Floating Bungalows Game Fishing Camp

The remote and protected, Rio Tucano - Rio Arara complex, in the Sao Gabriel region of Northwestern Amazonas, is one of the few remaining bastions of unpressured peacock bass populations. The waters in this remote and beautiful region hold huge, feisty peacocks that have never seen a lure, and lagoons that have never seen a fisherman! 

Anglers will get all the benefits of an unexplored and unexploited fishery, known to hold the world's largest specimens of peacock bass, on a trip that operates in comfort, security and certainty: arriving by floatplane and spending the week in a comfortable, air-conditioned floating bungalow camp. 

Needing only a foot of water in which to navigate, the Floating Bungalow Camp can access the farthest,untouched reaches of pristine, floodplain fisheries, where larger yachts cannot go. Even though it is not like Rainforest Cruises' conventional Amazon river cruises, the floating bungalow camp provides the perfect blend of mobility and infrastructure to ensure the ultimate fishing experience, with a surprising degree of comfort and total security.

10-Day Amazon Rio Tucano Game Fishing Itinerary: Floating Bungalow Fishing Camp

The Fly-In Floating Cabins are the perfect vehicles for fishing in the exclusive Rio Tucano - Arara complex fishery: headwaters access, mobility, comfort and camaraderie.

This 10-day itinerary offers at least six full days fishing in a vast, remote Indian reservation that is four hours away by state-of-the-art floatplane from Manaus and its competing houseboats and lodges.

Day 1: Weds: Manaus: Arrival

Upon arrival at Manaus Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to the Tropical Hotel, or similar.

The rest of the day is free to relax in the luxurious hotel surroundings, or explore Manaus' historical centre. 

Day 2: Thurs: Manaus - Floating Bungalow Camp
(All meals)

7am approx: An eight-passenger Cessna turbo prop float plane departs to the floating bungalow camp. The flight takes four hours and takes anglers deep into the Rio Tucano - Arara region.The camp is an oasis of comfort in the middle of the Amazon jungle, but a fantastic place to unwind from the 'real' world.

Depending on the camp location and weather conditions, you may have time to fish for a few hours after your arrival.

Days 3 - 8: Fri - Weds: Six Full Fishing Days
(All meals)

A typical fishing day follows a certain pattern.

5.30am: Wake-up (unless you ask for a lie-in!) followed by breakfast.

The sun comes up at around 6.15am and your expert fishing guide will be ready to leave by 6.30am. (Peacock bass are strictly diurnal fish, so there's no value to heading out before dawn). He will prepare your gear, select the best lures for the conditions ... and then direct you to the biggest, most exciting freshwater fish you're likely to do battle with!

The fully-equipped aluminum bass boats are stocked with food and beverages so you can spend the day casting plugs, fly-fishing or just enjoying the variety of experiences peacock bass fishing provide, without the need to return to the camp for lunch.

Peacocks are inactive without daylight, so before dusk, at around 5pm, you head back to the comfort of the floating bungalows. As the name suggests, these are mobile, and so the camp may have moved during the day to access new fishing waters. 

The evening is spent with a cool beverage, and plenty of freshly cooked food, discussing the day's highlights.

NB. Rainforest hikes, spotlighting and night catfishing trips can also be organised. 

Day 9: Thurs: Floating Bungalow Camp
(All meals)

Departure from camp on float-plane to Manaus.

On arrival in Manaus, we transfer you to the Hotel Tropical. The rest of the day is free for relaxation or exploration. 

Day 10: Fri: Manaus: Departure
(Breakfast)

At the appropriate time, we transfer you to Manaus airport for your outbound flight.

8-Day Central Amazon Basin Game Fishing Itinerary: Floating Bungalow Fishing Camp

Later in the season, the Fly-In Floating Cabins move downstream to the more accessible, but equally fish-rich waters of the Rio Branco-Rio Negro basin. As in the Rio Tucano, we follow the fish using our mobile floating camp, to make sure you get the best game fishing in the various tributaries of the Central Amazon Basin, along with comfortable, convivial accommodation.

This 8-day itinerary offers five full days fishing in a stunning region that is two hours away by state-of-the-art floatplane from Manaus.

Day 1: Monday: Manaus: Arrival

Upon arrival at Manaus Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to the Tropical Hotel, or similar.

The rest of the day is free to relax in the luxurious hotel surroundings, or explore Manaus' historical centre. 

Day 2: Tuesday: Manaus - Floating Bungalow Camp
(All meals)

7am approx: An eight-passenger Cessna turbo prop float plane departs to the floating bungalow camp. The flight takes two hours and takes anglers into the heart of the Central Amazon Basin, where the Rio Branco and Rio Negro meet.

The camp is an oasis of comfort in the middle of the Amazon jungle, but a fantastic place to unwind from the 'real' world.

Depending on the camp location and weather conditions, you may have time to fish for a few hours after your arrival.

Days 3 - 7: Wednesday - Sunday: Five Full Fishing Days
(All meals)

A typical fishing day follows a certain pattern.

5.30am: Wake-up (unless you ask for a lie-in!) followed by breakfast.

The sun comes up at around 6.15am and your expert fishing guide will be ready to leave by 6.30am. (Peacock bass are strictly diurnal fish, so there's no value to heading out before dawn). He will prepare your gear, select the best lures for the conditions ... and then direct you to the biggest, most exciting freshwater fish you're likely to do battle with!

The fully-equipped aluminum bass boats are stocked with food and beverages so you can spend the day casting plugs, fly-fishing or just enjoying the variety of experiences peacock bass fishing provide, without the need to return to the camp for lunch.

Peacocks are inactive without daylight, so before dusk, at around 5pm, you head back to the comfort of the floating bungalows. As the name suggests, these are mobile, and so the camp may have moved during the day to access new fishing waters.

The evening is spent with a cool beverage, and plenty of freshly cooked food, discussing the day's highlights.

NB. Rainforest hikes, spotlighting and night catfishing trips can also be organised.

Day 8: Monday: Floating Bungalow Camp - Manaus
(Breakfast)

Departure from camp on float-plane to Manaus.

On arrival in Manaus, we transfer you to the airport for your outbound flight or to your hotel (not included).

Floating Bungalow Fishing Camp: Rio Tucano Departure Dates

2013

The Rio Tucano Angling Season runs from September to October. Please contact us for 2013 dates. 

** There are 9-day itineraries, using a commercial flight from Sao Gabriel to Manaus, and are accordingly cheaper.

Floating Bungalow Fishing Camp: Central Amazon Basin Departure Dates

2013

The Central Amazon Basin Angling Season runs from October to December.

~ Mon, 21st - Mon, 28th October

~ Mon, 28th October - Mon, 4th November

~ Mon, 4th - Mon, 11th November

~ Mon, 18th - Mon, 25th November

~ Mon, 2nd - Mon, 9th December

~ Mon, 9th - Mon, 16th December

~ Mon, 16th - Mon, 23rd December

Book Now!

Game Fishing Tour Prices: Floating Bungalow Camp

10-Day Amazon Rio Tucano Game Fishing Itinerary:

~ Air-Conditioned Bungalow:                        $6,550

9-Day Amazon Rio Tucano Fishing Itinerary:

~ Air-Conditioned Bungalow:                        $4,995

8-Day Central Amazon Basin Fishing Itinerary:

~ Air-Conditioned Bungalow:                        $5,199
 

Price Policy:
- All prices listed are PER PERSON in DOUBLE OCCUPANCY Bungalows
- Published Prices for 2013 Amazon Cruises only
- Individual occupancy of cabin and fishing with another angler: additional $600 
- Individual occupancy of cabin and fishing alone: additional 65%
- Child sharing bungalow and fishing boat with two parents: $375
- Child sharing bungalow and fishing boat with one parent: Full Price 

Included:
- All meals mentioned in the itinerary
- 2 night's accommodation at Tropical Hotel, Manaus (in Rio Tucano itinerary)
- 1 night's accommodation at Tropical Hotel, Manaus (in Central Amazon Basin itinerary)
- 6 or 7 nights' accommodation in Floating Bungalow Camp (depending on itinerary)
- 5 or 6 full days' fishing (depending on itinerary)
- Guided fishing (2 anglers per boat)
- Open bar
- Charter floatplane flights to/from Floating Bungalow Camp
- Fishing licenses
- Rods & reels
- Airport assistance & transfers
- Excursions as described in the itinerary

Not Included:
 - Lures
 - International or Domestic Airfares to Manaus
 - Airport Taxes
 - Cost of medical emergencies including evacuation
 - Gratuities
 - Souvenirs or additional services
 - Travel Insurance
 - Cost of relevant visas
 - Anything else not listed as included

Book Now!

The Floating Bungalow Camp is designed to go where other fishing vessels cannot on account of its very shallow draft. It also provides a very comfortable angler's retreat.

Cabin Accommodation:

- Roomy aluminium-hulled bungalows (10ft x 15ft = 3m x 5m)
- Steel frame structure and heavy duty aluminum outside roof, walls and shutters
- 3" ceiling insulation
- Plenty of storage space including at your headboard
- 110 VAC electricity outlet
- Private bathrooms with sink and toilet
- Pump-driven, on-demand water system for standard pressurized water
- Separate shower stall with electrical on-demand hot water system
- Two meter high ceilings. Gone are the days when six-footers have to duck!
- Comfortable full-size twin beds - 2 per unit
- Fully ventilated walls
- Low-noise Air Conditioning
- Wide, openable windows (if you prefer a natural breeze)
- Fully-welded aluminium floor
- Interior curtains and vinyl walls and ceiling
- Daily housekeeping service, with fresh towels and linen 

Camp Services:

- Daily Laundry Service: every day you can have your clothes washed, dried, folded and returned to your bungalow, whatever the weather. So pack light!
- All effluent kept in an eco-friendly enclosed septic system, to keep our environment clean and keep you comfortable
- After dinner lectures about the history, geography and biology of the Amazon. In-depth explanation of the life history and behavior of the remarkable peacock bass also available.

Dining boat:

- Comfortable, breezy dining area mounted on a 12 x 32 foot aluminum hull
- Twin Suzuki 115HP four strokes for propulsion.
- When not serving meals, this unique vessel can tow the entire floating camp to new locations with fresh fishing waters
- Meals are varied and delicious:

- Breakfasts includes eggs, pancakes, french toast and Brazilian pastries.
- Lunch is taken in a box on the bass boats for a restoring midday break
- Dinner consists of appetizers, soup, salad and a selection of main dishes, followed by dessert
- Some nights, on a riverside beach, there is a churrasco - a Brazilian barbecue - with steak, chicken, potatoes, and even a fresh peacock bass on occasion

- Open Bar: The Floating Camp provides guests with drinks and appetizers whenever they gather. All drinks are provided at no charge, any time. Options include beer, wine, domestic liquors, mixed drinks, soft drinks, juices, water, and of course, Brazil's national drink, the ever popular caipirinha.
- Ice-making machine - using pure water only
- Two freezers and a fridge 

Vessel Specifications:

Length Over All: 23.5m / 77 feet

Maximum Width: 6.5m / 22 feet

Draft: 0.3m / 1ft

Bungalows: 4

Anglers: 8 max

Crew: 8

Propulsion: Diesel or Gasoline

Cruising Range: up to 35 miles per day

Air-conditioning: Cabins / Dining Room

Electricity: 110 VAC

Generator: MWM 20kw main unit; 8kw heavy duty backup

Communications: Aircraft Radio; Emergency SATfone

Navigation: GPS

Safety Features:

Life-jackets

First Aid Kit

Peacock Bass:

Peacock bass are Cichlids, members of the most highly evolved group of fishes in the world. Hundreds of species exist in both the old and the new world and represent some of the most diverse fish in the underwater domain. Many, such as oscars from South America and the mbuna from Africa, are among the most popular home aquarium fishes; while other species such as tilapia, are farmed to provide food for our tables.

Feeding almost entirely on other fish, peacock bass have evolved into one of the most efficient predators in the genus. Their speed, strength, size and ferocity enable them to make a meal of almost every other species of fish in the Amazon. Their huge, bucket-mouth can engulf surprisingly large prey, making almost anything smaller than them a good candidate for dinner.

Sixteen recognized Cichlid species are found in the Amazon. Rio Tucano peacock bass live in heavily tannin-stained black water in abundance, and those caught are regularly over 15 lbs. 

Angler Boats: 

- Purpose-built to handle all river conditions from rock-strewn rapids to placid lowlands backwaters
- Welded, heavy-duty aluminium construction
- Stable fishing platform
- Long reach for rapids
- Hydrodynamic form
- Back-saving seats
- Combination V-hull with flat stern gives total flexibility.
- Equipped with life jackets and cooler for drinks and snacks

Guides: 

- Guide staff come from the native communities. 
- Fishing within protected waters has created a unique social contract between the Floating Camp and the tribal communities with which we cooperate. Guides learn a trade while you benefit from their intimate knowledge of the waters and intuitive understanding of the fish they have grown up with.
- Familiar with both fly and conventional tackle
- Delight in helping you learn how to hook and land the monster peacock bass you encounter.

Equipment: 

- Sidewinder's Peacock Bass Rattle Jigs are available for sale