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Located on the north shore of the eastern province of Camaguey, the Cayo Cruz fishery is an enormous system of flats, lagoons and pristine estuaries. Located on the eastern portion of the greater Jardines del Rey (Gardens of the King) fishery, commercial fishing within this designated area is strictly forbidden and rigorously enforced.
The bonefish here are large and the permit are plentiful. It’s not necessarily a hot spot for tarpon, but guides have a few spots to target tarpon to complete the grand slam.
One of the best permit fisheries in the world!
The resort offers 58 standard rooms and 2 junior suites, all with ocean views. Every room comes with private bath, air-conditioning, satellite TV, mini bar, telephone and hairdryer. There are a number of restaurants, a swimming pool, satori spa, lounge, bowling alley, dance hall, rum and cigar store all either on location or within a short walking distance.
The guides are local and have mastered the fishery. They all share the hospitable nature of all Cubans. They go the extra mile each and every day.
A valid passport and Cuban visa are required.
16 anglers per week
Cayo Cruz is located on the north eastern shore of the Camaguey Province in the Jardines Del Rey archipelago. (Garden of the King)
Jose Marti International Airport in Havana. (HAV) With bus transfer to Cayo Cruz
Bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook
Year-Round
What does it cost?
2020-2021 Rates
High Season – $4,550
March 2 – August 31
Non-angling guest – $2,500
Low Season – $2,999
Sept. 1 – March 2
Non-Angling guest – $2,200
Tidehead services are always free. Always. Our prices are the same prices as booking directly with the lodge. You never pay more.
All rates are priced on a 7 night/6 day lodging & fishing package. Shorter stays are available.
All prices listed are per person. Other combinations may be available. Please contact us for details.
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Located on the north shore of the eastern province of Camaguey, the Cayo Cruz fishery is an enormous system of flats, lagoons and pristine estuaries. Located in Jardines del Rey, commercial fishing within this designated area is strictly forbidden and rigorously enforced. The sportfish- only area is 366 square kilometers in size, meaning that on the average day, each skiff has over 50 square kilometers to itself. The fishing area is virtually untouched and represents one of the cleanest and most biologically diverse ecosystems we’ve ever fished. This is one of the other reasons we have chosen this destination. The fish are plentiful and aggressive. Most other destinations are now heavily fished and have been fished that way for over 15 years.
Also, those concerned by the occasional cold fronts from the north during January to March can be assured that Cayo Cruz is privileged in having an extensive string of cays on its northern border which protects it from all but the most violent of weather patterns.
Cayo Cruz has only been in operation since 2011 and has not seen many clients, particularly when compared to other locations in the Caribbean that offer this quality of fishing. This leads to a completely unpressured fishing area where the guides have free range to explore and share the bounty of this flats oasis. Many of Avalon's guides have worked in this area previously as commercial fishermen and have grown up among these flats, lagoons, and mangroves. Because of this deep history and wealth of knowledge, along with Avalon's professional and progressive training measures, Cayo Cruz features some of the best and most competent guides in all of Cuba and the Caribbean. Avalon guides speak good English and are eager to share stories about their Cuban heritage and unique fishing experiences with the guests. These guides will go the extra mile for each and every one of our clients while exhibiting a passionate drive towards success while pursuing the fish of a lifetime.
All of the guides run Dolphin 16ft Super Skiffs equipped with 60hp four stroke Yamaha outboard motors.
Bonefish
Year-round.
Bonefish in Cuba are usually pretty eager to take both traditional shrimp-imitating patterns as well as some of the newer ties, like EP’s Ascension Bay Mantis. Both work. If you tie, it’s hard to go wrong with rubber legs and tan bodies. It’s always a good idea to have a variety of eye weights from bead chain (shallow water) to lead eyes (deeper water).
Permit
Year-round, peak season is February-June.
The waters of Cuba hold large numbers of permit from big, cruising singles to schools of smaller fish. Cuba is the perfect place to hook into your first permit or to continue adding to your personal score card. Crab patterns are the name of the game, so having a good variety is essential for success.
Tarpon
Year-round for juvenile tarpon. Peak season April-June for migratory tarpon.
Generally, tarpon flies for Cuba don’t need to be extremely large. 3-4 inches is plenty. The best flies incorporate materials that create subtle movement. A selection of various colors is important. Tarpon are much more opportunistic than selective feeders. So presentation reigns supreme.
Snook
Year-round.
Populations of snook can be found in most locations around Cuba, some of them very large. They are often found in many of the same areas where you might be targeting bonefish & juvenile tarpon. But most of the guides have special areas where they know snook lurk. Red and white fly patterns are, by far, the number choice for snook.
The resort offers 58 standard rooms and 2 junior suites, all with ocean views. Every room comes with private bath, air-conditioning, satellite tv, mini bar, telephone and hairdryer. There are a number of restaurants, a swimming pool, satori spa, lounge, bowling alley, dance hall, rum and cigar store all either on location or within a short walking distance.
The outlets are 220V, so an adapter to 110V will be required.
The hotel has a variety of dining/drinking options. A lobby bar, buffet, pool bar and the El Pescador Mediterranean restaurant, serving local cuisine mixed with an Japanese and Mediterranean influence.
Guests can also visit all the excellent bars and restaurants in the Plaza Turística for a little something different.
Flights arrive/depart into Jose Marti International Airport in Havana. (HAV)
Weeks begin and end on a Saturday. With our administration’s current restrictions, all fishermen must fly to Havana on a Friday, overnight and make the domestic transfer to Cayo Cruz.
Upon return, it’s recommended you overnight on Saturday and depart on Sunday.
A valid passport that must be valid up to six (6) months beyond the duration of the trip. A Cuban Visa is also required to enter Cuba. The Cuban visa can be purchased online prior to the trip or at the final departure gate for your trip to Cuba.
Immigration and Customs forms are given out on your flight to Cuba or at a help desk near your departure gate for Cuba.
