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Rio da Prata Snorkeling Bonito

4.9
·8k reviews·, Brazil

Float through crystal-clear waters teeming with fish and spot abundant wildlife at this pristine ecotourism gem in Bonito.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning floats

Best visibility for fish

CrowdMedium
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Recanto_Ecologico_Rio_da_Prata

Rio da Prata Snorkeling Bonito

Best Time

Morning floats

Best visibility for fish

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Float through crystal-clear waters teeming with fish and spot abundant wildlife at this pristine ecotourism gem in Bonito.

4.9
(8k reviews)

"What a wonderful experience at this ecological preserve! The natural springs provide crystal clear water for this snorkeling experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Through Agencies

Secure your spot by booking with local Bonito agencies in advance. :ticket:

Bring Water Shoes

Essential for comfortable walking on the riverbed. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Crystal-Clear Snorkeling

Crystal-Clear Snorkeling

Rio da Prata

Float effortlessly in pristine waters teeming with millions of fish. A truly magical underwater spectacle.

Reddit
Abundant Wildlife Viewing

Abundant Wildlife Viewing

The Ranch

Spot toucans and other native animals in their natural habitat. A feast for nature lovers.

Reddit
Delicious Traditional Lunch

Delicious Traditional Lunch

The Ranch Restaurant

Savor amazing local cuisine, with vegetarian options available. Don't miss the 'doce de leite'!

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book in Advance!

This popular ecotourism spot requires booking ahead, especially during peak seasons. Agencies in Bonito handle reservations, so plan your trip to secure your spot for this crystal-clear snorkeling adventure. Reddit

Pack Smart for Comfort

Bring water shoes for easier walking and consider packing dry clothes to change into after your float. Guides can hold onto your dry bag for the return trip, ensuring a comfortable journey back. Reddit

Best Times

When
Morning floats
Why
Best visibility for fish
Crowd
Medium
When
Afternoon lunch
Why
Relaxing end to adventure
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Medo desbloqueado e sonho realizado. Essa é a Lagoa Misteriosa e fica em Bonito-MS #bonitoms #mergulho #viraltiktok #turismo
@natrilhacomka
248.9K likes • 2.4M views

Book Through Agencies

Secure your spot by booking with local Bonito agencies in advance. Reddit :ticket:

Bring Water Shoes

Essential for comfortable walking on the riverbed. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

Simplesmente um dos lugares mais lindos que já estive 🥹💗🙏🏻✨#bonito #cachoeira #nature #naturelover #beautifuldestinations #naturevibes
@alinerossato
166.7K likes • 2.6M views
This is HEAVEN😍🙌🇧🇷 💡 Bonito is a town and ecotourism hub in southern Brazil’s Mato Grosso do Sul state. The surrounding area is known for crystal-clear rivers such as the Rio da Prata, a snorkeling destination abounding with fish. The Abismo Anhumas is a huge, stalactite-covered cavern that offers abseiling and diving in an underground lake. 🏷Tag your favorite travel partner 🥰✈️ 📸 @eduardoalves...
nationalparksgram
5.4K likes • 83.5K views

Pack Dry Clothes

Guides can hold your dry bag for the bus ride back. Reddit :handbag:

English-Speaking Guides

Guides like Nadia and Fabian are available and speak English well. Reddit :speech_balloon:

Bonito, Brazil, is a hidden treasure 🩵 The rivers in the area are crystal clear and filled with various colorful forms of life! Perfect snorkeling spots like Rio da Prata and Abismo de Anhumas. 🎥 @eduardoalvesz 📍 Bonito, Brazil 🇧🇷 . . . . . #travel #bonito #brazil #snorkeling #river #crystalclear #hiddentreasure #adventure #tours #holiday #matograsso #turquoise #water #nature
juicy.destinations
15 likes • 266 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Through Agencies

Secure your spot by booking with local Bonito agencies in advance. Reddit :ticket:

Bring Water Shoes

Essential for comfortable walking on the riverbed. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

Pack Dry Clothes

Guides can hold your dry bag for the bus ride back. Reddit :handbag:

English-Speaking Guides

Guides like Nadia and Fabian are available and speak English well. Reddit :speech_balloon:

Vegetarian-Friendly Lunch

The traditional lunch offers delicious vegetarian options. Reddit :leafy_green:

What Travellers Say

4.9
(8k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the magical snorkeling experience at Rio da Prata, praising the crystal-clear waters teeming with fish and the abundance of wildlife. The delicious traditional lunch, including vegetarian options and the famous 'doce de leite,' is another major highlight. Guides are commended for their expertise and English proficiency, making the trip seamless and educational.

"What a wonderful experience at this ecological preserve! The natural springs provide crystal clear water for this snorkeling experience. It was so nice to relax and watch fish that previously we had only seen in fish stores in the United States! Immersed in such beautiful surroundings while snorkeling with Nadia, our group guide, was magical. Nadia speaks English well and is a biologist. The river experience was followed by an amazing lunch!!"

Vicki Ono

"We loved our day here. The lunch was unbelievable - and I’m a vegetarian.
The snorkelling tour was out of this world with crystal clear waters, millions of fish and expertly guided by Fabian (we think - sorry!) who was able to speak to us in great English as we embarrassingly have no Portuguese.
The ranch itself was an amazing place to relax with tonnes of wildlife (toucans everywhere!)
We would highly recommend this tour to anyone - thank you 😁"

Anwen Gorry

"Wonderful place! Very well preserved. Awesome flotation on the river. Lots of fishes to see. Amazing traditional local food,"

Leonardo de Deus Silva

What People Like

Crystal-clear water
Abundant fish
Wildlife sightings

What People Dislike

Extra cost for photos

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Most visitors book through agencies in Bonito, which typically include transportation to the ranch and the river starting point. The journey involves a short bus ride after the snorkeling activity. Reddit

Yes, tours booked through Bonito agencies usually include round-trip transportation from your accommodation to the ranch and the snorkeling site. Reddit

The travel time from Bonito to Rio da Prata is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by car or tour bus. Reddit

While possible, it's often more convenient to book through an agency as they manage logistics and provide transportation. Check with your chosen agency for self-drive options. Reddit

If driving, you'll typically head south from Bonito on the BR-116 highway and then follow local signs. It's best to use GPS or ask for detailed directions from your accommodation. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

It's highly recommended to book your tickets in advance through one of the tour agencies in Bonito. They handle reservations and package the experience with transportation and guides. Reddit

Purchasing tickets through a reputable Bonito tour agency is the most common and recommended method. This ensures you get a spot and all necessary arrangements are made. Reddit

Tours often include snorkeling, a guided float, and lunch. Some agencies might offer packages that combine Rio da Prata with other Bonito attractions. Reddit

Prices can vary depending on the agency and what's included, but expect it to be a mid-range to higher-priced activity in Bonito. Inquire with local agencies for current rates. Reddit

It's risky to rely on same-day tickets as Rio da Prata is very popular and often books up in advance. Booking ahead is strongly advised. Reddit

🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience

You'll float down the crystal-clear river, observing an incredible abundance of fish in their natural habitat. The water is so clear, it feels like swimming in an aquarium. Reddit

No, you don't need to be a strong swimmer. The tour involves floating with a life vest, and the current is gentle. Guides are there to assist. Reddit

The tour provides all necessary snorkeling gear, including masks, snorkels, and life vests. You can also bring your own if preferred. Reddit

Yes, the river is known for its incredible biodiversity. You can expect to see millions of fish of various species. Reddit

Yes, professional photographers are often available to capture your experience for an additional fee. You can also bring your own waterproof camera. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

A delicious traditional Brazilian lunch is typically included after the snorkeling tour. It features local dishes and is known to be very satisfying. Reddit

Yes, reviewers mention that vegetarian options are available and are quite good, making it suitable for different dietary preferences. Reddit

Absolutely! The 'doce de leite' (dulce de leche) is frequently highlighted as a must-try dessert. Reddit

While lunch is usually included, it's advisable to check with your tour operator if additional drinks or snacks are available for purchase at the ranch. Reddit

The lunch is described as 'amazing' and 'unbelievable,' featuring authentic local flavors in a beautiful setting. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, professional photographers are often on-site to capture your moments in the water. These photos can be purchased separately. Reddit

If you want to take your own photos, a waterproof camera or a waterproof phone case is essential. The clarity of the water makes for stunning underwater shots. Reddit

The ranch area itself is great for spotting birds like toucans. Keep your camera ready for spontaneous wildlife encounters. Reddit

You can bring your own camera, but ensure it's protected from water if you plan to use it near or in the river. Reddit

Expect vibrant shots of colorful fish, the clear riverbed, and lush surrounding nature. Wildlife photos of birds are also common. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Rio da Prata is a fantastic family-friendly destination. The snorkeling involves gentle floating with life vests, making it safe and enjoyable for children who can swim or are comfortable in water. Guides are attentive, and the crystal-clear water allows kids to easily spot the abundant fish, turning it into an exciting underwater safari. Reddit

The ranch also offers opportunities to see wildlife like toucans, which captivates younger visitors. The delicious and accommodating lunch, with vegetarian options, ensures everyone is well-fed after the adventure. Remember to pack water shoes for comfort and dry clothes for the journey back. Reddit

🌿 Eco-Conscious Travelers

For those passionate about ecotourism and conservation, Rio da Prata is a prime example of sustainable tourism. The pristine condition of the river and its abundant wildlife are testaments to the site's preservation efforts. Visitors are encouraged to respect the natural environment and follow guide instructions to minimize impact. Reddit

The presence of biologist guides like Nadia further underscores the commitment to education and conservation. Understanding the delicate ecosystem while enjoying its beauty is a core part of the experience. The well-organized tours ensure that the natural integrity of the area is maintained for future generations. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Snorkeling Experience: Floating Through Paradise

The main draw of Rio da Prata is its incredible snorkeling. You'll be equipped with a mask, snorkel, and life vest, then guided to float gently down the river. The water is exceptionally clear, offering unparalleled visibility of the vibrant aquatic life. Millions of fish, from small schooling species to larger ones, inhabit these pristine waters, creating a mesmerizing underwater spectacle. The natural buoyancy provided by the life vest makes it an accessible activity for most, allowing you to simply relax and drift through this natural aquarium. Reddit

Guides, often biologists like Nadia, enhance the experience by pointing out different species and explaining the ecosystem. Their knowledge adds a fascinating educational layer to the visual beauty. The riverbed is often visible, showcasing the natural formations and aquatic plants that support this thriving environment. It's a truly immersive experience that connects you directly with nature's wonders. Reddit

Wildlife and the Ranch: More Than Just a River

Beyond the river, the ranch itself is a haven for wildlife. Visitors frequently report seeing toucans perched in the trees, along with a variety of other native birds and animals. This makes the experience at Rio da Prata a comprehensive ecotourism adventure, offering opportunities for both aquatic and terrestrial nature observation. The well-preserved environment ensures that these animals thrive, providing delightful surprises for visitors. Reddit

Take time to explore the grounds before or after your snorkeling tour. The natural beauty of the ranch complements the river experience, offering a peaceful setting to observe nature. It's a chance to appreciate the broader biodiversity of the Bonito region and understand the importance of conservation efforts. Reddit

Culinary Delights: A Taste of Local Flavors

The traditional lunch served at the ranch is a highlight for many visitors, often described as 'unbelievable' and 'amazing.' It's a chance to savor authentic Brazilian cuisine, prepared with fresh, local ingredients. The meal is typically served buffet-style, allowing you to sample a variety of dishes. Reddit

Even for vegetarians, the culinary experience is highly rated, with dedicated and delicious options available. A standout item frequently mentioned is the 'doce de leite,' a sweet, caramelized milk confection that's a perfect end to the meal. This focus on quality food enhances the overall enjoyment of the day trip. Reddit

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