Meeting of the Waters & Pink Dolphin Tour with Lunch

A wonderful day exploring the area around Manaus on the river. Everyone we encountered throughout the day was very pleasant and did whatever they could to make the day better. The tour was slightly different than described in two ways (probably interconnected): the number of people on the tour is limited to 20 according to the description (our boat had 60 people on it), and the time was originally supposed to be approximately 5 hours (ended up being 7 hours). I think the larger group required more time to complete each activity. The problem for us was that we needed to be back on shore by 2:45PM in order to catch the last shuttle to our cruise ship. Something that had been communicated to the tour operator when we boarded the ship in the morning. Fortunately the boat was able to drop us (and two other groups) off at the cruise ship dock rather than where we started. Otherwise we would have missed the last shuttle to the ship through the port. Very thankful that we made it back on time. 4 stars instead of 5 is because the tour operator that we booked through on Viator was not actually “operating the tour.” Instead, we were taken to a boat independently operated that consolidated tours sold by many vendors. Problems arose when the timing of our return came up, because the guys on the boat said the company we bought the tour from was responsible for getting us back on time, not them. Alls well that ends well I guess. I am pretty laid back, but people from the other groups on the cruise ship were getting quite upset that nobody would guaranty our on time return. Again, great day in all other respects.

Some of the activities were a waste of time and lengthened the day dramatically. We waiting on the boat for over an hour for everyone to get there. This was supposed to be an English tour but most of the people spoke Portuguese and that was the primary langusge most used by the guide. The facilities at the dolphin were run down and dangerous because of missing flooring on the deck. Would not recommend this tour.

We got to do everything as described on the site. The dolphin experience was amazing we did get into the water up close and got to touch them. The food was local and good. We saw monkeys and caiman after lunch. Visiting the local people was interesting and educational. Bonus I got to hold a sloth!

We had to wait for an hour before everyone joined, which was very frustrating. But the tour itself was great.

The tour was amazing. It was great to see the meeting of the waters, the pink dolphins, and the tribal village. Lunch was delicious and there were several things on the buffet to chose from. The water level in the lake was too low from the drought so we were not able to see the lily pads. The pink dolphin experience was amazing and I wish we could have had a longer visit.

Hotel pick-up and drop-off included in the cost was good. Unexpectedly picked up another passenger which was a bit of a squeeze thankfully for just 15 mins. The port was noisy and a bit dirty. Iron stairs down to the docks had some rusty holes. Looked slippery but was okay. Not a good place to fall. Fairly long walk of about 8 mins along slippery steel plates on the dock to the boat. Boat accommodated about 48 people in rows of two seats on either side. Bit cramped. Front was the guide and pilot plus another girl who sold popsicles and sometimes piloted the vessel. Boat left on time at 9am. Guide spoke Brazilian most of the time but did speak English too - hard to hear above the engine noise but ok when docked. Meeting of the waters met my expectations. Everyone had a chance to go the front and take pictures alone with the guide happy to take the picture on your mobile - nice touch! Pink dolphins was enjoyed the most by those who brought their swimming togs and taken into the water where a guy slapped the water with fish to get the dolphins to come over. They did. Impossible to take a still picture of one. Video is better but lots of wasted footage before a glimpse of these wonderful shy intelligent creatures. Enjoyable nevertheless once you put behind your mind the cruel overfeeding of dolphins. Lunch was good. Buffet of local dishes. Drinks to be bought at a reasonable price. Venue had a boardwalk on stilts above the ground once you navigated a precarious looking ramp to get to it. This took you to giant Lilly pads floating on a lake . Lilly pads were in poor condition but its nature and depends on the season maybe. Indigenous village had a precarious climb on a steep muddy/ sandy slope to thatched huts and a show with dancing. I got bit by some insect which hurt at the time but so far no other symptoms or illness. I had sprayed deet all over and treated the wound with antiseptic cream on return. Given a rating of 4 as you can sit out some of the activities described and still meet expectations of seeing the meeting of the waters and dolphins which was good. Arrived back at 4pm.

Everything you need to see in 6 hours. Good value. Indigenous people face painting is about 10 realis.

This was a great tour, meeting on time in the terminal. I think the guide could have given a little more information when we were going to the pink dolphins. Turns out we only had about 15 minutes. Not enough time to change clothes and really enjoy them. But as it turned out for the rest of the tour we were always one step ahead of the bigger tours from the ship. The food for lunch was outstanding. The place was prepared, food was hot and mighty tasty. Especially the fried fish. The best I have had on this 2 1/2 month cruise so far. Right length of time and the price was very affordable.

Seeing the many different birds in their natural habitat was wonderful. The captain was very well trained and resourceful. Our guide was knowledgeable and very helpful.

My focus was mostly meeting people and getting to know a little bit of their stories. This is a good trip for that. I loved the maneuvering displayed by our boat staff when another parked boat drifted too close to ours. I loved to watch the demeanor of the indigenous people we visited during their presentation. I enjoyed getting to know another lone traveler willing to endure my broken Portuguese and share some of his stories with me. I also need to mention on the side that food at lunch was very good.