Paying to Swim with Pirahnas

Last month, an article in the Pantanal News shared an Olho d’Agua River/Rio da Prata snorkeling experience. That’s right, snorkeling. Recanto Ecològico Rio de Prata, an ecotourism company based out of Jardim, guides a unique travel experience where tourists snorkel in the crystal clear waters of the river and are able to observe pirahnas, anacondas, and caimans in their natural environment.

In order to maintain minimal disturbance and preserve the environment, tour groups are limited to nine people and visitors must follow a specific set of rules.

1. No one is allowed to apply repellent or sunscreen prior to the snorkel.
2. Standing on and disturbing the river bottom is forbidden.
3. Touching wildlife (or attempting to) is prohibited.

Once oriented, tourists walk 30 minutes to the river entry site, encountering native plants and megafauna along the way, before floating downriver in 5 mm neoprene wetsuits. Here, pacu, curimbas, dorados, and all kinds of fish swim by, seemingly unfazed.

Would you do it? The article, though translated via Google, had me hooked. It was great promotion for the ecotourism company. The pictures are clear, the fish are close, and the visitors are happy. It truly seems like a phenomenal experience. 

Photo: Luciano Candisani

Something I found interesting is that this article was in a local newspaper. So I pose the question to you - why advertise to locals? What is the value? I have my own speculations, of course, but I’d like to hear yours. Share away!

-Christina Morrisett