Fly Fishing for Tarpon
Cuba - Gardens of the King
Tarpon Paradise
Five-Star Resort
The best destination for big tarpon fly fishing in Cuba is the Jardines del Rey (Gardens of the King), a chain of islands off the northern coast of Cuba. Since May 2015, Fly Fishing the Run has exclusively operated in Cayo Santa Maria, the largest island in Cuba. In this area, the fishing grounds are protected National Marine Parks, and no commercial fishing is allowed other than for lobster. For this package, you will stay at One Gallery Resort, a beachfront art resort.
Gardens of the King
Some of the cays (keys) in Gardens of the King are larger than some small countries. Imagine turquoise blue waters and white sands. To the north, a 120-mile coral wall surrounds the island chain. Apart from the beaches, most of the islands remain undeveloped. Until the late 1980s, the Jardines del Rey could only be reached by boat.
Fly Fishing for Tarpon
The Gardens of the Kings is a well-known protected area for fly fishing for tarpon. Resident tarpon can be found here all year round, ranging from 10 to 80 pounds. From March to August, larger migratory tarpon arrive, some exceeding 150 pounds. The tarpon can be found in a variety of waters, from shallow flats to deeper lagoons and channels. They are relatively easy to spot in the crystal-clear waters that are three to six feet deep. Often, fish can be seen rolling in schools, and guides position the boats ahead of them to intercept casts.
The Year-Round Fishing Program:
Low Season runs from July 6, 2024 - February 22.
High Season runs from February 22 to July 5, 2025, when tarpon, bonefish, permit, and several other flats species are present.
Resident tarpon are present year-round and range from 10 to 80 pounds.
Boats: The skiffs are equipped with Yamaha 70-HP engines, allowing access to shallow water and fast transportation between fishing spots. With a draft of only eight inches, the skiffs can navigate the shallowest bonefish flats. Each boat accommodates two anglers and a 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. Our confirmation packet includes a detailed list of what to bring.
A Fishing License is included in the package.
A Typical Fishing Day:
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.
At about 4:00 p.m., return to the Resort in time to freshen up before dinner.
You'll Stay at the One Gallery Resort
One Gallery Resort is a five-star beachfront art resort is at the entrance to Cayo Santa María. You will be staying in a double-occupancy room.
Meals: Savor gourmet breakfasts and dinners at the resort. Anglers take a boxed lunch with them each morning when they head out on the boat.
Communications: Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby and rooms. You’ll receive a passcode upon check-in, allowing you access. Before your trip, please check with your service provider to confirm whether your U.S. cell phone will work in Cuba. Satellite phones are not permitted in Cuba and will be confiscated at the airport if you bring them into the country.
One Gallery Resort
One Gallery Resort - Bedroom
Getting to the Resort:
There are two options for getting here.
1) From Miami, you’ll fly to the Abel Santamaria Airport (SNU) in Santa Clara, Cuba. A Cubatur ground representative will meet you at the airport and drive you to the One Gallery Resort, a 90-minute drive that is included in the package.
2) Second Option: Fly to Havana. Upon arrival at Havana Airport, you’ll be greeted by a representative of Cubatur, the ground transfer company. He will help line up a taxi transfer to a hotel of your choice. The roundtrip ground transfer between Havana and the Resort is $250.00 per person for one to four passengers.
Sample Itinerary
Option One Itinerary:
On a Friday, you'll stay overnight in Havana. Ground transfers and hotels are not included in the package.
Saturday: You'll take a 5-hour ground transfer to One Gallery Resort.
Sunday - Friday: You'll enjoy 6-days of guided fishing.
Saturday: The group will take a five-hour ground transfer to Havana. Please schedule flight times after 5:00 p.m.
Option Two Itinerary:
Saturday: You'll arrive in Santa Clara and take a two-hour ground transfer to the Resort.
Sunday - Friday: You'll enjoy 6-days of guided fishing.
Saturday: You'll take a two-hour ground transfer back to Santa Clara for your departure. Please schedule flights after 12:00 noon.
2025 USD Rates:
7-nights and 6-days guided fishing
Maximum 4 skiffs or 8 anglers
Two anglers per guide and skiff
Low Season: July 6, 2024 - February 22, 2025
$3,640.00 per person
High Season: February 22 to July 5, 2025
$5,320.00 per person
Upgrade to one angler per skiff:
Add $4,000.00 split between two anglers, $2,000.00 per angler.
Upgrade to one angler per room at the Resort:
Add $500.00 p.p. (Both anglers need to pay.)
Non-Angler Companion - year-round rate:
$1,980.00 per person
Information Packet.
The Packages Include:
• Airport reception in Santa Clara
• 7-nights at the One Gallery Resort
• All meals and beverages at the Resort
• A boxed lunch and beverages on skiffs
• 6-days guided fishing
• A Cuban fishing license.
The Packages Do Not Include:
• Airfare• VIP Service in Havana or Santa Clara Airport
• Ground transfers in Havana
• Ground transfers between Havana and the Resort, $250 p.p.
• Hotel nights in Havana
• Food and beverages in Havana
• Cuban Tourist Visa
• Fishing gear and tackle
• Gratuities to guide and staff
• Personal expenses
• Global Rescue
• Travel insurance
• Anything not mentioned under inclusions.
