|
The Amazon Santana is operated by Gainesville, Georgia-based Wet-A-Line Tours. It
offers very upscale facilities and a great service-oriented staff. The 135 foot teak and mahogany boat is just a few years old but remains in very good shape, especially
given the remote conditions where it operates. The spacious yacht has 12 staterooms and two deluxe master suites and despite a much larger capacity, limits the number of guests to 20.
Each room includes adjustable air conditioning, a private bath with shower (fresh river water is used) and sufficient space to move about, unlike many of the smaller
mothership operations that operate in this watershed. Linens are changed 3 times in a week, and bath towels are changed at your request. Laundry is available daily for
your personal clothes, which allows you to pack light. Nobody cares that you wear the same shirt and pants several times during the week!
The shallow-draft yacht has an air-conditioned spacious dining room where a full
time chef and kitchen staff prepare three meals daily. Meals are served buffet style, and the quantity served makes you think there are twice as many people on board!
Breakfast includes eggs, bacon, a variety of breads and pastries, juice, fruit, and as is the local custom, always fried plantains. Lunches are typically sandwiches taken
on board the fishing boats, but anglers have the option of returning to the yacht for lunch and a nap. At dinner time, wine is included and can include steak, fresh
-caught fish, pork chops, rice and, of course, fried plantains. Save room for dessert, though.
The air conditioned lounge and open-air back deck is the main gathering place after a full day of fishing. Here, a well stocked bar is well managed by Harry, the best
server in the Amazon. His famous "Capirinas" are a sure way to relax after a sun-filled day chasing peacocks. After dinner, a
large-screen flat TV also serves as a movie theater. Bring your DVDs or select one from several movies available in English.
The yacht's top deck is perfect to get away from the group for a while and for great bird watching or photography as the yacht cruises to its next fishing spot
at sunset. For city dwellers, watching the stars with the sound of the motor as the only clue of civilization is truly unforgettable and can be habit-forming. The
top deck is also used for themed group dinners and the final night's "awards" for big fish. The setting is truly spectacular.
Guests who stay on the Santana can easily get spoiled with the accommodations, food and service. This yacht will not disappoint.
Editor's Note: For information on the Amazon Santana fishing adventures, contact Amelia Schair at Wet-A-Line Tours, 5592 Cool
Springs Road, Gainesville, GA 30506, phone (888)295-4665 or e mail them at info@wetaline.com. You can also check out their website at www.wetaline.com. For information on peacock bass
fishing, visit www.peacockbassassociation.com.
|