What species can I target from the JA3 in Jardines de la Reina?

Primary targets are tarpon, bonefish, and permit on pristine flats and mangrove creeks. You may also encounter jacks, barracuda, and snook.

When is the best time to fish Jardines de la Reina?

Fishing is productive year-round. Warmer months typically see more consistent tarpon encounters, while bonefish and permit shots are available across much of the season.

Is this primarily a wading or skiff fishery?

Both. Guests fish from skiffs to reach flats, then wade hard-bottom areas when conditions allow for stealthy sight-fishing.

What gear should I bring?

An 8-weight for bonefish, a 9–10-weight for permit, and a 10–11-weight for tarpon. Bring tropical floating lines, quality leaders/tippet, sun protection, and flats boots for wading.

Do you arrange hosted weeks or custom packages?

Yes. Fishing with Larry can secure hosted spots when available and build custom packages based on preferred dates, trip length, and target species.

How do travel logistics work for the liveaboard?

We’ll advise on current Cuba entry requirements and the internal transfers to the marina. Once aboard, you’ll fish daily from skiffs with guides while the yacht serves as your floating base.

Cuba - Jardines de la Reina
The JA3

Gardens of the Queen

The JA3 is a grand yacht cruising to the outer edges of the Jardines de la Reina, also known as the Gardens of the Queen marine park. The 160-foot luxury motor yacht has 15 staterooms, including four suites with a balcony. The overall capacity is 30 passengers and 12 crew members. A maximum of 16 anglers per trip for optimum comfort. Three panoramic decks and a hot tub. Book now for 2027.

The Lounge area

The JA3 hosts a maximum of 16 anglers, with up to 30 passengers, plus 12 crew members. The Liveaboard also accommodates divers. The design and interior decor give the yacht a touch of intimacy, refinement, and simplicity. The boat strikes the perfect balance between substantial exploration capabilities and a unique, noble style.

Communications: There is no Wi-Fi available on the liveaboard. Before your trip, check with your cell phone provider to determine whether your U.S. cell phone will work in Cuba. Please note that satellite phones are strictly prohibited in Cuba and may be confiscated upon arrival.

Dolphin 16 ft. Super Skiffs at all Jardines' Locations

For the JA3, depending on group size, there will be up to eight guides and up to eight Dolphin 16 ft. Super Skiffs teamed with Yamaha 70-HP motors. Jardines de la Reina (JDR) offers more fishing hours than any Avalon destination and is ideal for fly anglers who desire to fish from dawn until dusk (about 5:00 p.m.). Fishing is Sunday morning through Friday.

A Typical Fishing Day:

7:00 a.m. - Wake-up call.
7:30 a.m. - Breakfast.
8:00 a.m. - The guides are ready to depart for fishing. You'll take a packed lunch. Morning winds often calm down in the afternoon, and fishing in the late afternoon can be superb, especially for bonefish. With advanced notice, you can return to the liveaboard mid-day for lunch. You are guided for seven to nine hours each day.
You'll return to the Liveaboard in the afternoon, followed by appetizers and then dinner.
Learn more about Fishing the Jardines.

Air-Conditioned Cabins with Private Bathroom

All 15 cabins have two twin or double beds, private bathrooms, and air-conditioning with individual thermostats. The boat accommodates up to 30 passengers and 12 crew members, but Avalon recommends a maximum of 16 anglers per trip for optimum comfort. Daily housekeeping and laundry service are provided. They would like you to tip one CUC per item for the laundry. (The value of the CUC is pinned to the U.S. dollar, so one CUC will always equal one U.S. dollar.)

Flat-screen TV in the Lounge

Each cabin has air conditioning and heating, electrical outlets (220 volts and 110 volts), storage drawers, and panoramic windows for views of the Caribbean.

Dining Area

Meals and Alcohol

Meals: Cuisine is simple yet gourmet. Salads with fresh vegetables and a variety of fruits are available. Fresh sashimi is offered nightly. Dinners feature delicious fresh fish, pork, or chicken entrees.

Alcohol: The package includes an open bar with beer, wine, rum, soft drinks, and water.

Floorplan

Upper Boat Deck

The upper deck has a comfortable lounge, dining room, and bar area (combination). The large open-air top deck has a bar, a hot tub, and a dive deck with camera tables.

Getting to the Liveaboard:

1. You will fly directly from Miami, FL, to Ignacio Agramonte International Airport (CMW) in Camagüey, which is a 1.5-hour flight.
2. Airport transfers to and from Júcaro Port are included only for groups of six or more travelers. For smaller groups or individual travelers, transfers are available at an additional cost and must be quoted separately. The drive between the airport and Júcaro Port takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
3. Once you arrive at the port, you will board the yacht and depart for Jardines de la Reina. The journey to the destination will take between three and five hours. Upon arrival at Jucaro Port, you will board the liveaboard and begin your fishing week in the Jardines de la Reina.
Departure Day: After a half-day of fishing and a sack lunch, 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 flights.

The JA3 Yacht Includes:
15 cabins, 8 skiffs, and 8 guides

2027 USD Rates:

Peak Season:
February 20 - July 17, 2027
7 nights and 5.75 days guided fishing
$23,800 per angler.

Low Season:
July 17 - January 1, 2028
7 nights and 5.75 days guided fishing
$10,900 per person

Request a Cuba JA3
Information Packet.

The Packages Include:

• Reception at the airport
• 7 nights on the Liveaboard
• All meals on the Liveaboard
• Open bar on the Liveaboard
• 5.75 days guided fishing
• A Cuban fishing license.
• Airport-to-the port transfers for groups of 6 or more travelers

The Packages Do Not Include:

• Airfare
• Cuban tourist visa, $85
• Hotel nights and meals in Camaguey
• Airport-to-the port transfers for groups under 6 travelers
• Optional fly outfit rental $350 p.p.
• Gratuities to guides and staff
• Personal expenses
• Global Rescue
• Travel Insurance
• $500 p.p. Conservation fee
• Anything not mentioned under inclusions.

Equipment Rentals: A rod and reel rental, including lines, is $350 p.p. per week. Diving equipment rentals are $250 per week for a full set of gear. Rentals require 60 days’ notice before your trip.

Fishing with Larry Payment Options:
1.) Credit card (a 2.5% convenience fee applies)
2.) Check. Please include your invoice number in the memo. Mail checks to Fishing with Larry P.O. Box 419 Columbus, MT 59019.
3.) Wire Transfer (Send money electronically – typically a $15 to $30 fee for domestic transfers and $45 - $50 for international transfers.)
Please email Toni at toni@fishingwithlarry.com for wire instructions.

The JA3's Policies:

Required Waiver of Liability Form: Upon your arrival, you’ll be required to sign a Waiver of Liability form.
(It’s a legal contract asking you not to hold their business responsible for accidents.)

Minimum-Occupancy Disclaimer: If the minimum occupancy is not met (for example, on a 10-room vessel, minimum occupancy is 8 anglers) at the time of the trip, either by the group itself or by other groups reserved directly by the outfitter, the company reserves the right to relocate the group to another yacht or accommodation, always respecting the group’s destination and confirmed trip dates.

Deposit Policy: For trips confirmed more than 18 months before arrival, a 20% deposit is required at the time of booking, a 50% deposit is due 12 months prior to arrival, and the remaining balance is due 90 days before arrival.

Cancellation Policy: To qualify for a refund, cancellation must be made more than 240 days before the trip start date. An $800 handling fee per person will be deducted from all approved refunds. Within 240 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. Credit card payments cannot be accepted for anything on the Liveaboard. All programs and their execution remain subject to weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances beyond the outfitter's control, and claims for refunds arising from such circumstances will not be accepted. 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.

IMPORTANT: Trip Cancellation insurance is strongly recommended, and “cancel for any reason” insurance is important to consider in the event of unforeseen circumstances that prevent you from traveling. If you cancel LESS THAN 240 days BEFORE YOUR trip, trip cancellation insurance 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.

Travel Insurance: Fishing with Larry strongly recommends purchasing travel insurance when traveling to Cuba. In our experience, the outfitter rarely offers refunds or credits for missed trips, regardless of the reason. We have had anglers miss their trip due to weather delays and mechanical airline issues and receive no compensation from the outfitter. Travel insurance is the best way to protect your investment and avoid a costly disappointment.
Click here for our Travel Insurance page.

*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. The outfitter is against any kind of drugs.

Cuba - Jardines de la Reina
The JA3