Duration2 hrs
Arms and back go into action in the very first meters of paddling. The duck is an inflatable kayak for two people that travels 4 km along the Formoso River, and those who board feel the current in their balance with every stroke.
The route requires paddling against the water in one direction, crossing two rapids in coordination with your duck partner, and keeping the pace until the swimming stop in the middle of the riverbed. Life jacket and helmet remain secured from start to finish: here, the visitor moves their own route, and the reward is earned by paddling.
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Eco Park Porto da Ilha occupies three hectares on the banks of the Formoso River, 11.6 km from the center of Bonito, about 15 minutes by car. The reserve brings together multiple outdoor water activities, and the duck is the one that puts the visitor in the most direct contact with the current.
The crystal-clear water reveals underwater life throughout the entire route. Fish of varied colors accompany the kayak as the paddling advances, and the visibility allows you to see the bottom even in the deepest stretches.
In the Day Use at Eco Park Porto da Ilha, visitors have access to four distinct bathing areas. The main one brings together running-water waterfalls and two floating decks over the Formoso River.
There is also an exclusive kids’ beach for children and two more bathing areas with different profiles, each with its own relationship to the river’s current and depth. We know the structure and recommend the kids’ beach for families with children under 8, because it is the most protected.
Those who prefer simply to rest will find shaded resting areas and a children’s playground at the bathing complex. Eco Park works as a support base for those who will paddle and as a meeting point for groups with different profiles. The changing room and shower facilities are available to everyone at the end of the circuit.
📍 11.6 km from the center of Bonito · ⏱ 2 hours · Difficulty: easy
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The itinerary follows a round-trip circuit along the Formoso River totaling 4 km of continuous route. The duck departs from Ilha do Padre, goes upstream facing the current with the visitors’ own paddling effort, and returns taking advantage of the natural flow.
Going upstream requires more strength and a steady rhythm, while the descent allows you to catch your breath with two rapids and a waterfall along the way. The full route lasts about 2 hours, including the swimming-stop time in the middle of the riverbed and the guide’s instructions.
Participants board inflatable kayaks for two people after prior training on paddling techniques and use of equipment. The accredited guide accompanies the entire route and gives instructions before each rapid, indicating the safest paddling line.
The pair decides the pace, and communication between paddlers is essential to maintain direction in the more agitated stretches. The life jacket and helmet are adjusted before entering the water and cannot be removed at any time.
The route crosses two rapids that require attention and coordination with your duck partner. The feeling is one of controlled imbalance: the kayak rocks, water comes in, and the paddling rhythm adjusts to maintain stability.
The accredited guide gives instructions before each more technical stretch, indicating where to position the kayak to avoid the points of greatest turbulence. In the middle of the route, there is a waterfall where the group stops to bathe in cold running water directly in the riverbed, without a deck or pool, and the visitor remains immersed in the current while resting.
On the way back, the duck goes downriver and the paddling effort decreases considerably. The current helps push the kayak back, and the pair can take advantage of the route to observe the landscape more calmly and take photos. After about 2 hours in total, the circuit ends at the departure point next to Ilha do Padre.
The bathing complex’s lockers are available to retrieve belongings left before the tour, and the changing rooms with showers allow everyone to dry off and change comfortably.
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4 km route in an inflatable kayak for 2 people
Prior training before boarding covers paddling techniques and safety
Accredited guide accompanies the entire route and gives instructions before the rapids
Mandatory life jacket and helmet that cannot be removed from start to finish
Minimum age: 5 years
Maximum weight: 120 kg
The tourist gets wet throughout the entire route: wear swimwear under the day’s clothes
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The duck suits those who want to be the protagonist of their own movement on the water, not a passenger on a motorboat. The visitor paddles, faces rapids with their own effort, and earns the swimming stop.
The difficulty is classified as easy, but this refers to the technical level: the physical effort exists and is real. For those who are afraid of water or prefer passive activities, we do not recommend this tour.
The tourist gets wet throughout the entire route; this is not a dry tour with a stop to swim. Documents, bags, and sharp objects cannot go into the duck because the activity is collective and takes place entirely in the water.
The bathing complex’s lockers solve this issue: everything that cannot go in the kayak is stored safely. Biodegradable sunscreen is required on river tours to preserve the water quality of the Formoso River.
Minimum age is 5 years and maximum weight is 120 kg
People with reduced mobility cannot participate
For children under 5 years old, we do not recommend it: the activity requires cooperation and coordination with the duck partner
Heavy rain may interrupt the operation: the river level rises and the current becomes unpredictable
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Yes, from 5 years old. The child needs to paddle together with the adult in the same kayak, so it is important that they have coordination and willingness to keep the pace during the 2-hour route on the river.
Yes, the limit is 120 kg for safety and equipment operation reasons.
No. Transportation to the attractions in Bonito is hired separately; Bonitour offers shared transfer, private transfer, and taxi.
No, but Eco Park has an on-site restaurant where it is possible to have lunch after the duck.
No previous experience is necessary. The training before boarding covers the basic paddling and safety techniques, and the guide accompanies each pair throughout the entire circuit.
Rules for Duck Ride + Eco Park Day Use
The activity cannot be carried out by people with reduced mobility.
The consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited during the activities.
Participants under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be allowed to take part in the activities.
It is not permitted to enter the duck boat with documents, bags, shopping bags, or sharp objects that could injure another participant during the activity.
It is prohibited to remove the life jacket or helmet during the activity.
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