Go swimming with pink dolphins in the Peruvian Amazon. Photo courtesy of lubasi via Flickr.
From rainbow-patterned insects scuttling along the rainforest floor to noisy troops of howler monkeys swinging through the trees, the Peruvian Amazon is teeming with animal life, and even the murky river waters play host to a surprising array of creatures. Piranha, caiman alligators and Redtail Catfish all frequent the Amazon waters, but for many visitors, the highlight is swimming with pink dolphins in the Peruvian Amazon.
The famous Amazon River Dolphins (known locally as Boto, Boutu or simply, pink dolphins) are freshwater dolphins endemic to the Amazon, Orinoco and Madeira rivers in South America and renowned for their unique coloring. The endangered species average between six and eight feet long and although famous for their pink-tinted skin, actually come in various shades of grey, light brown and pink, and deepen in color when they get excited (similar to the way humans blush). There’s no proven reason for their varied colors, but many scientists believe it’s due to their thin skin and visible blood vessels, with water temperature and age thought to make a difference. Suffice to say, all sightings are different and while some travelers report seeing schools of vibrant bright pink dolphins, others have been left disappointed by spotting only dull, pinkish-grey fish.
Although the dolphins can be spotted all along the Amazon River, there are a number of key areas close to Iquitos where it’s possible to canoe or swim among the schools of friendly dolphins, the most popular lying in the Reserva Nacional Pacaya Samiria. Hire a local guide to show you the areas where it’s safe to swim and don’t forget to ask them about the Amazonian legend of the shape-shifting dolphins – the Boto’s physical similarities to humans have led to the myth that the dolphins transform into men during the evening hours and seduce women walking the river banks before returning to the waters for sunrise.
Swimming with Pink Dolphins in the Peruvian Amazon from Peru Things to Do