Tour Details

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 communites 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 ends in Mandalay, with an optional visit to Mingun on the final day. All meals are prepared by the communities.

Price Includes

Roundtrip and two night's accommodation the Living Irrawaddy Boat
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

Price Excludes

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

Pick up at your hotel by our guide.
Arrive at Mandalay jetty and board the Living Irrawaddy Boat.
Briefing on safety & itinerary.
Boat departs Mandalay.
Visit Sin Kyun Community and learn about bamboo hat making.
Depart for Sein Pa Kone Community.
Lunch in Sein Pa Kone.
Introduction to dolphins presented by local fishermen.
Depart for Myit Kyan Gyi Community.
Look for dolphins along the way.
Arrive in Myit Kyan Gyi.
Guided walk around the village.
Free time to swim/bathe, play rattan ball, enjoy the sunset or walk around the village.
Dinner hosted by the community.
Storytelling by village elders.
Retire to the boat or tent.

Day 2

Enjoy the sunrise.
Look for dolphins located nearby with fishing boats.
Breakfast on the Living Irrawaddy Boat.
Learn how to throw a cast net.
Boat departs for the northern area of the Ayeyawaddy Dolphin Protected Area, surveying for dolphins along the way.
Lunch in Sithe Community.
Learn how to make a cheroot (local cigar).
Look for dolphins near Sithe. Otherwise depart for Indown.
Free time to walk around the village, swim/bathe, enjoy the sunset, or help the villagers to cook.
Dinner hosted by the community.
Stories about dolphins and conservation.
Bedtime.

Day 3

Enjoy the sunrise.
Look for dolphins located nearby with fishing boats.
Breakfast on the Living Irrawaddy Boat.
Learn and practice the art of communicating and fishing with dolphins.
Depart for Indown Community.
Lunch in Indown.
Learn how to make pottery.
Depart for the Sacred Forest.
Walk to the Sacred Forest Monastery.
Boat departs for Mandalay.
Optional : Visit Mingun Stupa (depending on time and interest)
Arrive in Mandalay.