Sunset at Amozone, fantastic light!
A Luxurious Yacht and Experienced Guides Are Now the Gold Standard for Amazon Trophy Peacock Bass Fishing Adventures.
20 pounder!!
Lax-a in cooperation with Wet-A-Line Tours offers you the fishing voyage of a lifetime aboard the Santana I, an immaculately clean, custom-designed yacht. It will serve as your base of operations for an unforgettable weeklong fishing adventure to Brazil’s Amazon River.
We offer you the unmatched combination of the Amazon’s finest luxury yacht, modern American-made Tracker bass boats, and the most experienced Peacock Bass guides in South America.
The dream trip!!! We are finally here !! :-)
The Santana I has served as the Amazon watershed’s home for well-known dignitaries and fisherman from all over the globe. Wet-A-Line Tours is the gold standard in Amazon Peacock Bass fishing. If you seek the trophy fish of your dreams, whether it is the Giant Amazon Catfish or Monster Peacock Bass, this is the choice for you. Mobility is the key to being assured of finding quality fishing.
Ja ja , again more fishing stories!!
Peacock Bass Fishing Aboard The Most Luxurious Vessel in Brazil's Amazon - Six and one half days of exciting fishing . Peacock bass fishing is the greatest adventure a fresh water angler can ever experience.
Whether peacock bass fishing with conventional or fly tackle you will hooked!
This is how they look like!!
For the experience of a lifetime, join Amazon Castaway Tours aboard The Santana I, for an exotic Peacock Bass fishing trip. This 100 foot live-aboard yacht, the most modern serving the fishing/ eco tourism industry in the Amazon, has six double suites and two double Master Suites each with its own bath, and provides up to sixteen fishermen with a level of service and amenities normally associated only with luxury hotels. Aboard the yacht you don't have to forsake your comfort to experience the legendary explosive strikes and tackle busting power of the Amazon's nativePeacock Bass.
Your Amazon Rainforest "Home Away From Home"
Sun coming up at 06:30 in the morning , time to go out fishing!
The Santana I, designed and built in the Amazons, is ideally suited as a home base for exploring and fishing in the Amazon region. With a draft over a meter shallower than most of the other fishing/ eco tourism hotel boats serving the area, it can travel in areas that others can't get to during the low water (prime fishing time). Amenities include zone air conditioning in all rooms and cabins, washer and dryer, sauna, three separate Jacuzzibaths, room to room telephones, satellite telephone, fax and Internet hookups, in cabin stereo, two master suites that are unbelievable. An entertainment room equipped with satellite TV, stereo, DVD, VCR, e-mail and Internet. Electronics include two types of communications radios (VHF & SSB), the most modern Lowrance X-15 mapping and GPS system, radar, sonar. The entire ship is appointed in handcrafted mahogany. The Santana I is a safe, comfortable, convenient and beautiful home base for your eco tourism or fishing vacation experience of a lifetime.
The beautiful and spacious dining room, upper deck main salon and aft deck open air bar are favorite gathering places for guests after a day of fishing or exploring the Amazon Rainforest.
A Winning Team On Your Side!
Not only is the Santana I the perfect home base for your rainforest experience, but our Amazon Castaway staff will provide unparalleled service and will strive to make your vacation an enjoyable and memorable one.
Look at Amelia with fantastic Peacockbass, well done!!!
Our wonderful onboard tour coordinator, will help youplan your day's fishing or exploring, act as a translator, give fishing tips/instructions, serve as host and "cruise director", and otherwise try his level best to ensure your trip is a safe, successful and unforgettable one.
One one a Tarpon fly.
The Captain and marine crew, all of whom have several years experience aboard this vessel in the Amazon region, will safely navigate your "home away from home" to the best fishing grounds available regardless of the time of year, often covering several hundred miles in search of optimal fishing during your week's stay aboard. You may even visit the Captain on the bridge while the boat is underway and take a turn at the wheel if you like (closely supervised, of course).
Smiling Gunnhildur Erla , the only child from Iceland ever been in the Amazone!
Yes, I know, what is most important is the fishing and we have signed new contracts with whom I believe to be the eight best Peacock Bass guides in the Amazon! The native guide staff led by our own "Popcorn" will amaze you with their abilities and service on a daily basis. These guys not only know how to find fish, but will do whatever it takes to make your experience as comfortable and effortless as possible. Along with Popcorn we have resigned his brother Alemon (Alamo), and back this year will be Popcorns other brother Adjimilson who was dearly missed as well asCareca, Arnoldo and Wilson will be with us as well.
They will rig your gear, net your fish, help you handle it for photos, release your fish safely, untangle "bird's nests" in your reel, climb trees to retrieve snagged lures, and even dive in the water to retrieve your fish, a plug or dropped piece of gear! Theirknowledge of the region is unmatched, many having begun to learn the rivers and lagoons paddling dug out canoes soon after they could walk. For the people who live on its banks, the river is life and our guides have an intimate knowledge and relationship with it.
This hand picked team is second to none in the Amazon and they work together (more like a big family as several guests have noted, in fact three of our guides are brothers and two others are as well) to make every trip the best it can be. You will be stricken by their characteristically Brazilian friendliness and happy upbeat outlook on life and leave the yacht wanting to return for more, the sooner the better.
Fishing Boats Designed to Tame the Amazon
Castaway anglers will fish from new 2003 model Tracker bass boats powered by 4-stroke Honda motors. Designed for conventional and fly fishermen, they feature large clear decks with front and rear casting platforms. These 17-1/2 foot all welded aluminum hulls have a design that makes for a smooth ride and a stable fishing platform, as well as the durability to tackle the often dense jungle growth encountered getting to those "secret lagoons". Equipped with comfortable three-across seating and removable front and rear fishing chairs, the boats have many amenities to make your fishing safe, pleasant and comfortable. Storage lockers are many and well designed. Lowrance electronics, electric trolling motors and dual batteries. New for this year, VHF marine radios to contact the mother ship or to stay in touch with the other fishing boats to locate the hottest areas!
Hi Arni how are you! We just landed a 22 pounder!
Each boat is supplied with life jackets, first aid kits, handheld spot lights, emergency flares, large capture nets, scales and basic tool kits for your convenience and safety. These boats also make excellent platforms for bird / animal watching, or photography, and their quiet motors allow you to get closer to wildlife without "spooking" them.
Each day your guide will fill an ice chest with an assortment of beverages, fruits and snacks, sandwiches, so that you canfish all day without returning to the "mother ship", if you desire.
Amazone is a great place to relaxe with family and friends.
Peacock Bass Fishing Tops the List
Tucunaré (too-coon-a-ray), as Peacock Bass are locally known, is only one of a long list of species which you can catch in the Amazon Basin.
The tucunaré is known as Brazil's freshwater ambassador, because it's fierce top water strikes and tackle busting power has attracted adventurous fishermen from all over the world.
Reaching sizes over three feet long and upwards of 25 pounds, the beautiful Peacock Bass makes for a formidable adversary. They regularly break 30-lb mono and super braids of 80-lb and greater strength, in addition to destroying lures, straightening hooks and split rings, even breaking rods and exploding reels. Many consider it to be the ultimate fresh water sport fish.
The tucunaré (Peacock Bass) is not really a bass, as the English name implies, but a cichlid. In the Amazon region, local scientists have identified a total of 14 different species of tucunaré. A more commonly known cichlid is the aquarium fish, Oscar, which like the Peacock is known for its aggressive behavior.
It is so interesting to visit the native and their villages , very friendly people, Arni with the major of one of the villages at Amazone.
True wilderness!
Amazon Catfish & Other Species
However, tucunaré are far from the only sport fish which you will be able to catch. The Amazon is home to over 2500 species of fish (some scientists say closer to 3000) many of which are not yet catalogued. About a third of these are Amazone Catfish , which merited the number one rating in In-Fisherman magazine's survey of the world's toughest freshwater sports fish. Amazon catfish include the giant Piraibas, beautiful Pirararas (Red Tailed Catfish), large migratory Jaús and top water lure striking Surabims (spotted, striped and tiger varieties).
In addition to catfish, you will have the opportunity to catch piranhas, a variety of other cichlids (peacock bass cousins), aruanas (another prehistoric hold out), traira (like walleye with teeth and an attitude), cachorras (Brazilian name for the fanged Payara) and many other species. Some anglers in the 2003/2004 season caught upwards of 15 different species in a single day of fishing. In order to increase the enjoyment and success of your dream fishing trip, we will provide you will a tackle list optimized for conquering the Peacock Bass and other Amazon exotics.
Amazon Jungle Luxury AccommodationsLax-a in a cooperation with Wet-A-Line Tours is pleased to offer its clients an experience second to none in the Amazon.
Aboard our 100' luxury yacht, the Santana I, you can comfortably explore this fascinating and magical part of the world. You will have an unforgettable experience and return home with a new knowledge and appreciation of the Amazon region.
Arni relaxing reading a book and hafing a drink after a great fishing day.
Each night aboard the Santana I you will be able to relax at the aft deck open air bar (mosquito free thanks to the slightly acidic black water) with a drink and some appetizers before being served a delicious meal in the elegant air conditioned restaurant.
Our chef prepares a variety of regional and international dishes, tailored to the American palate rivaling those of the finest restaurants. You will be able to experience exotic and delicious cuisine such as :
The amazing "tambaqui", a fruit eating fish with the sweetest meat, found only in the Amazon region.
"Pirarucu", a prehistoric fish with both lungs and gills, whose fillets may weigh 100 lb.
A Brazilian churrasco (barbecue) of whole tenderloin, calabreza (Brazilian sausage), fish and chicken
Some of the almost 300 edible fruits native to the Amazon region and other delicious regional foods.
The bar is never closed!
A selection of fine white and red wines is available, in addition to bottled water, soft drinks, fruit juices, and an open bar stocked with select liquors and beer.
Arni and Harris ( the man on board !! )
When you travel with the Amazon Castaway staff aboard The Santana I, you will be treated to unparalleled luxury and adventure in the magnificent Amazon rainforest.
Vala and Gunnhildur Erla relaxing in the evening , just before dinner.
The entire boat is completely furnished in lavish mahogany and marble. It contains the following onboard amenities for our clients:
One of the standard cabins , all with private bathroom.
Sauna Room.
Large Jacuzzi and separate bar on the Top Deck, to relax those tired beat up Peacock muscles!
Individual air-conditioning controls in every room and cabin of the vessel!
Intercom telephones in every room and cabin to reach all other areas of the ship.
Individual stereo control in all rooms and cabins.
Two Master Suites with king size bed, stereo, walk in closets and master baths, one with a private Jacuzzi (yes you read it right).
TV, DVD and CD in the suites.
Larger standard rooms with dressers for your clothes, private baths and separate luggage storage.
Television and game room, elaborately furnished with leather sofas, recliners T.V., C.D player, video and stereo.
Satellite phone, fax and email.
Multiple outside areas with bar and television.
Laundry service.
Unbelievable food and service that will equal or exceed the finest restaurant!
Shopping for native crafts in the Mercado Municipal, gift stalls around Centro, or gift shops near the Opera House is a favorite activity for many on their afternoon in Manaus. Precious and semiprecious jewels mined in Brazil, either un-mounted, or in beautiful custom jewelry pieces, are another favorite purchase for many of our clients. Amethysts, aquamarines, emeralds and topazes are among the best buys in this area, often being had for 1/3 to 1/2 of their stateside price.
I could go on and on! While fishing is the primary reason for the trip it never hurts to be comfortable and to eat well.
Happy and relaxed anglers.
A little drink in the evening in one of the biggest village Barcelo , we had some great fun there , this place is a must!
The Grand Finale
At the conclusion of your time with Amazon Castaway Tours, you will return to the city of Manaus. You will stay in the five star "Hotel Tropical" on the banks
of the Rio Negro.
The Hotel Tropical offers the finest of amenities including mini shopping mall, beautiful swimming pools with aquatic bars, health club with sauna and a world class masseuse, its own mini-zoo, tennis courts, restaurants, coffee shop and bars. The beautiful native wood decor of the Tropical bespeaks of an era when Manauswas known as the "Paris of South America" - during the height of the rubber boom at the turn of the 20th century.
Examples of that golden era which can be seen in a tour of Manaus are the Amazon Opera House (built in 1896), the Mercado Municipal (a mini-replica of the original Paris market that was built in 1892), the Rio Negro Palace and the Federal Building to name a few.
The groups often meet up for an escorted dinner together at a local Brazilian churrascaria (barbecue restaurant) or a restaurant serving local fish and seafood dishes. After dinner options include an open air show of regional Boi-Bumba dancers, or a visit to a local club to experience some live Brazilian music and dancing. Whatever your desires for your day in Manaus, our local staff will be glad to give you some advice on the local hot spots for shopping, eating and entertainment. If the schedule allows for it, they will even accompany you into town to help with money changing, shopping and choosing from your evening options... Just more personal attention.
According to data from international aviation organizations, Manaus International Airport is the safest in Brazil. It is an international airport with connections to neighboring countries, making travel arrangements easier. The people of the Amazon have much to be proud of, and seem to enjoy sharing their culture and unspoiled beauty of their homeland with us, their visitors.
There is more than Peacock bass in the Amazone , dolphins all over the place and they are very curious.
Native village , a must to visit.
Icelandic people meets native Brazilians , north pool meets the south , what a surprize!
Amazon Tour Packages Includes:
Airport transfers in Manaus
Accommodations on the Amazon Castaway
Meals and beverages on ship
Guided fishing for peacock bass (two anglers per boat)
Beer and soft drinks while fishing, open bar in the evening.
Last night's accommodations in Manaus hotel (double occupancy)
NOT INCLUDED: Visa fees, meals in Manaus, airport departure tax, fishing tackle, tips, gifts or items of a personal nature.
Remember, there are only 16 spaces available per week and only two Grand Master Suites. Weeks are booked Wednesday to Friday, so do not wait. Call now to make your reservations. Lax-a tel: +354 5576100 or +354 8927146 ask for Arni.
If as you leave us, you feel a little "saudade" (Brazilian word that, though difficult to translate, means a kind of sad yearning) and want to come back, you are not alone. Many of our customers return on an annual basis. The Amazon is such a diverse and vast region that even after several trips, you'll find that you still experience and see new things - in addition to those same experiences that brought you back.
Clothing needed , shorts , thats all!
Frequently asked questions:Where will I be fishing in the Amazon?The term “Amazon” is widely used to refer to the enormous rainforest region of northwestern Brazil through which the Amazon River flows. The best fishing for peacock bass, and especially for large specimens, is found in clear, but dark (tannin-stained) waters, which are referred to as blackwater. There are untold numbers of blackwater rivers in this region, the largest of which is the Rio Negro, which merges with the Amazon River 11 miles downstream of the city of Manaus. We start our season in early September downstream of Manaus on the Madeira River and its tributaries. The Madeira is a large blackwater tributary to the Amazon River. In late October we move upstream of Manaus to fish on the Rio Negro and/or its tributaries. We’re talking about an area that spans more than 400 linear miles, and which includes countless tributaries, tributaries to tributaries, and oxbow lakes. The region we fish is a few degrees south of the Equator; however, some of our clients have actually ventured up northern tributaries to the Rio Negro and determined (thanks to a portable GPS) that they have crossed or actually fished on the Equator.
How do I get to Manaus?Our fishing tours start in Manaus, an historic city of more than 1,500,000 people which first flourished during the rubber boom a century ago. You’ll take a direct overnight flight (5 hours long) from Miami that arrives in the early morning in Manaus. The carriers that we use have varied over the years as changes occur in the airline industry. We will handle your roundtrip reservations from Miami to Manaus and back; you will be responsible for making your reservations to Miami and back to your hometown.
Does someone meet me in Manaus?An English-speaking expediter for Wet-A-Line Tours will meet you as soon as you clear Brazilian Customs (this is a slow process, so be one of the first to grab your luggage and get on line). He’ll put your luggage on our van.
Where do I meet the mother ship?The mother ship yacht, Santana I, goes where the best fishing for peacock bass is. Prime fishing areas change according to time of year and water levels, which is why a moveable live-aboard mother ship is far better than a permanent land-based lodge. At times the Santana I will be berthed on the waterfront in Manaus, and our expediter will take you from the Manaus airport to the boat. Most of the time, the mother ship will be several hundred miles south on the Madeira and you will take a short flight from Manaus to Autazes, or it will be several hundred miles north on the Rio Negro and you will take a short flight from Manaus to Barcelos or Santa Isabel. The flights are between 60 and 90 minutes long. We’ll put you on a chartered plane (at no extra cost), and take you from the final airport to the mother ship, which leaves immediately for the best fishing areas. The mother ship returns to the same port six days later.
Do I have to schedule the charter flight?No. We make those arrangements as part of our service and at no extra cost. We also escort you to and from the plane.
What is the fishing season?We fish on a weekly basis from early September through March, with a short time off from before Christmas until just after New Year’s Day.
When is the best time?Unlike some places you may have visited, there is no particular advantage to being one of the first visitors each season or one of the last, because we always go where we think the fishing is best at that given time. In general, September through March is when water levels are low (or as low as they are going to get); high water disperses fish into the flooded forest, so it is preferable to fish when the water is low. However, conditions are not identical each year on the same calendar date. We usually fish downstream of Manaus early in the season because the water levels are best there then, and upstream later in the season. The period from early April through August is the rainy season in northwestern Brazil, with frequent torrential downpours. While some eco-cultural tourists visit during the rainy season, high-and-rising water adversely affects fishing results. Besides fishing, there is no advantage in terms of insects (we have almost no problem in the areas we visit) or weather (it’s hot every day) from September through March.
What do you catch?The primary fishing interest is peacock bass, but as you may have read, the Amazonas region of Brazil is home to more than 3,000 freshwater fish species, and there’s no telling what you might catch depending on where you are, what you use, and how hard you try. Among the other species that most people get excited about are arawana, an acrobatic leaper known locally as “monkey fish”; traíra, an aggressive bowfin-like species; piranhas, which come in various species and sizes; payara, which has two lower-jaw fangs; and assorted catfish species, some of which grow to gargantuan size. As a general rule, if you want large peacock bass, fish with large, noisy surface lures. If you want to catch lots of peacock bass, fish with smaller lures (and flies). If you want to catch a variety of species, fish with smaller and more diverse lures.
How large are the peacock bass?If you read the information supplied by fishing outfitters all over the world, you’ll notice that they just about all claim to produce big fish. Some claims are very extravagant. The Rio Negro area that we fish produced the current IGFA all-tackle world record peacock bass (27 pounds) in 1994, and it is generally considered to have the best peacock bass fishing in the world. It has produced peacock bass of 20 pounds and over to some of our anglers and to some anglers fishing with other tour operators. But we can’t promise that you will do this. On some weeks our groups catch more than half a dozen fish that weigh 20 pounds or more. However, some weeks they catch only one 20-pounder, and on a few occasions they have failed to catch a 20-pounder. It is uncommon not to catch a peacock bass that weighs 15 pounds or better, however, if you fish with large lures. And you don’t have to be the most accomplished angler on the planet to have success. One time the biggest fish of the week was a 25-pound peacock that was caught by a woman who was accompanying her husband and who did only a little bit of fishing. Whether you catch a 12-, 15-, 17-, or 20-pounder is all relative to your own attitude, and we know that you’ll be thrilled with the challenge and the fight of these spectacular fish no matter what. What we can promise is that we’ll take you to the places that we believe offer the best opportunity to catch big peacocks, which is why we fish the areas that we do. And, keep in mind that your guide is very experienced and will be able to take you where you’ll have lots of action, if size is not your foremost concern (which it is not for many people).
Can I bring any fish home?We are practice catch-and-release and our guides are not permitted to let clients kill a fish. We release 99 percent of the fish we catch, and all of the big peacock bass. We do keep a few small fish for occasional meals, prepared by our chef on the Santana I. Incidentally, Brazilian authorities no longer allow visitors to take fish out of the country with them. Furthermore, in some of the areas that we visit, under Federal, state, local, or indigenous-tribe permits, we are specifically prohibited from keeping our catch. So, we encourage you to bring a good camera to record your catch. If you want to have a replica mount made, we can refer you to taxidermists who have done excellent work for our clients. Replicas last much longer than skin-mounted fish anyway.
Do you serve fish for dinner all week?No. Thanks to our experienced staff and onboard manager we serve excellent food on the Santana I. The Brazilian-theme menu is diverse and features fresh meats, vegetables, fruits, and fish, served with fine wine. Fish is served as an optional entree during the week and this can be increased or decreased as you desire. Many of our guests rave over the tambaqui, tucunare, pacu, and catfish when we serve it (we often buy or barter it from local people). If you inform us of any dietary needs in advance, we’ll do our best to meet them.
Do guests fish from the mother ship?During the day guests fish from new 17½-foot all-aluminum-welded Tracker bass boats powered by 4-stroke Honda outboards and outfitted with front and rear casting platforms, Lowrance sonar, bow-mounted electric motors, and VHF marine radios. Two anglers can fish comfortably from these boats, accompanied by their guide. Every boat leaves the mother ship with a good supply of cold beverages, which is essential in this climate. You may return to the mother ship at midday for lunch, or stay out through the day and return in the evening. On occasion, catfish may be landed at night from the deck of the mother ship, provided that it is anchored in a suitable location; if so, guests are encouraged to try their luck.
Will I fish with a guide?Yes, you’ll have one of the best peacock bass fishing guides in Brazil. We have a well-seasoned guide staff, many of whom are related to each other. They are personable native Brazilians from the Rio Negro region who are excellent boat handlers and who make a determined effort to assist you in catching fish. Most of them understand a little English. Guides are assigned two guests for the week.
Do you have fishing gear that I can use?We provide free use of well-tested premium Pflueger fishing rods for those who don’t want the hassle of traveling with rod tubes. You have the option of renting fully spooled reels and a well-supplied box of lures, specific for peacock bass and other Amazon species, from us if you like.
What fishing gear should I bring?Click here for a detailed list of fishing tackle needs.
What should I bring besides fishing gear?A pair of compact binoculars will help you get a closer look at wildlife, and, of course, a camera adds to the special moments and memories. Our guides have fish grippers and scales, but you might bring a pair of sure-grip gloves for holding the fish for photos. Some people like to bring a handheld GPS, and some bring a compact handheld sonar, but neither is necessary. Sunscreen is absolutely necessary, however, and we recommend a lightweight wide-brimmed hat, tropical clothing, and perhaps fishing gloves. We’ll provide you with a more detailed packing list prior to departure.
Do you have bottled water to drink?Yes. We provide bottled water in your stateroom, while fishing, with meals, etc., and always have a plentiful supply. Our guides fill their coolers with ice, bottled water, and other beverages of your choice every time they leave the mother ship to go fishing. We urge you to drink plenty of water during your stay.
Can I brush my teeth with tap water?We suggest that you use bottled water, which is provided in your stateroom.
Will I get motion sickness on the mother ship?To the best of our knowledge, none of our guests has ever gotten motion sickness on the Santana I. It is highly unlikely because the boat is extremely stable, there are few waves of any consequence on the river, and you are always within close proximity to land.
What is there for a non angler to do?We often have guests who do little or no fishing. You may relax with a book in our air-conditioned lounge or on the upper deck while the other guests are out fishing. You can watch videos in the lounge about the Amazon and its wildlife. If you like, we’ll take you for a ride and eco-culture trip, perhaps visiting a local village where you may be able to acquire native crafts. Our mother ship manager and crew will be happy to go along and provide local insight. As you cruise along lush waterways and past smooth clean sandbars, freshwater dolphins are your companions and often provide close encounters.
How hot does it get in the Amazon?Not as hot as if you were fishing on a midsummer day in many southern or desert lakes in North America. It is a humid heat, however, as befits the tropical rainforest. Temperatures are delightful in the morning, and cool enough that some of our guests wear a light windbreaker for the morning high-speed bass boat ride. At midday, however, you’ll enjoy a high-speed boat ride to help cool you off. It is common to be soaked with perspiration in the early afternoon hours due to heat, lack of wind, and humidity. Despite the popular image of the Amazon as a region of blistering heat, temperatures of more than 90 degrees F. (32 degrees C.) are rarely experienced there. In fact, the annual average temperature in the Amazon region is in the range of 72-79 degrees F. (22-26 degrees C.), with only a small seasonal variation between the warmest and the coldest months.
How many guests does the mother ship accommodate? Do I have to reserve the whole vessel?Built to our specifications, the Santana I accommodates a maximum of 16 guests. Sometimes the entire vessel is booked for a week by a large group, but we are pleased to accept reservations when space is available for individuals, small groups, couples, and families. Many of our tours are comprised of several small groups (two, three, and four in a party) who often become friends after their shared experiences.
Are there many women on your trips?Perhaps 20 percent of our clientele is female, many of whom accompany their spouse, significant other, or father. Some are avid and accomplished anglers (including some members of the women’s professional bass fishing circuit), some are casual anglers, and a few do not fish at all. We’ve had weeks when half of the group is comprised of women, and we’ve had weeks when there was only one woman or no women in the group. We are always delighted to have women onboard (among other things it helps keep the language more civil), and welcome them. There is nothing about this trip that a woman can’t do and enjoy. The main concerns expressed by women are: having a private bath (which every room on the mother ship does); dealing with bugs (not a problem as noted elsewhere); going to the bathroom when you’re fishing (our guides want you to be comfortable so when you say the word they’ll find a safe place to take you ashore); and having decent food (“decent” food is not good enough for us and we’ll do better than that). Since we have the premier mother ship in the Amazon, we insist on providing comfort to all of our guests.
Is there laundry service on the mother ship?Yes. We have daily laundry service on the mother ship. There’s no need to pack excessively.
Is airfare included in the price?Fishing packages are all inclusive except for airfare. The only additional expenses are gratuities to your guide and staff.
Can Wet-A-Line Tours reserve my flight?We can make your airfare reservations from Miami to Manaus and back to Miami. You must reserve your flight to Miami; call our office for information regarding arrival and departure times for your domestic flights in conjunction with international flights.
Do you accept credit cards?We accept credit cards for fishing packages and equipment rentals. We do not accept credit cards for airline reservations; airline reservations require a check.
How far in advance should I reserve a week on the mother ship?Wet-A-Line Tours enjoys a high repeat clientele rate. Because of this, and the fact that we have a limited season and space, we recommend reserving a year in advance. Many of our guests reserve a space for next year immediately after completing the current year’s trip. Please call to check on available space at anytime, however. Also note that sometimes we have an opening or two that we can offer at a special price on relatively short notice.
How far in advance should I make airline reservations?As soon as you select a week and send in your deposit. Do not wait until the last minute. Direct flights from Miami to Manaus are very limited, and the planes usually fly full. Also, you’ll need to leave several hours between your arrival in Miami and your departure for Manaus (the same applies on the homebound leg), so the sooner you make air reservations, the more likely you’ll get flights with good connection times.
Does the mother ship travel at night?It travels whenever necessary to move to where the fishing is good, or better, and we try to move when it will not interfere with fishing activities. Often, the mother ship moves for a few hours in the evening and through the dinner hour once everyone is back from fishing. It is capable of moving up to 150 miles in an evening, which we’ll do if that’s what it takes to get to a better fishing area. Sometimes, the mother ship moves during the day while guests are out fishing, and meets the guides and guests at the end of the day (the guide boats have VHF radios). We strive to let you enjoy the solitude of the evening in the rainforest, including a restful night’s sleep anchored on a quiet peaceful sandbar. If we have to move long distances, we may do so at night, depending on where we are, water levels, etc. The Santana I draws less water than other mother ships, so we can often go places others can’t, and we can travel through shallow areas at times when others don’t. When we travel at night, guests often enjoy sitting on the top deck and focusing the powerful beam of our spotlight up and down the river, searching for the occasional set of caiman eyes.
What’s the bug/insect situation?It’s great; we often serve them dipped in chocolate mint sauce. Just kidding about the sauce, but the insect situation is usually so good that many of our guests never put insect repellent on during the week. That seems contrary to what you might expect in the rainforest, but the fact is that we usually don’t go traipsing in the rainforest but stay in the boats to fish. And the blackwaters that we fish do not provide or foster abundant aquatic insect life. If you need insect repellent, it will most likely be to ward off no-see-um-like critters onshore or on the top deck at night when we’re close to shore. Bring it just in case, but you probably won’t need it.
Do I need shots or pills to visit the Amazon?The Brazilian government, and the U. S. Center for Disease Control, recommend that visitors to Brazil from North American countries, especially to the Amazon region, have a yellow fever vaccination. It is not required, however, unless you have been in certain countries prior to visiting Brazil. It is also recommended, but not required, that you take an antimalarial drug. While these recommendations may seem a bit alarming, note that they are precautionary advisements. Most of our guests get a yellow fever vaccination (good for ten years), and roughly half of them take an antimalarial drug (available through prescription) as a precaution. Check with your health care provider and local or regional infectious disease center for more information. To read about current U.S. State Department travel warnings and public announcements, including travelers health advisories,see www.travel.state.gov and www.cdc.gov/travel/tropsam.
Do I need a Brazilian visa?Yes. Brazilian visas are good for five years and can be obtained through Brazilian consulates. When you make a reservation we’ll send you an updated information sheet about where and how to apply (it changes from time to time).
Is there an age limitation?We request that guests be a minimum of 16 years old, but depending on the group there can be an exception for children aged 13 and over.
What do you do for a medical emergency?The Santana I has onboard medical supplies for routine needs. It also has two satellite telephones which can be used to call medical personnel if the situation requires. For a minor emergency we can take someone by fast boat to the nearest village with medical services. For a major emergency we can arrange for float plane transport.
What happens when the mother ship returns to port?We’ll take you to the local airport, and you’ll fly back to Manaus on a chartered flight. At the Manaus airport we’ll meet you and take you to the renowned Tropical Hotel(http://www.tropicalhotel.com.br) in Manaus. Our representative will give you an itinerary for dinner and a time to meet the bus the next day. He can also help you make arrangements, at your expense, to tour this historic city, including a visit to select markets and the famous Opera House. The next day we’ll take you to the airport for your return flight to Miami.
Do I need a converter for electric outlets on the yacht or at the hotel?No. The Santana is fully equipped to handle your electric needs, as is the hotel. It’s always a good idea to have a converter, however, as many Brazilians hotels recommend it.
Will I be able to reach my office or family while on the mother ship?Yes. We have two satellite phones and Internet access so you can get/receive emails. Because of the high cost to us for these service, we must charge per minute for satellite phone use and per minute for Internet access; please note that Internet access is quite slow. Some of our guests bring a satellite phone with them, and you are welcome to do so.
Can I rent a satellite phone in Manaus?No. We suggest that you rent one at home and bring it with you.
Who pays for meals at the hotel?At the hotel we supply dinner as well as admission to the Boi-Bomba show, which is an entertaining traditional Carnivale dance. You are responsible for your drinks, other meals, and incidental expenses.
Is Brazil safe?Here’s what the Brazilian Office of Tourism says about this: “There is no need to be overly apprehensive about safety issues in Brazil. Reports of violent crime against tourists and foreigners are rare. An unfortunate reality of life, however, is that petty crimes occur everywhere. You should keep your wits about you, as you would in any major city, to avoid being robbed.” To see what the U. S. State Department has to say, visit www.travel.state.gov and view the sections on Safety and Security, and Crime. Although you will travel into the sparsely inhabited and essentially roadless rainforest region of northern Brazil, keep in mind that this enormous country has the fifth largest population in the world, and that most problems occur in the densely populated major cities. You will arrive in and depart from Manaus; we escort you to and from the Manaus airport, and your last night in Brazil is spent in the best, and most secure, international hotel in the city.
Can I eat outside of the hotel?We can recommend a good restaurant, but we suggest that you do not eat outside street- or market-vendor food.
Is it safe on the mother ship, and in remote areas?Our clients can feel very safe on the mother ship and our crew is vigilant on a 24/7 basis. We have not had safety issues on the fishing boats. Although the U. S. State Department warns that terrorist groups may operate along the Colombia-Brazilian border, that area is far beyond the region that we normally fish. Likewise, we have not had personal safety issues while fishing in, traveling through, or visiting areas inhabited by indigenous people. As recently as March 2004, the U. S. State Department reported that “Recent cases of violence against U.S. citizens' interests, U.S. fishermen and other adventure tourists detained by angry indigenous people or their Brazilian Government representatives (FUNAI) for trespassing on protected land, and tourists lost in the forest for a week, underline the risks inherent in visiting one of the world's great wildernesses. U.S. visitors should ensure that their outfitter/guide is experienced in the Amazon.” It has been reported to us that another mother ship fishing operator has had problems with local and indigenous people in a handful of areas (some of which we go to with permission and without incident), and has been barred from them. But that has not happened to us, and we can assure you that we obtain every necessary permit to travel, and fish, wherever we go. In some cases, our crew members have gone into villages to obtain permission from local people to visit their area for a specific day or days. If we don’t have a permit or direct permission from villagers, we move on. Our guides know exactly where we can and cannot go, and they observe this. In this respect, as with other aspects of our business, our service and tours in the Amazon are unsurpassed by any other outfitter or guide.
How much cash should I bring? Should I bring traveler’s checks?You probably will not need more than $400 cash per person, most of which will be used for tips and some specialty shopping. Traveler’s checks are not necessary, and should not be given to your guide or the boat staff. The hotel and most stores, accept credit cards. You can use U.S. dollars for tipping, or, if time permits, exchange dollars for Brazilian currency at Miami International Airport.
What if I don’t speak Spanish or Portuguese?Portuguese is the primary language in Brazil; some Spanish words are similar to Portuguese words, so knowing Spanish might help a little. Wet-A-Line Tours will provide you with a translation card for your convenience in your booking packet. Our staff members who meet you at the airport, and our mother ship manager, speak English, so you’ll be fine even if you don’t understand or speak either of these languages. If you’d like to learn some key words or phrases in Portuguese, you can find these at the following site: www.braziltourism.org/funtips1.shtml
Amazon Eco Tour CruisesWet-A-Line Tours is pleased to offer its clients eco tours to one of the world's greatest natural wonders, the Amazon Rainforest. Aboard our 100' luxury yacht, the Santana III, you can comfortably explore this fascinating and magical part of the world. You will have an unforgettable experience and return home with a new knowledge and appreciation of the Amazon region.
The Amazon Rainforest conjures up many different images in people's minds, but the reality is almost always different (and better) than the imagined. Even armed with a storehouse of facts about the region, first time visitors are amazed at the sheer magnitude of the rainforest and its accompanying river system. Three million square miles of Amazon Rainforest is an impressive fact, but flying for hours over a rain forest canopy broken only by the meandering of the many rivers, igarapés (creeks) and lagoons plus scattered small villages brings that fact to life. You can know that one fifth of the world's fresh water is contained in the Amazon River system, but until you have traveled on its waters and marveled at their expanse you really don't understand how much water there is. Biodiversity is just a buzz word that comes to life when you see pink dolphins, hordes of beautiful tropical birds, grasshoppers almost a foot long, butterflies big enough to cover a dinner plate and many of the other species found (some exclusively) in this magical land called the Amazon.
Imagine quietly (thanks to our quiet and environmentally friendly four stroke outboards) cruising in a comfortable 17-1/2 foot aluminum boat into a remote lagoon that is as smooth as glass and inhabited by birdlife only imagined or seen on TV.
About Your Luxury YachtEach night aboard the Santana III you will be able to relax in the aft deck open air bar (mosquito free thanks to the slightly acidic black water) with a drink and some appetizers before being served a delicious meal in the spacious air conditioned restaurant. Our chef prepares a variety of regional and international dishes, tailored to the American palate rivaling those of the finest restaurants. You will be able to experience such exotic and delicious cuisine such as: the amazing "tambaqui", a fruit eating fish with the sweetest meat, found only in the Amazon region; "pirarucu", a prehistoric fish with both lungs and gills, whose filets may weigh 100 lbs; a Brazilian churrasco (barbecue) of whole tenderloin, calabreza (Brazilian sausage), fish and chicken; some of the almost 300 edible fruits native to the Amazon region; and other delicious regional foods. A selection of fine white and red wines is available, in addition to bottled water, soft drinks, fruit juices, select liquors and beer.
When you travel with the Amazon Castaway staff aboard The Santana III, you will be treated to an unparalleled eco tour of the magnificent Amazon rainforest.
In addition to viewing and photographing the rich and diverse plant and animal life of the rainforest, you will have the opportunity to experience the local culture of river dwelling "cablocos" (people of mixed European and Indian blood) during visits to their riverside villages. These simple people depend on the river and rainforest to sustain their lives much as they have for centuries. The sight of a three year old child paddling a small dugout canoe alone, as if a toddler riding his tricycle in a suburban US cul-de-sac, may startle you at first. However, you will soon realize that to these simple happy people the river is their playground, highway, grocery store, bath tub, laundromat....the river is life and you are living in National Geographic.
Walks in the rainforest, fishing for piranhas, "hunting" crocodiles at night with a spotlight, gourmet lunches on deserted river beaches, feeding bread crumbs to colorful tropical fish in their natural habitat, kayaking in a peaceful and remote lagoon, and even swimming in the refreshing black tannic waters of a rainforest river are some of the experiences that await you aboard an Amazon Castaway Eco Tour. When you gaze up into a clear darkened sky, unaffected by bright city lights, and see the Southern Cross for the first time marking the hours like the hands of a clock as it moves across the sky, you will be glad you came to this magical and mystical part of the world.
Our standard two night/ three day tour itinerary includes:Day 1.Transfer to the yacht to settle in. The yacht departs The Tropical Hotel pier at 2:30 p.m., for a cruise out of Manaus to "The Meeting of The Waters", where The Solimoes and Rio Negro rivers meet, their different water colors creating a distinct line of color where the two great rivers meet to form the Amazon River. We will then proceed to the famous "Janauary Ecological Park" where we will explore the earth's wonders as seen nowhere else. Home to the famous magnificent "Victoria hedge" water lily. The sun will begin to set on the river, a sight never forgotten, as we proceed to anchor at "Jacareubal" for dinner and the calm of the night only broken by the sounds of the jungle.
Day 2. After a wonderful morning meal, The Santana III will travel to "Terra Preta, (The Black Land)", there we will enjoy an opportunity to visit a local Indian community,which inhabits the highland of the Rio Negro River. We will visit the local flour factory and enjoy a jungle trek accompanied by our tour guide and naturalist. A hike deep into Mother Nature's own heart and view the virginal Amazon rainforest. Returning to the yacht we will depart for "Anavilhanas Archipelago", the second largest fresh water archipelago in the world, with more than 300 individual and breathtakingly beautiful islands. From there we will move to the site known as "Three Mouths". After your midday meal we will proceed in the smaller boats to catch Piranha, an exciting favorite activity of many. The afternoon will end with a return to the yacht, appetizer's and a chance to freshen up before a fabulous dinner and the evening's activities. By lights, our guides will take you alligator spotting for the "Amazon Caiman" and a chance to observe them at night under the Amazon sky seeking their prey.
Day 3. We will arise early for a "Sunrise Tour" where thousands of birds and animals begin to wake the jungle, one by one. Their songs and sounds never to be forgotten as you watch the splendid sunrise over the rainforest. A dazzling show of lights, courtesy of Mother Nature. We will proceed to the site known as "Big Beach" for a chance to swim and refresh ourselves with a nice cool river bath, followed by the return cruise to Manaus. There we will serve you your midday meal in front of famous "Ponta Negra Beach" and then disembark in Manaus at 4:30 p.m., followed by transfer to the airport or hotel for a continued stay in Manaus (optional), the heart of the Amazon.
Eco Tour Packages Include:All Transfers: From Airport / Yacht / Airport or Hotel;
Welcome Drinks: Made of exotic regional juices.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner, with typically regional ingredients and varied menu, served in buffet style Self-service.
Appetizers: Cheeses, Brownies, Chips, etc;
Beverages: Mineral water, Soft drinks, Regional Juices and Beer.
Due to the five Yachts that we own containing the same basic configuration and amenities, comfort and style, the Castaway/Santana Eco-Tourism program will be able to use any Yacht in our fleet to accomplish regular departure dates, or to accommodate a larger group by combining boats.
Please note: The itinerary may be modified, in view of the rivers level or changing weather conditions.
