For sure one of the attractions of Bolivia’s wildlife is the Amazon river dolphin. Even more so, Bolivia has its very own river dolphin endemic species: the Bolivian pink river dolphin (Inia boliviensis). This Bolivian endemic species was discovered in 1832 by French researcher Alcide d’Orbigny and it is locally known as “bufeo”. The bufeo is a Bolivia’s river treasure and it has been declared Bolivian Natural Heritage! It is a symbol of the richness of the Bolivian Amazon and serves as an important indicator of the health of the aquatic ecosystem of the Amazone region.

Amazon River Dolphins are flippin’ awesome. Read the following fun facts:

• The Amazon pink river dolphin is famous for its pink color. But it also comes in a variety of other shades (from almost white, dark gray to pink). The dolphins actually start off gray when they are young, and slowly turn pink as they get older. The best part is, when this species of dolphin gets excited or surprised, they can flush bright pink. Yes, that’s right, they get pinker as blood flows faster near the surface of its skin, similar to humans blushing.
• They have longer snouts than sea dolphins so they can hunt better in the rivers. In their freshwater habitat the river dolphins are alpha predators.
• They are the only dolphins in the world with teeth at the back which they use to crunch their food before swallowing.
• River dolphins need to rise to the surface to breathe, just like all aquatic mammals.
• River dolphins have a flexible neck which they can move from side to side, so they can turn their heads to an angle of 90 degrees without shifting their bodies. This gives them more flexibility, but it means that they can’t swim as fast as sea dolphins. They live at slower pace than salt water dolphins. River dophins are very good swimmers, even in shallow waters, they can often be seen swimming upside down, possibly to help them see the bottom of the river better.

• Amazon river dolphins are the most widespread river dolphins. The Amazon prink river dolphin is the most intelligent of all river dolphins.
• They are also quite the charmers. Male bufeos sometimes try and win over females with clever tricks: they pick up floating plants or pieces of wood with their mouths, twirl in circles and then smack the object on the water’s surface.
• In traditional Amazon river folklore, an Amazon river dolphin becomes a handsome young man who seduces girls at night and then returns to the river in the morning to become a dolphin again.
• Local legends tell that dolphins save people from drowning by pushing them to the river banks.

Want to see Bolivian Amazon pink river dolphins up close? Here some tips for a happy river dolphin watching:

The fresh water dolphins can be found in the Bolivian Amazon and it can be relatively easy to spot them when doing an excursion on the Reina de Enin, during a river dolphin boat trip from Trinidad or when visiting the Sadiri lodge or the Caracoles Lodge from Rurrenabaque. Major rivers in Bolivia inhabiting the Bolivian pink river dolphin are the Madeira, Mamoré and the Iténez River, which are tributaries of the Amazon River.

River dolphins are often found at the junction of two rivers (they love turbulence), for example by the Mamoré and Ibare rivers in Beni (Reina de Enin or a river dolphin boat trip).

Bolivian river dolphins can be spotted all year round but it’s easier to spot them during the dry season (June-November) when the river water levels are low.

Responsibly meeting with river dolphins.

These gorgeous creatures spend a lot of time underwater and they can be shy, but also very curious and outgoing towards humans. They can be spotted swimming along the boat, freely and joyfully or even playing with visitors in the river. It is important to notice that during your dolphin watching, you should observe them in their natural habitat without forcing them to come to you. If you decide to go swimming with the dolphins, be responsible, just let them approach you and don’t feed them. Remember that you can still enjoy their beautiful sight while doing it in a responsible way. Respectful behaviour towards the dolphins usually ensure that they stay around longer and that you can observe more interesting behaviours.

Take your camera and film your encounter with the dolphins! Watch our short amateur video of freshwater dolphins in the Bolivian Amazon.

Taking pictures of river dolphins might be a bit of a challenge: keep your shutter speed as fast as possible (or “sport mode”), use burst mode and keep the sun behind you.

How many species of dolphins live in rivers?
There are seven species of dolphins that live in fresh water: Indus river dolphins; Amazon river dolphins; Ganges river dolphins; Bolivian river dolphins; Yangtze finless porpoises; Irrawaddy dolphins; and tucuxi.

What should we do to protect the pink river dolphins?

The Amazon River dolphin is categorized as ‘Endangered’.

Responsible eco-tourism brings benefits to local communities resulting in motivation to protect the dolphins. When you are out there on a dolphin watching boat trip remember: respect the dolphins and never throw trash in the river or on the riverbanks, take a little extra time to dispose of it properly.

You can learn more about Amazon pink river dolphin conservation via non-profit organizations like Whale and Dolphin Conservation, the Amazon River Dolphin Conservation Foundation and Foundation Conceta Bolivia.