Barco-Hotel Pro Tucuna

Barco-Hotel Pro Tucuna operates deep in the Rio Negro from its base in Barcelos, Amazonas, taking fishing groups to the most remote areas of the Negro basin in search of trophy speckled peacock bass (tucunaré-açu). With one of the lowest drafts among liveaboards in the region, the vessel can access shallow lakes and narrow igarapés that larger boats simply cannot reach, a practical advantage in a river system with dramatic seasonal water-level swings.

The boat has 8 air-conditioned suites for up to 16 anglers, a climate-controlled dining room, a covered deck overlooking the river, and Starlink satellite internet. The fishing fleet runs 8 carpeted aluminum bass boats, each equipped with a 25–30hp outboard and a 34lb electric trolling motor, roughly one boat per two to three anglers, the standard setup for dedicated peacock bass fishing on the Negro.

The 8-day/7-night package (6 full fishing days) departs Manaus with the Barcelos flight included and covers onboard accommodation, all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a daily happy hour with beer, caipirinhas, and snacks), fuel, local guides, and the municipal environmental fee. Full logistics (airport transfers, support boat, motor oil) are handled by the operation.

Fishing itineraries rotate across the Rio Negro and its historically productive tributaries: Aracá, Demeni, Cuiuni, Padauiri, and Rio Preto, among others. Weekly routes are set based on current intel from riverside communities and local anglers, consistently targeting lower-pressure water. Kayak fishing is included for anglers who want a quieter approach on enclosed lakes.

The crew of 8 includes a captain, cook, waiter, cabin steward, and pilots with over 20 years on the Rio Negro. The operation has more than 50 years of Amazonian fishing history and positions itself explicitly on value within the liveaboard segment.