Fly Fishing Cuba

The Zapata Peninsula - The Georgiana Liveaboard

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 best bird-watching areas in the world, 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 an area known as the Gulf of Cazones.
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.

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. San Lazaro Channel was one of the channels they 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 - July 26.
Fishing Seasons: January is very good bonefishing, with plenty of bones, especially big ones on the flats and mangrove areas. Tarpon and other species can also be excellent. January is a great time to plan a trip here, as the weather is much warmer in Cuba 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 mandatory Marine Park Conservation Fee of $200.00 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 prepared for most meals, pork and chicken entrees, salads with fresh vegetables, and a variety of fruits. Fresh sashimi and Italian-style pizzas are nightly appetizers, plus frozen Daiquiris, Cuba Libre, and Mojitos.
Alcohol: There is an optional all-inclusive open bar $200.00 per person, which includes beer, wine, liquor, and sodas.
Communications: Wi-Fi is not 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. Satellite phones are NOT allowed in Cuba and will be confiscated at the airport upon arrival.

Getting to The Georgiana

You’ll fly to the Jose Marti International Airport (HAV), also referred to as the 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, then 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.

2025 USD Rates:

8-angler Program
7-nights on Liveaboard
and 6-days guided fishing

Low Season:
July 27 - March 1, 2025
$40,000.00 per group

Peak Season:
March 1 - July 26, 2025
$52,000.00 per group

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

Zapata Disclaimer: If the minimum occupancy of eight persons is not met at the time of the trip, the group will be charged the full 8-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 $200.00 per person
• Extra beverages and food
• $200.00 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:

Zapata Disclaimer: If the minimum occupancy is not met (for example: if minimum occupancy is eight 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: A deposit of 30% of your package is required within two weeks of the invoice to confirm the reservation. A deposit of 40% is due six months before the trip. Full payment is due 90 days prior to arrival. All programs and execution of them remain subject to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

Cancellation Policy: Deposits are refundable (minus an $800.00 handling fee per person until six months before the start of your trip). 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.

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.

Travel Insurance: Fishing with Larry strongly recommends purchasing trip insurance when traveling to Cuba. 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.