Rio Branco: Boa Vista's Amazon Artery
The Branco River flowing through Boa Vista is a major Amazon tributary — the 'white river' (named for its sandy colour) connects the Lavrado savanna to the Amazon and supports extraordinary wildlife
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Pink dolphin in Branco
The boto (pink river dolphin) is abundant in the Branco River - the animals are often seen from Boa Vista beach and on river cruises; their intelligence, echolocation and mythology make them extraordinary animals
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Banks of the Branco River
The white sand beaches that appear on the Branco River during the dry season (October-March) are Boa Vista's recreation areas; families swim, camp and fish on the river banks visible from the town
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Giant otters at Branco
Giant river otters - the world's largest otter - inhabit the Branco and its tributaries; a family group cooperating and communicating vocally is one of the Amazon's most spectacular wildlife encounters
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Caiman Night Excursions
Night boat trips on the Branco River illuminate the caiman with torches — the red reflection of their eyes in the dark and the density of caiman in the river are extraordinary; glasses and black caiman both present
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Branco Tributaries and Wetlands
Branco's tributaries create wetland systems important to Roraima's biodiversity — the Jauari and Uraricoera rivers are less visited and more pristine than the main river, accessible by small boat
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Boa Vista Waterfront Development
Boa Vista Beach on the Branco River is being developed as a recreational area — the Orla Taumanan Promenade with its sunset views of the river is the city's evening gathering place