Amazon Riverboat Exploration

Nancy Burton | 3/14/2017

“Amazon Riverboat Exploration”

I loved the number of different daily activities available- from early in the AM to late in the evening! For this reason alone, I would consider signing up for this expedition again. The logistics support was super and the research team focused, but fun. As a citizen scientist, I felt like a real member of the team.

Kevin Slotten | 3/13/2017

“The Amazon: Vast and Diverse”

As two individuals interested in broadening our knowledge of the environment, we joined the 2-week expedition with the hope of developing a better understanding and appreciation of the Amazonian ecosystem, its importance and sustainability in the longer term. The expedition exceeded our expectations. Dr. Bodmer and his team of biologists and field guides managed a unique balance of classroom-style lectures and field trips that meshed theory with the aggregation of data collected in a way that was easily understood by the non-biologist. The team was eager to share their knowledge regarding the flora and fauna of the region and explain the subtle nuances of nature: bird calls or dolphin behaviors. Further, the field guides were true experts in sighting and identifying mammals, birds and plants. Dr. Bodmer and his team were always accessible for field questions throughout the day and during the evening group debriefs. We came away with a good understanding of the research being conducted and the importance of the ongoing field counts in maintaining a data sample that is immensely valuable in formulating policies along with sustainable conservation models helping local people profit from eco-sensitive utilization of the land. Daily activities included: land transects, dolphin, wading bird and macaw counts, while after dark fishing bat and caiman counts that included capturing and measuring. Each day was unique and eventful. -Michele and Kevin Slotten

Sallie McCutcheon | 2/10/2017

“Trained Ears and Trained Eyes”

The Amazon Riverboat Exploration expedition was amazing. It was outstanding not only for its terrain, land animals, fish, dolphins, birds, caimans etc. but because of the staff. The men who operated the small boats used for observing wildlife were very skilled. The research staff and the boat operators were able to hear or see both macaws, monkeys, or sloths before any of the volunteers were able to detect them. But we learned fast (but never as proficiently as the staff.) The lectures by Dr. Bodmer pertaining to the expedition were well received. We learned about the history of the region and the political undertakings that made some of the area a preserve. We also learned the reason the research was valuable to the area. The boat staff wonderful cooks and made out stay very comfortable. The captain of the boat made the days on the river a pleasure by slowing the boat so we could have a good look at the animals in the trees even before we reached our final research location.

We visited a small village. The inhabitants gave us a warm welcome.

Barbara Conrad | 2/9/2017

“Fantastic Amazon Riverboat Expedition Team I Jan 2017”

This was a very rich and rewarding experience, and I highly recommend it. The project is very well managed and organized. There are good accommodations at both the Casa Morey hotel in Iquitos and on the Rio Amazonas boat. The project team is outstanding. The Principal Investigator Richard Bodmer is very knowledgeable and willing to share his years of experience, through several university-level presentations and in response to one-on-one questions. The biologists and field assistants are also outstanding in the knowledge and experience which they so willingly share. I learned good basic skills and methods for field surveys. The village visit was a pleasure. There is clearly a long term, respectful and mutually beneficial relationship between the project and the local communities. I especially appreciate that the findings from the research are shared and serve so many: the local community for resource management, the provincial and national governments in Peru for policy and planning, and the international community for climate change impact tracking. And, of course, the forest, the rivers, the birds, animals and fish are wonderful. This is a great up-close connection with a very beautiful and rich ecosystem. The other team members were great fun too, coming from a broad range of ages and background. Brought my own boots, and appreciated my mosquito head net and gloves for those few times that mosquitoes were abundant.

Nicole Cloutier | 1/17/2017

“Full Immersion In The Amazon: By foot or by boat, this trip has something for everyone!”

For years I had wanted to go on an EarthWatch trip and was so excited when I was finally able to make it happen! There were so many choices, but an EarthWatch advisor helped me narrow it down. While all the trips are amazing, she specifically highlighted that this trip in particular offers so many different types of experiences. On any given day you can chose up to 3 or 4 different activities. I made it a point to try each excursion at least once - and they were all fantastic! In the mornings, you could chose to do a bird survey, including 1 for Macaws flying over! Or you could go on a boat to observe and count the Pink River Dolphin, a jungle transect, which was an amazing way to encounter various monkeys, or a night bat count by boat. Truly - all of it was so unique and priceless. My favorite memory probably will be the evening boat excursion to count and capture Caiman. It was fun to find them, the guides would ultimately "catch" them, and then a volunteer would take various measurements before naming and releasing it. There was a scientific briefing each night which was fantastic as well. The food was great but the company was better! I went solo and made 3 great friends during my trip! Was a great escape from busy work life and a trip of a lifetime to work side-by-side with the local ecologists! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Judith Wieske | 10/22/2016

“Much more than I expected!”

This expedition should be called "Amazing" Amazon Riverboat Exploration. The director and staff were wonderful and made sure everyone was comfortable, well fed, participated as much as they wanted and helped us to fully understand how our participation really helps make an impact on the Reserve and it's inhabitants. There are so many great activities on this project and I was able to select which ones I wanted to participate in each day. Yes, it is hot during the day and you will sweat a lot, but the rewards are many and there's always air conditioning and a shower back on the Clavero. If you want to do the walking transects for this expedition I would bring your own rubber boots as they may not have your size available. I am prone to sea sickness and we hardly felt the motion of the boat at all, even when underway. The smaller boats for field work were very steady also and I only had to use dramamine when I was using binoculars counting all the birds during the Wading Birds Survey. There was ample opportunity to take photographs during all of the activities. This is definitely a photographer's dream trip! We were able to see a new Giant River Otter family in the area along with about 75 different types of birds. The river dolphins were everywhere and playful. Many monkeys and sloths also. If you have time spend an extra day or two in Iquitos to see and experience life on the Amazon. There are many animal preserves in the area. I would surely do this again!

Ruth Robarts | 9/18/2016

“Amazon Riverboat Exploration”

The Amazon Riverboat Exploration was a very inspiring experience. It let me contribute in a small way to the vital work of Dr. Richard Bodmer and other scientists who study the Pacaya-Samiria river forest in the western Amazon region of Peru. Dr. Bodmer has genuine roots in the area. Since the 1980s, he has studied wildlife in this area in a cooperative and deepening relationship with local scientists and the indigenous people, the Cocama nation. His lectures fully prepared us to participate in the field work. They also presented a compelling argument for co-management of the Pacaya-Samiria area and all other areas experiencing the damaging impacts of climate change. Dr. Bodmer has the perspective of someone who has restored river boats from the 1890s, helped create a museum of indigenous culture, trained generations of scientists, and is building and refining a solid bank of scientific evidence to inform the decisions of local people and governments. As a result, volunteers get the chance to follow Cocama guides through the areas of study, learning from them and the young Peruvian biologists, while Dr. Bodmer makes it all happen.

Julie Buxton | 7/6/2016

“An Exceptional Expedition!”

Being on a historic 100-year old ship in the depths of the Amazon with a passionate Principle Investigator and experienced fellow Expeditioners - mysterious water below, clear blue sky above, surrounded by lush greenery and exquisite wildlife that calls out in a harmonious symphony - what is not to love? Having a day of research in the jungle that concludes with a stunning sunset and a chilled Pisco sour in hand (or 2) on the ship - that's what I call the epitome of 'giving back'. During the evening debriefings I learned that an early, early morning jaunt to track Macaws was a daily option. I (sighed and) signed up for the early morning call thinking that I would take one for the team - only to find out that it was a spectacular experience. The same held true for the early evening quest for caimans in the Amazon dusk. And that says nothing for the wild life tracking during the course of the day. My all-time favorite afternoon was at a village of one of the Amazon tribes – touring the village and dancing with the children. I was entranced by the villager’s zest for life, their creativity and their ability to embrace sweaty, stinky, and slightly nosey strangers (us) - it was a highlight of our trip, as well as, a highlight of our lives. The expedition staff were exceptionally friendly, the food was savory and tasty, the accommodations very comfortable and the mission is one that very much needs to be supported. The Amazon is a treasure and needs to be preserved. Just do it!

Yoko Sakai | 5/26/2016

“Amazon River”

This is my 3rd expeditions over years. Last expedition in Madagascar was the best among those yet, this Amazon River was as good as it was considering the costs of participants and the program was very organized and efficient. I would highly recommend it.

Jeremy Lijoi | 5/14/2016

“Amazing journey on the Amazon”

This expedition was fantastic- interesting, rewarding, and engaging. I was skeptical at first, given I never travel solo nor really participate in "organized" trips. However, the entire experience was flawlessly executed. The science team was patient with the volunteers and very willing to teach us anything we were interested in. Along with seeing flora and fauna, we had a rewarding visit with a local Amazon community. Accommodations were better that I expected as well. I'd recommend this expedition without hesitation.

Beatrice Käser | Sunday, March 13, 2016

“A unique experience or once (hopefully twice...) in a lifetime”

I am highly enthusiastic about my trip to the Amazon: Great nature, a unique and "cosy" boat (Clavadero), wonderful and friendly native stuff (!) and the possibility to get real "close" to things... this was just a unique experience, but also some kind of "tough". You get to understand clearly what climate change is going to destroy within - probably - the next few years. I appreciated the possibility to see not only the beautiful plants and animals but also facts concerning our future. And the future of the local people "down the Amazon". I would LOVE to get back and I hope that it will be possible to return to the Clavadero and the Samiria River. PS: I woud highly recommand European travellers to take some "botanical"/flora-fauna books in English and their native language with them, otherwise it is sometimes difficult on board to understand the large variety of English names/statements during discussions. Thanks again for a great journey!

Norma Cote | Monday, February 08, 2016

“Wonderful Way to Immerse Yourself in the Amazon Rainforest”

I took the 2-week expedition in December 2015 and absolutely loved it. The "work" we volunteers did never felt like work. We assisted in excursions to count certain species of rainforest animals, but if we came across some interesting animals that we weren't looking for, we'd stop and watch anyway; we were never rushed. The staff was exceptionally supportive of us volunteers. The biologists and field guides were very pleased when they found something interesting to show us, very gratified when we were able to see it, and if we (that is, I) still couldn't pick it out, they'd borrow my camera and take photographs for me. Sometimes it felt as though the main purpose of our excursions was to educate us volunteers, not to collect data (although the director, Dr. Richard Bodmer, assured us that he collected 10 times as much data when he had volunteers on the expeditions). There were always multiple kinds of excursions to sign up for, so we had lots of choices. In the course of 2 weeks, of course we did some excursions multiple times, but I never got bored, because you never knew what you were going to see. There are a lot of logistics to get right mounting an expedition like this way out in the wilderness, with lots of staff and equipment and provisions, but everything ran so smoothly it wasn't at all obvious how much care had been taken to make it run that way. This was a fabulous opportunity to be part of a serious environmental monitoring program and have fun too.

Regina Anavy | Friday, January 15, 2016

“Second time on this expedition, love it”

I went in December because I wanted to be on the river when the water was higher, and we did get further up-river than on last year's September trip. There were only five of us, so we had the Clavero as our boat, smaller and less comfortable but still wonderful, with the added bragging rights to being the oldest boat on the Amazon. We were joined for a few days by three students and a biologist, which added some young energy to the group. Dr. Richard's lectures are very complete and informative. My favorite surveys were the birds and caimans, and I also did bats, fish and dolphins. If you like to hike, the terrestrial transects are for you. The sunsets are glorious, and it's a privilege to be in the Reserve. We also visited three villages to bring panettones to the communities. It's a Peruvian custom at Xmas. Who knew?!

I definitely recommend this trip to those who like boats and tropical environments.

Kathie Kelly | Tuesday, October 20, 2015

“ A Unique Expedition in an Outstanding Location”

I think it is hard to top this expedition in terms of the sheer number and variety of animal species seen and the beauty of the location, as well as the obvious value of the data being collected.

Richard Bodmer’s talks on the geological and historical development of the area, combined with his obvious respect and devotion to the Amazonian people and their way of life, gave a depth to the value of the work that left me feeling that my part in the expedition was meaningful.

Because of the design of the expedition, each volunteer on the expedition is able to pick the type and level of involvement best suited for their personal needs. This is because the expedition involves collecting data on different groups of animals at different times throughout the day. In my brief experience with Earthwatch, that makes this a very unique expedition.

The accommodations are generally basic, but made extremely comfortable by the existence of air conditioning. The food is local, fresh, plentiful and deliciously prepared. The presence of a bar, library and mid-afternoon tea actually made our stay on the boat feel luxurious in addition to providing us with a comfortable environment in which to relax together when not out working.

I can’t recommend this expedition enough. As a matter of fact, I recommend it ALL the time to anyone who expresses an interest in volunteering with Earthwatch.

Deborah Blythe | Wednesday, August 26, 2015

“Amazing adventure”

From start to finish, this expedition was amazing. I arrived a few days early to have a chance to recover from the long flight and visit Iquitos. Be sure to visit the boat and the cultural anthropology museums - and the market. Wherever you go, just be cautious - hold on to your belongings and camera. I also recommend taking half a day to visit the nearby butterfly and wildlife sanctuary (taxi and 20-minute boat ride.). The Casa Morey was great. The biologists and crew were wonderful. The food and accommodations were good. The atmosphere fun and friendly. The lectures given by Dr. Richard Bodner were interesting and informative. We had an abundance of opportunities to get out in the small boats and do treks in the jungle. Fascinating to catch and measure caiman (the biologists were surprised by the number of dwarf caiman we caught - they're seeing a shift in the species pattern). Fun to fish - and catch and eat piranha. But my favourite activity was the dolphin counting. If you're planning to take gifts for the Cocama children, insist on finding out how many to expect. We were told there would be 20-30, and we prepared thirty school kits, plus miscellaneous other things such as toys and solar lights. But there were far more children than we expected (about 75), and it was a scramble trying to divide things up so everyone got something. We avoided taking candy, but the children were looking for it - so take something like mints that won't melt and can be distributed.

Jeffrey Olmstead | Wednesday, April 29, 2015

“Land of Mirrors”

We had a fabulous time on Team 4 of Amazon Riverboat Exploration this month. Richard Bodmer has been running this expedition long enough that the logistics of the trip are well worked out. Any last-minute hitches (The road to Nauta washes out? Hire speed boats to get us there!) are smoothed over quickly. His lectures on the details of the trip are informative without being pedantic. His assistants Kimberly and Joseph, and native guides Samuel and Rolin, were friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable. Casa Morey and Clavero and her captain and crew also provided friendly accommodations in an early 20th century ambiance. This opportunity to visit and explore a managed tropical wildlife reserve away from (and in fact off limits to) the usual tourist routes is ready and waiting for you to take advantage of it.

Carole Hite Welch | Saturday, February 07, 2015

“Research riverboat in western Amazon ”

It is great to be a part of the conservation plan which has allowed this part of the Amazon to return to its original natural state. The riverboat was comfortable, the staff was expert in their field, positive and helpful, and the data collection was primarily done on small rivercraft. For those who are concerned about walking in the forest, there are a dozen other activities on the river and you choose which research birds/ mammals are of your interest each evening for the next day.

Gertrud Dingermann | Wednesday, January 21, 2015

“The "Black Waters" of the Samiria River”

The PI Dr. Bodmer was on the boat and gave several talks. For more than 30 years he has been involved in conservation and communal projects. On our way back we visited a village. The Cocama people are actively involved in conservation and Dr. Bodmer is kind of a "father figure"

One could choose from several projects every day. You could observe pink river dolphins, wading birds, macaws on their way from or to their feeding trees, catch, weigh, measure (and release) fish. At dusk fishing bats were on the agenda and after dinner you could join a boat looking for caymans.

There were terrestrial transects too. Howler monkeys, coatis and other interesting information on the way.

John Seidel | Tuesday, December 09, 2014

“Great experience and a worthwhile cause.”

I went on Team 7 of this expedition from Nov 7 to 23 2014. The expedition was well organized the activities could be varied at your choosing. The boat was very comfortable with a great crew and good food. The research is very involving and hands on. The resident scientists are very knowledgeable and friendly. The research is making a difference in both the physical world but in the culture of the Cocama indians. From the Hotel Casa Morey in Iquitos to the final day you will enjoy and be amazed at the accomplishments and impact of Dr Richard Bodmer chief Earthwatch Scientist. Its hot, buggy and a good workout but its a great Earthwatch Expedition.

Regina Anavy | Friday, September 26, 2014

“Truly Amazing!”

If you're interested in tropical ecology, I highly recommend this trip. Ditto if you like boats and are fascinated with Amazonia. I learned so much and thoroughly enjoyed the field surveys. You sign up every evening for the next day's trips, by boat or by land (hiking), and you can do as many or as little as you like. The boat has air conditioning and now has hot water. The cabins are comfortable and the food is ample and delicious. Drinkable water is provided at all times. I went at the beginning of September for two weeks and was sad to leave. P.S. The sunsets on the river are spectacular. Don't forget your camera.

Bill Pretsch | Sunday, June 08, 2014

“Fun Trip”

A very diverse experience, between birds, mammals, plants, trees and fish. Definately somthing for everyone.

I took fishing tackle which was a waste of time. Bring cameras with extra data storage as lots to film. Binoculars a must have.

The 2 kilometer walk in the jungle is a must do, but will cause dehydration. Suggest wearing a T shirt under long sleeve shirt as mosqutoes will normally not get throughthe two layers.

Mary Rowe | Monday, April 14, 2014

“Liked it so much I did it twice.”

You can't beat this project for comfortable immersion in the Amazon Rainforest. I did it both times when the water was high, because it was such an unusual experience, but if you like to hike, you will get more hiking opportunities during the low water season. (Low/high water doesn't refer to rain, but rather to the seasonal floods that come from the Andes.)

We saw many animals, including dolphins and macaws, and just hearing howler monkeys is a real treat.

We got lots of talks from the researchers and there are a variety of tasks to choose from each day.

Maria Chatzinakis | Saturday, February 15, 2014

“My experience on the Amazon River and its tributaries on a riverboat”

This was my second time doing this project, that's how good it is; I've done 15. The accommodations were comfortable and the food was wonderful as were the lectures. Dr. Bodmer and the staff were very caring and looked after our needs.

The first evening on board, we were given a lecture on the geological history of the area. I liked getting up predawn and going bird counting; seeing the sun rise over the Amazon was beautiful. Breakfast was great. Then onto counting pink and gray dolphins. After lunch there were fish counts. There were treks into the forest in AM and PM; which I didn't do. Late afternoon, we went up to the top deck and watched the sunset. Then onto dinner and a lecture and briefing on the days counts (after we entered the days data into the computer), and then caiman counting. We did as many as we wanted. Seeing these amazing animals and photographing them was fabulous. Even though I wasn't a birdwatcher, I did get into it as there were so may beautiful ones to see. It was a worthwhile and wonderful experience. I did like the December one better as it was dryer, in fact there was a drought.

On our weekend off we visited various villages and even witnessed a kindergarten graduation. It was so cute when they marched in all dressed up and danced with each other and then with their parents.

I heartily recommend this project. I felt like I was doing something really important, surveying the health of the Amazon and its tributaries

Maria Chatzinakis

Gerhard Rehmann | Thursday, February 06, 2014

“Unforgettable”

Richard, the chief investigator, gave us an interesting lecture on the history of the Amazon basin and the ecology of the Varzea, the areas that are regularly flooded.

There was a rich offer of activities to take part and we were free to choose among them as best we could.

You would start the day before dawn, go up the river on a canoe and watch the colourful parrots cross the river.

After a healthy breakfast you might switch to a bigger boat and count river dolphins.

If you're happier on solid earth, go for a 'transect' i.e. walk a few miles through the jungle and record every animal you see.

As for fishes, you may go fishing and count species and number of your catch. Yes, Piranhas may well be among them.

Have you ever tried to count a thousand? Here you will count several thousands of birds on the river bench.

Late in the evening, after a splendid sunset, you may either watch the milky way as clear as you never saw it before.

Or you go on another canoe excursion and try to spot alligators on the river banks in the light of a torch.

On your free afternoon, you might visit the neighboring village or experience a spectacular tropical thunderstorm.

One of the most exciting excursions was a night walk into the jungle, but be careful: the most beautiful caterpillars might be the most poisonous, too.

The staff is very knowledgeable and if you're lucky, the indian guides give you some insight into their traditions. I even was treated with an indian ceremony to 'clean my soul'.