Fly Fishing Cuba

The Zapata Peninsula - Two Liveaboard Options

The Zapata Peninsula, also known as Zapata Swamp, is recognized as the largest and most well-preserved wetland system in the Caribbean. It is designated as a protected waterpark and is regarded as one of the world's best bird-watching areas, boasting over 175 different species. The Zapata Swamp is the least populated region in Cuba, with a population of 9,300 people over an area of 1,668 square miles. The Georgiana, a 100-foot yacht, is one of the most affordable liveaboards in Cuba and is located about 100 miles southeast of Havana. This liveaboard operates in six fishing zones within the Gulf of Cazones. In the low season, there is also the option to book the Perola, a classic 75-foot luxury yacht.
Group Rates Only: To book The Georgiana, you will need to organize a party of up to eight anglers, as the Liveaboard does not mix groups.
2026 Rate: $54,000 per group for 7-nights and 6-days guided fishing.

Zapata Fly Fishing Seasons:

Years ago, it was inconceivable that the people living in the Zapata Swamp, a UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserve in western Cuba, would one day stop using the forest here to make charcoal, extract precious wood, or hunt crocodiles and deer. The San Lazaro Channel was one of the channels used to transport the charcoal from the island to the sea. During your fishing week, the liveaboard yacht travels on the same route.

Fishing Season:

Season: The Liveaboard fishing season runs year-round, with peak season from March 1 through July 26.
Fishing Seasons: January is an excellent time for bonefishing, with an abundance of bones, particularly large ones, on the flats and in mangrove areas. Tarpon and other species can also be excellent. January is a great time to plan a trip here, as the weather in Cuba is much warmer than in Northern America.
Peak Fishing is from late March to mid-July when all species—tarpon, bones, permit, and jacks—are in the area. Migratory tarpon average 15 to 30 pounds, and tarpon up to 80 to 100 pounds are regularly spotted; plus, frequent shots at permit. During peak season, numerous Grand Slams are achieved each season, and a few Super Grand Slams - tarpon, bonefish, permit, and snook. The weather gets hot in the late season, from mid-July through the end of August, but the fishing is very productive, especially for tarpon and permit. Bonefishing is very good in the morning and evening.

Fishing Schedule:

The Georgiana is your base for the week. Since there’s no need to leave the area, you’ll choose your fishing schedule based on your target species and the best time to fish the tides. The guides focus on zones and skiff rotation.
If your group has eight anglers, you’ll bonefish for three days in a flat-bottom skiff with a 1:1 guide ratio and, for three days, you'll also fish deeper water in a Dolphin Super Skiffs with Yamaha 70-HP engines with a 2:1 guide ratio.

The Fishing Program:

Boats: Dolphin Super Skiffs with Yamaha 60 to 70-HP engines allow access to shallow water and provide fast runs between fishing spots. For skinny-water flats, you’ll fly fish from a flat-bottom skiff, so you’re able to access bonefish and permit.
Guides: Local guides are excellent fishermen skilled at finding all species. They speak enough English to be understood for fishing purposes.
Fishing Equipment: No equipment is provided. Plan on bringing flies, leaders, tippets, all terminal tackle, and all accessories, as very few items are available anywhere in Cuba. A comprehensive tackle and gear list is included in our confirmation packet.
A Fishing License is included in the package. The Marine Park Conservation Fee of $200 per person is not included in the package.

The MV Georgiana

The MV Georgiana, a 100-foot luxury air-conditioned yacht, has four single-occupancy and two double-occupancy cabins, each with a private bathroom. The liveaboard accommodates up to eight guests.
Meals: Cuisine is simple but gourmet. Fresh fish is served for most meals, accompanied by pork and chicken dishes, salads made with fresh vegetables, and a variety of fruits. Fresh sashimi and Italian-style pizzas are available nightly as appetizers, along with frozen Daiquiris, Cuba Libres, and Mojitos.
Alcohol: An optional all-inclusive open bar is available for $200 per person, which includes beer, wine, liquor, and sodas.
Communications: Wi-Fi is not available on the liveaboard. Before your trip, check with your cell phone service provider to determine if your U.S. cell phone will work in Cuba. Satellite phones are prohibited in Cuba and will be confiscated upon arrival at the airport.

Getting to The Georgiana

You’ll fly to Jose Marti International Airport (HAV), also known as Havana Airport. From here, there are two package options.
1) You’ll arrive in Havana on a Saturday before 2:00 p.m., and a representative will drive you to the liveaboard in Zapata, a three-hour drive.
2) You’ll arrive on Friday evening and stay at a hotel of your choice. In the morning, a representative will drive you to the Zapata liveaboard, which is a three-hour drive. (With this option, the ground transfer from the airport to the hotel, the hotel night in Havana, and meals/beverages in Havana are not included in the package.)

Sample Itinerary:
Saturday: Travel day to the liveaboard.
Sunday: 7:00 a.m. transfer to Zapata, followed by guided fishing.
Sunday through Friday:
7:00 a.m. - Wake-up call.
7:30 a.m. - Breakfast.
8:00 a.m. - You’ll head out to fish. You’ll return in the afternoon based on your preferences and weather conditions.
Evening: Enjoy appetizers and dinner. Overnight on The Georgiana.
Saturday: Ground transfer from Zapata to Jose Marti International Airport in Havana. If you schedule your departure flight after 3:00 p.m., you should be able to fly home on the same day.

2026 USD Rates:

7-nights and 6-full days guided fishing:
Exclusive Full charter

The Georgiana: 8-Angler Program:
Includes four double skiffs
Peak Season:
Feb. 28 - July 25, 2026
$54,000.00 per group
Low Season:
July 26, 2025 - Feb. 28, 2026
$42,000.00 per group

The Perola: 6-Angler Program:
Includes three double skiffs.
Click here for our Perola page.
Low Season:
Oct. 3 - Dec. 26, 2026
$33,000.00 per group

6-Angler Program Includes:
3 double skiffs, 4 single rooms, and 2 double rooms.
8-Angler Program Includes:
4 double skiffs, 4 single rooms, and 2 double rooms.

Zapata Disclaimer: If the minimum occupancy of six persons is not met at the time of the trip, the group will be charged the full 6-person group rate.

The Packages Include:

• Reception at the Havana Airport
• Ground transfers between Havana Airport and Zapata
• 7-nights on the Liveaboard
• All meals on the Liveaboard
• 6-days guided fishing
• A Cuban fishing license.

The Packages Do Not Include:

• Airfare to Havana, Cuba, and return
• Cuban Visa
• VIP service in Havana
• Hotel night in Havana, if needed
• Ground transfer from the airport to the hotel upon arrival, if needed
• All-inclusive open bar $200 per person
• Extra beverages and food
• $200 Mandatory Conservation Fee
• Fishing gear and tackle
• Gratuities to guide and staff
• Laundry Tips
• Personal expenses
• Global Rescue
• Travel insurance
• 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.

Zapata Liveaboard Policies:

Required Waiver of Liability Form: Before 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

Deposit Policy: A deposit of 30% of your package is required within 2 weeks of invoice to confirm a reservation. A deposit of 40% is due 6 months before trip. Full payment is due 90 days prior to arrival.

Cancellation Policy: Deposits are refundable until six months before the start of your trip (minus Euro $800.00 handling fee per person). Within 180 days of your trip, your deposit is non-refundable unless they are able to resell your spot. No refunds are available for unused options of packages. Trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended. Credit card payments cannot be accepted. All programs and execution of them remain subject to weather and other unforeseen circumstances. Claims for refunds will not be accepted. All programs and execution of them remain subject to weather and other unforeseen circumstances. Claims for refunds will not be accepted

IMPORTANT: Trip Cancellation insurance is highly recommended, and “cancel for any reason” insurance is very important to consider in the case of unforeseen events preventing you from traveling. If you cancel within 180 days of your trip, this 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. 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.

Disclaimer: The outfitter, its subsidiaries, management, staff, personnel, any of its affiliated or associated companies, agents, sub-agents, sub-contractors, or anyone, either directly or indirectly, involved in the organization or execution of the programs or services will not become liable or responsible in any way in connection with accommodation, lodge, restaurant, transfer, and expedition services, the information supplied, or for any loss, injury, or damage to or in respect to any person or property howsoever caused or arising. Prices mentioned are based on present exchange rates and tariffs and remain subject to change.

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.