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Jardines de la Reina is a remote archipelago of islands, lying some 48 miles of the southern coast of the Cuban mainland. This is a protected marine area, with a limited number of catch and release anglers, divers, and eco-tourists allowed to visit
yearly. The habitat here is pristine and untouched. As a result, all the species of shallow water flats species flourish, including Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon, Barracuda, Jacks and Snapper. With a total fishing area greater than the Florida Keys, anglers are given a large area per skiff to fish, ensuring that they rarely see other fishermen.
There are numerous live aboard accommodations offered in Jardines De La Reina. And as these vessels are ever changing, it just might be best you give us a shout for the current list of vessels offered in this region of Cuba. In the accommodations section, we will list the current vessels in operation as of 2020.
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.
6-16 anglers depending on the vessel
The Jardines De La Reina Archipelago (Garden of the Queen) is located 48 miles south off the southern coast of Cuba. Reminiscent to anglers of the Florida Keys. Just better!
Jose Marti International Airport (HAV) with bus transfer to the Port of Jucaro
Bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook
Year-Round
What does it cost?
2020-2021 Rates
Vessel: Price in High Season / Price in Low Season
Avalon Fleet II: $82,000 / $57,200
Avalon Fleet III: $96,000 / $58,000
Jardines Avalon II: $94,900 / $64,800
High Season
March 6, 2021 – July 10, 2022
Low Season
Jan. 2, 2021 – March 6, 2021
July 10, 2021 – Jan. 1, 2022
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.
All prices listed are with boat in exclusivity. Other combinations may be available. Please contact us for details.
Let Tidehead Handle Your Travel Arrangements
Tidehead offers full travel planning and reservation services for everything from airline tickets to hotels, transfers and trip insurance. Call us for details.
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Located 48 miles off the southern coast of Cuba, these extensive flats, channels and mangroves islands are divided into three zones, A,B and C. On any given week your yacht will be allocated a specific zone which both ensures individual areas do not get over-fished and guaranteed exclusivity within that area.
Similar to the appearance of the Florida Keys, this diverse fishery is constructed beautifully with endless bonefish flats, prime channel edges for permit, mangrove nurseries for juvenile tarpon and a healthy reef system within idle distance from shore for migratory tarpon. JDR is the most popular destination a for these reasons.
Strict “fly only” and “catch and release” conservation measures were put in place to ensure that the area continues to thrive as a marine sanctuary for years to come.
JDR is a vast marine sanctuary with a diversity of the flats species eager to eat a fly. And these guides know exactly how to find em!
The Jardines De La Reina guides all live in either the Port of Jucaro or nearby, Ciego De Avila and have been fishermen all their lives. Because of this deep history and wealth of knowledge, along with Avalon's professional and progressive training measures, JDR features some of the best and most professional guides in all of Cuba and the Caribbean. Avalon’s guides speak English well 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.
The Avalon guides run 16ft Dolphin Super Skiffs. The skiffs have a deep v hull that enables them to make runs through choppy, open water, yet they only draft 8 inches so they can be poled on the skinniest of flats. Equipped with Yamaha 60/70 HP motors and 27-gallon fuel tanks, the Avalon skiffs are prepared to take you as far as you want to go quickly to maximize your time on the flats.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Why Choose a Liveaboard Vessel?
One of the strongest arguments for a liveaboard is that the vessel nestles itself right in the heart of the fishing grounds. This eliminates the need for large runs to the flats. Especially important when faced with marginal conditions, trust us, your lower back will thank you!
Having the ability to reach fishing grounds unattainable from shore or distances too far to travel by conventional fishing boats gives this another advantage. As for sheer enjoyment and relaxation, the boats offer panoramic views from their dining rooms, bars and an aft decks that overlook the Caribbean. There just might not be a better place to sit back and take in the day’s adventure! A perfect place for a cocktail and a Cuban cigar!
A personal note: Nowhere do I sleep better than with the slight rolling of the boat, the humming of the generator and the cool air-conditioning. Heaven!
Avalon Fleet III
The Avalon Fleet III is the newest addition to the Avalon Fleet. Avalon III can accommodate 16 fishing guests on board in comfort and luxury. There are 15 cabins available over three decks all with en suite bathrooms and air conditioning. While this boat has a capacity for 30 anglers, Avalon only offers up to eight skiffs (16 anglers). This is in place to ensure the fishing grounds do not receive too much pressure. There are four suites on the upper and main decks with private balconies plus a deluxe cabin on the main deck with picture windows. The other ten staterooms are on the lower deck with portholes for natural light.
The main deck is equipped with the dining room, bar and outside aft deck. This is where the majority of the time is spent. The dining room and bar are enclosed and air-conditioned, while the aft deck is open to the Caribbean air.
Avalon Fleet II
Avalon II is a 130ft luxury yacht which began servicing JDR just a few short years ago in 2014. It’s equipped with 10 state rooms, all with private baths and climate controlled air- conditioning. Each room can accommodate either one or two anglers comfortably. While this boat has a capacity for 20 anglers, Avalon only offers up to six skiffs (12 anglers). Again, this is in place to ensure the fishing grounds do not receive too much pressure.
The main deck is equipped with the dining room, bar and outside aft deck. This is where the majority of the time is spent. The dining room and bar are enclosed and air- conditioned, while the aft sun deck is open to the Caribbean air. Atop, there is a hot tub along with lounge chairs.
Jardines Avalon II
Jardines Avalon II has been recently acquired by Avalon due to the changes in the inability of tourists to travel under the “People to People” visa. This vessel is another perfect fit for anglers (divers) looking to enjoy Jardines De La Reina is style. This impressive vessel boasts all of the same features as its counterparts in the Avalon fleet.
It has 12 rooms, sleeps 24 guests in privacy, comfort, all with private baths and climate-controlled air-conditioning. Again, while the vessel can accommodate more guests, there are 6 skiffs available to ensure the fishery is not overfished.
In addition, there is an air-conditioned saloon and dining area, sun deck complete with a hot tub, lounge seats and deck chairs and shaded wet bar and grill.
Jardines Avalon IV
Coming Soon!
A personal note: Nowhere do I sleep better than with the slight rolling of the boat, the humming of the generator and the cool air-conditioning. Heaven!
Each boat is properly stocked with all of the necessary groceries for a week’s fishing trip. What makes the Avalon dining experience more enjoyable is that chefs make use of the water’s plentiful bounties. Once fishermen have departed for the day, the crew members take to the waters in search of fresh snapper, grouper and other delicacies for dinner. All of which are prepared fresh and accompanied by a variety of vegetables, rice and beans, freshly baked bread, and a bottle of wine.
Each morning, breakfast is cooked to order with eggs, bacon, fruits, freshly baked bread. “American” coffee is ready by 6am. And if you’d like to indulge in a cup of strong Cuban coffee, all you need to do is ask, they’ll be happy to oblige.
Lunches are set out in the morning during breakfast. It’s up to you to prepare your lunch for the day. There will be a variety of proteins, starches and fruits for you to choose from. The staff will make sure it finds the appropriate cooler for the day’s fishing. Après fishing! Served on the back deck, guests are served pizza appetizers and cocktails all while exchanging the day’s events. Lies, mostly!
Included in your trip is an all-inclusive drink package. Waters, soft drinks, Cuban rum and mixers are all readily available at the bar. Cuban Mojitos, Cuba Libre and Daiquiris are among the favorites. If you have a personal preference, it’s encouraged that you pack it in your luggage prior to departing for Cuba. The cruise director of staff will be happy to accommodate you.
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 Jucaro.
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.
