Category: Magellan

Today, at just before noon, we arrived at our furthest point upriver; the capital city of the Amazonas region on the River Negra, Manaus. It took us a while for the ship to get settled in to the quayside, and receive clearance from the local authorities, though; once again, we had to wait for a crane to assist in manouvering...

Today, we dropped anchor just outside Boca Do Valeria. I think it’s fair to say that Boca Do Valeria divides people rather spectacularly. It is billed as an opportunity to experience something of the indigenous way of life; to see a small, real-life Amazonian village at close quarters. In many ways, that is exactly what it is. Boca Do Valeria...

This morning we arrived at our first proper Amazon port-of-call, Santarem. I say ‘proper’ because yesterday’s stop at Macapa was purely for administration purposes, to clear the ship for entry into Brazil, and to take on board no fewer than two pilots (and one trainee). We’ve also welcomed on board three immigration officials who will remain on board for the...

This morning, at around 7am, we arrived at Macapa Pilot Station situated at the mouth of the great River Amazon. There are actually two entrances to the river, this being the more Northerly one. We will be touching on the other in about a week’s time, when we visit Belem, the last of our Brazil ports. Between the two, is...

Today was our fourth day crossing the Atlantic Ocean since leaving the Cape Verde Islands, and I think it’s fair to say that the anticipation amongst the passengers is growing exponentially. From various conversations with people, usually over breakfast, or in passing, that anticipation wavers between the thrill of visiting one of the most iconic rainforest on the planet and...