Amazon River Dolphins: The Differences Between the Pink River Dolphin and the Tucuxi
- Lábia Comunicação
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Discover the key differences between the Amazon’s two fascinating freshwater dolphins – the pink river dolphin and the tucuxi – and find out where you can see them up close at the Mamirauá Reserve.
What are the differences between the pink river dolphin and the tucuxi?
The pink river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis) is larger, more robust, with a pinkish hue, and usually lives alone or in small groups. The tucuxi (Sotalia fluviatilis), on the other hand, is smaller, gray, and lives in large, active and playful groups. Though both are freshwater dolphins native to the Amazon, they differ in size, anatomy, behavior, and distribution.
Seeing them in the wild is an unforgettable experience – one that’s possible at the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve, where Uakari Lodge offers exclusive excursions to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. Read on to discover everything you need to know about Amazon river dolphins.
Pink River Dolphin: The Gentle Giant of the Amazon
The pink river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis) is the largest freshwater dolphin in the world. Adult males can grow up to 2.55 meters (8.3 feet) and weigh as much as 185 kilograms (408 pounds). Its name comes from the pinkish tone of its skin, which intensifies with age and physical activity, especially in males during the breeding season.
Some of its most remarkable features include:
An extremely flexible neck, thanks to unfused cervical vertebrae – allowing a wide range of head movements.
A robust and flexible body, with a long and narrow rostrum (snout).
A low dorsal fin and broad pectoral flippers, ideal for navigating among submerged tree roots and branches in flooded forests.
Despite having small eyes, the pink dolphin has good eyesight, even in dimly lit environments. Its diet consists mainly of fish and crustaceans, with a wide variety of prey species within its aquatic ecosystem.
This species is typically solitary or found in small groups, moving discreetly and rarely breaching the water’s surface. Sadly, the pink river dolphin is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), due to threats like accidental fishing, habitat degradation, mercury contamination, and impacts from hydroelectric dams.
Tucuxi: The Social Acrobat of the Forest Rivers
Smaller and more agile, the tucuxi (Sotalia fluviatilis) reaches up to 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) and weighs around 47 kilograms (104 pounds). Its uniform gray coloration resembles marine dolphins. Its behavior is also more marine-like: it’s playful, active, and lives in large social groups.
Notable characteristics include:
A sickle-shaped dorsal fin, making it easy to identify.
A streamlined body and short rostrum.
Frequent surface activity and playful leaps.
While the pink river dolphin stays more restricted to the inner rivers of the Amazon Basin, the tucuxi inhabits both rivers and coastal areas, demonstrating impressive ecological adaptability.
Though less threatened than the pink dolphin, the tucuxi also faces pressures such as entanglement in fishing nets and habitat degradation.
Two Species Vital to the Amazon Ecosystem
Both the pink river dolphin and the tucuxi play critical roles in maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems. As top predators, they help regulate fish populations and serve as indicators of environmental health. They are also central to local myths and riverside traditions, seen by many as magical beings and guardians of the waters.
Where to See Amazon River Dolphins in the Wild
Few places offer such special opportunities to observe pink river dolphins and tucuxis in the wild as the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. And it is here that Uakari Lodge is located – an award-winning model of community-based tourism and conservation.
During your stay at the lodge, you can:
Take canoe excursions through flooded forests (igapós), with high chances of dolphin sightings.
Go on early morning outings along the Japurá River, when dolphins are most active and feeding near the surface.
Be guided by local experts who know the best observation points and respect the animals’ behavior.
Immerse yourself in the forest with comfort, regional cuisine, and sustainable practices.
Uakari Lodge is managed by local riverside communities and supports citizen science and environmental education initiatives. By staying there, you are directly contributing to the protection of the Amazon.
Best Time to See Pink River Dolphins and Tucuxis
The good news is that both species can be spotted year-round. However, the way you experience the forest changes with the river’s seasonal cycle:
During the flood season (December to July), the rivers rise and flood the forest, creating the igapós – ideal for quiet canoe rides and magical dolphin encounters as they swim among the trees.
In the dry season (August to November), water levels recede, revealing forest trails and river beaches – a great time to observe tucuxis in more open waters.
Live the Full Experience at Uakari Lodge
Watching a pink dolphin glide between submerged trees or seeing a group of tucuxis leaping near your canoe on the Japurá River is an experience that leaves a lasting impression. And living this moment with local guides, in harmony with nature and community, makes it even more meaningful.
If you want to witness the beauty and intelligence of Amazon river dolphins up close, plan your journey to Uakari Lodge. With 3, 4 or 7-night itineraries available year-round, you’ll enjoy authentic experiences, environmental education, and a deep connection with the world’s largest tropical forest.
Follow @uakarilodge on Instagram for amazing photos of river dolphins and life in the Amazon.
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