Swimming with River Dolphins in the Amazon
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Novo Airão is located on the right side of the Negro River, at a distance of two hours from Manaus by car. It is a small town in the middle of the jungle. The city is famous for its tourism and handicrafts. It is a part of the largest fresh water archipelago called Anavilhanas Arquipelago.
In this small town, almost forgotten in the heart of the Amazon, it is possible to do something incredible - to swim with pink dolphins.
Fresh water dolphins are animals endemic of the Amazon Basin. In this region, there are two species of dolphins. The pink dolphin is bigger, reaching up 2 m long, and the smaller one named Grey dolphin is about one metre long. Both animals live on the Amazon Basin area and can be seen from the boats but never can be touched. The native people consider the river dolphins sacred.
- Duration: 10 hour(s)
- Location: Novo Airão
You will first cross the Negro River by a ferry boat (a journey takes about 50 minutes) and then you will pass through Manoel Urbano highway, which connects Manaus to Novo Airão and Manacapuru municipalities. Once arrived in town, you will have a chance to go around to see the city.
After the city tour, you will stop by some of local restaurants if you want to have lunch (included in the tour).
After lunch, you will go to a floating house, which is located in front of the city. Depending on the season, it can be barren or flooded. At this place, you will get a plate with fish pieces and you can feed the river dolphins. There are total 12 kinds of animals in that place.
After this, you will start the trip back to Manaus. You will leave Novo Airão at 3:00 p.m.
You will cross the Negro river by ferry boat at 5:00.
Your way back to Manaus will be late in the afternoon. You will be dropped off at your hotel.
