Even if you have worked with Acute Angling before, please read this guide carefully!

Blackwater Explorer Trip Preparation Guide

Everything You Need to Know for Your Blackwater Explorer Adventure

Blackwater Explorer

Whether this is your first Amazon fishing trip or you’re returning for another thrilling journey with Acute Angling, this guide will help ensure you’re ready for every step of your adventure. From flight planning and packing tips to visa requirements and health information, here’s everything you need to know before stepping aboard the Blackwater Explorer.

The Blackwater Explorer is our flagship liveaboard yacht, purpose-built for fishing the vast Rio Negro basin. Its mobility allows us to reach remote waters where giant peacock bass and other Amazon predators thrive. Onboard, you’ll enjoy air-conditioned comfort, private bathrooms, and modern amenities — all while exploring one of the greatest freshwater fisheries on earth.

Travel Insurance

Acute Angling does not include travel insurance in trip pricing, and many insurers require policies to be purchased soon after making your deposit. We strongly recommend purchasing insurance that covers:

  • Trip cancellation

  • Medical evacuation

  • Emergency rebooking

  • Lost baggage

We have worked closely with Global Rescue for many years. They understand the needs of our anglers and are highly recommended.

For more details, see our full article: Travel, Trip, and Evacuation Insurance.

Travel Dates & Flights

Your trip start date corresponds to the day you board the charter flight from Manaus to the Blackwater Explorer. You must arrive in Manaus the day before this date and plan your international departure for the day after the trip ends. Weather delays are possible in the rainforest, so this buffer is essential.

Example: If your trip runs November 11–18:

  • Arrive in Manaus by November 10

  • Charter flight to the Blackwater Explorer: November 11

  • Return to Manaus: November 18

  • International flight home: November 19 or later

Your Acute Angling trip package includes one night in the hotel before your fishing trip and one night in the hotel after your fishing trip (in this example case, November 10 and 18). Additional nights outside of these dates are your responsibility unless noted (e.g., for an Arapaima Day Trip which includes an additional hotel night).

Fishing on the Blackwater Explorer

Need Help Booking Flights?

We recommend working with Alexy Mesa, a licensed travel agent who has helped our anglers for years. His services are completely free to you — he is paid by the airline — and he can:

  • Find the best flight options for your trip dates

  • Rebook quickly in case of delays or cancellations

  • Communicate with airlines in Spanish or Portuguese on your behalf

Contact Alexy:

Once your flights are confirmed, enter your complete itinerary into the Acute Angling WeTravel portal. This ensures our Manaus team can coordinate your airport pickup, hotel reservation, and charter flight.

Travel Visa (Important!)

As of April 10th, 2025, U.S., Canadian, and Australian citizens must obtain a visa to enter Brazil. The process is entirely online, and you’ll receive your visa via email. Print a hard copy and keep it with your travel documents — you may be asked to show it before boarding your flight.

What You’ll Need:

  • Valid passport (with at least 6 months until expiration from the date you enter Brazil)

  • Copy of your passport bio page (a photo on your phone works)

  • Completed online visa application

  • Digital 2x2 passport-style photo (can be taken on your phone)

  • Credit/debit card for the $80.90 visa fee

Peacock Bass Fishing

WeTravel Client Portal

Acute Angling utilizes the WeTravel portal to securely collect trip information and payments from all of our clients. This system ensures that we have everything we need to provide a seamless experience, from airport pickups to charter flights.

How It Works:

  1. Once you reserve your trip and pay your deposit, Acute Angling will create your registration in WeTravel.

  2. You will then receive an email from WeTravel with a secure registration link.

  3. Use this link to log in, review your trip details, and enter all required personal and travel information.

  4. The portal also serves as the platform for submitting your remaining balance payments when due.

Important:

  • All required information should be completed as soon as possible and must be completed in the WeTravel portal at least 120 days before your trip start date.

    • Note that if you book a trip less than 120 days before the trip please provide the required information as soon as possible.

  • Failure to complete your registration may result in logistical complications, such as flight scheduling, hotel reservations, or transfer arrangements.

The WeTravel portal is the only official system we use for gathering your information. Please make sure you keep your login details and complete the process as soon as you receive your registration email.

You can access the portal directly here: Acute Angling WeTravel Portal

Transfers in Manaus

When you arrive in Manaus, our local host Eddy Wala (or his assistant) will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. At the end of your trip, he’ll assist with your return to the airport and check-in for your flight home. Eddy also coordinates your transfers between the hotel and the charter terminal.

Should anything unexpected come up, you’ll have direct contact information for key staff in both Brazil and the U.S.

Hotel Accommodations

Two nights in Manaus are included with your trip:

  • One night before your fishing adventure begins

  • One night after you return from the yacht

Each morning includes complimentary breakfast. Additional meals and drinks are not included.

The hotel features:

  • Rooftop pool

  • Small gym

  • Air-conditioned rooms with modern amenities

Important: Acute Angling will handle the hotel booking. Please do not contact the hotel directly. If you need additional days in Manaus outside of your two included nights please note it in your portal so we are aware and can handle the reservation for you.

The Blackwater Explorer Experience

The Blackwater Explorer is a 115-foot liveaboard yacht designed specifically for Amazon fishing adventures. Its mobility allows us to roam the Rio Negro basin and reach pristine peacock bass waters.

Blackwater Explorer Lodging

Key Features:

  • Accommodates up to 14 anglers

  • Two anglers per boat with an experienced Amazon guide

  • Air-conditioned cabins with private bathrooms

  • Satellite internet for messaging and updates

  • Spacious dining area and lounge with large windows and comfortable seating

  • Upper-deck viewing area for appetizers, drinks, and sunset views

  • Daily laundry and housekeeping service

This is definitely not roughing it! You’ll enjoy excellent meals, plenty of space to unwind, and a helpful crew ready to make your stay relaxing and smooth. This unique combination of comfort and mobility ensures you’ll experience the Amazon at its best.

Itinerary Overview

Your week aboard the Blackwater Explorer is carefully structured to maximize fishing time while ensuring you have a comfortable and seamless Amazon adventure.

Day 1 – Arrival in Manaus

  • Arrive in Manaus at Eduardo Gomes International Airport (MAO).

  • Our host, Eddy Wala, will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.

  • Check into your air-conditioned room and relax. Dinner is on your own this evening. The hotel does have a restaurant.

Day 2 – Charter to the Blackwater Explorer

  • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel (included).

  • Transfer with Eddy to the airport.

  • 1 hr 15 min – 2 hr flight depending on starting location (generally Barcelos).

  • Take a short drive to the river and board the Blackwater Explorer and settle into your cabin.

  • Lunch is served onboard, followed by orientation and introduction to your guides.

  • Enjoy an afternoon half-day of fishing before returning to the yacht for dinner.

Days 3–8 – Fishing the Rio Negro Basin

Fishing the Rio Negro Basin

  • Each day begins with a hearty breakfast onboard.

  • Prepare a lunch to bring aboard your fishing boat.

  • Depart in pairs with your guide.

  • Fish prime waters of the Rio Negro and its tributaries, with the yacht moving as needed to follow the best conditions.

  • Target giant peacock bass and a variety of other Amazon species.

  • Fish until late in the day.

  • Appetizers, dinner, and relaxation onboard each evening.

Day 9 – Return to Manaus

  • Breakfast onboard before disembarking.

  • Flight back to Manaus.

  • Transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay. Lunch and dinner on your own.

Day 10 – International Departure

  • Eddy will transfer you to the airport for your flight home.

Baggage Requirements

Brazilian aviation law strictly regulates baggage on charter flights. Please comply with the following:

  • Maximum bag length: 30 inches

  • Maximum bag weight: 33 lbs

  • Bag type: Soft-sided only — no hard-shell suitcases or trunks

  • Carry-on: Small handbag or daypack only — must fit on your lap

baggage requirements
Small plane in the Amazon

Bags that exceed these limits may be denied or delayed. These rules are enforced by Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC).

Check out our helpful video for what bag and day pack to bring on your Amazon fishing trip!

If you weigh more than 275 lbs, please notify us in advance.

Remember, all arriving guests must collect their luggage at their first point of entry into Brazil for immigration, customs clearance, and re-check to their final destination.

Your bags will not be checked directly to Manaus if it is not your first landing point in Brazilian territory.

What to Pack

We provide all conventional tackle (rods, reels, and lures). You only need to bring fly gear if you plan to fly fish.

Acute Anglers enjoying lunch

We also provide daily laundry service, so there’s no need to overpack. Just bring personal essentials, appropriate clothing, and any medications or health items you may need. Watch our video, Clothing for Your Amazon Fishing Adventure, for more helpful information!

We included links to some of our favorite products that we’ve tested out ourselves. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some of our favorite recommended products are linked below for your convenience.

Clothing (light colors recommended):

Medical & Personal Items:

  • 2 pairs polarized sunglasses

    • Please bring two pairs in case you break or lose a pair! You must have eye protection when fishing.

    • You might consider clear safety glasses for early morning or evening fishing, especially if your eyesight is weak.

    • HUK Sunglasses

    • KastKing Sunglasses

  • Lens wipes (good for glasses, smart phones, and cameras)

  • Insect repellent with DEET

  • Anti-itch cream

  • Medications (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, allergy meds, etc.)

  • Prescription meds (keep in carry-on)

  • Electrolyte mix

  • Waterproof sunscreen (SPF 30+) and lip balm

  • Basic toiletries

  • Waterproof day pack or dry bag

  • Flashlight/headlamp

  • Zip-loc bags or trash bags (for wet items or gear)

  • Passport and visa and two photocopies of each

  • Travel documents, cash (for tips), and credit card

  • Smartphone/tablet with charger

  • Apps for smartphone:

    • Google Translate (download Brazilian Portuguese language before arriving)

    • WhatsApp (remember to have loved ones back home download as well. We recommend sending a few initial messages at home to ensure your numbers are connected.

  • Universal power adapter

Optional:

  • Waterproof camera and charger

  • Books or Notebook

  • Binoculars

  • Goggles (check with guide before swimming)

  • Hook sharpener

  • Fishing knot app (e.g., Grog Knots)

Blackwater Explorer Sunset

Health & Safety

Vaccines

No vaccinations are required for travelers from the U.S. or Canada. If you're arriving from or have recently visited a country with a Yellow Fever risk, carry your Yellow Fever vaccination card.

Medical Needs

If you have serious health conditions, please let us know in advance via your trip portal. Though remote, our operations have internet access for emergency communication. In a medical emergency, evacuation flights are possible but may take several hours or more. Bring any allergy medications or EpiPens, and share your emergency contact info with the host upon arrival.

If you can’t swim, notify your guide and host at the beginning of the trip.

Drinking Water

Do not drink tap water in Brazil — use only bottled water, even for brushing your teeth. Avoid ice and juices unless provided by our operations. This helps prevent serious digestive upset that could sideline your fishing.

Dietary Needs

If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, please notify us via your WeTravel portal in advance. We’ll coordinate with the operation to ensure suitable meal options are available.

Insects & Biting Pests

Mosquitoes

Our primary fisheries — especially blackwater systems like the Rio Negro — are naturally mosquito-free due to their acidic water chemistry. However, in the city of Manaus there is occasional mosquito presence. We recommend bringing repellent for use near the beaches or in town. Bring long sleeves, long pants, socks, DEET, and anti-itch cream.

We have never had a case of mosquito-transmitted disease, but if you're concerned, consult your physician. If using anti-malaria meds, avoid doxycycline (it causes sun sensitivity); malarone or lariam may be better options.

Allergies to stings?

If you are allergic to bees, wasps, or horseflies, bring an EpiPen and notify your guide and host as soon as you arrive.

Tipping Guidelines

Peacock Bass Fishing

Our staff and guides work hard to make your fishing trip in Brazil a memorable one. Tipping is a meaningful way to show your appreciation. These are suggested minimums per angler per week:

  • Guide: $250

  • Staff: $250

  • Manaus Host: $25

Tips for the Staff and Guides are paid after the final day of fishing. Please pay the Manaus host tip before you leave on your returning international flight. Tips can be paid in U.S. dollars.

Traveling with Minors?

If you're traveling with children without both legal parents, you must bring a notarized parental consent form, the child’s birth certificate, and a copy of both. Review the “Minors” section on the visa site for full compliance.

Parent and child fishing for peacock bass

Fly Fishing Gear

All spinning and baitcasting tackle is provided. If you plan to fly fish, please bring your own gear. Airlines do not allow rods, reels with fly line, or hooks/flies in carry-on luggage, so please pack fishing gear in a check bag.

Contact Information

📧 [email protected]

📱 (866) 832-2987

We look forward to welcoming you aboard the Blackwater Explorer for the Amazon fishing adventure of a lifetime!

(866) 832-2987