PANTANAL WETLANDS
TOUR IS OPEN
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 Jaguarland on Naturezas “flotel”, then head back to Southwild Pantanal Lodge for additional night, and followed by overnight stay in Cuiabá.
At 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.
Our journey will involve exploring river systems on motor boats, an ideal setting for capturing wildlife through our lenses. We'll have the chance to photograph a diverse range of Kingfishers, abundant Herons, Egrets, and Storks that inhabit these rivers. Expected mammalian sightings include the Brown Capuchin Monkey, Crab-eating Fox, Capybaras, and with some luck, we may also spot Tapir, Marmosets, Red Brocket Deer, and Ocelots. We also aim to photograph some of these species using our specialized night blind.
One endangered mammal we particularly look forward to encountering is the Giant River Otter. These six-foot long creatures, often referred to as "wolves of the river", are known to fish and frolic close to our lodge, giving us ample opportunities to observe them.
Following a night at the Southwild Pantanal lodge, we'll relocate to the floating Naturezas lodge. Here, we will spend 5 nights and 6 days focusing on one of the New World's largest and most charismatic cats: Panthera onca, or the Jaguar! By this stage of our journey, after already capturing stunning images of birds, monkeys, capybaras, and other subjects, our attention will be primarily on locating and photographing Jaguars.
Naturezas “flotel” - 85’ long, 7 cabin ship in Jaguarland.
Researchers at the lodge have recorded more than 50 distinct Jaguars inhabiting the labyrinth of rivers encircling the Jaguar Lodge. This location, coupled with the expertise of our boat operators, provides us an unrivaled opportunity for spotting and photographing this magnificent feline. Ever since our inaugural tour in 2009, Jaguar sightings have been on the rise, with recent trips averaging between 10-15 Jaguar encounters. The consistent success in capturing Jaguars through our lenses is what fuels my enthusiasm to guide this trip annually!
2026 ITINERARY - 8 NIGHT, 9 DAY
Arrive in Cuiabá
11 AUGUST
We arrive in Cuiabá, the capital city of the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Norte, then transfer to our hotel. Overnight stay at Hotel (TBD) in Cuiabá. Group dinner.
Cuiabá to SouthWild Pantanal Lodge (1 night)
12 AUGUST (DAY 1)
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)
SouthWild Pantanal Lodge to Jaguarland
13 AUGUST (DAY 2)
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.
Jaguarland (5 nights)
13 AUGUST - 17 AUGUST (DAYS 2-6)
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 Jaguarland on Naturezas (B,L,D)
Jaguarland to SouthWild Pantanal Lodge (2 nights)
18 AUGUST (DAY 7)
On August 18, after breakfast, we transfer from Jaguarland 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)
SouthWild Pantanal Lodge
19 AUGUST (DAY 8)
Breakfast, followed by morning activities. After lunch, afternoon activities at the lodge, followed by dinner.
Overnight: SouthWild Pantanal Lodge (B,L,D)
SouthWild Pantanal Lodge to Cuiabá
20 AUGUST (DAY 9)
After breakfast, transfer back to Cuiabá 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
Naturezas
Around Brazil’s Cuiabá River, the Naturezas is a luxurious floating hotel perfect for viewing the jaguar in their natural habitat. In addition to wild jaguars, the jungle surrounding the Cuiabá 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
Naturezas Accommodations: 5 standard rooms and 2 economy rooms with private bathroom, silent air conditioning, hot showers and 24 hour electricity. Each suite also feature natural flow-through screened windows at opposite ends of each room (the key to natural night cooling).
Highlights Include
Air conditioned dining/lounge lecture room with panoramic views
Accessible riverine forest
Room with flow-through screened windows
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.
2026 Tour (OPEN)
12 AUG, 2026 - 20 AUG, 2026
Per Person: Shared Row in Jaguar Boat (of 2 Seats): $7,950 USD
Single-Supplement: $1,800 USD
Cost $7,950
Single Suppliment $1,800
Tour Includes:
Accommodation based on double-occupancy in mentioned lodges or (similar), in standard rooms
Meals & excursions, as mentioned
Private transportation
Two guests per row for Jaguar search boat
Private English-speaking local naturalist guide
Tour Excludes:
Round Trip air transportation to and from your destination to Cuiabá, Brazil
Meals, or other services not mentioned
Personal or extra expenses
Soft drinks, small bottles water, beer, wine, mixed drinks.
All tips (lodges, boat drivers, and guides)
Early check-in or late check-out charges
Laundry services
Insurance
