ISLA DE JUVENTUD

Isla de la Juventud, or the Isle of Youth, lies off Cuba's southwestern coast and is surrounded by an extensive network of shallow flats, mangrove islands, lagoons and channels. This remote and beautiful region offers some of Cuba's most exciting saltwater fly fishing, with particularly good opportunities for tarpon and permit.

The fishing takes place across a vast area of relatively lightly pressured water, where sheltered mangrove creeks give way to expansive flats and deeper channels. With experienced local guides and a comfortable liveaboard yacht as a base, anglers can explore a remarkable variety of fishing grounds throughout the week.

The Fishing

Tarpon are the principal attraction at Isla de la Juventud. Resident fish inhabit the mangrove creeks, lagoons and channels, providing exciting sport on the fly, while larger migratory tarpon move through the surrounding waters during the spring and early summer.

From approximately March to the end of June, anglers have the opportunity to encounter substantial numbers of tarpon, including some genuinely impressive fish close to the deeper water. The variety of habitats allows guides to target different areas according to the conditions, with opportunities to fish both sheltered creeks and more open water.

Permit are another important attraction, with fish encountered across the shallow flats and along the edges of channels. These notoriously challenging fish provide wonderful sight-fishing opportunities for experienced saltwater fly fishermen.

Bonefish can also be found in the region, while barracuda, mutton snapper, jacks and other species provide additional sport. The possibility of encountering several different species during a day's fishing adds considerably to the appeal.

The combination of excellent tarpon fishing, permit opportunities and extensive, relatively undisturbed fishing grounds makes Isla de la Juventud a particularly attractive destination for anglers seeking a remote Cuban fly fishing experience.

Accommodation – Jardines Avalon F I

Accommodation is aboard the Jardines Avalon F I, a comfortable and spacious 130-foot liveaboard yacht, designed to provide an excellent base for exploring the surrounding fishing grounds.

The yacht offers ten well-appointed, air-conditioned guest cabins, together with comfortable communal areas, a spacious lounge, dining room and bar. There are also outdoor relaxation areas and a hot tub, providing a welcoming setting after a day on the water.

Meals are freshly prepared on board, with a combination of Cuban and international cuisine, accompanied by a selection of wines and drinks.

The liveaboard arrangement allows anglers to remain close to the fishing grounds, reducing daily travelling time and providing access to some of the more remote areas of the fishery.

Although the yacht can accommodate larger parties, we generally recommend groups of approximately 10–14 anglers for a comfortable experience.

Suggested Package: 1 night's accommodation in Havana, 7 nights aboard Jardines Avalon F I in single accommodation, 6 days' guided flats fishing and return transfers between Havana and Isla de la Juventud.