Jardines de la Reina: Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon and 'Cuba Libres' with Avalon Fishing Centers

The finest light tackle saltwater fly-fishing destination to be found in the Carribbean

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The Area

Named the Queen's Gardens by Christopher Columbus, the Jardines de la Reina ("JDR") is a pristine chain of islands, very similar in nature to the Florida Keys in the USA. The island system runs more than one hundred miles back to the northwest, from Cuba's south-eastern coast.  Most of the area we fish is forty to fifty miles offshore and has been designated as a Cuban National Park. 

As such, there is no commercial fishing in our exclusive area, which covers nearly eighty miles. There is no habitation of any kind on any of the islands in the National Park. This is a huge expanse of saltwater wilderness, perhaps the last place like this left in the world today. With Cuba's continued protection it should remain a treasure forever.

Avalon who have pioneered the fishing in Cuba have obtained exclusive rights to fish this wondeful area which has not offers not only fantastic fly-fishing for Bonefish but also has abundant 80lb+ Tarpon, large Permit and superb variety across the range of salt-water species.

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The Fishing

The Jardines de la Reina offers not only some of the best flats fishing in the world for fly fishermen, but anglers using spinning and bait casting tackle are catching a wide variety of fish along the reef.  It is not uncommon for anglers to catch more than twenty species of fish in just a few days time. Huge groupers, snappers, horse eye jacks and jack crevalle, barracuda, sharks and other blue water fish abound.

The fish you should expect to catch include:

• Bonefish: In the Jardines de la Reina you will find some of the finest bonefishing in the world. With hundreds of miles of flats to fish, you will get to fish many areas where few anglers have ever thrown a fly to these bones. They are both large and easy to catch. The average sized bonefish is perhaps a solid three to five pounds , but there are opportunities for fish in the seven to ten pound class every day.
• Tarpon: They are abundant and readily available on the flats and in the channels and "rivers" most any day. Most of the fish in the channels are "baby" tarpon - fish in the ten to forty pound class, and just a delight on a ten weight rod. These smaller tarpon are far more acrobatic than their larger cousins but pull plenty hard enough to make you work at catching them. In the flats the average size grows to 45-80 lbs however there are monster Tarpon much larger which  grow to 120-130 lbs.
• Permit: Are found in both good numbers, and large average size. This is permit fishing much like the very best in the Florida Keys. The flats where we find the largest permit are two to three feet deep on a high tide, yet adjacent to deep water. Big permit need direct access to deep water, where they feel safe, and can glide on and off these flats to feed. Most of the permit are found as singles, doubles and triples - perfect opportunities for a fly rod angler. Many of these fish will be in the twenty to thirty pound class, with a few well over thirty.
• Mutton Snappers: They are everywhere in the JDR, and plenty are found and caught on the flats- a real rarity. This is perhaps the best (and only) place in the world where you can now expect to catch mutton snappers on the flats. They are high powered fish that will pull with dogged determination when the safety of the mangrove roots is within sight.
• Jack Crevalle and Horse Eye Jacks: Jacks are wonderful game fish, and are very abundant in the JDR. It is common to see a school of big jacks patrolling the flats, eating everything in sight. Many of these fish are in the fifteen to twenty pound class with some right up to the thirty pound mark. As a bonus, the Horse Eye jacks make wonderful sashimi back on the boat before dinner.
• Cudas and Sharks: Big Cudas are plentiful around all the bonefish flats. Most will be three to four feet long, and will give any fly angler a terrific fight. Their aggressive take is exciting and few fish can swim faster or jump farther than a big barracuda. They are easy to catch on the many good needlefish patterns, using a wire leader. Silky Sharks and Caribbean Reef sharks are very common on the flats and specimens up to 150 lbs have been landed by fly anglers. Seeing one of these monsters roll up to the surface and smash a popper is guaranteed to get your adrenalin flowing.

The Accommodation

La Tortuga Live aboard Boat

There are a number of different accommodations at Jardines de la Reina ranging from the original permanently anchored live aboard boat to more a variety of yachts which are available for private hire and and are perfect for groups.Tortuga to various boats which can be hired other While you are our guest in Los Jardines de la Reina, accommodations are provided primarily on two large live-aboard boats. Our Original craft is La Tortuga - a large, 110 foot long, double decker floating hotel with seven cabins for guests.

La Tortuga-Live aboard Boat

La Tortuga is the original boat operated by Avalon at the Jardines de la Reina - a large, 110 foot long, double decker floating hotel with seven cabins for guests.  It has recently returned from dry dock after a complete overhaul however it remains as solid as ever, being made of steel and permanently anchored in a protected channel so that it never moves about. The threat of getting seasick is non-existent. This boat doesn't move one inch. Each cabin has its own shower with hot water, toilet and individually adjustable air-conditioning system. A large air conditioned dining room downstairs with both a foredeck and afterdeck make this a very comfortable home away from home and plenty of space in which to relax after a days fishing. The Tortuga normally accommodates 14 anglers, two per room.

Halcon, La Reina & Caballones Private Hire Yachts

Halcon Yacht

La Reina Yacht

Caballones Yacht

If you are a group of 4 or more than then either teh Halcon, La Reina or Caballones will allow your group total exclusivity.  These are regular ocean going yachts which can move with you during the course of yor fishing trip.  Other than the privacy that this affords it also reduces the need for any long journeys in a skiff  as well as allowing you to position your team ready for the dawn Tarpon 'roll'.

• La Reina:  69 ft long live aboard yacht.  Room for 8 anglers in 4 cabins with their own bathroom, all with A/C.  The guides live aboard La Reina allowing guests complete flexibility and positioning around the Jardines de la Reina throughout their week.  Ideal group size is 4 with 2 skiffs.
• Caballones: 75 ft long live aboard yacht.  Room for 8 anglers in 4 double rooms and 4 bathrooms, all with A/C.  The guides live aboard Caballones although they are accommodated in a totally separte area of the boat.  Ideal group size is 6-8 with 3-4 skiffs
• Halcon: 75 ft long refurbished luxury yacht.  Room for 8 anglers in 6 cabins with 3 bathrooms, all with A/C.  Meals are take on the upper deck which can be open or enclosed depending on the weather.  The lower deck has a large open storage area ideal for storing your fishing gear.  Halcon has up to 4 skiffs. Ideal group size is 8 anglers and 4 skiffs.

The dining on all of the both boats combines the flair of the best Continental Italian cuisine with traditional Cuban favouritess like rice and beans, and fried bananas. The black bean soup is to kill for and with fresh fish every day, conch and Lobster you really will feel as if you are staying in the 'queens garden'. Beverages available on board include a selection of wines, beers, rum and a full selection of soft drinks and bottled water etc.

US Citizens / Passport Holders

An increasing number of US citizens have now succesfully enjoyed the fishing in Cuba.  If you woukld like to find out more details on how American passport holders can visit ttthe Jardines de la Reina please get in touch.

Best Times to Go

Jardines de la Reina offers excellent fishing throughout the year from October to August.  The high and peak season is predicated by the arrival of the large migratory Tarpon although Tarpon are resident all year round. 

If you would prefer to speak to us directly regarding a trip to Cuba, please contact us at the following:

United Kingdom Office:
Justin Maxwell-Stuart
Mobile: +44 (0)7711 519 857
Fax: +44 (0)20 7352 0942
justin@wherewisemenfish.com

United States Office:

US Country Code: +1
Telephone: 347 284 6333
info@wherewisemenfish.co.uk

Or alternatively email us via our Booking Enquiries Form to request more information.