What’s the best season to fish Jardines de la Reina?

Fishing is productive most of the year. Warmer months increase tarpon encounters; permit and bonefish are consistent on suitable tides and weather windows.

Is this a liveaboard-only fishery?

Most programs here are liveaboard-based to maximize time on remote flats and minimize daily runs. It’s the best way to access prime zones efficiently.

What tackle should I bring?

Common setups include an 8 wt for bonefish, 9–10 wt for permit, and 10–12 wt for tarpon. Tropical floating lines and quality fluorocarbon leaders are recommended.

Cuba Fly Fishing - Jardines de la Reina

Jardines de la Reina—Spanish for “Gardens of the Queen”—was named by Christopher Columbus and remains one of Cuba’s crown jewels for saltwater fly fishing. Located 60 to 80 miles off the country’s southern coast, this 840-square-mile marine sanctuary is strictly managed as a catch-and-release fly-fishing destination. More than 600 cays and islands form a pristine chain reminiscent of the Florida Keys decades ago, with vast, undisturbed flats, thriving mangroves, and an incredible variety of species.
Minimal fishing pressure and a strong conservation focus make Jardines de la Reina one of the world’s most productive and well-protected fisheries. Guests typically stay aboard one of two liveaboard yachts; however, only one yacht is scheduled to operate in Jardines de la Reina during the 2027 season. Wi-Fi is not available onboard.

Jardines de la Reina

Jardines de la Reina, Spanish for “Gardens of the Queen,” spans 840 square miles—an archipelago of more than 600 cays and islands as large as the Florida Keys. Its vast, undisturbed flats stretch for miles, offering a rare saltwater wilderness. Jardines de la Reina (JDR) is an exclusive marine park, not open to the public or outside operators. Only Avalon’s liveaboards are licensed to fish here, and no commercial fishing is allowed except for a limited lobster harvest. The result is one of the most pristine and lightly pressured saltwater fisheries in the world.

For the 2027 Season

Access to Jardines de la Reina will be limited to just 16 anglers (8 skiffs) per week. This change enhances the guest experience while helping to preserve the fishery. Only one private liveaboard will operate each week throughout the archipelago, reducing fishing pressure and allowing greater flexibility to follow the best opportunities. The liveaboards will remain mobile, positioning guests where the fishing is most productive while minimizing impact on this delicate ecosystem.

The JA3 will be the only liveaboard in the Jardines de la Reina for the 2027 season. The JA3 host up to 16 anglers each week. The 160-foot luxury motor yacht is designed for comfort and adventure.

For Peak Season - The JA3 Liveaboard Yacht

Learn more about the JA3 →

A Typical Fishing Day
7:00 a.m. – Wake-up call
7:30 a.m. – Breakfast onboard
8:00 a.m. – Depart with guides for a full day on the flats
Lunch – Packed lunch provided to enjoy in the field
Fishing hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (7–9 hours guided)
Morning winds often ease in the afternoon, creating excellent late-day fishing conditions, particularly for bonefish
5:00 p.m. – Return to the liveaboard
7:30 p.m. – Dinner following appetizers and relaxation

Jardines (JDR) Fishing Seasons

2027 Season: The 2027 fishing season runs year-round, with peak fishing from February 20 through July 17, 2027.
Best Fishing Months:
Permit: March - July (peak), but available year-round
Tarpon: April - July is prime for large fish, February - August generally good
Bonefish: Excellent year-round
Grand Slams: Best chance April - July
Jack Crevalle: Good all year
Barracuda: Good all year.
Snook: Good all year.
Mutton Snapper: Good all year.

Dolphin 16 ft. Super Skiffs

Boats:
• 16-foot Dolphin Super Skiffs with Yamaha 60–70 HP motors
• Equipped with poling platforms for guides, rod holders, and ample storage at bow and stern
• Two anglers per boat with one guide
• Most flats are within 15 minutes of the liveaboard
• No fuel limitations with this outfitter
Guides:
• Highly skilled local guides, born and raised on these waters
• Expert knowledge of the ocean and flats
• Speak Spanish, with enough fishing English to get by
• Trained in CPR and first aid

The Fishing Program

Fishing Equipment:
• Not included in the package
• Rental available: $350 per week (rod, reel, and lines)
• Equipment rentals must be reserved and paid 60 days before arrival
• Detailed gear list provided in our confirmation packet
Licenses & Fees:
• Cuban Fishing License: included in the package
• Marine Park Conservation Fee not included: $500 per person (2027)
Diving:
• Rental gear available: $250 per week (full set of diving equipment)
• Diving equipment must also be reserved and paid 60 days before arrival

Permit Fishing - Jardines de la Reina

Permit: The ultimate flats challenge. Permit demand precise casting and nerves of steel. Peak fishing runs March through July, but permit are available year-round. Often found tailing in just one or two feet of water, many exceed 25 lbs. Jardines is one of the world’s most consistent permit fisheries, making it an excellent destination for pursuing a Grand Slam or Super Slam.

Tarpon Fishing - Jardines de la Reina

Tarpon: Known locally as sábalo, tarpon are one of the main draws of Jardines. Fishing is best from February through late July, with April to July being prime for large fish. Anglers encounter baby tarpon (to 30 lbs), medium tarpon (30-80 lbs), and occasionally monsters over 100 lbs - with some pushing 200 lbs. Big tarpon are challenging and less common, but the chance to hook one is unforgettable.

Bonefish Fishing - Jardines de la Reina

Fly Fishing Cuba for bonefish in Jardines de la Reina.

Bonefish: Bonefish are abundant year-round, cruising shallow flats from six inches to six feet deep. They prowl grass beds and sand flats in search of shrimp and crabs, often traveling in small schools. Jardines bonefish are hardy, tolerate low oxygen waters, and provide excellent sport throughout the day, with afternoons often being especially productive.
Grand Slams: Jardines de la Reina is renowned for producing Grand Slams (tarpon, bonefish, and permit in a single day). The best window for Slams is April through July, when all three species are at their peak. Few fisheries worldwide match Jardines’ consistency in delivering Slams.

Other Species - Jardines de la Reina

Mutton Snapper: Mutton snapper are abundant in Jardines de la Reina (JDR). What makes this destination unique is that many are found and landed right on the flats—a true rarity in the fishing world. JDR is perhaps the only place on earth where anglers can consistently expect to catch mutton snapper in such shallow-water conditions.
Other species: Anglers who wish to troll off the reef using plugs, bait, or even flies will encounter a diverse range of fish species. Species you may encounter include: various snappers, such as cubera snapper (large), groupers, Jack Crevalle, kingfish, albacore, wahoo, bonito, and large barracuda. The diversity is outstanding—one group of anglers recorded catching 25 different species in a single day while fishing off the reef.

Getting to The JA3 in Jardines de La Reina:

You will fly nonstop from Miami, Florida, to Ignacio Agramonte International Airport (CMW) in Camagüey, a flight of approximately 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, a Cubatur representative will meet you and transfer you to Júcaro Port, a scenic drive of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Ground transfers are included in the package for groups of six or more guests. For groups of fewer than six, the ground transfer between Camagüey Airport and Júcaro Port is $100 per person, each way.
At approximately 2:00 p.m., you'll board your liveaboard yacht and cruise to Jardines de la Reina, a journey of approximately three to five hours, depending on the vessel. After settling into your cabin, you'll enjoy appetizers and dinner before spending your first night aboard.

Sample Weekly Itinerary for the Jardines:

Sunday - Thursday:
7:00 a.m. Wake-up call.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast.
8:00 a.m. Fishing full day with packed lunch.
If your group would prefer lunch at the JAF2, please inform your guide well in advance. You'll return in the afternoon to the liveaboard and enjoy appetizers. Dinner and overnight on JAF2.
Note: The schedule can be changed according to your preferences and your guide's suggestions.
Friday:
7:00 a.m. Wake-up call.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast.
8:00 a.m. Fish for a half-day with a packed lunch. At 2:00 p.m., you will be transferred back to Júcaro Port, with an estimated arrival time of 7.00 p.m. Appetizers, dinner, and overnight on JAF2.
Saturday: 5:00 - 8:00 a.m. Disembarking at Júcaro Port. Transfer to Cayo Coco, Camagüey (2-hour drive), with an estimated arrival at 7:30 - 10:30 a.m. *If you have a pre-arranged flight, you can disembark the boat early for departing flights from Camaguey.
For more about fishing in Jardines de la Reina, please visit Jardines de la Reina.

2027 USD Rates

7 nights / 5.75 days guided fishing

Peak Season
February 20 - July 17
$23,800 per person

Low Season
January 2 - February 20, 2027
and July 17, 2027 - Jan. 1, 2028
$10,900 per person

Request a Jardines
Information Packet.

The Package Includes:

• Reception at the Camaguey Airport
• 7-nights on the yacht/liveaboard
• All meals on the Liveaboard
• Open bar on the Liveaboard
• Daily laundry service (Please tip $1 per item)
• 5.5 days guided fishing
• A Cuban fishing license
• Registration fees and fuel charges.

The Package Does Not Include:

• Airfare to and from Camaguey, Cuba
• A Cuban Tourist Visa, $85
• If there is less than 6 in your party, $100 for one-way ground transfer - Camaguey / Port of Jucaro
• A Marine Park Conservation Fee of $500 per angler per week
• Fly outfit rental, $350 p.p. per week
• Diving equipment rental $250 p.p. per week
• Gratuities for guides and staff
• Personal expenses
• Global Rescue coverage
• Travel insurance
• Any items not listed under inclusions.

Equipment Rentals:

A fly rod and reel rental, including lines, is $350 per person per week. Diving equipment rentals are $250 for a complete set of diving gear per week. Rentals require a 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 JAF2 Policies:

Required Waiver of Liability Form: Upon your arrival, you’ll be required to sign a Waiver of Liability form.
This legal contract states that you will not hold the business responsible for any accidents.

Deposit Policy: Upon booking, you’ll be required to send your passport number, date of birth, nationality, and full name (as it is listed on your passport). You must complete pre-trip information with your flight details (arrival and departure flights), including the airline, flight number, date, and time within 240 days before your trip. The outfitter can’t be responsible for hotel or itinerary changes if your pre-trip information is completed after those dates.
- For trips confirmed with over 18 months before arrival date, a 5% deposit of the total amount due is requested.
- 18 months before the arrival date, a 10% deposit of the total amount due is due.
- 12 months before the arrival date, a 30% deposit of the total amount is due.
- 8 months before the arrival date, 70% of the total amount is due.
- 3 months before the arrival date, the payment in full is due.
Eight months prior to your arrival date, you will have the chance to confirm a half yacht or to book a half group (on land-based accommodation). More anglers can always be added if space is available. If necessary, the outfitter may sell the unsold part of the yacht to complete the group.

Cancellation Policy: Deposits are refundable (minus an $800.00 handling fee per person up to 240 days prior to the start of your trip). 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 remains subject to weather and other unforeseen circumstances. Claims for refunds 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. The refund policy does not apply 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.

Medical Insurance: Medical insurance is required for all visitors to Cuba. When flying directly from the United States, the required Cuban health insurance is included in the cost of your airfare.

Travel Insurance: Fishing with Larry strongly recommends purchasing trip insurance when traveling with to Cuba. We have worked with the outfitter for years and know from experience they almost never give a refund or credit for a future trip. We have had anglers miss their trip to Cuba due to flight problems because of weather or mechanical issues and the outfitter was unwilling to work with them. Save yourself some heartache and get Travel Insurance.
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.