Today we started very early in the morning with a skiff ride around Belluda Caño. In this bird-watchers’ paradise, we spotted five different species of raptors, including several yellow-headed caracaras, a black-collared hawk, a road-side hawk, an osprey, and two great black hawks. We also spotted a couple of night-owl monkeys with a baby. They stared at us with their large, curious eyes. With great excitement, we came returned to the ship for a well-deserved breakfast. For the rest of the morning, we enjoyed presentations on ecology, the behavior of monkeys, and local medicinal plants. After lunch, we had a session about iPhone photography, and later on, we cruised on Zodiacs around El Dorado River. The light was just spectacular, as well as the many incredible encounters, including capuchin and squirrel monkeys, hawks, parrots and a gorgeous lake with gigantic lily pads. We stayed late after sunset, so we also had the opportunity to spot several caimans on the river. After our return to the Delfin II, we happily shared our experiences over a cold drink at the bar.
5/31/2025
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Delfin II
Marayali River, Amazonas Village, Peru
Leaving Delfin II at 06:00 for our morning skiff ride, we explored the Marayali River. The birds were up and working on obtaining breakfast while the three-toed sloths chose to sleep the morning hours away. On our way back to the ship, we encountered a snail kite having its namesake prey for breakfast right in front of us! The rest of the morning was spent at Amazonas Village getting an introduction to life along the river. Demonstrations of how to get sugar water out of cane, how to make and dye fiber for baskets and other items, as well as food preparation were given. We chatted with children who had monkeys as pets! Our evening was topped off by a toast to the beginning of the actual Amazon River, where the Marañon and Ucayali Rivers converge. Salud! This is my final daily expedition report as a full-time Lindblad employee. I am retiring after 21 years as a National Geographic certified photo instructor and naturalist, ready to begin a new life of travel and exploration. I want to give a big thank you to all of those Lindblad guests whom I have traveled with over the years, and I will leave you with these words: Travel as often as you can, as far as you can, for as long as you can. May God and your luggage be with you!
