Gardens of the King, or Cayo Santa Maria, is one of the newer fly fishing operations in Cuba and offers outstanding tarpon fly fishing in some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful surroundings. Resident tarpon are present year round and range in size from 10 to 80lb. At the beginning of March, this area begins to see the larger migratory tarpon which continue to be present into August. These fish can be in excess of 150lb and are a true test of a fly angler‘s skills.
Gardens of the King is part of Buenavista Bay Biosphere, a UNESCO reserve since 2000, and offers a wealth of stunning channels, mangroves and flats, perfect for fly fishing. It is characterised by migratory tarpon fly fishing from March to August and is known by many to be the finest big tarpon fly fishing destination in Cuba. Tarpon aside, there are bonefish, barracuda, jacks and other saltwater species for fishermen to target. The quality of fly fishing has improved as a result of new management concentrating on marine life preservation.
Tarpon are numerous in the area from March to August, and are found in clearly determined spots including the many canals through which great numbers of fish come and go to the open sea. There are are also plenty of bay areas perfect for fly fishing where the water runs to around 20 feet. Often tarpon are sighted rolling in schools, with skiffs positioning themselves ahead for interception casts. Parts of the fishery exhibit wide flat areas of three to six feet in depth where tarpon are easy to spot in crystal clear water. Tarpon travelling to and from the open sea are relatively easy to catch on intermediate and sinking tip lines.
Bonefish are found in the huge areas of flats and mangrove vegetation and can be fished from the boat or by wading. There are permit in the deeper water, the average sized fish are between 25 to 30lb with some up to 40lb.
For the 2025 season, Gardens of the King anglers will be hosted at The One Gallery Hotel on the north coast of Cayo Santa Maria. This new luxury hotel offers excellent amenities and services ensuring a very comfortable stay. The modern spacious rooms have lovely views of the coastline, the spa offers a range of treatments, there’s a pool and plenty of recreational areas. The hotel’s location offers quick and easy access to the prime fishing spots.
2025 FLY FISHING PACKAGE COST:
Low Season (6th July 2024 to 22nd Feb 2025)
US$3,640 per person based on 7 nights / 6 days, shared room and shared guide
High Season (23rd Feb to 5th July 2025)
US$5,320 per person based on 7 nights / 6 days, shared room and shared guide
Non-Angler (All Season)
US$1,980 per person based on 7 nights / 6 days, shared room
FLY FISHING PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- Reception at the Santa Clara airport and transfer to hotel.
- 7 nights in The One Gallery Hotel, double room, full board.
- 6 full days fishing, sharing a skiff.
- Meals and beverages at lodge.
- Beverages while fishing on skiff, 4 drinks (beer, water, soft drinks), each fishing day.
EXCLUDES:
- International and Internal flights.
- additional hotel nights.
- Fishing guide or lodge staff gratuities.
- single room and skiff supplements.
- Fishing equipment rental.
For more information and up to date availability on Gardens of the King please contact Peter McLeod or Alex Jardine, alternatively please call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.