Cuba Gardens of the King Resort Fishing

Tarpon Paradise - Fly Fishing the Run

Five-Star Resort

The Jardines del Rey (Gardens of the King) are a chain of islands off the northern coast of Cuba. Since May of 2015, Fly Fishing the Run has operated exclusively in the Cayo Santa Maria. Santa Maria is the largest island in Cuba. Here, pristine waters are protected National Marine Parks. No commercial fishing is allowed other than for lobster.

Gardens of the King (GOK)

Some Gardens of the King's cays (keys) are larger than small countries. Think turquoise blue waters and white sands. To the north, the island chain is surrounded by a coral wall of about 120 miles in length. Until the late 1980s, the Jardines del Rey could only be reached by boat. Apart from the beaches, most of the islands remain undeveloped.

Fly Fishing for Tarpon

Gardens of the Kings is a famous protected area for fly fishing for tarpon. Resident tarpon are present all year long and range in size from 10-to 80-pounds. Beginning in March, larger migratory tarpon arrive and reside through August. These tarpon can exceed 150-pounds, testing a fly angler’s skills. Tarpon waters vary from shallow flats to deeper lagoons and channels. Fish are often sighted rolling in schools and guides position the boats ahead of them for intercepting casts. They are relatively easy to spot in the wide flat areas, in three-to-six-foot deep crystal-clear waters.

GOK Fishing Facts:

Peak Season: Peak fishing season is from March 25 to June 30, when tarpon, bonefish, permit, and several other flats species are present. Resident tarpon are present year-round and range in size from 10 to 80 pounds.
Boats: Skiffs with Yamaha 70-HP engines that allow access to shallow water, as well as fast runs between fishing spots. With a draft of only eight inches, it’s a skiff the guides can pole on the shallowest bonefish flats. Two anglers per boat and guide.
Guides: Local guides speak Fishing-English, enough to be understood. Born and raised on these waters, they know the ocean and the flats like the backs of their hands.
Fishing Equipment: No equipment is provided. A rod and reel rental is $350.00 per week. A detailed list of what to bring is included in our confirmation packet.
Fishing License: is included in the package, but the $120.00 Marine Park Conservation Fee is not included.

Five-Star Resort - Iberostar Ensenachos

Iberostar Ensenachos, a five-star resort, is located in Cayo Ensenachos. The Resort has two sides, one is the park-side (which is family-friendly), and the other is the Spa-side, which is for adults only. Both sides of the Resort have swim-up bars.
Meals: Both sides of the Resort share the buffet in the main building and the on-site à la carte restaurants. YOu'll enjoy the gourmet breakfasts and dinners in the comfort of the resort. Anglers take a boxed lunch with them each morning out on the boat.
Communications: There is a charge for Wi-Fi access, which is available in public areas. You’ll need to check with your cell service provider before your trip to see if your U.S. cell phone will work in Cuba. Satellite phones are NOT allowed in Cuba and, if brought into the country, will be confiscated at the airport.

The Resort has two stunning beaches and well-kept grounds.

Sample Itinerary:

Saturday to Saturday
Sunday: A transfer service arranged by the outfitter will drive you the 5-hour drive to the Iberostar Ensenachos Resort hotel in Santa Clara on Saturday.

Monday - Friday: 7:30 a.m. wake-up call, then breakfast. At 8:00 a.m., leave with a packed lunch for a full day of fishing. Return at about 4:00 p.m. in time to freshen up before dinner.

Sunday: After breakfast, your group will be driven back to Santa Clara for your flight home.

Getting to the Resort:

You'll fly to the José Martí International Airport (HAV) in Havana on a Friday. A Fly Fishing the Run representative will greet you and help you flag a taxi for your transfer to your hotel. The ground transfer from the airport to the hotel and the hotel stay are not included in the package. One hotel night in Havana varies from $100.00 to $200.00 per night for double-occupancy 4-star or 5-star accommodations. A list of recommended hotels is in our confirmation packet. On Saturday, a transfer service arranged by the outfitter will drive your group from Havana to the Iberostar Ensenachos Resort hotel in Santa Clara, a 5-hour drive. This roundtrip ground transfer is $400.00 per person for 1 to 4 guests and $300.00 per person for 4 to 8 anglers and is not included in the package.

2022 USD Rates:

7-nights and 6-days guided fishing
Maximum 4 skiffs or 8 anglers
Two anglers per guide and skiff
Low Season: $3,640.00 per person
July 31, 2021 - Feb 19, 2022:

Mid-Season: $4,460.00 per person
February 19 - March 26, 2022
and July 2 - July 30, 2022.

High Season: $5,320.00 per person
March 26 - July 2, 2022:

Upgrade to one angler per skiff:
Add $2,000.00 to the packages above.

Non-Angler Companion - year-round rate:
$1,980.00 per person

Packages Include:

7-nights at the Iberostar Ensenachos Resort in a double-occupancy spa suite, all meals and alcohol at the resort, a boxed lunch and beverages on skiffs, guided fishing, fishing license, and $100.00 Marine Conservation fee.

Packages Do Not Include:

Airfare, ground transfer in Havana from the airport to your hotel of choice, an overnight stay in Havana, food and beverages in Havana, the ground transfer between Havana and Santa Clara $300.00 to $400.00 p.p., Cuban tourist visa (up to $85.00), fishing tackle, optional rental of fly rod and reel ($350.00 p.p.), gratuities to guide and staff, personal expenses, extra beverages and food, Global Rescue, travel insurance, and anything not mentioned under inclusions.

Currency: It’s best to bring Euros or Canadian Dollars to exchange into Cuban CUC upon arrival in Cuba. U.S. Dollars are subject to a 13% special tax/commission.