Jacaré: The Amphibious All-Terrain Truck
The Alligator Truck that Took Science Across Land and Water
During Jacques Cousteau’s expeditions into the most extreme environments on Earth, a unique vehicle helped bridge the gap between land and water: Jacaré, an Iveco 6×6 amphibious truck named after the Portuguese word for “alligator.” With its rugged build and amphibious capabilities, Jacaré the Cousteau expedition truck enabled scientists, filmmakers, and conservationists to reach otherwise unreachable ecosystems.
From the Amazon to Southeast Asia, Jacaré became a trusted expedition partner—hauling critical equipment, navigating through flooded forests and wetlands, and supporting scientific fieldwork in some of the world’s most biologically rich and logistically challenging environments.
THE ROLE OF JACARE IN COUSTEAU'S EXPEDITIONS
Built for Terrain Where Roads End
When standard vehicles couldn’t go any farther, Jacaré the amphibious truck kept going. Its 6×6 drivetrain, high ground clearance, and water-ready construction allowed the Cousteau team to:
Navigate dense rainforests, marshes, and rivers
Reach remote conservation sites deep in uncharted terrain
Transport personnel and payloads across challenging, waterlogged environments
Jacaré became an essential tool for accessing the front lines of biodiversity research and environmental monitoring.
Supporting Scientific Research & Field Logistics
More than a vehicle, Jacaré served as a lifeline in the field. It transported:
Scientists and local guides to study sites
Filmmakers capturing endangered wildlife
Equipment for measuring water quality, climate conditions, and habitat health
Supplies needed for survival in remote expedition zones
By bridging land and aquatic terrain, Jacaré helped the Cousteau Society conduct integrated, multi-disciplinary research in dynamic ecosystems.
Wildlife Encounters & Conservation Highlights
Because Jacaré could reach areas beyond the limits of boats or trucks alone, it brought the team face to face with elusive wildlife, including:
Anacondas in flooded marshes
Jaguars and other big cats in South American rainforests
Rare amphibians and reptiles hidden in dense jungle environments
River dolphins and migratory birds across tropical wetlands
These encounters led to invaluable observations that shaped Cousteau’s conservation strategies and documentary storytelling.
Expedition Highlights Featuring Jacaré the Amphibious Truck
Amazon Expedition (1982–1983)
Enabled amphibious travel through flooded forest corridors
Supported water-based ecological surveys and cultural outreach
Southeast Asia & African Wetlands
Facilitated access to swamps, mangrove systems, and seasonal floodplains
Aided research on habitat loss and rare species adaptation
Habitat Monitoring & Wildlife Research
Used to deploy camera traps and track migratory patterns
Carried mobile labs and observation equipment into undisturbed areas
Field Logistics in Extreme Conditions
Operated reliably in tropical storms, muddy terrain, and flooded backroads
Carried tons of gear, fuel, and food supplies to sustain multi-week missions
Vehicle Specifications: Inside Jacaré’s Amphibious Design
Model: Iveco 6×6 Amphibious Truck
Crew Capacity: Designed to support full expedition teams
Payload: Carries several tons of gear, equipment, and supplies
Amphibious Capabilities: Functional in rivers, swamps, and flooded terrain
Engine Power: High-torque engine tuned for off-road and aquatic conditions
A Vehicle for Boundless Exploration
Jacaré the Cousteau amphibious truck expanded the team’s reach into environments few had ever studied. Its amphibious mobility brought discovery, documentation, and protection to fragile, water-bound ecosystems that are still under threat today.
Jacaré wasn’t just built for the road—it was built for the unknown.
