphins. In many of these tours, visitors are taken to platforms or enclosures where dolphins have become accustomed to human activity. In some cases, visitors are lined up, enter the water, take a photograph with the animal, and leave. The interaction is brief. The animals are often fed directly to attract them to the site.
These tours are common because they are close to Manaus, can be organised quickly, and do not require much planning. The focus is usually on volume of tourists rather than providing time to observe natural behaviour. This type of interaction has raised concerns. Regular feeding can alter the animal’s hunting patterns and reliance on natural food sources. High visitor numbers can also affect their movement and stress levels.
For visitors who want a more natural viewing experience, other locations in the Amazon provide better conditions.
Novo Airão
Novo Airão is a small town located about 180 kilometres northwest of Manaus. It can be reached by road or boat. One of the most established places to see pink river dolphins here is from a floating dock. This location operates under a more structured approach.
The site places a daily limit on the amount of food provided to the dolphins. This encourages them to continue hunting in the river rather than becoming dependent on handouts. Visitors are not allowed to swim with the animals, which reduces direct contact. Entry is controlled so that only a small number of people are allowed on the platform at the same time.
These measures result in less disturbance. Visitors can stand on the dock and watch the dolphins approach and interact near the platform. This creates a quieter environment compared to the tours in Manaus.
Many people who visit outside peak times may find themselves with few or no other visitors present. This allows more time to observe how the dolphins behave when they are not being crowded by groups. It also reduces the pressure on the animals.
Other locations along the Amazon
Pink river dolphins can be found throughout the Amazon Basin, including parts of Brazil, Peru, Colombia and Bolivia. In Brazil, aside from Manaus and Novo Airão, sightings are common near river lodges and in tributaries where the water is calm and food sources are abundant.
Staying in a jungle lodge along the Rio Negro or Solimões River can provide a chance to see dolphins without joining a feeding platform. Many lodges run canoe excursions or boat trips at dawn or dusk, when the animals are more active. This allows visitors to watch them surfacing and feeding in their natural habitat without direct interaction.
The Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve near Tefé is another area known for regular sightings. The reserve is a protected area with a focus on ecological research and community-based tourism. Pink river dolphins are frequently seen here during high water season, swimming through flooded forest channels. Tours are managed with an emphasis on minimal impact.
Best time to see pink river dolphins
Pink river dolphins are present year-round, but water levels influence how easy it is to spot them. During the high water season, typically between March and July, dolphins have access to flooded forests, making them more dispersed. They can still be seen but may require longer excursions into these areas.
In the low water season, usually between August and February, dolphins are concentrated in deeper river channels and around confluences. This increases the likelihood of sightings near docks and lodges. Most operators run tours throughout the year, but the experience will vary based on water levels.
Ethical considerations
Choosing where and how to see pink river dolphins can affect their long-term behaviour and the quality of the experience. Feeding platforms with high turnover of tourists provide predictable sightings but often at the expense of natural behaviour. Dolphins that rely on food from humans may lose hunting skills or alter their movement patterns.
Locations like Novo Airão, with restrictions on feeding, no swimming, and limits on visitor numbers, offer a more controlled environment, though of course this is still not entirely without impact.. Viewing the animals from a distance during river excursions is the lowest impact option. Though there is no guarantee of sightings on these trips, it gives the best chance of observing the boto's natural behaviour.
Practical information for visitors
Reaching Manaus is straightforward by flight from São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro or Brasília. From Manaus, Novo Airão can be accessed by bus or taxi, or by river. See my full guide on how to get to Novo Airao.
If visiting a lodge, many include dolphin sightings as part of broader wildlife excursions. Booking with operators that prioritise environmental standards is recommended. You should avoid tours that encourage direct contact or unrestricted feeding.
Temperatures in the Amazon are high year round - wear light clothing, and bring insect protection and sun protection.
More resources for planning your trip to Brazil
Find cheap bus, ferry, and private transfer tickets on Bookaway, where you can make reservations ahead of time from abroad. Or, rent a car and give yourself the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Find your perfect accommodation on Booking.com, with thousands of options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly backpacker hostels
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Forgetting something? Read my packing check-list for Brazil, and my list of 10 things you should do before you travel to Brazil
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