Crystal water
Like a glass tank.
MTur Destinos — Public domain · MTur Destinos — Public domain · Daniel Francisco Madrigal Möller — CC BY-SA 3.0 · David Morimoto (treez44est) — CC BY-SA 2.0 · MTur Destinos — Public domain
Rio da Prata, the Silver River, is a small river in the municipality of Jardim near Bonito whose limestone bed makes its water remarkably clear, so you see the bottom, the fish and the water plants as if looking into a glass tank. The thing to do here is the float: drifting slowly downstream on the surface with mask and snorkel. The trip starts at the Recanto Ecológico Rio da Prata reserve with a walk through the forest to the river's spring; then visitors float with a guide for about two hours over some 2.4 kilometres, among shoals of big fish such as piraputanga and dourado. Wetsuit, mask, life vest and lunch are included, and groups are no larger than ten. You do not need to be a strong swimmer, as the vest keeps you afloat, but touching or standing on the bottom is forbidden to keep the water clear. Bonito's river trips usually ask you not to wear sunscreen or insect repellent before going in. Lunch is a buffet, so ask about the dishes if you avoid pork.
Like a glass tank.
All around you.
After a forest walk.
Recanto Ecológico Rio da Prata, Jardim, about 50 km from Bonito
No. The life vest keeps you afloat and a guide goes with you, but touching or standing on the bottom is forbidden.