Gardens of the King Resort - Cuba

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.

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.
Tarpon Paradise The Resort has two stunning beaches and well-kept grounds.
YouTube video of the Resort.

Getting to the Resort:

You’ll fly to the Santa Clara Abel Santamaria Airport, also known as the Cayo Santa Maria Airport, near the city of Santa Clara, Cuba. JetBlue currently has flights from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and American Airlines has flights from Miami, Florida. You'll be met at the airport by a staff member of Fly Fishing the Run. He will drive you to the Resort, a two-hour drive. This ground transfer is included in the package.

2019-2020 USD Rates:

7-nights and 6-days guided fishing
Two anglers per skiff and guide
Low Season:
Sept. 14, 2018 - February 22, 2019:
$3,640.00 per person
Mid-Season:
Feb. 22 - March 21 and
July 4 - September 12, 2019:
$4,460.00 per person
High Season:
March 21 - June 27, 2019:
$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:

Roundtrip ground transfer between the airport and the resort, 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, and a fishing license.

Tarpon Fishing Paradise

Packages do not include:

Airfare, Cuba Tourist Visa $85.00, fishing tackle, fly rods and reels; the $100.00 Marine Park Conservation Fee, gratuities to guide and staff, personal expenses, extra beverages and food other than those stated above, 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 Policy:

A deposit of 30% of your package is required within two weeks of invoice to confirm the reservation of your trip. An additional 40% is due six months before your trip. The balance is due 90 days before the start of your trip.

Cancellation Policy:

Deposits are refundable (minus an $800.00 handling fee per person until 180 days prior to the start of your trip). Within 180 days of your trip, your deposit is nonrefundable unless they are able to resell your spot. No refunds are available for unused portions of packages. Trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended. All programs and execution of them remain subject to weather and other unforeseen circumstances. Claims for refunds will not be accepted.

We highly recommend Trip Cancellation Insurance which is included in the Signature Travel Insurance policy. Click here for our Travel Insurance page.

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.