Cuba - Gardens of the King Resort

Tarpon paradise - Fly Fishing the Run

Since May of 2015, the fly fishing in northcentral Cuba in the Cayo Santa Maria area has been exclusively operated by Fly Fishing the Run. The group of islands is known as the Jardines del Rey or Gardens of the King. These pristine waters are protected National Marine Parks. No commercial fishing is allowed other than for lobster.

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. Depending on conditions and seasons, 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.
Garden of the Kings tarpon fishing

Bonefish and Permit Fishing

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 for fishing. They were born and raised on these waters, and know the ocean and the flats like the backs of their hands.
Fishing Equipment: No equipment is provided. $350.00 per week for rod and reel rental. A detailed list of what to bring is included in our confirmation packet.
Fishing License: is included in the package, but the $100.00 Marine Park Conservation Fee is not.

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 have swim-up bars, and they both share the buffet in the main building and the on-site à la carte restaurants.
Gourmet breakfasts and dinners are enjoyed at the resort. Anglers take a boxed lunch with them each morning.
Communications: There is a charge for Wi-Fi access which is available in the 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.
Tarpon Paradise The Resort has two stunning beaches and well-kept grounds.
YouTube video of the Resort.

There are two options for Getting to the Resort:

1.) You can fly to the José Martí International Airport (HAV) in Havana on Friday. You will be greeted by a Fly Fishing the Run representative who will help you flag a taxi for your transfer to your hotel. The cost for the overnight in Havana varies from $350.00 to $450.00 per night for double-occupancy 4-star or 5-star accommodations. The ground transfer from the airport to the hotel and the hotel stay are not included in the package. A list of recommended hotels is in our confirmation packet. On Saturday, a transfer service, arranged by the outfitter, will drive you the 5-hour drive to the Iberostar Ensenachos Resort hotel in Santa Clara. This roundtrip ground transfer is $250.00 per person for 1 to 4 guests, and not included in the package.

2021 USD Rates:

7-nights at the Resort
and 6-days guided fishing Maximum 4 skiffs or 8 anglers

Two anglers per guide and skiff
Low Season:
August 1, 2020 - February 20, 2021:
$3,640.00 per person

Mid-Season:
Feb. 20 - March 27 and
July 3 - July 31, 2021:
$4,460.00 per person

High Season:
March 27 - July 3, 2021:
$5,320.00 per person

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

Fishing Packages Include:

Ground transfer from the Abel Santamaría Airport in Santa Clara, Cuba, 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, and guided fishing.

Tarpon Fishing Paradise

Packages Do Not Include:

Airfare, an overnight stay in Havana, food and beverages in Havana, the roundtrip ground transfer from Havana $250.00 p.p. for groups of 1-4, Cuban tourist visa (up to $85.00), the Marine Park Conservation Fee $100.00, fishing tackle, gear rental of $350.00 per week of fly rods and reels; gratuities to guide and staff, personal expenses, extra beverages and food, Global Rescue, IMG Signature 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.

Avalon's Deposit Policy

Avalon Booking Policies:

On Booking, please send passport number, Date of Birth, Nationality and Full Name (as in passport), you must complete your pre trip information with your flight details (arrival/departure flights to Cuba, we need airline, flight number, date and time) within 180 days before your trip. Avalon can’t be responsible for hotel or itinerary changes when pre trip information is completed after those dates.
- For trips confirmed with over 18 months of arrival date, a 5% deposit of the total amount due is requested.
- 18 months before arrival date, a 10% deposit of the total amount is due.
- 12 months before arrival date, 30% deposit of the total amount is due.
- 6 months before arrival date, 70% of the total amount has to be paid.
- Balance payment is due 3 months (90 days) prior to arrival.
6 months prior to your arrival date, you will have the chance to confirm only half yacht or to book half group (on land base accommodation), more anglers can always be added further on if space will remain available.
Avalon will be in charge to sell the unsold part of the yacht if necessary to help completing the group.

Deposit Policy:

Deposits are refundable (minus a US $800.00 PER PERSON handling fee until 180 days prior to the start of your trip). Within 180 days of your trip, your deposit is non-refundable. No refunds are available for unused portions of packages. Full payment is due 90 days prior to arrival. In the lodge, credit card payments cannot be accepted for anything. All programs and execution of them remain subject to weather and other unforeseen circumstances. Claims for refunds will not be accepted.

Cancellation Policy: **IMPORTANT: Trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended and "cancel for any reason" insurance is very important to consider in the case of unforeseen events preventing you from traveling. If you cancel within 180 days of your trip this will be your only possible form of reimbursement.
If you would like trip cancellation coverage for reasons not included in standard travel insurance policies, please inquire with your travel representative about the No Risk Policy** The refund policy is not applicable to rescheduled or rebooked trips. Therefore, once a trip has been rescheduled or rebooked it is ineligible for a monetary refund of any kind and claims for refunds will not be accepted.
Fishing with Larry strongly recommends purchasing trip insurance.
Click here for our Travel Insurance page.

Avalon Disclaimer: Avalon, Cuban fishing centers, its subsidiaries, management, staff, personnel, any of its affiliated or associated companies, agents, sub-agents, subcontractors, or anyone, either directly or indirectly, involved in the organization or execution of the programs or services will not become liable or responsible in any way in connection with accommodation, lodge, restaurant, transfer and expedition services, information supplied, or for any loss, injury or damage to or in respect to any person or property how so ever caused or arising. Prices mentioned are based on present exchange rates and tariffs and remain subject to change.

*Cuban Laws are against any kind of drugs, and the use is absolutely forbidden in any place. Trying to enter the Cuban Country with drugs is considered a severe crime. Avalon Fishing and Diving Center is against any kind of drugs.

Sample Itinerary:

Saturday to Saturday

Sunday: After you'll arrive in Santa Clara, a representative from Fly Fishing the Run will meet you. He will drive your group to the Resort, a two-hour drive.
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 the afternoon in time to freshen up before dinner.
Sunday: After breakfast, your group will be driven back to Santa Clara for your flight home.

Request a Gardens of the King Information Packet