Jardines Avalon Liveaboard

Fishing takes place throughout Jardines de la Reina, a large protected archipelago of flats, mangrove islands, lagoons, channels and reef habitat. The yacht changes position during the week to reduce daily skiff runs and place anglers close to the most productive water. Many fishing areas are within 15 minutes of the anchorage, although guides may recommend staying out all day to reach more distant flats and estuaries. Fishing is strictly fly fishing, with spinning rods, conventional lures and jigs prohibited within the designated fishing area.

Bonefish, permit and tarpon are the main species. Bonefish are available throughout the season and may be encountered as singles, small groups or larger schools on hard-bottom and white-sand flats. Permit are found across flats, channels and areas of broken bottom, while tarpon range from juveniles in mangrove water to larger fish travelling along reef edges and deeper channels. Migratory tarpon are most likely from February through July. Snook, mutton snapper, jack crevalle, barracuda, needlefish and lemon sharks can also be encountered during the week.

The season runs from mid-October through the end of August. Cooler months can bring pleasant temperatures but also stronger winds and occasional cold fronts, while late spring and summer provide warmer conditions and the best opportunity for larger migratory tarpon. Bonefish and permit can be targeted across the full operating season, with daily tides, wind and visibility often having more influence than the month alone.

Anglers fish from dedicated shallow-water skiffs with an experienced guide, normally sharing the boat with one other angler. Standard fishing hours are approximately 7:30 or 8:00 am until 5:00 or 6:00 pm, although longer days may be arranged when daylight, weather and the group schedule allow. Anglers can return to the yacht for a cooked lunch or take a packed lunch when fishing more distant water.

Jardines Avalon III has 15 air-conditioned staterooms, including four suites with private balconies. Every cabin has a private bathroom, warm-water shower, television and individually controlled air conditioning. Most rooms have twin beds that can be converted into a double, while room allocation is confirmed according to the composition of the group.

The yacht can accommodate up to 30 passengers and carries a crew of 12. Fishing groups are generally smaller than the vessel’s full passenger capacity, with the number of anglers and skiffs confirmed for each departure.

Three panoramic decks provide generous indoor and outdoor space. Facilities include a large air-conditioned lounge, indoor saloon, open-air seating areas, a top-deck bar and a hot tub. USB charging points are available in the cabins and shared areas, with 220-volt outlets in the bar and restaurant.

Daily housekeeping and laundry service are provided. Meals combine Cuban and international cooking, with fresh seafood regularly served during the week. Breakfast is available before fishing, lunch can be taken on the skiff or aboard the yacht, and dinner is normally served between 7:30 and 8:00 pm. Snacks are available throughout the day, and dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.

Jardines de la Reina lies approximately 60 miles off the southern coast of Cuba in Ciego de Ávila Province. The fishing area is reached through the port of Júcaro, with no direct road or air access to the yacht once it is inside the marine park.

Scheduled group transfers can be arranged from Havana, Cayo Coco, Camagüey or Santa Clara. Havana is approximately five hours from Júcaro by road, while the regional airports generally provide shorter transfers of around two to three hours. The exact pickup point, transfer cost and timing should be confirmed before international flights are booked.

On arrival at Júcaro, anglers board Jardines Avalon III and begin the journey into the archipelago. Navigation usually takes between three and five hours, depending on sea conditions and the yacht’s first anchorage. Groups arriving too late for safe navigation may remain aboard the yacht in port and depart early the following morning.

The return journey begins after Friday’s fishing session. The yacht navigates back to Júcaro, where anglers normally spend the final night aboard before disembarking on Saturday morning. An additional hotel night may be advisable before an early international departure, particularly when travelling through Havana.

Rates Per Angler:
Starting from Rates Available Upon Request

What’s Included:

What’s Not Included:

Day 1: Arrival and Boarding
Meet the scheduled group transfer at the confirmed airport or hotel and travel to Júcaro. Board Jardines Avalon III during the afternoon, settle into the assigned stateroom and meet the yacht crew and fishing team. The yacht begins navigating towards Jardines de la Reina when daylight and sea conditions permit.

Days 2 to 6: Full Fishing Days
Breakfast is normally served at around 7:00 am before anglers meet their guides and leave the yacht between 7:30 and 8:00 am. Days are spent sight-fishing for bonefish, permit, tarpon and other flats species. Anglers may return to the yacht for lunch or remain on the water with a packed meal. Fishing continues until approximately 5:00 or 6:00 pm, followed by drinks and dinner aboard.

Day 7: Final Fishing and Return to Júcaro
Leave early for a final fishing session, normally continuing until around midday. Return to Avalon III and begin the navigation back to Júcaro. Anglers spend the final night aboard the yacht in port.

Day 8: Departure
Disembark after breakfast and take the scheduled group transfer to the confirmed airport or onward accommodation.

What level of experience is required?
Jardines de la Reina is suitable for anglers with previous fly-fishing experience, but first-time saltwater anglers can also be accommodated. The fishing often requires quick, accurate casts in wind, particularly when targeting permit and tarpon. Casting practice before travelling will help anglers make the most of the available opportunities.

How many anglers fish from each skiff?
Skiffs are normally shared by two anglers and one guide. Anglers alternate time on the bow throughout the day. Private skiff arrangements may be available for an additional charge and must be requested in advance.

What fishing equipment should anglers bring?
An 8-weight outfit is suitable for bonefish, while 9 and 10-weight rods cover permit, juvenile tarpon, snook and larger flats species. An 11 or 12-weight outfit is recommended for migratory tarpon, particularly from April through July. Anglers should bring tropical floating lines, an intermediate line, suitable leaders, flies and backup equipment.

Is fishing equipment available aboard the yacht?
Anglers should arrive with all required fishing equipment. Fishing supplies are extremely limited in Jardines de la Reina, and replacement rods, lines, leaders and flies should not be expected to be available during the week.

Is the fishing fly-only?
Yes. Jardines de la Reina is managed as a fly-fishing-only area. Spinning rods, conventional lures and jigs are not permitted within the fishing program.

Can anglers wade the flats?
Some flats can be waded when tides, bottom conditions and the guide’s plan allow. Most fishing is completed from a skiff, so anglers should be prepared for both boat-based casting and occasional wet wading.

Are meals and drinks included?
Full-board packages normally include meals, snacks, soft drinks and an open-bar arrangement. The exact selection of beer, wine and spirits should be confirmed in the final quotation.

Are credit cards accepted aboard?
Anglers should not rely on credit cards in Cuba or aboard the yacht. Cash in euros or US dollars should be carried for gratuities, incidentals and any expenses not included in the package.