wildlife watching · Novo Airão, AM
Flutuante dos Botos
A floating platform on the waterfront where pink river dolphins approach visitors, in an activity monitored by an ICMBio research and management project since 2010. The rules forbid visitors from feeding or chasing the animals and require a life jacket.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Flutuante dos Botos
The Flutuante dos Botos is a floating platform on the Novo Airão waterfront, on the banks of the Rio Negro, where Amazon river dolphins, the pink dolphins of the Amazon, come close to be fed fish. It is one of the most popular attractions in the town, known as the land of the river dolphins.
The interaction began spontaneously, when the dolphins started getting fish scraps at the platform, which also worked as a restaurant. In 2010 the activity was regulated by ICMBio, which manages the Parque Nacional de Anavilhanas, and began to follow rules to reduce the impact on the animals.
Today only the platform staff feed the dolphins, in set amounts and at set times. Before the interaction, visitors get a briefing about the species. Then they stay still on a submerged platform, about 1.20 m deep and wearing a life jacket, while the dolphins come close. Swimming with the animals is not allowed, and the number of people and the time are limited.
The visit is short and requires no effort, which appeals to families and travelers of all ages. There is an entrance fee.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
It is a short visit that fits into part of a morning or afternoon in Novo Airão.
Best time
Year-round, at the times when the dolphins are fed; check the times at the platform itself or with Novo Airão tour operators.
How to get there
It is on the Novo Airão waterfront, on the Rio Negro. From Manaus to Novo Airão you go by road, crossing the bridge over the Rio Negro and following the AM-070 and AM-352 highways.
Tip
Follow the staff's instructions: do not try to feed, hold or chase the dolphins, and stay on the platform. Bring a swimsuit if you want to get in the water.
A look at the place
Flutuante dos Botos in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Flutuante dos Botos
Where is the Flutuante dos Botos?
On the Novo Airão waterfront, on the banks of the Rio Negro, in the state of Amazonas. From Manaus you get there by the road that crosses the bridge over the Rio Negro.
Can you feed the river dolphins in Novo Airão?
No. Under ICMBio rules, only the platform staff give fish to the dolphins, in set amounts and at set times.
Can you swim with the dolphins at the Flutuante dos Botos?
No. Visitors stay still on a submerged platform, wearing a life jacket, and the dolphins come close.
Is there an entrance fee for the Flutuante dos Botos?
Yes, there is an entrance fee. Check prices and times at the platform itself or with Novo Airão tour operators.
Who regulates the interaction with the dolphins in Novo Airão?
ICMBio, which manages the Parque Nacional de Anavilhanas. The activity was regulated in 2010, with limits on numbers of people and time and a briefing before the visit.