Cuba

Cuba has become a mecca for discerning saltwater anglers for all the right reasons. Photo: Jon Covich

Cuba continues to fascinate, thrill, and captivate the saltwater angling community. Its diverse and spectacular fishing programs remain in a class by themselves; the lure of wild, unpressured flats is the stuff angling dreams are made of. Our dedicated team of fishing and travel professionals will walk you through all of the various options, assist with the legal documentation, and keep you on the right track with regards to rules, flights, and logistics. A journey to Cuba blends cultural interest, adventure travel, and worldclass fishing better than perhaps any other destination today.

Jardines De La Reina The Jardines de la Reina (JDR), “Gardens of the Queen,” is located off the south central coast of the country. This massive archipelago is formed by some 600 cays and parallels the Cuban coastline for nearly 100 miles. The JDR alone is bigger than all the Florida Keys. This vast and prolific marine sanctuary is serviced exclusively by Avalon, meaning it’s likely you will not see a fishing boat other than from your own party. This area offers anglers true variety and fantastic biodiversity. Migratory and baby tarpon, permit, bonefish, jacks, snapper, and barracuda all inhabit these waters. Anglers gain access to the fishery from Avalon’s floating hotel called La Tortuga or by staying on one of several smaller motherships located in the area. Rates: $3,990-$6,850 per person for 7 night/6 day package

El Faro Lodge NEW We are excited to announce the arrival of a new lodge-based operation on the far western edge of Cuba called El Faro Lodge. This operation is being developed by Untamed Angling, who currently manages a host of popular destinations including the wildly successful Tsimane Lodges in Bolivia. Tarpon, bonefish, permit, snook, triggerfish, jacks, and a wide range of bluewater species are all available in waters that remain largely untouched. 2020 will be their inaugural season and guests will enjoy single-occupancy beachfront accommodations. Rates: $5,500 per person for a 7 night/6 day package

Cayo Largo Cayo Largo offers an immaculate and highly productive flats fishery. This location is known for the permit that regularly follow and feed next to rays; there are also mixed opportunities for good-sized bonefish. Absent of commercial fishing pressure, Cayo Largo (Long Cay) is a meticulously-managed biosphere preserve and the area is designated for “fly fishing only.” At Cayo Largo guests can take advantage of the island’s beaches, organized tours, and dynamic ecosystems via a large all-inclusive resort or a large yacht called the Jardines Avalon 1. The resort-based trip is suitable for couples and families, while dedicated anglers may prefer the more remote and seldom-fished grounds that the mothership experience offers. Rates: $4,492-$7,900 per person for 7 night/6 day package

Cayo Santa Maria Cayo Santa Maria has an established track record for amazing tarpon opportunities. Located on the northern coast of the country, approximately 4.5 hours due east of Havana, this area is known as the Jardines del Rey (Gardens of the King). Cayo Santa Maria is a prime destination for both resident and migratory tarpon and there are some opportunities for bonefish and permit as well. This diverse region offers flats, beaches, deep channels, and mangrove estuaries. Most fishing takes place from the boat. The best time to visit Santa Maria for migratory tarpon is March through July, with peak months being May and June. Anglers stay at the large all-inclusive resort called Iberostar Ensenachos. Santa Maria is also one of Cuba’s more budget-friendly options. Rates: $3,640-$5,320 per person for 8 night/6 day package

Zapata Unique among Fly Water’s destinations, Zapata is a diverse and untouched shallow-water paradise that is the easiest destination to reach in Cuba. From the comfort of the yacht Georgiana, a spacious and well-appointed 100-foot live-aboard, guests will strike out to fish a wide range of classic flats in search of bonefish, permit, and a mix of both resident and migratory tarpon. Each day, four guests set out in single angler skiffs for bonefish and permit, while an additional four guests head out in two double skiffs to target tarpon. Throughout the week guests will experience three days on a single skiff and three days on a double skiff. For anglers that appreciate easy travel, high value and great wade fishing opportunities, this is a must-see destination. Rates: $4,113-$5,487 per person for 7 night/6 day package (based on a group of eight anglers)

Cuba Cultural Tours

NEW

Fly Water Travel is happy to help anglers and travel companions experience the rich cultural diversity of Cuba with a qualified crew of professional tour guides. These trips can be as simple as a few days of touring Havana or off-the-beaten-track with lodging and experiences far removed from the typical tourist-mill programs. These tours are great for anglers wanting to extend and deepen their existing fishing adventure but can also be designed as couples trips with just the right amount of fishing built in. Rates: Please call for details