Experience Irrawaddy Dolphins & Fishing Communities (2-Day)
The Experience 2-Day takes you to the southern and central areas of the Ayeyawaddy Dolphin Protected Area in search of dolphins. Fishermen will teach you how to throw a cast-net, demonstrate how they fish with the help of dolphins, and tell folktales in the evening. During the overnight stay at a local community, families will host you for meals and let you experience their daily life along the Ayeyawaddy River. You will also visit the Sacred Forest created by King Mindon and look for tracks of wildlife, including the elusive Golden Deer, with a local guide. The tour starts and ends in Mandalay, with a short, optional visit to Mingun Stupa on the final day.
$185pp (groups of 3-4 adults)
- Groups of 2 adults (minimum): $230pp (pay $185 on booking + $45pp fee later if no one joins your group)
- Groups of 5-10 adults: $165pp
- Single Room Supplement: $50pp extra
- Children ages 6-12: $90pp. Infants 0-5: free
- Private tour 1-4 persons: $165 per group / 5-10 persons: free
- Deluxe tent accommodation: Included.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Roundtrip on the Living Irrawaddy Boat
- Overnight accommodation in deluxe tent
- Fishermen’s boat to see dolphins
- English speaking guide
- Dolphin conservation fund ($10)
- 4 meals prepared by communities
- Water, tea and fruit on the boat
- Pick up/drop off at hotel/guesthouse
- Entrance to Mingun Stupa
Exclusions
- Drinks (soda, beer, wine) – available on the boat for extra charge
Things to Bring
- Reusable water bottle to reduce waste
- Hat and sunscreen
- Shirt that covers your shoulders (for sun and temples)
- Change of clothes & light jacket for the evening
- Towel, swimsuit and sandals for bathing
- Toiletries (please use biodegradable soap only)
- Camera, binoculars
- Money for handicrafts, drinks and tips
Itinerary
Day 1
07:30 Pick up at your hotel by our guide.
07:45 Arrive at Mandalay Jetty and board the Living Irrawaddy Boat. Briefing on safety & itinerary.
08:00 Boat departs Mandalay.
09:00 Visit Sin Kyun Community and learn about bamboo hat making.
10:00 Depart for Sein Pa Kone Community.
12:00 Lunch in Sein Pa Kone. Introduction to dolphins presented by local fishermen.
13:30 Depart for Myit Kyan Gyi Community. Look for dolphins along the way.
15:30 Arrive in Myit Kyan Gyi. Guided walk around the village.
17:00 Free time to swim/bathe, play rattan ball, enjoy the sunset or walk around the village.
18:30 Dinner hosted by the community.
19:30 Storytelling by village elders.
20:30 Retire to the boat or tent.
Day 2
06:30 Enjoy the sunrise. Look for dolphins located nearby with fishing boats.
08:00 Breakfast on the boat.
09:00 Learn how to throw a cast-net. Learn about a daily activity in the village (example: planting or picking peanuts)
10:30 Depart the village.
12:00 Lunch in She Ma Ga. Meet local guide.
13:00 Walk to the Sacred Forest and look for wildlife tracks.
15:00 Depart for Mandalay.
16:00 Optional: Visit Mingun Stupa (depending on time and interest)
17:30 Arrive in Mandalay.
Subject to change according to dolphin locations and weather conditions.
Cancellation, Refunds & Changes
Cancellations & Refunds
- 7 days or more before departure – Full refund less bank transfer fees
- 2 to 6 days before departure – 50% refund
- 48 hours before the tour starts – No refund
Date Changes
- 2 or more days before departure – No fee
- 48 hours before departure – 25% service fee
Important Information (Please read before your trip)
Cultural Do’s & Don’ts
Before your trip, please take the time to learn about important cultural Do’s & Don’ts for Myanmar: https://www.dosanddontsfortourists.com/
Policy Against Exploitation of Children
- We do not have school visits or volunteering with children during our tours.
- We ask that if guests would like to help students in the village or at the monastery that donations be made to the head teacher or the head monk.
- Please take a short moment to read the 7 tips for travelers by Child Safe
Health & Safety
- The tour involves boat travel. Please inform our guides if you cannot swim before the tour.
- Please wear life jackets at all times if you cannot swim. Please wear life jackets while riding small fishing boats.
- Please do not lean on railings on the Living Irrawaddy Dolphin Boat. Please do not dive off the boat, as water levels can be quite shallow. Please walk carefully on the boat; no running please.
- When getting on and off the boat, please hold on to the rail held by the staff. Please wait for staff to provide the railing before attempting to get on or off the boat.
- Please wear a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the heat.
- Please drink water to stay hydrated. Drinking water and reusable water bottles are available on the boat. Do not drink from the sink in the bathroom or from the wash basin in the village.
- Please wash your hands before eating.
