Iguazu Falls Tour Review: Boat Ride & Safari Truck Fun
Okay, so you’re eyeing a trip to Iguazu Falls, and very possibly you’ve noticed the ‘Full Day Tour’ that boasts a boat ride *and* a safari truck. Right? That sounds awesome, without a doubt. But maybe you’re thinking if it’s actually worth the money, time, and getting drenched. Well, you’ve come to the right place, basically. I’m here to break down my own firsthand experience of it, tell you, like, what to expect, and hopefully help you figure out if it’s something you actually should add to your bucket list or something you shouldn’t even think twice about.
Setting the Scene: Getting to Iguazu Falls
First things first: getting there is part of the whole adventure, too it’s almost like. Whether you’re setting off from the Argentine side (Puerto Iguazu) or the Brazilian side (Foz do Iguacu), you’ll have various transport options. Often, these are buses, taxis, or arranged tours, really. I found the bus system to be pretty straightforward and surprisingly cheap on the Argentine side. Bear in mind, actually, that crossing the border requires showing your passport, and there can sometimes be lines, actually, at immigration, especially during peak season, kind of.
Once you actually get to the park, there are entrance fees to consider, too. Keep an eye on those, or that you are going to lose out! And maybe you can buy those online in advance to save a bit of time, perhaps? After entering, a little train will actually take you further into the park, making it pretty easy to get to various trails and attractions. Right.
The Safari Truck Adventure: Into the Jungle!
Okay, so this safari truck portion may seem like just a way to get to the boat launch, you know? But actually it turned out to be quite an interesting and educational experience in its own right, sort of. You hop into a big, open-air truck, which is just the sort of thing you need for a rugged adventure like this one! The guide, I believe, starts chatting about the local flora and fauna, telling you about the plants and animals that call this place home. Anyway, you trundle along jungle paths, so very hopefully you might even spot some wildlife along the way! I caught sight of some cool birds and, if you can believe it, a troop of monkeys messing around in the trees, kind of.
The ride wasn’t overly bumpy, I guess, and it was a relaxed way to start the full falls experience, or so I thought. Now I’m recommending the boat tour. That said, don’t expect, you know, an intense African-style safari, or something like that. This is very much a, ‘let’s take a relaxed look at the jungle as we make our way to the river,’ kind of vibe.
The Great Adventure: Getting Soaked Under the Falls
Alright, here is the highlight for most people, I believe, which is that crazy boat ride that gets you up close and personal with the falls, too it’s almost. You get given a waterproof bag to stash your stuff – use it! Also, very soon after setting off, you realize pretty quickly there is absolutely no escaping a proper drenching, without a doubt. As you head, very bravely, closer to the falls, you can hear the roar of the water getting really very loud, like something big is happening. And then, suddenly, you’re under them!
The power of the water is mighty, like, incredibly intense, without a doubt. The spray is intense, too, and the roar is just amazing. The boat goes, more or less, right into the cascading water not once, but a couple of times! People screamed (in a good way!), and just laughed. This is, literally, probably, the wettest I’ve ever been in my life, and I used to work at a car wash!. You’re absolutely soaked from head to toe. Honestly, this wasn’t just a boat trip; it was more like a full-on water ride, kind of.
It lasts maybe 15-20 minutes, actually, which I thought was perfectly ample time to enjoy this level of, literal, wetness. I suggest keeping your mouth closed under the falls though!. One important word of warning; people with mobility limitations would find this adventure challenging, you know. You need to walk some relatively uneven terrain, climb a short, steep incline to get to the dock and the boat may be hard to embark and disembark for those who have any ambulatory constraints or use a mobility device.
What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind)
Okay, so I’ve learned a few tricks on this trip so very maybe you’ll be able to avoid learning them yourselves, basically! Here are some useful tips regarding what you need to bring and, more important still, what to leave at the hotel:
- Waterproof bag: Pretty key for keeping anything safe from the water, right. Very very hopefully the tour operator can offer you one, I imagine. But just to be extra safe, bring your own waterproof dry bag.
- Quick-drying clothes: Definitely skip those clothes that absorb moisture for a week, ok! Wear light clothes that’ll dry super quick. This’ll mean that you will at least have some chance to avoid chafing, once the tour’s finished!
- Water shoes or sandals: I promise that your feet will get absolutely soaked, without a doubt, but shoes with great grip are very essential for walking near the falls. You might also think about wearing flip-flops but the water is very powerful and might sweep your flip flops down the river. So, I thought water shoes were the best idea overall, arguably.
- Camera/Phone protection: Unless your phone or camera is really, totally waterproof, protect it! Like, a waterproof case or at least a small dry bag for when you are not snapping shots, you see? I would even recommend one of the action cameras like the GoPros. They can take great footage and not only are they waterproof; but you can still see the viewfinder when its drenched, you know!
- Towel: The sun will probably feel incredible but at the end of the boat tour, you will be dripping wet! So, you definitely don’t want to walk round the rest of the falls tour drenched to the bone, like. I think, on balance, a compact travel towel, like those microfiber things, will work out better for you than some thick old thing.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent: The sun and bugs can be fierce, that. Be ready, particularly if you plan to explore further into the jungle after the boat ride.
Leave all other unneeded valuables in your hotel or accommodation, pretty much. No one wants a soggy passport or non-waterproof camera when on holiday.
Is It Worth It? Weighing Up the Pros and Cons
So, the big question: Is the full-day tour that includes the boat ride and safari truck actually worth your time and money, more or less? Well, from my perspective, the answer is a confident ‘yes,’ or so I believe! Sure, you can see Iguazu Falls without getting absolutely drenched on that boat, definitely. And you’ll certainly hear from me that some folks could, I imagine, baulk at the price.
But experiencing the power of the falls so up close is, you know, unforgettable. And I certainly thought the safari truck bit was a bit of a bonus, too. In other words, here are some of the advantages of such a tour that I think that you should know:
- A great Adrenaline rush: Getting right under those falls is a fantastic experience. It’s thrilling, exciting and creates great memories and social media fodder, of course!
- Getting educated about Iguazu and seeing wildlife up close: That boat safari helps you gain a little deeper knowledge about what surrounds the falls (beyond simply a stunning amount of water and rock) and gives you a good chance to glimpse amazing wildlife in the surrounding jungle area.
- Efficient: In general, such tour packages actually give you very great value if you are, say, very short on time. So they help you efficiently get through a couple of prime ‘Iguazu experiences.’ If time is tight; or money isn’t then these combo tickets are pretty much for you, I think!
Now let’s quickly cover any of the potential issues with a combo trip to the Falls that may be a little bit more of a ‘grumble’ or that may just impact a much smaller range of travellers.
- A bit Expensive: Such packages aren’t the most affordable things you will spend your holiday money on. In fact, you’ll be glad to hear that it’s feasible to see and enjoy the falls themselves independently. Plus, if you’re trying to, like, keep costs right down then you might need to stick to visiting some less exciting spots, more or less.
- Physical Challenge: Well I imagine that many people think that ‘easy access’ has, as yet, completely transformed international tourist attractions to feature the broadest possible levels of support for ambulant people! However, for now, it seems safe to say that folks who actually struggle with walking or climbing etcetera, would not have that easy of a time to get to some bits, you know!
- Weather-Dependent: Of course this is almost the last thing you need to take in; the elements! No one wants to get stuck on a boat trip while the wind and rain come pouring in like there’s no tomorrow! Likewise if the sun isn’t coming out and the water on the falls is reduced to a trickle then your holiday snaps will feel less like ‘a visit to Iguazu Falls’ and more ‘ a wet trip to the park’.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear for the Iguazu Falls boat tour?
Dress in light, quick-drying clothing. Swimsuits or shorts and t-shirts are ideal. Comfortable water shoes or sandals with good traction are also recommended.
Are there any age or health restrictions for the boat ride?
Age and health restrictions can vary depending on the tour operator. Generally, young children and individuals with certain medical conditions may not be allowed on the boat for safety reasons. Check with your tour provider for specifics.
Can I bring my camera on the boat tour?
Yes, you can, but you need to protect it. Use a waterproof case or a dry bag to prevent water damage. Alternatively, consider using a waterproof action camera like a GoPro.
Is there somewhere to store my belongings during the boat tour?
Most tours provide a waterproof bag where you can store small items like phones, wallets, and cameras. Larger items can usually be left at the tour operator’s base.
What happens if it rains on the day of my tour?
The boat tours usually operate rain or shine. The falls are impressive regardless of the weather, and the experience of being under the falls is already a wet one. Ponchos are usually available if needed.