Named the Queen’s Gardens by Christopher Columbus, the Jardines de la Reina is a pristine chain of islands that run more than one hundred miles along Cuba’s south-eastern coast. This vast marine park, bigger in size than the Florida Keys, is ideal for fly anglers who wish to live and experience fishing from dawn till dusk aboard a series of purpose built liveaboard vessels. The area is home to fantastic numbers of bonefish, permit of all sizes, resident and migratory tarpon, and many more species.
The average sized bonefish is perhaps a solid 3 to 5lb, but there are opportunities for fish in the 7 to 10lb class every day. The huge variety of species available here is an added bonus with everything from mutton snapper on the flats to wahoo and giant Cubera snapper on the drop offs. The flats environment here is a fantastic combination of shallow turtle grass and deeper coral flats that are accessed by skiff, wade fishing is limited but possible at certain tide stages.
Tarpon are prolific with many “baby” tarpon – fish in the 10 – 40lb class in the channels. During the spring season the average size of tarpon on the flats grows to 45-80lb with some specimens growing to 120-130lb in the deep ocean channel.
Permit are also found in good numbers, and many of these fish will be in the 20 to 30lb class, with a few well over thirty. For anglers that land a permit, there is an excellent chance of completing a Grand Slam the same day. Tarpon can be found at just about any time and tide level as can bonefish. Over the years, there have been numerous Grand Slams caught by fly fishermen.
Fishing hours are totally at the discretion of the clients, unlike many other lodges. The fishing day normally begins with breakfast at 0700 and departing for fishing from 0730 onward. Lunch can be taken on the skiff and is at the angler’s discretion. One of the main joys of fishing here is the sunset hour. Often it is calm, and schools of tailing and laid up bones can be seen hundreds of yards away, their golden tails glistening in the light of the falling sun. This is the time that most operations are heading back to the lodge so this magical witching hour is missed.
The trips are based aboard a series of purpose-built vessels which feature air-conditioned bedrooms with private bathrooms. There are spacious and comfortable lounges, dining rooms and bar areas on the boat deck along with a jacuzzis and sun decks.
The food aboard all of the Avalon vessels is a wonderful selection of Cuban cuisine, grilled fresh seafood and vegetables along with many international delights. The chefs are well versed in many different styles and will be sure to amaze you during your stay aboard. In addition, there is a full bar with a selection of Cuban beers and rum, along with a small selection of international wines. The attentive crew will be there to take care of your every need and make sure you have a wonderful trip.
2025 FLY FISHING PACKAGE COST:
There is some variation in cost depending on the Avalon vessel being used, the Standard JA-IV pricing given below.
Low Season (12th July to 27th December 2025)
US$5,990 per person based on 7 nights / 6 days, shared room and shared guide
Mid Season (14th June to 12th July 2025)
US$7,490 per person based on 7 nights / 6 days, shared room and shared guide
High Season (15th March to 14th June 2025)
US$8,990 per person based on 7 nights / 6 days, shared room and shared guide
FLY FISHING PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 7 nights in JDR, all inclusive, double room, full board.
- 5 full days and 1 half day fishing, sharing a skiff.
- Meals and beverages at lodge.
- Beverages while fishing on skiff (beer, water, soft drinks), each fishing day.
- Inscription fee.
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- International flights.
- Additional hotel nights.
- Ground Transfers.
- Conservation Fee (US$300 per person).
- Fishing guide & staff gratuities.
- single room and skiff supplements.
- Fishing equipment rental.
2025 Availability:
26 April to 3 May 2025: 6 rods (Special offer available)
7 to 14 June 2025: 10 rods
12 to 19 July 2025: 10 rods
1 to 8 November 2025: 10 rods
22 to 29 November 2025: 2 rods (Aardvark McLeod Hosted Week)
29 November to 6 December 2025: 10 rods
Other dates available upon request.
Read Alex Jardine’s article in H2O Magazine about Jardines de la Reina here:
For more information on Jardines de la Reina please contact Peter McLeod or Alex Jardine, alternatively you can call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.