Ayeyawaddy Dolphin Protected Area Explorer (3-Day)
Our Explorer 3-Day takes you on a journey through the entire Ayeyawaddy Dolphin Protected Area, providing best chances to see dolphins and explore river life along the Ayeyawaddy River. Local fishermen will teach you how to communicate dolphins and use a cast-net, and overnight stays at two different communities will give you the opportunity to take part in daily activities, such planting, cooking, pottery, traditional cigar making, or weaving. On the third day, you will take guided walk through the Sacred Forest and look for wildlife tracks including the Golden Deer. The tour starts and end in Mandalay, with a short an optional visit to Mingun Stupa on the final day. All meals are prepared by the communities.
$265pp (groups of 3-4 adults)
- Groups of 2 adults (minimum): $330pp (pay $265pp on booking + $65pp later if no one joins your group)
- Groups of 5-10 adults: $240pp
- Single Room Supplement: $100pp extra
- Children ages 6-12: $120pp. Infants 0-5: free
- Private tour 1-4 persons: $240 per group / 5-10 persons: free
- Deluxe tent accommodation: Included
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Roundtrip on the Living Irrawaddy Boat
- Two nights accommodation in deluxe tent
- Fishermen’s boat to see dolphins
- English speaking guide
- Dolphin conservation fund ($15)
- 7 meals prepared by the communities
- Water, tea and fruit on the boat
- Pick up/drop off at hotel/guesthouse
- Entrance to Mingun Stupa (depends on time available)
Excluded
- 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 & temples)
- Change of clothes and light jacket for the evening
- Towel, swimsuit and sandals for bathing
- Toiletries (please use only biodegradable soap)
- Camera, binoculars
- Money for handicrafts, drinks and tips
Itinerary
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 Boat departs for the northern area of the Ayeyawaddy Dolphin Protected Area, surveying for dolphins along the way.
07:30 Breakfast on the Living Irrawaddy Boat.
08:30 Visit Htone Gyi market and learn about local products.
10:00 Depart for Shwe Thit pottery village.
12:00 Lunch with a local family in Shwe Thit Community.
13:00 Learn how to make pottery.
15:00 Return to the boat and tents. Free time to relax, swim/bathe.
17:00 Afternoon boat ride to look for dolphins.
19:00 Dinner hosted by the community.
21:00 Bedtime.
DAY 3
06:30 Enjoy the sunrise. Look for dolphins located nearby with fishing boats.
08:00 Breakfast in the village.
09:00 Learn and practice the art of communicating and fishing with dolphins.
10:00 Depart for She Ma Ga Sacred Forest.
12:00 Lunch at the Sacred Forest Monastery.
13:00 Follow a village guid through the Sacred Forest looking for signs of Eld’s deer.
14:30 Boat departs 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.
