Wildlife Adventures in the Pantanal, Brazil – July 2 – 11, 2027

Pantanal, Brazil – Into the Jungle of the Jaguar

Few places on Earth offer wildlife photographers the opportunities found in Brazil’s Pantanal. This vast wetland is home to one of the world’s highest concentrations of jaguars, along with an extraordinary diversity of birds, mammals, reptiles, and landscapes. Every sunrise brings new possibilities, every bend in the river reveals another scene, and every outing has the potential to become the highlight of the journey.

For many photographers, seeing a wild jaguar is a lifelong dream. During the dry season, these elusive cats spend more time along the riverbanks, providing remarkable opportunities to observe and photograph them in their natural environment. Whether quietly watching from the shade, swimming between islands, or stalking prey along the shoreline, every encounter is different—and every one unforgettable.

Yet the Pantanal is far more than a jaguar destination.

The wetlands are alive with giant otters, capybaras, caimans, howler monkeys, tapirs, and more than 650 species of birds. Hyacinth macaws flash brilliant blue across the sky, jabiru storks patrol the marshes, and kingfishers, herons, and raptors create endless photographic opportunities throughout the day.

Photographing from small, stable boats places us at eye level with the wildlife, creating intimate perspectives while allowing us to move quietly through the waterways. Reflections, dramatic skies, and the changing light transform even familiar scenes into compelling images.

As the sun sets, the experience continues. Night excursions reveal a different side of the Pantanal, where ocelots, nightjars, and other nocturnal wildlife emerge beneath brilliant southern skies. The wetlands also offer opportunities for landscape, macro, and astrophotography, ensuring that every day presents something new to discover.

This is more than a wildlife safari. It is an immersive photographic experience where patience, observation, and exceptional local knowledge come together to create extraordinary opportunities.

Great wildlife photography isn’t measured only by the animals you see, but by the moments you experience while searching for them. Some of the most memorable photographs happen between sightings, as the Pantanal quietly reveals itself one bend in the river at a time.

The photographs will remind you of the Pantanal. The experience will stay with you long after the journey ends.

 

Images provided by Kike Arnaiz. 

Cost: $8495/person, double occupancy 

Deposit: $2000/person 

Leaders: Denise Silva, Geff Bourke, and local guides

Our 2027 Pantanal Photography Adventure is currently full. If you’d like to join us on a future Pantanal adventure, we invite you to join our priority list for future departures, waitlist openings, and early access to upcoming Road Runner Photography Tours adventures.

Join the Priority List  

Why This Safari Is Different

Our small-group safari is designed around photographers.

• Small, stable boats for low-angle photography
• Extended outings that maximize the best light
• Meals served on the river so we never leave when the photography is exceptional
• Experienced local guides with an intimate understanding of jaguar behavior and the Pantanal ecosystem
• Trusted facilitators whose expertise has supported assignments for National Geographic, the Smithsonian Institution, NHK Tokyo, and other internationally recognized organizations

Our Floating Lodge

Our floating lodge places us just minutes from one of the highest concentrations of jaguars anywhere in the Pantanal, allowing us to spend more time photographing and less time traveling.

After a day on the water, you’ll return to private, air-conditioned accommodations with modern comforts before heading back out for another sunrise or evening excursion.