A new level of luxury in Jardines de la Reina.
It has been an initiative of Avalon over the last decade to ensure a luxurious and comfortable experience in Jardines de la Reina by continually upgrading our yachts. In 2019, we released the Jardines Avalon III at 160 feet with the most updated amenities, highest level of comfort and incredible cruising ability. The JA3 set the standard for our newest project that was released in August 2020, the Jardines Avalon IV (JA4).
The Jardines Avalon IV replaced the former Tortuga that had developed a strong following for many anglers, divers, and eco adventurers who called this special place home for weeks on end, enjoying the classic comforts of this Cuban vessel. Now, with an increased demand for updates and higher levels of comfort and service, Avalon invested in a massive improvement building the Jardines Avalon IV from the hull up.
This remarkable 180 foot vessel stays moored in Jardines de la Reina and features 20 staterooms, a spacious lounge areas, and fabulous sun deck complete with two hot tubs. Providing the perfect view point to enjoy every aspect of the Gardens of the Queen. Each room includes, private bathroom, personalized air conditioning and heating controls, ample storage space, and convertible double beds. The cabins and common areas have electric sockets available for you to plug in your personal items (220 volts and 110 volts).
The sun deck includes four suites with direct access outside onto the sundeck balcony. The upper deck includes eight double rooms with private bathrooms as well as a lovely dining area and rear covered patio. The main deck includes another eight double rooms, a comfortable lounge area with large couches and entertainment space. The main entrance to the yacht features a massive rear deck and platform to keep all of your gear organized with easy access. The crew resides in the lower deck along with the engine room.
The Jardines Avalon IV (JA4) is the perfect home base for your week of diving, flyfishing, and eco-adventures while you experience and participate in our ongoing conservation program. Helping to keep Jardines de la Reina protected and pristine as it was hundreds of years ago. Come join us in Cuba!
INFORMATION
OPEN and Fishing!
It’s perfectly legal for Americans to travel to Cuba, except for explicit tourism purposes. However, you will need to meet some requirements. Specifically, you need a Cuban Tourist Card (a.k.a Cuban Visa), travel insurance, and a self-certification under one of the 12 travel categories of authorized travel to Cuba.Apr 11, 2021
Returning Home:
As of 12:01AM ET on June 12, 2022, CDC will no longer require air passengers traveling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board their flight.
For more information, see Rescission: Requirement for Negative Pre-Departure COVID-19 Test Result or Documentation of Recovery from COVID-19 for all Airline or Other Aircraft Passengers Arriving into the United States from Any Foreign Country.
What to expect fly fishing Cuba
General Information
Avalon is one of the few companies in the world that can offer its guests the unique ability to fish in a completely exclusive marine park, free of commercial fishermen, nets or any skiffs or yachts from other companies. Think about the incredible possibilities of having all those nautical kilometers to yourself and being able to choose the species and the places you want to fish, without any fuel limitation during your fishing week. Guests can expect the following species when fishing with Avalon in Cuba: Permit, Bonefish (large ones), Tarpon, Jack Crevalle, Barracudas, Mutton Snapper, Snook, etc.
Day to Day
Fishing hours during a stay aboard Avalon IV are longer than in most Caribbean fishing destinations and are totally at the discretion of the clients. The day normally begins with breakfast at 7:00 AM and guides are ready to head out any time after 7:45 AM. During your week of fishing, each day you will fish the waters of JDR, and depending on tides and current conditions, you can expect runs of 30 minutes or less in order to access different fishing areas and target the top game species. Ask your guide what the plan is and if you have any preferences with regards to specific species, let him know and they will do their best to accommodate your request based on current conditions.
Boats and Equipment
The fishing boats used by Avalon are Dolphin Super Skiffs outfitted with Yamaha 60 or 70HP motors. Radios and life jackets are carried aboard every skiff. For gear and equipment, it is recommended that anglers always bring their own rods, reels, wading boots, etc. Flies, leaders, tippet, all terminal tackle, and all accessories should be packed as well, as very few items are available anywhere in Cuba!
JARDINES AVALON IV
Lodging Details
The newest yacht in the Avalon fleet and launching in 2021, Avalon IV replaces the dilapidated Tortuga Houseboat in Jardines de la Reina. This massive 180-foot vessel, with a permanent mooring in the heart of Jardines de la Reina, offers 20 large staterooms with ample storage room in each room and en suite baths.
All staterooms offer plenty of space with private bathrooms, individual air conditioning, and heating controls, and electricity plugs (220 and 110 volts), ample storage, and convertible double beds. A spacious and comfortable lounge area provides an indoor air-conditioned lounge area, a large indoor dining room located, and a rooftop sun deck and bar to take in the views of the Gardens of the Queens and mojitos at sunset.
This is a great option for couples or small groups who can use JA IV / Avalon IV as their base and floating hotel for the week in Jardines de la Reina. While aboard, you will be sharing the base with divers and other anglers as this is not fishing only liveaboard, but serves as accommodations for many types of visitors to Jardines de la Reina.
Food and Beverages
Dining onboard Avalon IV is always amazing. The menu typically combines fantastic Continental Italian cuisine, fresh seafood every day, and traditional Cuban favorites like rice and beans, black bean soup, and fried plantains. If you are someone who enjoys fresh seafood, then you will be in heaven. The chefs aboard are happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions and requests that you may have. Beverages available onboard include bottled water, various soft drinks, beer, rum, and imported wines. If you prefer liquor other than rum, you can bring this with you.
Typical Length of Stay
A typical stay in the Jardines de la Reina area is seven (7) nights / five and a half (5.5) fishing days, starting on Saturday and ending on Friday. A normal week includes five full days of fishing and one or two half days (depending on your schedule and mode of transportation to and from Jucaro). Additional days in Camaguey or on other parts of the island can be arranged. Combo trips between the Jardines de la Reina and other fishing areas can also be arranged.
Non-Angling Activities and Options
These are remote live-aboard operations located in the mangrove wilderness of the Jardines de la Reina. This means that non-angling (and non-diving) activities are limited. If you are interested in diving, Avalon’s dive program is incredible and ‘JDR’ is considered by many to be one of the finest, most pristine dive and snorkel destinations in the entire world. Even anglers can participate in a shallow-water dive program on a few afternoons of their trip. This can be arranged after your day of fishing. Overall this specific destination is best suited for anglers and divers.
Internet/Communications
Wi-Fi is not available on Avalon III. Some cell phone service providers now offer international plans that will allow for your phone to work while on mainland Cuba. While in Jardines de la Reina, there is NO cell service. Also, satellite phones are strictly prohibited in Cuba and will be confiscated at the airport on arrival.
Getting Here
Arrive on trip start date by 12:00 PM into Cayo Coco, Camagüey, Santa Clara or other international airport.
You will be picked up at the airport and transferred to Júcaro port (2 hours drive) or transfer from Havana to Júcaro port (6 hours drive). If you arrive in Havana it must be on Friday before the fishing week as this transfer is early on Saturday morning.
You may not arrive in Havana on Saturday, it must be the day before.
If you plan to arrive on Saturday it must be at Cayo Coco, Camaguey, or Santa Clara airports early in the day to allow for transfer to Júcaro port.
02:00 PM departure from Júcaro port to be transferred to Jardines de la Reina with estimated arrival at 7:00 PM.
Departure Day
On your final day, you will typically return to Avalon IV around 2 pm so the boat can make the return trip to Jucaro Port where Avalon IV will overnight. Early the next morning, you will disembark and return to Havana or Cayo Coco for your departing flights.
Important Baggage Information
Cuban rules for admission of items on board are stricter than past, for security reasons on domestic flights. Hooks, nylons (including tippets, leaders, etc.), spray or fishing rods (regardless of size) are not allowed in hand luggage. They must be shipped as checked with bags. For your convenience and luggage safety, we suggest putting some kind of lock on the luggage to be carried.
Documents Required
All U.S. citizens are required to have a valid passport that does not expire within six (6) months of trips dates. Please be sure that your passport has at least two blank, unstamped pages remaining in the back, and that it is not torn, de-laminated, or damaged in any way.
*CUBAN LAWS ARE AGAINST ANY KIND OF DRUG AND THE USE IS ABSOLUTELY FORBIDDEN IN ANY PLACE, TRYING TO ENTER THE CUBAN COUNTRY WITH DRUGS IS CONSIDERED A SEVERE CRIME. AVALON FISHING & DIVING CENTER IS AGAINST ANY KIND OF DRUGS.*
Trip Insurance is strongly advised & recommended!
Hosted Trip:
April 22-29, 2023 – $7,290 per angler Based on Double Occupancy & Shared Skiff
**Please reach to our Adventure Travel Team for Availability!**
RATES INCLUDE:
– Reception at the Cayo Coco, Camagüey or Santa Clara airport.
– 7 nights on Jardines Avalon 4, 6 days on full board basis.
– 5.75 days fishing.
– Cayo Coco, Camagüey or Santa Clara group transfer only.
– Meals
– Open Bar with Beer, Wine, Rum, Soft drinks and Water.
– Conservation fee: US$ 100 per angler, per week.
RATES DO NOT INCLUDE:
– International flights.
– Hotels in Havana or other cities.
– Havana/Júcaro 1 way: US$ 100 per person (group travel, ask prices for individual/private
transfer).
– Tips, personal expense.
– Transfer from Havana ($200pp r/t)
– Rental gear if needed
– Any possible covid medical insurance or testing fees (right now +$220 per person) but may not be necessary in 2023.
Travel Insurance
Front Range Anglers recommends all anglers to have Medical Evacuation Insurance- we recommend Global Rescue, and we HIGHLY recommend Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance. FOR ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT: KIM D’[email protected] – 617.459.4200
CLICK HERE TO VIEW FRA GENERAL TERMS & CANCELLATION POLICY
Trip Insurance is strongly advised & recommended!
AVALON DEPOSIT AND CANCELLATION POLICY
On Booking, please send passport number, Date of Birth, Nationality and Full Name (as in passport), you must complete your pre trip information with your flight details (arrival/departure flights to Cuba, we need airline, flight number, date and time) within 180 days before your trip. Avalon can’t be responsible for hotel or itinerary changes when pre trip information is completed after those dates.
– For trips confirmed with over 18 months of arrival date, a 5% deposit of
the total amount due is requested.
– 18 months before arrival date, a 10% deposit of the total amount is due.
– 12 months before arrival date, 30% deposit of the total amount is due.
– 6 months before arrival date, 70% of the total amount has to be paid.
– Balance payment is due 2 months prior to arrival.
6 months prior to your arrival date, you will have the chance to confirm only half yacht or to book half group (on land base accommodation), more anglers can always be added further on if space will remain available. Avalon will be in charge to sell the unsold part of the yacht if necessary to help completing the group.
– Deposits are refundable (minus a US$ 800 PER PERSON handling fee until 180 days prior to the start of your trip).
-Within 180 days of your trip, your deposit is non-refundable.
-No refunds are available for unused portions of packages. Full payment is due 60 days prior to arrival. In the lodge, credit
card payments cannot be accepted for anything.
-All programs and execution of them remain subject to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.
Claims for refunds will not be accepted.
**IMPORTANT: Trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended and “cancel for any reason” insurance is very important to consider in the case of unforeseen events preventing you from traveling. If you cancel within 180 days of your trip this will be your only possible form of reimbursement. If you would like trip cancellation coverage for reasons not included in standard travel insurance policies, please inquire with your travel representative about the No Risk Policy**
GLOBAL RESCUE/TRIP INSURANCE INFO
The refund policy is not applicable to rescheduled or rebooked trips. Therefore, once a trip has been rescheduled or rebooked it is ineligible for a monetary refund of any kind and claims for refunds will not be accepted. Front Range Anglers recommends all anglers to have Medical Evacuation Insurance- we recommend Global Rescue, and we HIGHLY recommend Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance. FOR ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT: KIM D’[email protected] – 617.459.4200
*CUBAN LAWS ARE AGAINST ANY KIND OF DRUG AND THE USE IS ABSOLUTELY FORBIDDEN IN ANY PLACE, TRYING TO ENTER THE CUBAN COUNTRY WITH DRUGS IS CONSIDERED A SEVERE CRIME. AVALON FISHING & DIVING CENTER IS AGAINST ANY KIND OF DRUGS.*
TRAVEL PROTECTION
The only emergency response service that will rescue you from anywhere in the world.
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