Marimbus boat tour

1 Day

he Marimbus Swamp, known as the Mini-Pantanal, is a unique ecosystem in Chapada Diamantina and northeastern Brazil. This wetland, brimming with rich aquatic fauna, is a verdant island amidst the dry biomes of Cerrado and Caatinga, offering visitors a distinctive experience and unveiling a fascinating facet of Chapada Diamantina. Photography enthusiasts will delight in capturing the striking mirror effect of Marimbus’ dark waters, which perfectly reflect the surrounding vegetation and landscape.

The natural pools of the Roncador River present another equally photogenic spectacle. Their dark waters create a striking contrast against the surrounding pink rock and the lush Marimbus forests stretching to the horizon, all framed by the almost always azure sky of the Chapada. This unique tour reveals a different side of Chapada Diamantina, presenting visitors with a scenario unlike any other excursion.

Boat Ride on the Mini-Pantanal Marimbus

Practical Information

Highlights of the Excursion

Duration: 1 day
Departure and Return Times: 8 AM – 6 PM
Total Walking Time: 1.5 hours
Total Driving Distance (Round Trip): 1.5 hours
Boat Ride: 2 hours

Boat ride through the Mini-Pantanal Marimbus
Natural pools of the Roncador River (considered the most beautiful in Chapada Diamantina)
Beach and lake in the forest
Rich diversity of fauna and flora

What is not included?

Professional guide from our agency
Boat ride with a rower from the Remanso maroon community
Entrance fees
Round-trip transportation
Agency’s insurance

What is included?

Lunch: Bring your own picnic or book a picnic through our agency on the day before
Snacks: You may bring your own if desired

What shall I Bring?

Hiking shoes or sneakers
Swimsuit
Towel
Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, UV-protective shirt)
Water (1.5 L recommended)
Picnic

Important Information: During the rainiest periods of the year, the Roncador River can rise significantly, flooding the natural pools and increasing water levels in the swamp. Under these conditions, it is not advisable to undertake this excursion, and our agency will provide recommendations for alternative routes better suited to these specific weather conditions.

Marimbus Boat tour overview

We start with a 40-minute drive to the Remanso maroon community, where we meet the rower who will guide us through the maze of channels that make up the Marimbus Swamp. Meanwhile, our driver-guide goes ahead to meet us later near the Roncador River.

During the boat ride, our rower will share insights about the local flora and fauna, particularly the many species of aquatic birds that inhabit the region. The rower then drops us off in a lush forest bordering the river, where we rejoin the agency guide.

After a short walk, we arrive at a beach by a forest lake, where we can take a refreshing swim after spending two hours under the sun in the boat. We enjoy our picnic in the shade of the trees.

Next, we start going upriver along the Roncador, reaching its famous Natural Pools, renowned for their unparalleled beauty in Chapada Diamantina. The contrast of the pink rocks surrounding the dark waters of the pools, coupled with the deep green hues of the surrounding forest, creates an extraordinarily photogenic setting. Here, it is impossible to resist another refreshing swim in this idyllic environment, or jump from high rocks into the mysterious dark waters of the natural pools.

We conclude the day with a 40-minute walk along a trail that alternates between typical Cerrado landscapes, marshes, and sandy areas. After another 40-minute drive, we return to Lençóis.