Bonefish Plentiful Here Year-Round

Isla de Juventud is Spanish for the Island of Youth. This pristine marine park is 93 miles from Havana, covering 1,367 square miles, and has approximately 90,000 inhabitants. This island is part of a larger archipelago consisting of 672 keys and islets. During peak season (March–June), anglers fish Isla de la Juventud aboard the JAF2 Liveaboard Yacht Learn more about the JAF2 →.
Aboard The JAF2, a 130-foot liveaboard yacht, you’ll explore the most remote areas of the Canarreos Archipelago, the world-famous chain of islands that runs 80 miles from the Isle of Youth to Cayo Largo. You’ll stop off at selected anchorages like Cayo Campo, the Antilles Islands, and finally, Cayo Rosario, renowned for some of Cuba's most outstanding flats fishing. Isla de la Juventud is ideal for anglers obsessed with monster tarpon.
Between March and June, they’ve caught and released tarpon around 100 pounds, and the fishing usually exceeds their expectations.
Liveaboard Season: The JAF2 is in Isla de Juventud for peak season only from March 7 through June 27, when bonefish, permit, and jacks are all present.
Peak season is also the best time to try for a Caribbean Grand Slam—tarpon, permit, and bonefish in one day. Each season produces numerous Grand Slams and a few Super Grand Slams, which means a tarpon, bonefish, permit, and snook in one day. Migratory tarpon average between 15 and 30 pounds, and up to 100 pounds are regularly spotted, and shots at permit are frequent.
Boats: 16-foot Dolphin Super skiffs with 70 HP Yamaha motors. The guides pole the skiffs on the shallowest bonefish flats. Two anglers per guide and boat.
Guides: Local Spanish-speaking guides know enough fishing English to get by and are excellent anglers. They know these waters like the backs of their hands and are skilled at finding all species.
Fishing Hours: You are guided for seven to nine hours each day at your discretion. Depending on the tides and fishing, you’ll take a packed lunch and return to the Liveaboard in the afternoons.
Fishing Equipment is not provided. An optional rental with a fly rod, reel, and lines is $350.00 per week. Our confirmation packet includes a detailed list of what to bring.
Fishing License: A fishing license is included in the package.
Marine Park Fee: The package does not include the Marine Park Conservation fee of $300 per person.
A Typical Fishing Day:
7:00 a.m. Wake-up call
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:00 a.m. Guided fishing
You'll return to the yacht in the afternoon.
Enjoy appetizers and dinner.
The JAF2 has ten deluxe king cabins with ten private bathrooms. While its overall capacity is 20 passengers, they suggest between 10 and 12 anglers for optimum comfort for fishing groups. Each room includes air conditioning and heat controls, power plugs (110 and 220 volts), storage, and panoramic windows to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Caribbean beaches. There is a spacious and comfortable lounge/bar and dining room area as well as a hot tub on the boat deck.
While the laundry service is free, they ask that you provide a tip.
Meals: Buffet-style breakfasts and packed lunches. In the afternoons, you’ll enjoy some of the finest frozen
daiquiris, Cuban libres (rum and coke), and cocktails. Dinners include fresh salads and entrees such as lobster, fish of the day, pork, or chicken. Dessert and wine are served with dinner. Chefs work with special dietary needs.
The Open Bar: The open bar is included in the package and includes beer, wine, liquor, and soft drinks.
Communications: There is no Wi-Fi available on the liveaboard. Before your trip, you’ll need to check with your cell service provider to see if your U.S. cell phone will work in Cuba. Satellite phones are NOT allowed in Cuba and will be confiscated at the airport upon arrival.
Click here for more JAF2 pictures and liveaboard information.
1.) You’ll fly to Havana, Cuba (HAV). A travel services representative will greet you at the airport and help arrange a taxi to take you to the hotel of your choice. Hotel nights and taxis are not included in the package. (4- and 5-star hotels run $250.00 to $350.00 per night. Our confirmation packet includes a list of recommended hotels.)
2.) The next morning, you’ll wait in the hotel lobby—the exact time will be confirmed the prior evening for the three-hour private bus transfer to Zapesca Port.
3.) The navigation to Isla de la Juventud takes about four hours.
7-nights and 6-days guided fishing:
Saturday to Saturday
2026 Season: March 7 - July 27
Entire Yacht:
A max. of 12 anglers + 8 non-anglers
$114,400.00 per group
6 skiffs, and 6 guides.
Group Size: 10 paying anglers + two free hosts.
Half Yacht:
A max. of 6 anglers
$57,200.00 per group
3 skiffs, and 3 guides.
• Reception at the Havana airport
• Private bus transfers between Havana and the Port
• 7-nights aboard The JAF2
• All meals on The JAF2
• Open bar on The JAF2
• Laundry service
• 6-days guided fishing
• A Cuban fishing license.