FISHING IN THE WORLD'S LARGEST FRESHWATER ARCHIPELAGO. MORE THAN 1,200 ISLANDS WITH SEVERAL LAKES AND BEACHES.
Once in a lifetime fishing experience.
FISHING IN THE WORLD’S LARGEST FRESHWATER ARCHIPELAGO
The Kalua 2 Hotel Boat is based in the city of Santa Isabel do Rio Negro (SIRN), approximately 300km from Barcelos city.
Santa Isabel do Rio Negro (Saint Isabel of Black River) is a municipality located in the Brazilian state of Amazonas. Its population is over 24,000 and its area is 62,846 square kilometers (24,265 square miles). The municipality was formerly called Tapuruquara.Pico da Neblina is the highest mountain in Brazil and it is 2,994 meters high (9,822 feet), it is also located in this municipality. However the peak is 180 kilometers (110 mi) in a straight line from the urban seat of the municipality, it is inaccessible except through the Amazon rainforest via a National Park and the Yanomani Indian Reserve (under federal control and with restricted access).
The city is located 781km by boat from Manaus or 631km by plane. The local city airport is the Tapuruquara airport.
The anglers will be fishing in the largest freshwater archipelago in the world called Mariuá – located in the Negro River, between Barcelos and Santa Isabel. It was discovered by NASA in the 90s and has more than 140km of extension, it’s 20km wide and has more than 1,200 islands with several lakes and beaches. The area also offers a lot of tributaries (streams) that are excellent for fishing. These streams are Preto, Padauiri, Atauí, Paranã da Floresta, among others.
AMAZON ARCHIPELAGO PACKAGE
PACKAGE CODE: AM3KAL2
ALL-INCLUSIVE PACKAGE
PACKAGE CODE: AM3KAL2
- Trip Duration: From & back to Canada = 10 or 11 days. Hotel Boat trip: 7 days & 6 nights (6 days fishing)
- Airport assistance and transfers in Manaus
- Two hotel nights in Manaus (Quality or Tropical) - double superior deluxe room
- One hotel night in Santa Isabel do Rio Negro (SIRN)
- Round-trip charter flights (Manaus - Santa Isabel - Manaus)
- Kalua 2 Hotel Boat accommodation in double suite & full service
- All Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) buffet service + Brazilian BBQ on shore + appetizers and snacks
- Unlimited beverage: including Beer, Cocktails, Spirits, Wines, Soft Drinks, Juices and Mineral Water
- 18ft jon boats, equipped with 25/30HP engine, 40lbs electric-motor + cooler with beverages & snacks
- English Speaking Guided Fishing onboard
- Complementary Laundry Service
- Kalua 2 is the new name for the former Demeni Hotel Boat
Typical Fishing Day
5:30 am – Breakfast
6:30 am – Ready to go fishing
12:00 pm – Anglers will have a short ride back to the Hotel Boat for lunch OR can lunch in the jungle by the riverside. 1:30 pm – After lunch, fishing will resume until late afternoon when the guides will take anglers back to the hotel boat (around 5:30pm).
6:30 pm – Cocktails & Appetizers
7:30 pm – Buffet Dinner will be served in the dining room area.
THE AMAZON FISHING PROGRAM
THE AMAZON - HOME OF THE WORLD'S LARGEST FRESHWATER FISH
The main trophy species are the Peacock Bass, Piraíba, Redtail Catfish and Arowana, however other scale fish, such as Piranha and Pirarucu, inhabit these waters offering a variety of species for casting, including fly mode. Other giant fish available in these waters are the Pirarara, Flatwhiskered Catfish and Giant Trahira.
Anglers fish from 18 feet skiff boats with outboards (two anglers and one guide per boat). The skiffs have two platforms, one in the front and another one in the back, offering comfort and space for fly fishermen and baitcasting anglers. Anglers can choose fly fishing, casting or spinning, or other specific techniques for different species. The skiffs are also prepared for catfishermen. They have eight rod holders, rope and an anchor to stop in different catfish spots.
For more details and pictures of the fish available in this region, please click on the following button.
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SEASON: Our fishing season begins in August and runs until early March every year. The water levels in the Rio Negro basin can change quickly and affect fishing conditions, regardless of season or historical patterns. Navigation may also be affected. Although we make every attempt to monitor such conditions, anglers assume the risk of those natural forces beyond our control. The Kalua Hotel Boat always look for tributaries and areas that offer low water and good conditions for targeting the Peacock Bass. The water level in the Negro basin can change quickly and affect fishing conditions , but we can move the boat and look for better areas, chasing the fish.
ITINERARY
Day 1 (Thursay): International trip to Manaus, AM - Brazil.
Day 2 (Friday): Arrival in Manaus. Transfer to Hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 3 (Saturday): Early morning charter flight to Santa Isabel do Rio Negro (2-hour flight); upon arrival, transfer to Kalua Hotel Boat for immediate departure. After lunch on the boat, half day fishing until 5:30pm.
Days 4 to 8 (Sun-Thu): Full-day fishing until 5:30pm.
Day 9 (Friday): Fishing from 6:30am to 3:30 pm. Return to the hotel in Santa Isabel do Rio Negro. Late afternoon and evening are free.
Day 10 (Saturday): Transfer to Santa Isabel do Rio Negro Regional Airport around 7:30am (after breakfast) for charter flight back to Manaus.
Arrival in Manaus around 11:00am and transfer to the International Airport or to the hotel, depending on the time of your return flight.
Day 11 (Sunday): Transfer to the International Airport of Manaus.
End of our services.
Day 12 (Monday): Arrival in your hometown and end of this incredible fishing trip.
WEATHER: Temperatures usually range from 80-100F during the day, but typically it cools down to 70F degrees in the evening. Heavy tropical downpours (short duration) can occur even during the "dry season"; be sure to pack a rain suit.
LUGGAGE: We ask you special attention for this: The charter flight to Santa Isabel do Rio Negro has a volume luggage limitation.
The total weight per passenger is one 15kg suitcase (check in luggage) + 0ne 3kg bag (carry on baggage).
We can provide extra space for rod, line, reels and spinning reels under request.
THE KALUA 2 HOTEL BOAT
KALUA 2 BOAT CAPACITY: 8 anglers per week.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
4 double suites (bathroom and air conditioning).
LAUNDRY and maid service free of charge.
LARGE CLIMATIZED LOUNGE AREA with a bar, sound equipment, guitar and TV (satellite signal).
CLIMATIZED DINING ROOM AND TOP DECK for relaxing while having a drink and/or a cigar enjoying the magnificent view of the Amazon Rain Forest.
MEALS: A full breakfast is served before anglers head out fishing each day.
Lunch may be onboard or the angler may request a packed lunch to be enjoyed on the fishing boat.
Dinner is onboard with a huge variety of meat, fish, salad, pasta, rice and fruit being served each evening.
A shore meal (Brazilian BBQ) is also arranged (weather permitting).
KALUA 2 SUPPORT BOAT & JON BOATS:
In every trip Kalua 2 Hotel Boat is escorted by its 2-deck support boat "Kamayura" which offers lodge for its large crew, including a captain, a mechanic, a coordinator and 4 fishing guides; it also carries all the supplies, provisions and fuel storage. Also in every trip, the Kalua 2 Hotel Boat is accompanied by its four JON BOATS with 25hp outboard and trolling motor and 1 super light Jon boat for specific ingress in closed and cut-off lakes.
KALUA 2 BOAT HOTEL SPECS:
57ft length with maximum 75cm draft
MWM Motor 114hp Powerplant
2 Power Generators
Fully air conditioned throughout
KALUA 2 BOAT HOTEL:
It's the new name for the former Demeni boat.
[KALUA 2 BOAT PHOTO GALLERY]
FOR FISHING PHOTO GALLERIES, PLEASE CLICK HERE
PACKAGE CODE: AM3KAL2
* Price per person in a group of 8 anglers (minimum)
CAD$6,890 per person in a group of 6 anglers (minimum)
*Full price in Canadian dollars (CAD$)
BEFORE BOOKING YOUR TRIP, CHECK OUT OUR 2019 SPECIALS. CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING BUTTON.
WHAT TO BRING?
- Polarized sunglasses (+ spare pair)
- Personal medication
- Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory & Malaria vaccine is suggested
- Cap or wide brimmed hat to protect ears and neck
- Sun Tan blocking lotion (50-100spf)
- LIGHT WEIGHT LUGGAGE
- Good quality rain gear
- Spare Camera batteries or chargers (there are sockets and adapters aboard)
- Waterproof storage bag for in-boat PERSONAL items
- Mosquito Repellent
-
PERSONAL DOCUMENTS SUCH AS PASSPORT, BRAZILIAN HASSLE-FREE E-VISA, AIR TICKETS, TRAVEL ITINERARY, ETC
- Complete checklist & Fishing Gear can be found below
Important Information:
There is on board daily laundry service, so please bring few clothing items. Allowed weight per passenger on the Manaus – Santa Isabel charter flight should not exceed 18 kg (40 lb – including fishing tackle) plus a 5 kg (11 lb) carry on luggage.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGES
- 2-WAY AIR TICKET: CANADA - MANAUS, BRAZIL - CANADA
- Any other additional travel/transfers, city tours or hotel stay not described in the package
- ANY FOOD or beverage expenses not listed in our package
- Travel Insurance and aerial rescue
- Satellite communications (USD$6 per minute)
- Items for personal use
- Tips/gratuities for boat staff & guides
- PASSPORT & BRAZILIAN E-VISA
- If you want we can purchase your 2-way air ticket from Canada to Brazil through our tour agency partner. You might get a better deal!
COMPLETE CHECKLIST:
- Two Pair of Polarized Sunglasses (in case you lose or break apair).
- Waterproof & Unscented Sunscreen SPF 50+ (UVA) (UVB)
- Buff Face Mask
- FishingHat
- Spinning or baitcasting rods 6´ to7´
- Bait or spinning reels with minimum 50 lb braidedline
- Boxe of lures – propellers, poppers, jumping minnow, twitch baits, bucktails jigs, shallowdeep plugs,
- Fly tackle #8 to #10 with reels, floating or intermediate lines (bring extra lines), Fluorocarbon Tippet (spools of 60, 70 fluoro), Flies and Fly Box (at least 4 dozenflies)
- Long Sturdy Pliers
- Fishing Sun Protection Gloves
- Light Weight Gore‐Tex® Rain Jacket andPants
- 3 Long Sleeve Fishing Shirts
- 3 Pairs of Fast Drying Pants
- 2 Pairs of Fast Drying Shorts or Swimming Trunks
- Boat Sandals
- Waterproof Camera, Memory Cards, Batteries and Charger
- Smart Phone or Tablet with Charger
- Insect repellent with 30% + DEET and “anti‐itch”cream
- Flashlight/Headlamp
- Lip Balm with sunscreen (highest SPF you can get)
- Dry Bag, Day Pack, boat bag or Fanny Pack (100%Waterproof)
- Waterproof Bags or Zip‐Loc Bags (to carry camera, other gear while in the boat)
- Passport with at least 6 months of validity
- Brazilian Tourist Visa
- 2 Copies of passport (***packed separately in zip‐lock bag***)
- Airline tickets and itinerary
- Cash (for tips & shopping) Suggested total tip amount for boat staff & guides: $500
- Credit Card (call your company and inform about your travel plans)
- Notebook and pen
- Emergency Telephone Numbers
- Toiletries (Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc)
- Aspirin and other over‐the‐counter medication like antacids, stool softner, etc
- Prescription Medications (packed in your carry‐on bag)
- Prescription Glasses
- Please also check information on Fishing Gear on this page
FISHING WITH THE KALUA CREW (Video by a customer)
USEFUL LINKS:
- TRAVEL PRESS - HASSLE-FREE E-VISA NOW AVAILABLE FOR BRAZIL
- WHAT IS NEEDED FOR THE BRAZILIAN E-VISA?
- 5-MIN ONLINE APPLICATION FOR BRAZIL E-VISA
- GENERAL CONSULATE OF BRAZIL IN TORONTO
- GENERAL CONSULATE OF BRAZIL IN VANCOUVER
- AMERICA SCIENCE MAGAZINE - ZIKA VIRUS HAS DISAPPEARED
- IGFA – INTERNATIONAL GAME FISH ASSOCIATION
- TOP FISHING BRAZIL
FISHING GEAR:
The giant Peacock Bass ranges in size from 2 to 30 pounds (In Portuguese: Tucunaré‐Açú, Paca or Paca‐Açú). This specie (Cichla Temensis) requires very good and strong tackle. We recommend bait casting reels number 200 and spinning reels 4000 or 5000 sizes. Strong braided line is very important. We recommend braided line from 50 to 65 lb test. The rods can measure from 6´ to 7´ long with minimum of 25 lb resistance. Snaps, knots, swiwels, splitrings and hooks must have minimum of 50 lb strength. 4 X hooks minimum recommended.
We suggest many types of lures – propellers, twitch baits, jumping minnows, shallow water dive plugs, bucktail jigs and more. If you are a fly fisherman, you can choose rods from #8 to #10 with floating lines or sinking tips line. The water of the river is warm. Fluor carbon 60 or 70 lb recommended. Poppers and streamers from 8 to 20 cm can be used depending on the size of the PB target.
> HIGH WATER POLICY
Fishing in the Amazon jungle represents one of the last frontiers in the fishing world. As in any such hyper‐ remote destinations, there can be challenges associated with offering a first‐class experience in the ‘ back of beyond’ . In the Amazon, water level conditions will, ocasionally, present such challenges. The Negro River annual water level cycles are not a simple equation, even for the most experienced local experts. Normally, high and low water levels here follow a fairly predictable monthly cycle, but climate changes and the effects of stronger or weaker El Niño and La Niña cycles can directly and immediately affect those levels.
These specifically El Niño and La Niña events tend to impact the amount of rain in the headwaters of Negro River, which in turn affects the entire Amazon basin. Water levels are important when fishing for Peacock Bass, and understanding how to work around them is a key component to success. Low water does not always result in best fishing, just as high water is not always the worst thing. More important is to understand where and how to fish as the water fluctuates. Though the Peacock Bass season has been chosen to coincide with the best water conditions annually, it’ s difficult to predict water levels, and this is one of the risks associated with fishing the Amazon.
In the event that the water is too high to fish on any given week, we will re‐schedule your week to a later time, but will not refund your trip payment.
*DISCLAIMER: Top Fishing is as diligent as possible in compiling and updating the information on its website. However, we do not guarantee the correctness and completeness of the information provided on our website. Equally, Top Fishing does not guarantee that this information is up to date. Before booking or paying for any packages/trips, please contact us with questions concerning our products, their specifications and their utilization. Also ask us for a hard copy of your package contract. In case of any discrepancy between the contract and this website, the contract will prevail and govern.