The location of the Jardines de la Reina, 3 hrs sail from the port of Jucaro on the Southern coast of Cuba meant that access to the huge expanse of flats and mangrove islands was out of necessity by boat. The Tortuga was the original floating motherboat, centrally located and fixed on permanent moorings it has been the base of operations on the JDR for over a decade. With such a huge expanse of available water (the JDR stretches for 150kms) live aboard yachts were the logical extension to the Tortuga as well as the other offshore flats fishing locations, specifically around the ‘Isle of Youth’, Isla de la Juventud and the ‘Kings Gardens’, Jardines de le Rey.
The options are now wide and varied, however providing you are do not mind sleeping on the water the live aboard boat options do offer a host of advantages to anglers and private groups.
Advantages of a Live Aboard Yacht
In summary you will get the opportunity to really maximize your fishing time, probably fitting in the equivalent of another full days fishing should you want to, all in a very well maintained, private and exclusive atmosphere.
Live Aboard Locations
There are a number of Live Aboard Yachts that are available for private hire, both at Jardines de la Reina as well as Isla de la Juventud (isle of youth) and Cayo Romano/Cruz. Different sized boats are available for groups from 4-10 anglers depending on the season.
The Boats
This is the newest boat in the Avalon Fleet, commissioned in April 2014. It typically caters for 10 anglers sharing 5 skiffs all with single ensuite state-rooms as standard. It is the most spacious of all the available boats.
Very similar design to Avalon II with individual rooms for 8 anglers with 7 private bathrooms. Panoramic windows allow although excellent views of the surroundings.
A luxury 75 ft yacht with 6 cabins and 3 bathrooms for groups of 8-10 anglers.
One of the original yachts to go into action in the JDR. Sleeps 4 clients in a single room basis with 2 guides and skiffs as well as a chef.
This is the only permanently moored live aboard motherboat option in Cuba. Fixed moorings mean that it only moves up and down with the tide. Large and spacious it was the original motherboat operation in Cuba and is very popular with pairs and single anglers.
The Perola is a beautifully refurbished yacht with elegant hard wood fittings and polished teak fixtures. Perfect for a group of 6 anglers sharing 3 skiffs there are 5 cabins as well as a fully airconditioned main deck as well as space for outside dining.
6 anglers sharing 3 skiffs on a single room basis. Purpose designed, 10ft long the Georgiana can sleep 6 anglers in single rooms sharing 3 skiffs.
One of the original stalwarts of the Avalon fleet La Reina caters for 4 anglers in single rooms but can sleep 6 comfortably. La Reina is a great choice for small groups of anglers.
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