Amazon_Brazil

OVERVIEW

The Amazon is the “lungs of the planet”. This rain forest is over 1 billion acres and arguably the most diverse ecosystem on earth. The Amazon River pumps over 4 million cubic feet per second of fresh water into the Atlantic Ocean. The Amazon River has so many tributaries that most have never been documented. Whether it is your first fishing trip or you have chased the ferocious Peacock Bass a hundred times, the river is overwhelming. It is constantly in flux, rising with the rains and flooding millions of acres of fish habitat. There are over 3,000 species of fish here. Many, like the aggressive Peacock bass don’t simply eat you fly, they murder it. The ominous “black water” of the Amazon is truly appreciated once you have battled the mighty Peacocks on rod and reel.

FISHING

Fishing the Amazon has to be done with a solid plan and a boat. We have both. Stationed aboard one of the finest river Yachts, you can enjoy outrageous fishing while spending your down time in creature comfort. The “Amazon Belle” style of yachts are built locally in Brazil and are ideal for patrolling the area in search of Peacock Bass. There are two yachts in the fleet and each is specifically designed for certain size groups and the types of tributaries to explore. These luxury vessels are unsurpassed on the Amazon. Each yacht will have in tow, several aluminum “bass boats” complete with trolling motors and swivel seats. These bass boats are used to reach the hidden waters and the fish hiding therein. Everyday, as the yacht changes location (often overnight while guests are sleeping), the bass boats are able to access new and productive creeks, lagoons and tributaries. This the finest way to fish the Amazon. Fresh fish and unpressured fish. It is not uncommon for anglers to land over 100 fish in a single day! Many of the Peacocks will run over 20 pounds.

TARGET SPECIES

3 major species of Peacock Bass (speckled, butterfly, barred), pirahna, pirarucu, payara, and literally hundreds more that are difficult to identify. Don’t forget the giant Catfish!

ACCOMmODATIONS

Our outfitters uses two different yachts. SLAT is pleased to offer its clients an experience second to none in the Amazon. Aboard the luxury yacht, “Belle Amazon” 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.

Each night aboard The Belle, 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.

The 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 : "tambaqui", a fruit eating fish with the sweetest meat, found only in the Amazon region. "Pirarucu", a fish whose fillets may weigh 100 lb.

A Brazilian churrasco (barbecue) of whole tenderloin, calabreza (Brazilian sausage), fish, chicken, delicious native and exotic fruits and many other regional foods.

A selection of fine white and red wines is available, in addition to bottled water, soft drinks, fruit juices and beer.

The entire boat is completely furnished in lavish mahogany and marble. It contains the following onboard amenities for our clients:

Bar on the top deck

Central air-conditioning in the rooms and common areas of the ship

One Master Suite with king size bed, closets and bath

Eight Standard rooms with dressers for your clothes and private baths

Television, game room, elaborately furnished with sofas, C.D player, video and stereo

Satellite phone and fax

Laundry service

Unbelievable food and service that will equal or exceed the finest restaurant!

Water filter and purification

Solarium with shower

Command room with a complete navigation system

CAPACITY

8 to 20 anglers based on the type of trip and yacht used.

LENGTH OF STAY AND RATES (2011/2012 season)

Plan on departing on a Friday and returning on the following Sunday. This will give anglers 6 1/2 days of fishing.

Belle Amazon: $4950 per person, all-inclusive aboard the yacht. *see “what’s included”

Amazon Santana: $4950 per person, all-inclusive aboard the yacht. *see “what’s included”

Click on this link to see a sample itinerary of the Amazon Trip: Belle Amazon Trip

Amazon Santana Clients will board the yacht in Manaus after clearing immigration and customs at the airport. Once on board, and while the guest is sleeping, the yacht will be moved to a desirable fishing area where the clients may begin fishing by mid-afternoon. The yacht will move daily as fishing conditions dictate so that the client gets in 6 full days of fishing. On Thursday night, the boat will return to Manaus, arriving in Manaus at about 10:00 a.m. Friday morning. The trip will end upon arrival in Manaus.

Although the staff will be different from the Belle staff, we believe that the assembled staff with some former Amazon Fishing Adventures guides will be outstanding. Fishing will be from 17’ boats with 30 HP Suzuki outboard motors that will permit easy access into the tightest locations in search of the “Big Ones”. Tackle rental packages available for $150 or you may bring your own equipment and baits. They will sell certain disposable baits such as soft plastics and jigs onboard the boat. All other features of the trip will be the same as on the more luxurious Belle Amazon. Maximum number of participants is 16 anglers.

*Sporting Life Adventure Travel services are always FREE to our clients. Our clients never pay more with us than booking directly with the destination lodge or outfitter. We’ll help reduce your stress!

SEASON

Mid-August through March

BOATS AND EQUIPMENT OFFERED

It is always recommended to bring your own gear. There are spinning and casting outfits available for weekly rental through the outfitters. Charges for rental will apply. The Belle Amazon and Amazon Santana use 17 foot aluminum bass boats with 30 HP Suzuki motors.

The Exploratory boat uses a combination of Kayaks and jon boats.

HOW TO GET THERE

The two major airlines are Delta (direct flights from Atlanta to Manaus, Brazil) and TAM (direct flights from Miami to Manaus, Brazil). Click on the link above in the “RATES” to sample an itinerary for flight schedules. As always, SLAT will assist you in any manner possible to arrange your air service.

NON-ANGLING ACTIVITIES

The Amazon Rain forest is worth seeing even without the outstanding fishing. If you enjoy nature in the raw, this is the place. Bring your best camera. Once on board the yachts, it is primarily just fishing, dining, relaxing. If you choose to overnight in Manaus, there is some incredible touring and sight-seeing, including the famous “Opera House” and the local markets. The fish market is a sight to behold. Local artisans produce a variety of wares for sale. There are often local celebrations with amazing colors and costumes.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR TRAVEL

A valid passport is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Brazil, as well as a valid Brazilian tourist visa. Passengers are responsible for obtaining passports and visas. Sporting Life can assist with the visa application process. A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is also required for all travelers to Brazil. For additional information on travel health advisories check with your physician or consult the Travelers’ Health website of the Center for Disease Control. Make sure your passport is valid and has at least two blank pages for your Brazilian visa. To obtain a visa, your valid passport must be sent to the nearest Brazilian Consulate General (your passport cannot expire within three months of entrance into Brazil).

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Greeting at airport and ground transportation.

Semi-Private rooms at our facilities (per two anglers)

Fully Air Conditioned Rooms and Hot Showers

Daily Laundry Service

Daily Maid Service

Delectable meals of both American and Brazilian foods served with choice wines.

Soft drinks, bottled water, fruit juice and beer*

Guided fishing (two anglers per boat)

Guide operated boat, outboard, trolling motor and cooler

Fishing Tackle packages are available for a small rental fee.

Final night hotel in Manaus (see itinerary)