Snorkelling at Rio da Prata: An Unforgettable Experience

After suiting up in a wetsuit and a brief orientation session, the tour begins with an engaging walk through the Olho d'Água riparian forest. This interpretive trail is protected by a Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN). The trail passes by centuries-old trees, orchids, and bromeliads. You will undoubtedly hear the songs and see several of the 237 bird species already observed on the property, or perhaps even bring the list to 238. Among the 37 mammal species found there, you will have a good chance of seeing South American Coati (Nasua nasua), Hooded capuchin monkeys (Sapajus cay), Azara's Agouti (Dasyprocta azarae), Southern Tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla) and Giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), as well as Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacus) along the trail. Upon arriving at the headwaters and resurgence of the Olho D'Água River, a vast pool of crystal-clear waters, the guide will help everyone get equipped with a mask and snorkel and give additional information about the tour. After this preparation, the descent down the river begins. The gentle current will carry you through an underwater world inhabited by thirty-six known fish species and aquatic plants. Schools of fish, known in Portuguese as piraputangas, dourados, curimbatás, pious, and matogrossinhos, will be some of your companions as you float downstream. The route is approximately 1600 meters down the Olho d'Água River until the confluence of the Olho d'Água and Prata rivers. From this point, called "Barra," snorkelling continues along the Rio da Prata for another 600 meters, bringing the total to 2200 meters. Upon returning to the ranch’s reception area, a delicious lunch of regional food prepared by an award-winning chef awaits. There will be various homemade desserts, including the famous Doce de Leite produced commercially on the premises. To relax after the adventure, there are hammocks, a cacophony of birds around the reception area, a space where seedlings are produced for reforestation projects and for sale to the public, and the opportunity to visit the small-scale Doce de Leite factory.