Jardines de la Reina & Cayo Largo

Cuban Flats Fishing

Both destinations are protected Cuban National Parks where commercial fishing has been banned for decades. Avalon holds exclusive access, meaning no other operations fish these waters. The pristine ecosystems teem with bonefish, permit, and tarpon in environments largely unchanged for centuries.

The Water

Jardines: 100+ miles of diverse flats including turtle grass, mangrove lagoons, channels, and sand flats

Cayo Largo: Extensive hard-packed white sand flats ideal for wading, plus turtle grass, reef edges, and inter-island channels

Both fisheries offer variety based on tides, wind, and target species. Guides position you on the best water daily.

The Fishing

Sight fishing from Dolphin Super Skiffs with experienced Cuban guides who fish 250+ days per year. Extended fishing hours from dawn through sunset. At Cayo Largo, hard-packed flats allow extensive wading opportunities. At Jardines, diverse ecosystems provide habitat for all target species.

Target Species

Bonefish (Albula vulpes)

Present year-round at both destinations.

• Jardines: Average 3-5 pounds, fish to 10+ pounds
• Cayo Largo: Average 4 pounds, many 6-10+ pounds
• Behavior: Schools on sand flats, aggressive takes
• Techniques: Shrimp patterns sizes 4-8

Permit (Trachinotus falcatus)

Excellent numbers at both locations, Cayo Largo known as Cuba's permit capital.

• Size: 15-45 pounds
• Jardines: Present across system, tailing and cruising
• Cayo Largo: Cruising behind rays on sand flats, more readily take flies
• Techniques: Avalon fly (developed at Cayo Largo), crab and shrimp patterns

Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus)

Both destinations offer resident and migratory fish.

• Size: Juvenile 10-40 pounds year-round, migratory 40-100+ pounds
• Peak Season: April–June for large migratory fish, February–June at Cayo Largo
• Jardines: Rolling in channels, feeding on flats
• Cayo Largo: Reef-edge flats and inter-island lagoons
• Techniques: Streamers and deceivers sizes 2/0-4/0

Bonus Species

Jack Crevalle, Barracuda, Mutton Snapper, Snook (for Super Grand Slam)

Avalon IV - Jardines de la Reina

180-foot mothership (launched 2021) with permanent moorings in heart of Jardines.

Accommodations:

• 20 large staterooms with en suite bathrooms
• Individual climate controls
• 110V and 220V outlets
• Ample storage
• Convertible double beds

Common Areas:

• Spacious air-conditioned lounge
• Large dining room
• Rooftop sun deck and bar
• Rod storage and rigging areas

Dining: Continental Italian cuisine, fresh seafood daily, Cuban favorites

Beverages: Open bar with beer, wine, rum, soft drinks, water

Avalon Fleet I - Cayo Largo

110-foot liveaboard yacht with exceptional cruising capabilities.

Accommodations:

• 10 rooms (8 deluxe staterooms, 2 convertible queen cabins)
• Private bathrooms
• Individual climate controls
• Safe in each room

Common Areas:

• Air-conditioned lounge with large screen TV
• Shaded upper sun deck
• Outdoor hot tub
• Rod racks for 30+ rods

Dining: Cuban cuisine, fresh lobster and snapper, family-style service

Beverages: Beer, wine, rum drinks including mojitos

Daily Schedule (Both Destinations)

• 7:00am breakfast
• 7:45am depart for fishing
• Midday lunch (return to boat or pack lunch)
• Extended afternoon/evening fishing
• Dinner and evening on deck

Jardines de la Reina

International Airports:

• Cayo Coco (CCC)
• Camagüey (CMW)
• Santa Clara (SNU)
• Havana (HAV)

Arrival:

• Cayo Coco/Camagüey/Santa Clara: Arrive by 12:00pm Saturday for 2-hour transfer to Júcaro Port, then 3-hour boat ride
• Havana: Arrive Friday before for Saturday 6-hour transfer to port

Departure: Return to port Saturday, disembark Sunday morning for flights

Cayo Largo

International Airport:

• Cayo Largo (CYO) - Direct flights from Canada, Europe, South America
• Havana (HAV) - 30-minute domestic flight to Cayo Largo

Arrival:

• Saturday arrival, transfer to Avalon Fleet I
• Option to overnight in Havana before/after

Departure: Saturday transfer back, depart Sunday

Important Baggage Restrictions (Both Destinations)

Fishing rods, hooks, leaders, tippets, and spray are NOT allowed in carry-on luggage on Cuban flights. Pack all fishing gear in checked bags with locks.

Jardines de la Reina - Weekly Itinerary

Saturday: Arrive Cuba, transfer to Júcaro Port (2:00pm departure), 3-hour boat ride, arrive Avalon IV ~7:00pm

Sunday–Friday: 7:00am breakfast, 7:45am fishing, extended hours through sunset

Saturday: Morning fishing, ~2:00pm return to boat, transit to port

Sunday: Disembark, transfer to airport

(5.75 days fishing)

Cayo Largo - Weekly Itinerary

Saturday: Arrive Cayo Largo or Havana, board Avalon Fleet I

Sunday–Friday: Full days guided fishing, explore different zones daily

Saturday: Final fishing, return to port or Cayo Largo

Sunday: Disembark, depart Cuba

(6 days fishing)

Jardines de la Reina Rates

Hosted Trips:

• March 29–April 5, 2025: $9,400 per angler
• April 12–19, 2025: $8,890 per angler (John Brown hosting)

Cayo Largo Rates

Contact Front Range Anglers for current pricing and availability

What's Included (Both Destinations):

• Reception at Cuban airports
• 7 nights aboard mothership
• 5.75-6 days guided flats fishing (two anglers per skiff)
• All meals
• Open bar (beer, wine, rum, soft drinks, water)
• Group airport/port transfers
• Conservation fees
• Dolphin Super Skiffs with expert guides

Not Included:

• International flights to Cuba
• Hotels in Havana (if needed)
• Private transfers (Havana-Júcaro $200 round-trip)
• Fishing tackle and gear
• Gratuities for guides and staff
• Cuba visa (tourist card)
• Travel and medical evacuation insurance

Avalon Cancellation Policy

• 180+ days: Deposit refundable minus $800/person fee
• Within 180 days: Non-refundable
• Balance due 60 days prior
• No refunds for unused portions or weather

Travel Insurance

Front Range Anglers strongly recommends Medical Evacuation Insurance (Global Rescue) and Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance. "Cancel for any reason" coverage important for Cuba.

Contact: Kim D'Amico – kdamico@globalrescue.com – 617.459.4200

Connect with Our Cuba Experts

Ready to choose between Jardines and Cayo Largo? Our Adventure Travel team can help you decide which destination fits your goals and answer all your questions.

Rob Kolanda – Adventure Travel Manager

Sage Elite Pro and lead saltwater expert. Provides insights on both destinations, Grand Slam techniques, and gear.

John Brown – Adventure Travel Coordinator

Handles logistics and coordination.

What We Can Help With:

• Choosing between Jardines and Cayo Largo
• Grand Slam strategies and techniques
• Fly selection for Cuban species
• Cuba travel requirements and visa process
• Gear recommendations and tackle setups
• International flight coordination
• Hosted trip details and pairing partners
• Packing for Cuba restrictions

Contact Us:

Email: rob@frontrangeanglers.comPhone: 877-935-2975Visit: 2344 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302

CRITICAL: Bring ALL tackle. Fishing rods, hooks, leaders, tippets, and spray NOT allowed in carry-on; pack in checked bags with locks.

Fishing Gear

Rods & Reels:

• 8-9 weight for bonefish
• 10-12 weight for tarpon/permit
• Large arbor reels, smooth drag
• Floating, intermediate, sinking lines
• Backing 200+ yards
• Leaders and tippet 0X-3X

Flies:

Bonefish: Gotchas, shrimp patterns (4-8) chain/lead eyes

Permit: Avalon fly, mantis shrimp, crabs (size 2), squimps

Tarpon: Tarpon toads, Black Death, Deceivers (2/0-4/0)

General: Barracuda flies, baitfish patterns, extra materials

Wading Gear:

• Flats boots or wading shoes
• Quick-dry pants
• Long-sleeve sun shirts

Clothing

Sun Protection:

• UPF long-sleeve shirts
• Wide-brim hat
• Lightweight pants
• Neck gaiter

Essentials:

• Light rain jacket
• Polarized sunglasses (multiple pairs)
• Sunscreen SPF 50+ (reef safe)
• Lip balm with SPF
• Insect repellent

Personal Items

Documents:

• Passport (6+ months validity)
• Cuba visa
• Travel insurance proof
• Cash USD for tips (no credit cards)

Other:

• Personal medications
• First aid items
• Toiletries
• Headlamp
• Waterproof phone case