The Fishing
Unlike land based operations, the advantage of this program is the ability to move from one area to another with short notice. This provides a different experience for every angler and from one week to the next. No two weeks are identical and therefore impossible to describe accurately. However, you can be assured of a wide variety of freshwater trout fishing for browns, rainbows and brook trout in rivers and lakes. One day you may be streamer fishing with a fast sink tip line and the next you may be stalking rising fish with dry flies. The best experience will be had by anglers that like variety and are willing to try new techniques. The guides are knowledgeable and can show you exactly what you need to do to increase your odds for success in any setting you find yourself in.
The lower stretches of rivers, closer to the sea, tend to be wide with strong currents. This is where you will most likely find the best streamer fishing. This type of fishing can often require longer casts, fast sink tip lines and big heavy flies. If you have a seven weight rod, this is the perfect place for it.
The smaller rivers, streams and lakes typically provide the best opportunity for dry fly and nymph fishing. During the week you should have several opportunities to access these waterways where you can wade fish or cruise the banks in a drift boat looking for trout willing to feed on the surface.
Wind and rain can be a factor in Chile and the wise angler comes prepared for the worst. Taking some time to practice your casting or signing up for a casting lesson prior to your trip can increase your enjoyment if the conditions are less than ideal. The ship crew, helicopter pilots and guides will do their best to get you out of the wind but rain is a little more difficult to avoid. The extreme topography of this region often creates small microclimates. These protected areas may be dead calm, while the surrounding area is experiencing windy conditions.
Fishing Guides
The fishing guides all speak English and are fly fisherman themselves. They are highly trained in fly fishing techniques as well as safety and boatmanship. Many are very good instructors and all know proper fly selection, lines, knots and where to find fish. The guide manager reviews the day’s activities nightly and makes adjustments to the next days schedule accordingly. Typically, anglers will have the opportunity to fish with a variety of different guides throughout the course of the week.
Boats
You will spend time in Rogue River jet boats for at least part of your trip. These boats accommodate four anglers and two guides. Although the ride can be a bit rough in the bays and estuaries, most of the time will be spent in the smoother water of the rivers that you will be fishing.
You will also likely spend some time in one of the drift boats that the guides use to fish some of the lakes and rivers in the area. These boats are designed for two anglers and a guide.
The guide staff may use a small Zodiac or Cataraft when accessing rivers by helicopter.
There is a 30’ Zodiac with two 250 hp 4-stroke motors that is used for the nature watching excursions. This boat is well suited to the rough seas that are sometimes crossed on whale watching expeditions. The boat is brand new and very well equipped with navigational and safety equipment.
Helicopter
The highlight of the sophisticated aero-maritime transportation system that makes this adventure unique is a new Bell 407 helicopter. Depending on weather and safety concerns, groups of up to 4 anglers and 2 guides will be taken into the best fishing locations in the expedition area. These excursions have a scheduled drop-off and pick-up time.
Jetboating
Jetboating expeditions afford the perfect combination of speed and safety. Aboard one of the six jetboats -specially built for Nomads of the Seas- our guests will experience breathtaking journeys through beautiful riversides and forests.
Jetboating has proved to be one of the most exciting features of the operation. It appeals to the pure, essential love of speed that every adventurer carries deep within their hearts. Our guests will take home lasting memories of the sheer exhilaration of soaring upriver, blending with the wind, water and astonishing beauty.
Kayaking
The rivers and the fiords of Patagonia provide natural navigation routes for a unique kayaking experience. True kayakers know that no other form of navigation offers quite the same vantage point as a good kayak. The paddler virtually immerses in the flow of the current below, almost touching the leaves of the tress lining the banks, a unique perspective to fully admire flora and fauna at short range.
During your trip, kayaking will be available in three different forms: gently paddling down quiet, peaceful rivers, navigating different levels of white waters or cruising the maritime coastline admiring the amazing oceanic wildlife.
Rafting
The highpoint of our rafting program includes a spectacular flight on our Bell 407 helicopter into the Patagonian mountains, to a river specifically chosen by Nomads of the Seas for an unforgettable whitewater adventure. Along the course, rafters get the chance to tackle from mild to Class III rapids.
Trekking
If our guests want to absorb every inch of this amazing ecosystem step by step, Nomads of the Seas will transport them by jetboat or helicopter to remote inland or coastal locations. In these hidden spots our experienced guides have selected various day routes. Trekkers serpent their way through the astonishing southern cold jungle and its plethora of endemic flowers, centennial trees, leafy bushes and an endless number of species of ferns, fungi, algae and lichens.
Some sites where we make landfall offer the possibility of enjoying the steam and high temperatures of rustic hot springs, or of taking in the sights of majestic glaciers or impressive volcanoes.
Whale watching
A marine biologist and zoologist guides expeditions aboard the ship’s seagoing Zodiac to watch for the blue whales that come to feed in the Boca Del Guafo during the Austral summer. The exact location of blue whales is
never a certainty and seasonal weather fluctuations make it impossible to ensure that they will be there during your trip. However, blue whales are often seen by guests. In addition to blue whales, guests may spot pygmy killer whales, Chilean dolphin and a variety of other sea mammals during a single outing.
Other Activities
In addition to the activities outlined above, guests aboard the MV Atmosphere may also have opportunities to participate in a wide variety of activities. Although activities vary depending on the course of the ship, time of year and weather, guests can be assured of an adventure filled vacation. Some examples of other activities that may be available during your trip include:
- Glacier visits
- Relaxing in natural hot springs
- Wildlife and nature photography
- Lectures on cultural and natural history
- Coastal village excursions
- Horseback riding


Orvis International Travel 178 Conservation Way Sunderland, Vermont 05250
(800) 547-4322/(802) 362-8790 fax: (802) 362-8795 e-mail: OrvisTravel@orvis.com
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