Cuba - The Perola Yacht

The Zapata Swamp

The Zapata Peninsula is a UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserve in western Cuba. The Zapata Swamp is a fly fishing wilderness with vast forests and swamps covering over 1,668 square miles, with more than 165 migratory species, including the Cuban crocodile. The Liveaboard fishes six zones in an area called the Gulf of Cazones. (The same area as the Georgiana when the Georgiana is off duty.)
Group Rates Only:  To book The Perola, a classic 75-foot yacht, you will need to get together a party of up to six, as the Liveaboard does not mix groups.



Fly Fishing Zapata Swamp

Zapata Swamp, Cuba's largest wetlands, are home to a diverse range of fish species, from the feisty tarpon to the elusive bonefish, permit, and snook. Fly fishing only in this protected Cuban UNESCO Heritage site.

The Zapata area will be your base for the week. Staying aboard the Perola, you'll have plenty of time to fish the tides, which are the key to a good saltwater trip. The liveaboard will stay at the flats during the week. The guides focus on zones and skiff rotation.
Species:  Target species include tarpon, permit, bonefish, and snook, which are easily accessible without much travel time between them. You can even attempt a Caribbean Grand Slam--catching a bonefish, tarpon, and permit all in one day.
Boats:  Dolphin Super Skiffs with Yamaha 60 to 70-HP engines provide quick runs between fishing spots, especially if you want to target tarpon in deeper water. For skinny-water flats, you’ll fly fish from a flat-bottom skiff, so you’re able to access bonefish and permit.

The Fishing Program

At Zapata, you'll fish from Dolphin Super Skiffs with Yamaha 60 to 70 HP motors, two anglers per boat and local guide who speak enough English to be understood for fishing purposes.

2025 Season:  October 4 - December 27.
Guides:  Local guides are highly skilled fishermen who can find all species and speak enough English to be understood for fishing purposes.
Fishing Equipment:  No equipment is provided, so please bring your own flies, leaders, tippets, terminal tackle, and accessories, as very few fishing items are available in Cuba. 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 mandatory Marine Park Conservation fee of $200.00 per person.

Fly Fishing Zapata Swamp

Zapata back country lagoons .

The productive backcountry lagoons. During the summer season, the water in this area remains cold and fresh as it is situated near the creeks of Zapata, the largest swamp in the country. The Perola fishes the same six zones as the Georgiana Liveaboard in an area called the Gulf of Cazones.

Permit Fishing at Zapata

Permit fishing the Zapata Swamp in Cuba.

Typical Fishing Day:
7:30 am - Breakfast.
8:00 am - Your guides are ready to depart for fishing.
Morning winds often calm down in the afternoon, and fishing in the late afternoon can be superb, especially for bonefish.
Mid-day - You’ll take a packed lunch. You’ll be guided for seven to nine hours each day.
5:00 pm (dusk) - You'll return to the liveboard.
5:30 pm - Enjoy appetizers.
7:30 pm - Dinner time.

The Perola Yacht

The Perola Yacht, a classic 75-foot liveaboard is a symbol of luxury and exclusivity, offering a unique fly fishing trip in the vast Cuban waters of Zapata Swamp.

The Perola is a classic 75-foot luxury yacht with highly polished hardwood floors and teak paneling. It is an especially stable ocean-going yacht. Although the boat may be older, it's been meticulously maintained to ensure top-notch performance. The Perola accommodates six anglers and four crew members.

Five Air-Conditioned Cabins

The Perola, a 75-foot yacht catering to anglers in Cuba's Zapata Wetlands, has five air-conditioned cabins and four bathrooms with plenty of hot water.

Below deck are five very comfortable, air-conditioned cabins: four single cabins and one double-occupancy berth, all with ample storage space. Two of the cabins have their own bathrooms. There are a total of four bathrooms onboard, each equipped with good showers and plenty of hot water.

Air-Conditioned Salon Area

Dining Area

In the air-conditioned lounge area, you can tie flies on the full-sized table or sink into the plush couches with a drink.

Circular Stairs

The circular stairs on the Perola Liveaboard provide a unique architectural element that adds to the charm of this marine vessel.

Circular stairways take you downstairs to the cabins or the dining area on the top open-air deck.
Communications:  Wi-Fi is not available. 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.

Upper Deck floorplan of the Perola, a 75-foot yacht in Zapata Swamplands of Cuba.

You'll enjoy open-air dining on the upper deck. If the sea breeze picks up, the dining area can be enclosed.
Meals:  The 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:  There is an optional upfront fee of $200.00 per person for the open bar, which includes beer, wine, liquor, and sodas.

Zapata Swamp Fly Fishing Liveaboard

Getting to the Liveaboard:

You’ll arrive in Havana on a Saturday before 2:00 pm, and a representative will drive you to the liveaboard in Zapata, a 2.5-hour drive on good roads.
On your way to the liveaboard, you will pass through the historic San Lazaro Channel, which was once used to transport charcoal from the island to the sea.
On Sunday morning, the liveaboard will depart from the port and head to the Zapata fishing grounds.
Departure Day:  After breakfast, the Georgiana will return to the port. A ground transfer is provided to the international airport in Havana.

2025 USD Rates:


Our advice is free.
We never charge more than the Lodges we represent.


Saturday to Saturday
Three skiffs, three guides, and six anglers
Season:  October 4 - December 27
7-nights and 6-full days guided fishing
$30,000.00 per group.

You will need to organize a party of up to six anglers, as the Liveaboard does not allow mixed groups.

Equipment Rentals:
A fly outfit rental + line is $350.00 per person per week.
Diving equipment rentals are $250.00 for a complete set of diving gear per week. The rentals require 60-days’ notice before your trip.

Request a Cuba - The Perola
Information Packet  

The Package Includes:

• Reception at the airport in Havana
• Ground transfers per program
• 7-nights on the liveaboard
• All meals on the Liveaboard
• 6-days guided fishing
• A fishing license
• Fuel charge.

The Packages Does Not Include:

• Airfare to Havana, Cuba, and return
• Hotel and meals in Havana
• VIP Service at Havana Airport
• Cuban tourist visa
• Optional open bar fee of $200.00 per person per week
• Marine Park Conservation Fee $200.00
• Fly outfit rental $350.00 p.p.
• Gratuities to guides and staff
• Personal expenses
• Global Rescue
• Travel Insurance
• Anything not mentioned under inclusions.

Go to . . .

Cuba main page 

Fishing Travel Experts


Guy Schoenborn

1-800-205-3474 ext. 1

MT Office:  406-322-5709

Email:  guy@fishingwithlarry.com

Brad Staples

1-800-205-3474 ext. 3

Cell (503) 250-0558

Email:  brad@fishingwithlarry.com