Jaguar Quest in the Northern Pantanal with Bob Harvey

Jaguars are elusive.  In many places their presence is only revealed by tracks and nocturnal trail cameras.  But, in Brazil’s Pantanal, their two favorite prey, caimans and capybara, are best hunted during the day.  And, over time, the jaguars have become used to photographers in boats.

Our 2024 Northern Pantanal Jaguar Quest is focused on putting you in the right place when a jaguar shows along one of the waterways in “the zone”.  We’ve set up a pair of boats with swivel chairs running down the middle, front to back, so every photographer can have unobstructed views right and left.  We have great boatman and the best guide, all using their bush contacts to locate jaguars and put us in great positions.  They know the individual jaguars and their likely behavior – and can anticipate where a jaguar on the move will surface next.

You might think that’s a lot of time and effort for a few images of jaguars.  Think again.  The Northern Pantanal is an outstanding habitat for birds.  Many kinds of large fishing birds, small colorful birds, parrots, jabiru storks (largest flying bird in the Americas), owls, nightjars… the list goes on.  This is the best place I know to refine (or build) your skills with flying birds.  And there are numerous opportunities to capture images of birds catching or having caught fish.

There’s more.  Giant River Otters, skittish elsewhere, are quite comfortable swimming, fishing, playing, and eating while photographers capture images a short distance away.  Sometimes within a few meters!  Capybaras and Caiman are common and make great subjects as well.  Sunsets can be outstanding from the boats!

Our small group will meet in Cuiabá and then move straight to a floating hotel right in the middle of the jaguar action.  We’ll go out in those customized small boats.  All lodging, almost all dining, guides, drivers, boatmen, transportation (after you reach the starting hotel), and Bob, full of photographic suggestions, are included.  The boat hotel has electricity for charging and downloading in your room and internet (weak) for posting.

It will be hot (not so bad when the little boat is moving) and the sun is intense (protection is necessary).  Tips are an important part of this economy, and we need to count on you doing your share – we’ll provide a tipping guide.

You’ll have so many images to work – and will be so comfortable with flying birds after you follow-focus so many birds.  And Jaguars!  Giant River Otters!  Who gets to share those images?  Join me!