PANTANAL WETLANDS
TOUR IS CLOSED
Mato Grosso do Norte – BRAZIL
The Pantanal is the largest wetland in the world and home to the highest density of jaguars found anywhere. This makes the Pantanal the best place to photograph these amazing big cats.
Travel with professional wildlife photographer Roy Toft as he leads an adventurous “Jaguars of the Pantanal” photo tour in the Pantanal wetlands. Observe and photograph the third largest big cat in the world.
Join our small group wildlife photography tour as we seek opportunities to photograph wild Jaguars, birds and other animals native to the Brazilian Pantanal wetlands.
Spend a nine-day photo adventure in the Pantanal wetlands of Brazil
Custom designed itinerary
12 participants max
Visit two destinations – photograph Jaguars, birds and other animals, including the endangered Giant river otter
Accommodations include both land and river-based “flotel” wildlife lodges
Travel the river ways on motorboats with trusted local guides
Our main focus is photographing Jaguars, but there is other amazing wildlife around these rivers, such as:
Yacare Caimen
Hyacinth Macaws
Giant River Otter
Toco Toucans
Black-collared Hawks
We visit two amazing destinations in the Pantanal of Brazil during this (9) day adventure. After overnight stay in Cuiabá on arrival, we start with one day and one night at Southwild Pantanal Lodge followed by 5 nights at Jaguars suites, and then head back to Southwild Pantanal Lodge for additional night, followed by overnight stay in Cuiabá.
Southwild Pantanal Lodge: We will be watching and photographing some of the 350 species of birds that have been recorded around Southwild Pantanal Lodge (our first lodge). Located in Santa Tereza, this special lodge is visited by more serious bird watchers than any other lodge in the entire Pantanal! With bird feeders surrounding the gardens, as well as a 12-meter tower adjacent to nesting Jabiru Stork, the photographic opportunities are fantastic.
Jaguar Suites: We will spend time traveling along the river system in motor boats which are perfect for wildlife photography. Along the rivers we’ll have an opportunity to photograph five different species of Kingfishers, a large number of Herons, Egrets and Storks. The mammals we can observe include the Brown Capuchin Monkey, Crab-eating Fox, Capybaras, and hopefully Tapir, Marmosets, Red Brocket Deer and Ocelots. Several of these species we hope to photograph in our special night blind.
Another mammal we hope to spend some quality time with are the Giant River Otter. These six-foot long endangered mammals are considered the “wolves of the river” and spend their time fishing and playing in close proximity to our lodge.
After a night at the Southwild Pantanal lodge, we will move to the floating lodge, Jaguar Flotel, where we will have 5 nights, 6 days spent with the largest and most charismatic cats in the new world; Panthera onca, otherwise known as the Jaguar! By this time in the trip, after we will already have a hard drive full of amazing birds, monkeys, capybaras and assorted subjects, we will be able to concentrate our efforts on finding and photographing Jaguars.
The lodge researchers have documented over 50 different Jaguars living in and around the maze of rivers which surround the Jaguar Lodge. This location, and the expertise of the boat drivers, give us the best chance for success in our quest for observing and photographing this amazing cat. Since our first tour here in 2009, Jaguar sighting having been increasing to the point where in the last several years we have been averaging around 10-15 jaguar sighting per trip. This kind of success photographing Jaguars is why I’m so excited to lead this trip every year!
2025 ITINERARY - 8 NIGHT, 9 DAY
Arrive in Cuiabá
27 JULY
We arrive in Cuiabá, the capital city of the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Norte, then transfer to our hotel. Overnight stay at Slaviero Slim Aeroporto Hotel in Cuiabá. Group dinner.
Cuiaba to SouthWild Pantanal Lodge (1 night)
28 JULY
Depart early morning for 3-4 hr drive in closed vehicle along the Trans-Pantanal Hwy to our first lodge, SouthWild Pantanal. After lunch, afternoon activities at the lodge, followed by Ocelot visit and then dinner.
Overnight: SouthWild Pantanal Lodge (B,L,D)
Jaguar Flotel (5 nights)
29 JULY - 3 AUG
Early departure from SWP for a 4-hour drive in closed vehicle to the end of the Trans-Pantanal Hwy in Porto Jofre. Transfer to our to Jaguarland (one regular boat), where we will have 4.5 days and 5 nights spent with the largest and most charismatic “big cats” in the new world, the Panthera onca, otherwise known as the Jaguar! After lunch, our first safari on the water looking for Jaguar.
Each day we leave at dawn after breakfast to spend 4-5 hrs on the river searching for Jaguars and other wildlife. We return to our lodge everyday around 11am for lunch and a siesta (rest period). At 3-4pm we are back on the river photographing until sunset.
Spend 4.5 Days and 5 Nights at Jaguar Flotel (B,L,D)
Jaguar Flotel to SouthWild Pantanal Lodge (1 night)
3 AUG
On August 3, after breakfast, we transfer to Porto Jofre via regular boat, then transfer in closed vehicle for drive back to SouthWild Pantanal Lodge. After lunch activities at the lodge. Dinner.
Overnight: SouthWild Pantanal Lodge (B,L,D)
Back to Cuiaba
4 AUG
After breakfast, transfer back to Cuiaba airport, arriving in early afternoon. Main tour concludes. Fly home or stay overnight and depart next day (hotel accommodations are not included).
PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR EXPECTATIONS
Our goal is to provide a successful nature experience with wonderful photographic opportunities of the extraordinary wildlife found in the Pantanal. Photographing wild Jaguars during that portion of the tour will be our highest priority.
To meet these goals please consider the following:
Photographing wild animals involves dedication and patience
Expect to spend considerable time in a skiff (passenger boat) or on land, in shade or sun, searching and waiting for our subjects
Extended periods of time may be required in order to capture amazing imagery of wildlife in action — could be many hours
In order to achieve the highest degree of success, we have chosen the best lodge, boat drivers and guides. However, in addition to photographing many other species of mammals, birds, and reptiles, consider a jaguar sighting above and beyond all other expectations
ABOUT THE PANTANAL
The Pantanal of South America is the world’s largest freshwater wetland system that lies mostly within the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, but also extends into portions of Bolivia and Paraguay. With an estimated size between 140,000 to 195,000 kilometers, roughly 80% of the Pantanal’s huge lowland floodplains are submerged during the wet season (October to March). With various sub-regional ecosystems, this biologically diverse area has unparalleled beauty with an ecological paradise for many different collections of plants and animals. In 2000, the Pantanal Conservation Area was classified as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
LODGING
The SouthWild Pantanal Lodge (SWP) is located 2.5 km off the Transpantaneira Road, on the forested banks of the wildlife-rich Pixaim River. SWP offers the Pantanal’s best value for serious birders, naturalists, and photographers.
Lodge Accommodations: 12 Screened guest rooms with queen bed (or two twin beds), private bath, hot shower, air-conditioning, overhead fans and in-room electrical outlets for charging devices. Each room has an outside area with seating and a hammock.
Highlights Include
12 meter tall observation tower at level to a Jabiru Stork nest
Large screened dining room and lounge are with full bar
Swimming pool
Free Wifi internet
Accessible riverine forest
Jaguar Flotel
Around Brazil’s Cuiaba River, the Southwild Jaguar Flotel is a luxurious floating hotel perfect for viewing the jaguar in their natural habitat. In addition to wild jaguars, the jungle surrounding the Cuiaba river is bursting with wildlife from caiman and capybara to monkeys and birds. The boat has been specifically designed for the best sightings of wildlife with no canopies to obstruct viewings
Flotel Accommodations: 10 double rooms with private bathroom, air-conditioning, hot showers and 24 hour electricity. Each suite also has a floor-to-ceiling slide window that opens to a private, screened porch.
Highlights Include
Available WiFi
Accessible riverine forest
Room with private screened porch
Best location for Jaguar and other wildlife observation
PACKING LIST FOR BRAZIL EXPEDITIONS
CLOTHING
2-3 pairs of light colored field pants (think REI, Columbia, Patagonia or like).
2-3 long sleeve field shirts as sun protection during daytime and as mosquito protection in early morning, late afternoon and after dark (like brands above).
1-2 cotton t-shirts or polo shirts per day
2 pairs of white cotton socks tall enough to tuck pants into (most useful during forest walks)
1 pair of sneaker/walking shoes (lightweight and dry fast)
1 pair waterproof sandals, flip-flops or Crocs (to take on boat rides if it rains)
Windbreaker for cutting the cool wind during early morning and evening boat rides
Rain poncho/loose-fitting rain suit, as serious rain occurs in any month
Underwear and PJs
Bring med down coat, mittens, winter hat for rare cold fronts
Bathing suit and sun shirt for swimming in pools and rivers
Sunscreen, sunglasses and sun hat with stiff front brim (hat must not fly off in the wind)
MISC
Water bottle to refill (Nalgene or metal)
Day pack/small backpack to hold cameras water bottle, etc.
Insect repellent containing DEET
Personal toiletries and medications
Small flashlight
3 Large plastic bags (folded in day pack) for bagging shoes & cameras if it rains on boat trip
$100-$500 U.S. per person to pay bar bills etc.
Valid Passport
CAMERA GEAR
2 DSLR bodies (that you know well and work)
Telephoto 400-600mm lens
Zoom in the 100-400mm range
16-35mm wide angle lens
Tripod for long lens (500-600mm)
Monopods are also very handy for support on and off the boat
Polarizer filter(s)
Batteries and charger, memory cards, USB drive/stick to transfer image to free up memory cards.
Flash (optional)
Binoculars
Waterproof bag to cover camera & bodies when it rains
“Pee Bottle” Nalgen with wide mouth. Very handy to relieve one’s self while in the boat (sorry ladies!) We will make arrangements to find a bush for people needing to use the bathroom.
2025 Tour (CLOSED)
27 July - 4 AUG, 2025
Per Person: Shared Row in Jaguar Boat (of 2 Seats): $8,950 USD
Per Person: With Own Row in Jaguar Boat (of 2 Seats): $9,700 USD
Single-Supplement: $1,125 USD
Tour Includes:
Lodging in Cuiaba (Slaviero Slim Hotel) on first night.
Accommodation based on double-occupancy in mentioned lodges or (similar), in standard rooms
Meals & excursions, as mentioned
Private transportation
Two guests per row
Entrance fees
Private English-speaking local guides
Tour Excludes:
Round Trip air transportation to and from your destination to Cuiaba, Brazil
Taxi shuttle from airport to Hotel
Meals, or other services not mentioned
Personal expenses, travel insurance, laundry, etc
Soft drinks, small bottles water, beer, wine, mixed drinks.
All tips (lodges, boat drivers, and guides)
Early check-in or late check-out charges
