Safety Precautions Paddlers Must Take Before Visiting The Amazon

The Amazon is the last truly wild place on Earth. Explorers have struggled to reach its deepest jungles, and many of the thousands of rivers within the Amazon Basin are still not properly mapped. This makes the region both terrifying and thrilling, which explains why a trip to the Amazon is on many paddlers’ bucket lists. Before you head deep into the unknown, however, there is some preparation every paddler must take to ensure a smooth and safe passage through this unconquered jungle.

Before visiting the Amazon, paddlers should visit their doctor to ensure they are up to date on medications and vaccinations. Carefully choose the right lodge in the jungle, as well as a reputable tour company. Be prepared for all types of weather, pack reliable sunscreen, and bring bug spray with DEET. Wear breathable, light-colored clothing, and inspect the paddling equipment before you venture out.

The Amazon River can be a rewarding paddling experience well worth the journey and associated costs. However, it can also be a dangerous nightmare if you aren’t prepared. If you are considering a trip to the Amazon and love paddling, then make sure you keep reading. Below is a list of important safety measures everyone should take before grabbing a paddle and exploring the Amazon in a floating vessel.

12 Safety Measures To Take When Paddling In The Amazon

1. Choose A Reputable Tour Company And Lodge

One of the most important decisions you will make when planning a trip to the Amazon is the tour company and lodge you decide to stay in. The Amazon spans over eight countries, so you must first decide which country you want to explore.

Next, you must opt for a lodge that is safe, comfortable, and within your budget. Do yourself a favor and don’t book a trip simply by looking at marketing photos. These do not tell the full story. Instead, read all the reviews (good and bad) to get a more realistic vision of what you can expect.

If paddling is a priority for you, choose a lodge that has kayaks and canoes and includes paddling in the daily itinerary. You can also send a message with your paddling interests directly to the lodge.

2. Never Venture Out Alone

Paddling alone is always riskier than paddling with a buddy. In the Amazon, however, it can be the difference between life and death. The Amazon and its tributaries are an ever-evolving and fluctuating series of waterways.

This means the currents, hazards, and even the rivers themselves are different every day. Rivers can appear, disappear, and shift with changing water levels, making navigating them very challenging. You should always paddle with a buddy and guide so you have support and navigation help when you need it.

3. Be Prepared For All Types Of Weather

In one day you can experience five days’ worth of weather in the Amazon jungle. Therefore, when you get ready to paddle on the river, don’t just pack for the current weather. Have layers, including a waterproof shell.

Make sure you have sunscreen, even if there is no sign of sunshine. Be prepared for every type of weather day, because there is a chance you will get sunshine, rain, wind, and more in just a few hours of paddling.

4. Get The Necessary Vaccinations And Medications

A lot of the preparation for paddling in the Amazon happens before you even get on the plane to South America. Most importantly, you need to consult with your physician to understand what vaccinations and medications you require.

Different areas of the Amazon have different concerns. Some areas have malaria, some have dengue, and some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination. Make sure you have the recommended vaccinations and medications before you enter the jungle.

5. Know What Wildlife You May Encounter In The Water

Knowledge is power, and unfortunately, the Amazon is the great unknown. Still, it is possible to have a general concept of what to expect on a paddling adventure in specific areas. Most importantly, it is always important to know of any dangerous or large animals you may encounter on a paddling excursion.

For example, you should know if you are in an area with sharp-toothed caimans, as this will make you think twice before disembarking from your boat casually. In Ecuador, there are many river dolphins. They are a joy to watch, but if you aren't expecting them, they can cause a paddler to panic and possibly capsize.

6. Inspect The Rental Gear Before Venturing Out

Many Amazon lodges feature top-notch gear and safety equipment to match. Others, however, are still learning universal safety standards and have equipment that is patched up and not as safe. Keep an eye out for red flags and major problems with your paddling gear.

Make sure you thoroughly inspect your borrowed paddling gear. Look for cracks, vulnerabilities, and holes. If you don’t feel good about the quality of the gear, don’t go out.

7. Keep Yourself Covered Up All The Time

When you visit the Amazon, it’s always smart to stay covered up, including when you take a paddling trip. There are so many reasons why covering your body is a good idea. For one, it protects you from the strong sun. It is also a highly effective and chemical-free way to keep bugs away. Lastly, it serves as a barrier against stinging plants, and insects you probably don’t want landing on you.

Wear breathable shirts you can roll up, and long pants that are light-weight and dry quickly.

8. Apply Bug Spray Before You Get In The Boat

You should always apply bug spray from head to toe before entering your paddling vessel. Even if it doesn’t seem very buggy out, there is a good chance you will paddle into an area with plenty of mosquitoes.

Remember that mosquitoes are just one type of biting bug in the Amazon. There are also ants, sand fleas, and several other stinging bugs. DEET bug spray is highly effective at keeping several species of bugs away.

9. Bring A Bailer Or Wear A Kayak Skirt

With the high probability of rain (yes, even in the dry season), you must be ready to deal with the prospect of taking on water. This means having a bailer, water pump, or protective kayak skirt.

The rain here can go from a light sprinkle to a constant heavy downpour in seconds, and an unprotected canoe can quickly begin to fill with water. Having the right tools will keep your boat afloat, and prevent you from panicking.

10. Discuss Route And Expectations Before You Start

It is always smart to discuss the paddling route and plan before venturing out. Sure, wildlife and weather conditions will affect your route and timing, but a general idea is always helpful. This will allow you to properly budget your energy, and conserve your water and snacks accordingly.

11. Find A Route That Doesn’t Battle The Current

With so many small rivers in the Amazon, it’s often possible to navigate a route that rarely goes against the current. You may also be able to get your paddling vessel towed upstream by a power boat, making it easier to paddle to your destination.

Battling a river current will quickly drain your energy. Furthermore, after a rainstorm, a mild current can turn powerful and dangerous. Going with the current is always a safer option.

12. Have A Safe Entry And Exit Point

Lastly, you must have a safe spot to enter and exit your kayak or canoe. Unlike many other regions, the Amazon is not a place to hop on and off a boat on a whim. There are giant snakes, deadly reptiles, and piranhas to think about, just to name a few reasons.

You want to make sure there is a dock, or sandy area with plenty of visibility. Most lodges have a well-equipped dock that makes entering and exiting your boat safe and easy.

Amazon Paddler’s Packing List

Sun Screen

You might think you can leave the sunscreen at your lodge, with the vast tree canopy above and frequent rain showers. While there is plenty of shade in the Amazon, you must remember the sun is incredibly powerful in the Amazon region.

Much of this region is on, or near the equator. This means direct sunlight can burn your skin in a fraction of the amount of time it would normally take. Pack sunscreen that is at least 50 SPF and waterproof to ensure you don’t have any uncomfortable burns during your stay in the jungle.

Waterproof Cell Phone Case

Paddling in the Amazon makes for incredible photo opportunities. However, due to unpredictable weather and difficult river maneuvering, large cameras are not advisable. Instead, a waterproof cell phone case with a lanyard you can wear around your neck is ideal.

This allows you easy access to your camera phone and ensures that your technology remains dry when the inevitable passing shower comes rolling in.

Bug Spray With DEET

As much as you may want to take an organic approach to insect repellent, the Amazon simply isn’t the place for natural bug spray. There are tons of mosquitos. After sunset, a cloud of bugs comes into the river, and only bug spray with at least 20% to 30% will keep them away. Just remember to wash it off when you take a cooling shower at night, before tucking into your mosquito net.

Wide-Brimmed Hat

In addition to sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat with a strap is another Amazon packing essential. With the constantly changing weather, sunglasses are not always ideal. A hat, however, provides shade, but also protection from occasional rain, and additional sun protection. Choose one that has an adjustable strap so it doesn’t fly off your head.

Breathable Light-Colored Paddling Clothing

Breathable clothing is essential in the Amazon. Look for synthetic quick-drying materials, instead of cotton or other bad paddling clothing materials. Opt for lighter colors like beige and khaki. Not only will these colors feel cooler, but mosquitos are less likely to approach you with light-colored clothing on.

Reusable Water Bottle

Nearly every Amazon lodge has a water filling station, and very few sell plastic water bottles. Therefore, you must pack your favorite water bottle. Bring a lightweight bottle that has at least a 24-ounce capacity so that it can last you on all your paddling excursions.

Dry Bag

A great dry bag is a paddler’s best friend. This is no more apparent than when paddling in the Amazon. Not only do you need to protect your belongings from the water below, but also from the water above. Opt for a dry bag with a shoulder strap, in case your paddling vessel doesn’t have a storage compartment (they often don’t).

Wrapping Up Precautions To Take Before Paddling The Amazon

A trip to the Amazon is one of the few adventures that can still evoke fear and nervousness, but that is part of the thrill. This lush wilderness is filled with rivers that are exciting and challenging to navigate on a canoe or kayak. While a trip to the Amazon can be a paddler’s dream, you must take steps to ensure you have an incredible and safe time in this jungle.

Make sure you choose a reputable lodge and tour company that is known for its paddling programs. Check with your doctor to see what medications and vaccines you may need before your trip. Always check out the paddling equipment before venturing out, and always go with a guide, even on short excursions.

Using more caution and planning on this type of trip can make all the difference, and will ensure you have a truly iconic paddling adventure within this mysterious natural wonderland.

What Happens If I Flip?