Yes. We have been leading expeditions to swim with the pink river dolphins in the Amazon for many years, and guest safety is always our highest priority.

We only enter the water in locations that have been carefully chosen by our local guides, who have spent their lives on these rivers and know them extremely well.

The areas we use for dolphin encounters have been safely visited by thousands of guests over the years.

Like any wild environment, the Amazon is home to many different animals. However, our experience, local knowledge, and careful planning allow us to safely enjoy one of the world's most incredible wildlife encounters.

If we ever felt a location was unsafe, we simply wouldn't get in the water.

Imagine floating quietly in the warm, tea-colored waters of the Amazon while a curious pink river dolphin slowly approaches to investigate you.

The water where we interact with the dolphins is calm and shallow, allowing most guests to comfortably stand. Fins are not required, making the experience relaxed and accessible.

The dolphins we visit have become habituated to respectful human presence over many years. Local caretakers provide fish, encouraging the dolphins to return to the same area each day. This long-standing relationship is what makes these remarkable close encounters possible.

Although the dolphins are accustomed to people, they remain wild animals. Every interaction happens on their terms. Some dolphins are incredibly curious and may swim within arm's length, while others choose to observe from a distance. Their personalities are as unique as the people who come to photograph them.

No two encounters are ever the same, which is exactly what makes this experience so special.

For many of our guests, it's one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences of their lives.

Easy

This expedition is suitable for most guests with average mobility and is designed to be relaxed and enjoyable.

You'll spend your days exploring the Rio Negro by boat, entering and exiting the water to swim with the pink river dolphins, and taking short walks around the lodge and nearby trails.

The dolphin encounters take place in warm, shallow water, where most guests can comfortably stand. Fins are not required, and no diving certification or previous snorkeling experience is necessary.

The biggest challenge isn't the physical activity—it's the Amazon itself. Expect warm temperatures, high humidity, and a true rainforest environment.

If you enjoy nature, wildlife, and a little adventure, you'll feel right at home.

Our lodge sits deep in the Amazon rainforest, surrounded by nature. While it offers comfortable accommodations, it's important to remember that you're staying in one of the world's most remote environments.

Rooms are clean and comfortable, with private bathrooms, air conditioning, electricity, and running water. Depending on the location, power may come from generators and can occasionally be interrupted. Internet access, when available, is sometimes slower than what you're used to at home.

Because you're in the rainforest, insects are part of the experience. We recommend bringing insect repellent and embracing the fact that you're sharing the jungle with its wildlife.

If you're looking for a luxury resort, this probably isn't the right trip.

If you're looking for an authentic Amazon experience surrounded by incredible wildlife, you'll likely fall in love with it.

Yes. The area we visit is considered a safe destination for travelers and has welcomed wildlife enthusiasts from around the world for many years.

Like any international trip, we encourage guests to use common sense, follow the guidance of their expedition leaders, and respect the local environment. Our local guides know the region extremely well, and every activity is planned with guest safety as the top priority.

Our focus is on experiencing the Amazon responsibly while enjoying one of the most extraordinary wildlife destinations on Earth.

For most guests, the biggest surprise isn't how dangerous the Amazon is—it's how peaceful it feels.

Yes. Local caretakers provide fish to the dolphins, which encourages them to visit the same area each day.

This long-standing practice has allowed researchers, photographers, and visitors to observe these remarkable animals up close.

The dolphins remain free-ranging, wild animals and are never confined or forced to interact with people.

You'll fly into Manaus International Airport (MAO), the gateway to the Brazilian Amazon.

We recommend arriving the day before the expedition begins and staying at the Ibis Manaus Aeroporto, conveniently located near the airport.

Our local host will meet the group at the hotel on arrival day and provide transportation to the lodge, making the start of your Amazon adventure simple and stress-free.

A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a space on any SDM Adventures expedition.

*Reservations are not considered confirmed until the deposit has been received.

Payment schedule:

• 50% of the expedition cost is due 180 days prior to departure.

• Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure.

Payment methods:

• Credit card payments incur a 4% processing fee.

• PayPal payments incur a 3% processing fee.

• Payments may also be made via wire transfer or Zelle. Please contact us for banking details.

• For wire transfers, please add $40 to cover bank processing fees.

Pricing & Itinerary Adjustments
All trip pricing and itineraries are subject to change based on permits, local regulations, weather conditions, and operational costs. Any changes will be communicated to guests as soon as possible.

SDM Adventures understands how disappointing it can be if you are forced to cancel your trip after looking forward to it for so long. However, our expeditions require significant advance planning, and we must make non-refundable payments to hotels, vessels, and other suppliers well before departure. For this reason, we must strictly adhere to the following cancellation policy for all guests.

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself in the event you must cancel.

Cancellation terms are as follows:

• More than 120 days prior to departure:

A refund will be issued minus the trip deposit, which is non-refundable and non-transferable. If we are able to fill your space after you cancel, we will apply your deposit toward another SDM Adventures trip booked within the following 12 months. If you cancel again during that period, the deposit will be forfeited.

• 91–120 days prior to departure:

A cancellation fee of 50% of the total expedition price (including extensions) will be applied.

• Within 90 days of departure:

No refunds will be issued.

All cancellations must be submitted in writing by email or mail and must be received and acknowledged by SDM Adventures.

SDM Adventures is not responsible for cancellations due to medical or personal reasons.

No refunds will be issued if a participant withdraws after the expedition has begun.

SDM Adventures is not responsible for any penalties associated with non-refundable airfare or travel arrangements. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Solo Travelers signing up for land-based trips individually will be charged the single occupancy rate.

To help keep costs down, you have the option to inform us if you would like to share a room with another solo guest of the same sex.

We'll make every effort to find you a roommate. However, if no one else wishes to share, you will be charged for a single room.

To keep trips running smoothly for everyone, we ask that all payments be made according to the schedule provided.

If a payment is not received by the due date and we have not heard from you, we reserve the right to cancel your reservation and release the space to another guest. In that case, previous payments are non-refundable.

We understand that things can come up, so if you anticipate any issues with timing, please reach out in advance. We’re always happy to work with you when we can.

We’ll do our best to send reminders, but ultimately it’s important to stay on schedule to secure your spot.