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. 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.
Communications: Wi-Fi is not available. Satellite phones are strictly prohibited in Cuba and will be confiscated at the airport on arrival. 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, Fly Fishing the Run will arrange for the five-hour ground transfer between Havana and Santa Clara for a) $600.00 roundtrip for 1 to 2 passengers in a taxi or b) $1,200.00 roundtrip for up to 8 passengers in a minivan.
2.) Or, on Saturday via Copa Airlines, you can fly directly from Panama to the Abel Santamaría Airport (SNU) in Santa Clara. The cost for the round-trip flight is approximately $1,000.00 per person. You’ll be met by a Fly Fishing the Run representative and driven to the Iberostar Ensenachos Resort hotel, a two-hour drive. The ground transfer is included in the package.

2020 USD Rates:

7-nights and 6-days guided fishing
Two anglers per skiff and guide
Low Season:
Sept. 16, 2019 - February 24, 2020:
$3,640.00 per person
Mid-Season:
Feb. 25 - March 24 and
July 1 - September 15, 2020:
$4,460.00 per person
High Season:
March 25 - June 30, 2020:
$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 ground transfer from Havana $600.00 to $1,200.00 (depending on group size), Cuban tourist visa (up to $85.00), the Marine Park Conservation Fee $100.00, fishing tackle, 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.

Deposit & Cancellation Policy:

Sample Itinerary:

Sunday: 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 - Saturday: 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 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.