CUBA Fly Fishing - Jardines de la Reina

Fly Fishing Gardens of the Queen

Permit:  Permit are considered the ultimate challenge on the flats, and few species humble fly anglers more consistently. In Jardines de la Reina, this elusive gamefish thrives in a pristine, remote environment that offers some of the most consistent permit fishing in the Caribbean.
The best time to target permit in this area is between March and July and again in November, when higher tides improve visibility and fish movement across the flats.
What makes Jardines de la Reina especially notable is its strong potential for Grand Slams and Super Slams—catching a permit, bonefish, tarpon (and snook for a Super Slam) in a single day. This is mainly due to the consistently productive permit fishing, which forms the cornerstone of many successful slam attempts in this unique destination.
Tarpon:  JDR and Isla de la Juventud are the best for tarpon fishing. Peak tarpon fishing is from February to late July, with April through July being the best time for large tarpon.
Bonefish:  Bones are available year-round at all locations. In JDR, the morning winds often calm down in the afternoons, and fishing in the late afternoon can be superb, especially for bones.
Mutton Snappers are everywhere in the JDR, and plenty are found and landed on the flats, a real rarity. This is perhaps the only place in the world where you can expect to catch mutton snappers on the flats.
Other species:  Anglers who wish to troll off the reef using plugs, bait, or even flies will encounter a diverse range of fish species. These include various snappers, such as the large cubera snapper, groupers, Jack Crevalle, kingfish, albacore, wahoo, bonito, and large barracuda. One group of anglers successfully caught 25 different species while fishing off the reef in a single day.

The Fishing Program:

The 2026 Season is year-round, with peak fishing from March 7 through June 27.
Boats:  16-foot Dolphin Super Skiffs with Yamaha 60 or 70-HP motors. Each skiff has a poling platform for the guide, rod holders, and ample storage space at both the bow and stern. You'll fish two anglers per boat and guide. Most flats are within 15 minutes of the liveaboard. Our outfitter has no fuel limitations.
Guides:  The local guides are excellent fishermen and are highly skilled at locating all species. They were born and raised on these waters and know the ocean and the flats very well. The guides speak Spanish, yet also enough fishing English to be understood. All guides are trained in CPR and first aid.
Fishing Equipment is not included in the package. An equipment rental for $350 per week includes rod, reel, and lines. Our confirmation packet includes a detailed list of what to bring.
A Cuban Fishing License is included in the package.
Rental Equipment:  Equipment is available for fishing and diving and must be confirmed and paid 60 days before arrival.
A Marine Park Conservation Fee is an added $300 per person for 2025 and $500 for 2026.
Diving Equipment is available for $250 for a full set of diving gear per week. Diving is available on the JDR yachts.

A Typical Fishing Day:
You’ll fish from dawn until dusk, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A typical fishing day begins with a wake-up call at 7:00 a.m. and breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Your guides are ready to depart for fishing by 8:00 a.m. You'll take a packed lunch with you. Morning winds often calm down in the afternoon, and fishing in the late afternoon can be superb, especially for bonefish. You’ll be guided for seven to nine hours each day. You'll return to the liveboard at dusk, about 5:00 p.m. Enjoy appetizers and then dinner at 7:30 p.m.

Getting to the Liveaboards:  You will fly directly from Miami, FL, to Ignacio Agramonte International Airport (CMW) in Camagüey, which is a 1.5-hour flight. Upon arrival, a representative from Cubatur (travel services) will meet you at the airport and drive you to Júcaro Port, a 2.5 to 3-hour drive. At the Port, you will board the yacht and depart for Jardines de la Reina, a three to five-hour journey.
Arrival and Departure Days:  Upon arrival at Jucaro Port, you will board the liveaboard and begin your fishing week in the Jardines de la Reina. On the final day of your trip, you’ll return to the liveaboard around 2:00 p.m. The yacht will return to Jucaro Port, where you will overnight. Early the next morning, you will return to Camaguey for your departing flight.

For 2026:
Guest Involvement Opportunities:
In 2026, our outfitter is offering more ways for guests to engage in conservation, from expert talks to hands-on research programs. Your participation will help preserve Jardines de la Reina for future generations while enhancing your experience.

Disclaimer:  At all the liveaboard yachts, you can choose to book individually, or you can also book half a yacht. Liveaboard vessels require a minimum occupancy to operate every week. In general, this minimum occupancy corresponds to the total number of rooms on each ship (for example, on a 12-room vessel, we are unable to operate with less than 12 anglers onboard). In the case of reservations confirmed for HALF YACHT, if said occupation is not fulfilled at the time of the trip, either by the group itself or by other groups reserved directly by the outfitter, the outfitter reserves the right to relocate the group to another boat or accommodation, always respecting the destination and on the same dates as confirmed for the group.