Pantanal wildlife cruises in Brazil

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

The Pantanal holds a significant amount of wildlife, birdlife, insects, reptiles and amphibians; as well as carbon held in its trees, grasses and soil. Climate change has been leading to longer periods of drought than in previous years. As a consequence, fires have been more frequent and more devastating, killing huge amounts of flora and fauna, as well as massive consequent CO2 emissions. To help combat this, part of the funds raised by these trips has been put into combating fires, with local fire control teams in place to tackle fires quickly. Where animals survive, but are injured with burns, they will be taken care of before being set back into the wild. These animals include jaguars and tapir. Part of our donations will go into a trust investment designed to fund firefighting teams long into the future. Our funds will be overseen by the charity Rainforest Trust, whom we have been supporting since 2017. On the ground, the project is managed by the Brazilian NGO Onçafari and Matto Grosso State Government.


ENVIRONMENT & WILDLIFE

In recent years, annual cycles in weather have seen periodic anomalies. In some areas such as Taquari, unexpectedly widespread floods in have meant that local farmers were forced to abandon their fazendas. Nature has since flourished, leading to a plan to create a Taquari Wetlands State Park, setting land aside for a complete rewild, whilst compensating farmers for the land they give up. The total scale targeted is 326,179 acres, of which we have provided 25% seed funding for a 624-acre parcel of this.

On our June 2026 departure in particular, trip host, Ralph Pannell, formerly of the charity Rainforest Concern, will provide an insight into the Pantanal and Amazon ecosystems; environmental issues these areas face & efforts being made to protect them.

A great benefit of cruising through the Pantanal rather than being lodge-based, is that when you are there you are there. Once the boat moves on, nothing is left behind.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

The compensation given to farmers is an important step in preventing their financial collapse, whilst letting nature take back and rebuild a unique wetland ecosystem.

All accommodation and boats used on these trips is Brazilian owned and managed, creating local employment and investment. All these trips engage expert local guides.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Our workplace has always nurtured equal employment without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation or nationality.

We often assist travelers with limited mobility, vision or hearing; and always welcome the opportunity to adapt our experiences to enable the maximum scope of people to participate.

Aside from one UK host on one trip, all staff engaged in these trips are from Brazil. Where the UK host is involved, there is no replacement of local staff.