Manaus, Brazil

In Search of Caimans

Seek Out Nocturnal Reptiles on a Nighttime Boat Ride Cruise into the moonlit night along the dense jungle backwaters of the Black River in search of elusive caimans. Embark on a journey in a small-motored canoe with your native guide to Lake Janauari to begin your search. A close relative of the crocodile, caimans can be found in the swamps, rivers and lakes of Central and South America. They generally grow to be six or seven feet long, though the black caiman can reach 15 feet and weigh 2,400 pounds. Your guide will expertly navigate your canoe while using a flashlight to locate young caimans by the red reflection of their eyes in the light. While the light hypnotizes the caiman, you will slowly approach it; when you are close enough, your guide will attempt to catch it with his bare hands and lift it out of the water for you to see. After photographs, the caiman will be returned—unharmed—to the water. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.