Pink Dolphins in the Amazon River, Bolivia 2025
Swimming with these bizarre-colored friendly creatures is a lot of fun
Best time: May–October
Did you know dolphins could be pink? Actually, these are found in freshwater, and in Bolivia, they navigate the Amazon river—particularly the deeper sections.
Pink freshwater dolphins have been declared Bolivia’s Natural Heritage. They typically grow up to 9.2 ft (2.8 m) in length and weigh up to 352 lbs (166 kg). An interesting fact about these playful creatures is that when they are young, they are gray even though they are named after its pink color. These dolphins develop their pink shade as it grows older. However, some of them do not change too much, and some develop pink spots. At the same time, some of them may wear a bright pink color, and the more excited they get, the pinker they turn. Pink dolphins are active throughout a day with high chances to be seen at any time from the early morning to the late afternoon. Their diet mostly includes fish, but they won't strain at turtles, crabs, and shellfish.
The biggest density of pink dolphins or “Bolivian Bufeo” can be observed in the Bolivian Amazon during the dry season between May and October when river evaporates, the mammals stay in shallow waters, and the jungle itself experiences pleasantly cooler temperatures—this is just a perfect time to enjoy swimming with lovely dolphins.
So head to Manuripi Heath National Amazon Reserve to witness these creatures.