Jaguar watching safari of the Pantanal, Brazil

Description of Jaguar watching safari of the Pantanal, Brazil

This jaguar watching safari in the northern Pantanal wetlands of Brazil is one of the most exciting wildlife experiences you can hope for. This is by far the best region to see jaguar, the Pantanal being the world’s largest wetland area. As well as being home to jaguar, other magnificent wildlife includes caiman, giant otters, giant anteaters, tapir and pumas. As well as some of the most spectacular bird watching opportunities including the hyacinth macaw and toco toucan.

We are experts in finding jaguar as they rest or patrol the river banks and all of our jaguar watching is done from the safety of our shaded boats. To date, our average sightings is two per day on this trip with a mix of hunting, kills, swimming, mating as well as mothers and cubs. We are also proud of our 100% success rate of seeing jaguar.

Based around the fishing village of Porto Jofre, our tours are guided by a professional zoologist who is expert not only in jaguar, but also in the region’s other prolific wildlife. This includes: capybara, collared peccary, yacre caiman, ocelot, puma, giant anteater, greater rhea, Brazilian tapir, giant otter and nine-banded armadillo. As a tailor made holiday we can organise this to suit your timing and interests, although we do recommend a minimum of three days to increase your chances of seeing jaguar.

Staying in jaguar camps, driving around the famous Transpantaneira Highway in your own vehicle, walking through forests and grasslands tracking the elusive big cat or trekking on horseback are all exciting options on this trip. We also offer the chance to do a spotlighting safari after dark to see some of the more elusive species like ocelot, puma, crab-eating fox, Brazilian tapir, crab-eating raccoons and many other nocturnal mammals. We bring thermal imaging and night vision equipment upon request.

As all the wildlife watching is all done from boat or vehicle in the northern Pantanal, any fitness level can participate. We also have tours that travel to the south of the Pantanal which involve 2-3 hour walks or some horse riding, so a greater level of mobility is required. Please note that we are also able to arrange this trip for solo travellers, upon request. Minimum age is 18 years old.

The price of this holiday includes:
All activities, all meals, bottled water, air con vehicle, drive, transfers, internal flights, guides, zoologist, entrance fees, equipment, reference library.

Best time to see jaguar
We recommend early August to late October for seeing jaguar in the Pantanal, as this is the dry season when they, and other wildlife, gather at waterholes. September is particularly good.