Devil's Island, French Guiana

Ile du Diable, better known as Devil's Island, is one of three closely spaced, small islands lying 6 miles off the coast of French Guiana. The other two islands are Ile Royale and Ile Saint Joseph, and the group is collectively known as Les Iles du Salut or the Salvation Islands. Together they formed part of the infamous penal colony that functioned from 1852 to 1946.
Although Devil's Island is the more evocative and well known name for the penal colony, it was actually Ile Royale that served as the main administrative center for the prison and this is where the majority of the surviving buildings have been preserved and maintained and where the ship tendered us. There is a small hotel, gift shop and restaurant.

Santarem, Brazil

Today's port of Santarem was our last port for the Amazon. The city of Santarem lies at the confluence of the clear Rio Tapajos with the muddy Amazon in the driest region of the river's length. Another boat ride on the river for us. Another chance to see the meeting of the waters. The weather was cloudy, which kept the heat down. We saw many birds, a few iguanas and tried fishing for Piranha. One guy snagged a sardine.
A day at sea and then Devil's Island, which technically ends our South American adventure. We still have several Caribbean ports ahead, and will arrive home March 23.

Parintins, Brazil

Parintins stands out as the most hospitable cultural city in the region. Its people exhibit an artistic expression recognized worldwide due to their folkloric festival call the Boi Bumba. The Boi Bumba Festival is held on June 28,29,30 and is the biggest annual shindig in Amazonas. Our ship was treated to a sample during our short stay. The event is a competition between two Boi teams each with several thousand members (not for our show, however). It is a rivalry between the teams that combines theater, drums, music, dancing and circus. Quite colorful and loud.

Manaus-More Pictures

Manaus, Brazil

Manaus, the "Paris of the Jungle," is the capital of Brazil's state of Amazonas. The former river village rests along the left bank of the Rio Negro, which merges with the mighty Amazon.
The Meeting of the Waters Cruise began with a scenic riverboat cruise on the Rio Negro toward a small cluster of islands. We were switched to motorized canoes and cruised the narrow channels in the tropical forest. Huge water lilies and a closer look at forest land made this like the "jungle boat ride" at Disneyland. After reboarding the riverboat we proceeded down river to view the Meeting of the Waters. This natural phenomenon occurs when the dark, clear waters of the Rio Negro and the muddy, yellow waters of the Solimoes River flow side by side. Where they meet is the official starting point of the Amazon.

Amazon River

We entered the Amazon on March 9 and did a technical stop to do the paperwork for the river transit. No one was able to leave the ship. March 10 we were in the community of Alter Do Chao. This island offered quaint cottages along the beach lined with palm trees. Thanks to Indian handicrafts, lush vegetation, turquoise lagoons and clear water, Alter Do Chao is becoming a popular destination for travelers.

Today, March 11 we arrived at anchor at Boca Do Valeria. It is an Indian village with a permanent population of from 75-100 people. The colorful village contains a few wooden house and an abundance of local wildlife. Locals are friendly and want to share their basic lifestyle with those who come ashore.