What species can I target at Cayo Largo?

The main species are tarpon, bonefish, and permit, with occasional shots at jacks, snook, and barracuda.

Why stay on The JAF1 liveaboard instead of land-based lodges?

Staying on The JAF1 liveaboard eliminates long daily runs from the marina, giving you more time to fish prime zones (5 and 6) each day.

When is the best time to fish Cayo Largo?

Fishing is good year-round, with prime tarpon season from April through July, and consistent bonefish and permit action much of the year.

Is this a wading or skiff fishery?

Both. Anglers fish from skiffs to reach flats and often wade hard-bottom areas for stealthy sight-fishing opportunities.

What gear should I bring?

Bring an 8-weight for bonefish, a 9–10 weight for permit, and a 10–11 weight for tarpon, along with tropical floating lines and quality leaders.

Do you arrange hosted weeks or custom trips?

Yes. Fishing with Larry offers both hosted weeks and custom-tailored packages to match your travel dates and fishing goals.

Cuba Liveaboard Fly Fishing

Cayo Largo - Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit...

The JAF1 Yacht

Cayo Largo is a small island in the Caribbean that belongs to Cuba. The island is 16 miles long and 1.9 miles wide. The JAF1, a 130-foot Liveaboard yacht, has a maximum of six skiffs in the entire area for the week. Cayo Largo is Cuba's most exclusive and innovative fishing destination. The flats surrounding Cayo Largo are managed as a fly-fishing-only fishery, helping preserve one of the Caribbean's premier destinations for bonefish, permit, and tarpon. Group rates only.
2027 Group Rates: start at $60,980 for a half yacht (up to 5 anglers) during Peak Season.
and $49,500 for a half yacht (up to 5 anglers) during the Low Season.

Fishing Cayo Largo

Cayo Largo is one of the Caribbean's premier saltwater flats fisheries and a top destination for Grand Slams. A Caribbean Grand Slam is achieved by catching a bonefish, permit, and tarpon in the same day. Since 2004, anglers have recorded more than 500 Grand Slams in the waters surrounding Cayo Largo.
Cayo Largo utilizes a six-zone rotational system designed to protect the fishery and maintain exceptional fishing quality. During a full week, anglers generally fish each zone once. One advantage of the liveaboard program is access to the remote western zones, where anglers can spend more time fishing some of the most productive tarpon waters in the fishery.

The Fishing Program:

Boats: Dolphin 16-foot Super skiffs teamed with Yamaha 70-HP motors at all their flats fishing destinations. The guides can pole the skiffs on the shallowest bonefish flats. You'll fish two anglers per boat and guide.
Guides: The local guides are excellent anglers, skilled at finding all species. They were born and raised on these waters and know the ocean and the flats very well. The guides speak Spanish but also speak enough fishing English to get by.
Equipment: No gear or tackle is provided. A rod, reel, and fly line rental is available for $350 per person per week and requires 60 days’ notice before your trip. 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.

Tarpon Fishing

Peak Season (Mid-February–Mid-July): Peak season at Cayo Largo coincides with the arrival of migratory tarpon and some of the most comfortable weather of the year. Daytime temperatures typically range from the upper 70s to upper 80s°F, with steady trade winds helping to keep conditions pleasant on the flats. Bonefish and permit are available throughout the fishery, while migratory tarpon averaging 15 to 30 pounds are common and fish exceeding 100 pounds are regularly spotted. Resident tarpon are also present year-round. For many anglers, this is the best time to pursue a Caribbean Grand Slam—catching a bonefish, permit, and tarpon in the same day.

Bonefishing

Low Season (September 25–December 31): offers excellent opportunities for bonefish, permit, and resident tarpon. Anglers enjoy fewer boats on the water, attractive pricing, and productive fishing across the flats. Permit continue to provide exciting sight-fishing opportunities, while resident tarpon offer anglers a realistic chance to complete a Caribbean Grand Slam. Temperatures are generally warm in early fall and become increasingly comfortable as the season progresses into November and December, making this one of the best values of the year for Cuba fly fishing.

Jardines The JAF1

In 2010, the JAF1 was introduced as a brand-new yacht built from the ground up. Measuring 130 feet in length, it combines beauty and comfort, accommodating a minimum of eight anglers and a maximum of ten. It has ten staterooms.

Lounge Area

The main deck has an air-conditioned lounge with a large-screen TV and DVD system for watching fishing videos from your day out on the flats. The lounge also has a digital and photo-editing computer for use during your stay. The shaded upper sun deck has cushioned chairs and a hot tub.

Ten Cabins and Nine Bathrooms

On The JAF1, there are now ten cabins/staterooms. Three of the cabins have queen-size beds. Eight cabins have private bathrooms, and two will be sharing a bathroom, for nine bathrooms onboard. Each cabin has air conditioning and heat controls, electricity plugs (220 volts and 110 volts), drawers for storage, and panoramic Caribbean views.

Seven Cabins have Twin-Size Beds

Each cabin has air conditioning and heat controls, electricity plugs (220 volts and 110 volts), drawers for storage, and panoramic Caribbean views.
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. Do not bring satellite phones, GPS devices, or professional cameras. Certain electrical items that consume a lot of power may be confiscated when entering Cuba.

The JAF1 Floorplan

Dining Area

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 open bar is included in the package, which includes beer, wine, liquor, and sodas. Self-serve beer and wine are available around the clock. Liquor is available throughout the day until the staff retires to their rooms for the evening.

Hot Tub on the Sun Deck

Cuban Fishing Centers - Liveaboard

Getting to the Liveaboard:

Friday: You will fly to Havana, Cuba (HAV), where a representative from Cubatur will greet you. They will assist you in arranging a taxi for your transfer to your hotel. The recommended accommodations are the Central Park Hotel or the Melia Habana Hotel.
Please note: The package does not include the taxi fare and hotel nights in Havana.
Saturday: If you fly to Havana on Saturday, your flight must arrive before noon. A private bus will pick your group up at noon at the airport or from the hotel for the three-hour drive to the Zapesca Port. After appetizers, you’ll settle into your cabin. At 4:00 p.m., the JAF1 will travel two hours to Cayo Blanco. Dinner and overnight on the Liveaboard.

Sample Itinerary and Getting Here

Friday: Optional: You may arrive in Havana, Cuba (HAV) a day early and stay overnight. This hotel night is not included in the package.
Saturday: The group for the week will take a private bus to Zapesca Port, where you'll board the Liveaboard. You'll settle in, enjoy a cold mojito and a nice dinner, and spend your first night on the JAF1 liveaboard.
Sunday - Thursday:
7:00 a.m. - Wake-up call.
7:30 a.m. - Breakfast.
8:00 a.m. - You’ll head out to fish and have lunch on the skiff. You'll return in the afternoon based on your preference and conditions.
5:00 p.m. - Dusk is usually around 5:00 p.m.
You’ll return to the liveaboard and enjoy appetizers.
7:30 p.m. - Dinner is served.
Friday: 6:00 a.m., You’ll have an early morning wake-up. You’ll fish from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The Liveaboard will sail back to the anchoring spot in Cayo Blanco, where you’ll stay the night on board.
Saturday: 1.) At 6:00 a.m., you'll transfer to Zapesca Port.
2.) You’ll disembark at 9:00 a.m. and board the bus for the three-hour drive to Havana.
3.) Do not plan your departing flights before 2:30 p.m.

2027 USD Rates:

7-nights and 6-days guided fishing
Peak Season:
February 20 - July 17, 2027
Full Yacht rate: $121,960 per group
Half-Yacht rate: $60,980 per group

Low Season:
September 25 - December 31, 2027
Full Yacht rate: $99,000 per group
Half-Yacht rate: $49,500 per group

Entire Yacht and Half-Yacht Options:

Entire Yacht Includes:
Ten cabins for groups of up to 12 anglers with up to 6 skiffs and 6 guides.
Book 10 paying anglers and bring 2 hosts free.
Half-Yacht Includes:
Five cabins for groups of 5 anglers with 3 skiffs and 3 guides.
Book 5 paying anglers and bring 1 host free.
Half-yacht charters may only be booked within 8 months of your trip and are subject to availability.

Request a Cayo Largo Liveaboard
Information Packet.

The Packages Include:

• Reception at the Havana Airport
• Group bus transfer from Havana to Zapesca Port
• 7-nights Liveaboard lodging
• All meals on the Liveaboard
• Open bar on the Liveaboard
• 6-days guided fishing
• A Cuban fishing license
• Four (4) drinks on the skiff each day (beer, water, or soft drinks)
• Daily laundry service, tip appreciated.
• Inscription fee

The Packages Do Not Include:

• Airfare
• Cuban tourist visa, $85
• Taxi services
• Meals in Havana
• Hotel nights in Havana
• Optional fly outfit rental--a fly rod, reel, and lines $350 p.p.
• Gratuities for guides and staff
• Personal expenses
• Global Rescue
• Travel Insurance
• $300 p.p. Marine Conservation Fee
• Anything not mentioned under inclusions.

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.

Cayo Largo JAF1 Policies:

Required Waiver of Liability Form: Upon your arrival at Cayo Largo, 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: 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.