Choosing Your Jaguar Adventure: Which Tour Is Right for You? Our 3 Signature Tours Explained

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The Pantanal is one of the last true wildlife sanctuaries on Earth — a place where the river bends wide, the forest breathes slow, and jaguars rule the banks with ancient confidence. At Journey with Jaguars, every experience we offer is built around one simple purpose:
to bring you face-to-face with the wild in a way that feels intimate, ethical, and unforgettable.

Whether you want a fully private expedition, a small-group safari, or a photography-focused journey with our founder, Benjamin James, here’s how to choose the adventure that fits you.

1. Private Jaguar Tours

Your dates. Your pace. Your expedition.

If you’re dreaming of a fully customized, deeply personal jaguar expedition, this is the pinnacle.

Private Tours run anytime between April 1st and November 30th, giving you ultimate flexibility — whether you crave the lush green of early season, the peak jaguar activity of mid-winter, or the golden quiet of late dry season.

Important availability notes:

• August & September: book 1 year in advance (peak jaguar season, sells out fast)
• July & October: book at least 6 months in advance

A private tour gives you:

• Your own boat and pilot
• Your own guide
• Your own rhythm each day
• Total flexibility for photographers, families, or wildlife-focused travellers
• A deep, immersive experience without compromise

Perfect for: Honeymoons, families, photographers, luxury travellers, or anyone who wants the most intimate possible jaguar experience.

Check out our Private Safaris Here!

2. Small-Group Safari Tours

More affordable. Still intimate. Capped at just 8 guests.

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Not all group tours are created equal — and we’ve intentionally built ours to stay small, quiet, and personal. With a maximum of 8 guests, these itineraries balance cost, comfort, and high-success wildlife encounters.

You’ll share the boat with other nature lovers, but the experience is still slow, respectful, and photographically friendly.

What makes our group safaris different:

• Small groups (max 8) for easier viewing
• Expert local guides
• Great for travellers who want premium experience without the private price tag

Perfect for: Solo travellers, couples, wildlife enthusiasts, and those who want high-quality guiding and accommodation at a more accessible price.

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Check out our Group Safaris Here!

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3. Photography Tours with Benjamin James

Learn to shoot jaguars with the founder of Journey with Jaguars. Capped at just 6 guests.

These tours are designed for people who want to photograph jaguars powerfully and confidently, guided by Benjamin James — founder of Journey with Jaguars and a professional wildlife photographer. This isn’t hand-holding or classroom teaching. It’s real field experience, learning by doing in front of wild jaguars.

You’ll quickly pick up the essentials — even with zero experience — because everything is taught in the flow of real sightings:

• Dialing in fast, clean, intentional settings
• Using shutter speed, AF-C, and composition to capture behaviour
• Reading and anticipating movement
• Shooting ethically without disturbing wildlife
• Creating emotional, story-driven frames

Small groups ensure space, angles, and true photographic opportunities.

Perfect for: Anyone from complete beginners to advanced shooters wanting to elevate their jaguar images through real-world experience, not formal workshops.

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Check out our Photography Safaris Here!

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Which Tour Is Right for You?

Choose a Private Tour if:
You want full control over dates, pace, and photography opportunities.

Choose a Group Safari if:
You want an intimate jaguar experience that fits a tighter budget.

Choose a Photography Tour if:
You want hands-on guidance from Benjamin James and a deeper creative journey into the Pantanal.

Still unsure? We love helping guests find the perfect fit.
Reach out anytime — we’ll guide you toward the experience that feels right for you.

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