Amazon dolphin

The Amazon is home to two species of dolphins, the Amazon River Dolphin (Inia geoffrensis) and the Grey Dolphin or Riverine Tucuxi (Sotalia fluviatilis).

The Grey Dolphin is found both in the rivers of the Amazon Basin and the coastal waters to the north and east of South America. This dolphin is not related to the Amazon River Dolphin. It closely resembles the Bottlenose Dolphin and is commonly seen in Yasuni National Park and the Napo River near the Yasuni River and down towards the Amazon River. They are found in the main channels of rivers as well as larger lakes. We have observed it in the Pañacocha lagoon during the months of April and May when the lagoon level reaches high levels.

This dolphin is much smaller than the Amazon River Dolphin reaching only 1.5m in length or smaller. These dolphins are quite active and may jump clear out of the water (breaching). Unlike the Amazon River Dolphin, they are unlikely to approach boats. They have been observed to feed with the other river dolphins.

The Amazon River Dolphin is exclusively a freshwater species occupying rivers and lakes in Amazonia. They are frequently seen in Coca from the bridge over the Napo River. Sightings consist of single individuals, pairs or a few individuals or so. They swim slowly but are extremely maneuverable. A common mode of surfacing is ascending horizontally and showing only the melon (top of the head) and/or the dorsal crest. While deep diving, it is often possible to view more of this species including the snout. On rare occasions, they jump right out of the water. These dolphins make their presence known even without seeing them by the loud blowing sound produced when they exhale. They are very curious and playful.

The Amazon River Dolphin averages about 2 meters in length and come in all shades of color from pink, dull gray-pink, rosy colored pink, bright pink or pinkish blue. The darker the water, the pinker the dolphin will be and the sun’s rays cause the dolphins to loose their pink pigmentation. They also become pinker when excited.

This large species is seen in Coca, Pañacocha, Yasuni National Park, the Aguarico River, Cuyabeno and the Napo River into Peru and the Amazon River.

Our Dolphin Tour (5-6 DAY ADVENTURE)

Day 1 and 2

Our tour starts in Coca on the bridge over the Napo River. We then embark our boat and head for Pañacocha, a Protected Forest Reserve of 59,000 hectares located 6 hours from Coca. Here we spend 2 nights exploring the Pañayacu River and the lagoons of this reserve. Monkeys are often a bonus on this tour as well as a variety of Amazonian bird species. Accomodations in Pañacocha are at the Bufeo Lodge (bufeo is the Kichwa word for dolphin). The rooms are without private bath and shower but are cozy and there is an excellent view of the Pañacocha lagoon.

Day 3

We get up early and travel down to Nueva Rocafuerte (about 4 hours) where we spend an afternoon and evening camping in Jatuncocha or if you prefer, we may stay in a hotel in this border town just across from Peru. Jatuncocha is located in the World Biosphere Reserve of Yasuni National Park. This is a truly amazing region as you will see for yourself.

This World Biosphere Reserve of 9,820 square kilometers is the ultimate for birders visiting Ecuador with 567 species of birds already registered here. This makes the park one of the sites with the greatest diversity of birds on the planet. The Yasuni Antwren was a recent discovery in the park.

Day 4

The next morning we head over to the Aguarico River where it enters into the Napo. We will boat and look for dolphins as we walk along an island located close to the mouth of the Aguarico River (waterlevels permitting). We then head down to the Aushiri River (a few hours from the border) in Peru after attending to Peruvian border proceedings. Here we sleep either camping or in a locals home as we look for dolphins in this friendly Peruvian village.

Day 5 and 6

We begin our return to Coca, once again looking for dolphins and camp or sleep in a local hotel.