The Amazon Region now appears to congregate a diverse clientele, regardless of age, all share a spirit of adventure and curiosity on the immense lush green and the secrets of the Flora and Fauna of the Amazon, the green lung of the world. The Desafio Cruises offers the best of two worlds: the convenience and comfort of a pre-arranged group program and the joy of personal discovery. Small enough for everyone to be on a first-name basis by the end of the first hours, our passengers feel at home in the heart of the Amazon. And our specialized multilingual hosts will be glad to tell the travelers every single detailed of wild life, flora and the Amazon way of living.
THE CRUISES
The cruises depart from Manaus, capital of the State of Amazonas, a city
in the jungle that prospered during the rubber boom last century and where
you will find a smaller copy of the Opera House in Paris, France. There
is a choice of a three or four days cruises, both of which include the
"Meeting of the Waters", where the Rio Negro and the Amazon River converge.
For many miles the different colored waters don't mix! The cruises also
include small boat excursions into the jungle with specialized guides
who will explain the local flora and fauna. Piranha fishing and visits
to native's communities along the river are also included.
Day 1 Thursday : Manaus
At 2:30 PM, meeting on board of Desafio boats at the docks of the hotel by the Amazon River for the beginning of your Jungle Adventure. After departure, a briefing with the details of your trip takes place at the Salon Bar, while we navigate along the Rio Negro towards the borders of the Amazon River, right where it meets the dark waters of the Rio Negro to see the famous "meeting of the waters" that runs down the Amazon River for about 4 km without mixing. Navigating towards Lake January, where we will see the huge Victoria Regia water plant, we will take our first canoe hiding to visit the Igarapés. A stop at an indigenous house to see their way of living is a must. After enjoying the beauty and the lavish green of the Amazon Forest from the deck, we will anchor at Praia do Tatú to stay overnight. Dinner is served during the navigation.
Day 2 Friday : On Board
Early breakfast and we will leave for a trekking tour to observe the local flora, one of the richest worldwide. Returning to the boat, 01 hour for swimming. Lunch is served on board while we start navigating to Samauma Island, located in the Anavilhanas Archipelago, the largest river archipelago in the world In the afternoon, reconnaissance tour around the islands, lakes and Igarapés. After dinner, we will experience the night sounds of the forest in the canoes around the dark waters of Rio Negro. Return to the boat around 10:30 pm.
Day 3 Saturday : On Board
Leaving early morning the Anavilhanas Archipelago and going towards Santa Maria, a typical "Caboclo" village where we will have the opportunity to see the "Ribeirinho" way of living, we will serve. breakfast. Continuing navigating, we will reach "furo do meio". Lunch is served during navigation. In the afternoon, we will began our Fishing Contest: the Piranha Fishing, the aggressive fish of the Amazon. Return to the boat for beach swimming. After dinner, we will experience the searching and spotting of alligators during a canoe excursion. Return to the boat at 11:00 pm.
Day 4 Sunday : On Board - end of cruise
Wake up call at 5:30 am for a morning tour to admire the concert of the birds coming out of their night places, returning to the boat at 7:30, when breakfast is served and we start our return to Manaus, arriving around 11:00 am at the Tropical docks. End of our services.
Wooden hull, Lenght: 33m (112'), Beam 7,30 m (25'), Draft 3,0 (10'), Tonnage 140, Engines: 2 x 365 hp each (Cartepillar), Generators 2 x 66 kWh. 110 AC, Speed 5-10 knots, Fuel tanks: 19.000 lt., Water tanks: 10.000 lt., 2 thermo tanks 150W each, fully equiped kitchen, refrigerator, deep freezer, ice-maker, air conditioning all through, VHF 1, SSB 1, Radar 1, depth sounder, compasses, color TV, VCR, stereo. Safety equipment as per Merchant Marine Ministry's regulations, incl. 2 excursions boats with 2 x 40 hp o/b engines. Crew of 9
12 Cabins divided into upper deck (06) and lower deck (06) with private facilities/showers/wardrobes/bedlights/carpets and fully airconditioned, being 7 doubles and 5 twins. Air-conditioned Restaurant and Bar with typical local (amazonian) and international cuisine. Large sundeck with outdoor Bar