Cayo Largo is in the South Central region of the Cuban Archipelago, and it’s one of the last virtually untouched ecosystems left on the planet. Spanning over 240 square kilometres, the Cuban Government has recently made the region a prestigious national park. Although only a small resort, it’s the second-biggest island in the Canarreos Archipelago and blessed with over 27 kilometres of fine white sandy beaches, bordering the ocean and producing a spectacular kaleidoscope of colours.
The cays of Cayo Largo are uninhabited, and apart from those you fish with, the only people you will see are a few commercial lobster fishermen. Consisting of mangroves, lagoons, and flats that run for over 50 kilometres, they provide the ideal habitat for all the traditional flats species like Bonefish, Tarpon and Permit, and a wide range of reef fish like the Cubera Snapper and Barracuda. The region is, without doubt, one of the best places in Cuba, the Caribbean and possibly even the world to catch a Grand Slam and even a Super Slam.
With the fishing based from the Jardines Avalon I liveaboard, it provides anglers with the chance to fish some of the most remote waters in the region, reaching areas beyond any land-based flats skiffs and fishing waters that rarely see other anglers.
Cayo Largo has produced more Grand Slams than any other location in Cuba, a large part of which is because the Permit fishing is so consistent all year round – the destination is known as the Permit capital of Cuba.
These are some of the most fickle yet rewarding of all saltwater game fish. Typically identified by their protruding coal-black forked tails, good-sized Permit are residents at Cayo Largo and in decent numbers. The smaller Permit tends to travel in schools of a dozen or more fish, whilst the bigger specimens in the 15lb to 45lb range will often be found independently or in pairs. Regardless of their size, to catch just a handful in a week is an outstanding achievement.
Tarpon are unquestionably one of the most exciting and challenging of all the game fish that you might catch on a fly rod, and Cuba has some of the best-sighted flats Tarpon fishing available. Phenomenally strong and acrobatic, Tarpon will launch themselves vertically out of the water as soon as they are hooked in an initial bid to shake the hook. There are good numbers of 15-30lb juvenile Tarpon at Cayo Largo, which can be caught all year round in the tidal creeks and flats that will provide superb sport on a 10-weight rod. In addition, migratory Tarpon will be present over the months from April-August and can weigh anything up to and beyond 120lbs.
Bonefish, also known as the ghosts of the flats, are the most abundant widespread and popular out of all the flats species and offer fantastic sport on a fly rod. Although some saltwater fly-fishermen may consider Bonefish the ‘starter’ species, they are at the same time one of the most refined. When hooked in shallow water, they will run with a force and vigour that will challenge the confidence you have in your fishing gear. Bones average 3lb to 6lb, but you may see much larger fish on some flats, with many in the 7lb to 8lb range with a few large fish to over 12lb.
Whilst these species are not considered the primary saltwater game fish, the flats, creeks, channels and reefs are abundant with them, and they can provide fantastic sport mixed in amongst the more traditional flats fish. Keeping your nerve and not striking too early as a Barracuda launches from 10-20ft at a surface popper is quite a test. Equally, to encounter the brute strength of Jack Crevalle during a feeding spree or sight-fishing for them on the flats is a fantastic experience.
With the Cuban Government making the 240 square kilometres around Cayo Largo a national park, the area gets well protected, and vast swathes of the marine environment see next to no humans. As a result, the fish, fishing and wildlife has boomed and now Cayo Largo is, without doubt, one of the best saltwater fly fishing destinations in the world and one at the top of many anglers bucket lists. It’s also become one of the top 5 locations globally to catch a grand slam, catching a Bonefish, Permit & Tarpon all in the same day. Add to this a Snook, and you’ll also have a Super Slam.
With such a vast fishing area at anglers disposal, it has been carefully divided into 38 different zones, allowing our partners Avalon and its guides to rotate each location, ensuring that each gets well and truly rested. Each evening, anglers, the fly fishing manager and the guides will determine the next day’s schedule based on the careful rotation of the most productive areas to ensure the grounds get rested.
Avalon is one of the few companies globally that can offer anglers the unique ability to fish in a completely exclusive marine park, free of commercial fishers, nets, or boats from other tour companies. It provides an incredible amount of opportunities, with hundreds of nautical kilometres free to each rod with the ability to choose the species and places to fish without any fuel limitations during the fishing week.
To find out more about saltwater fly fishing in Cuba at Cayo Largo, visit our YouTube channel.
Cayo Largo is ideal for fly-fishermen who wish to live and experience fishing from dawn till dusk. They offer more fishing hours than any other destination and are totally at the angler’s discretion.
A regular day usually begins with a hearty breakfast around 7.00am before departing with your guides at around 8.00am. The skiffs on the liveaboard get accessed from the boat’s deck, and you can generally be fishing within one or two minutes after setting off. The liveaboard Avalon I explores the remote waters and Marine Park of the Canarreos Archipelago and reaches areas beyond any land-based flats skiffs, fishing waters that rarely see other anglers.
After fishing all morning and with the accommodation so close, it’s common to head back for lunch, escaping the hottest of the midday sun and relaxing for an hour before heading back out for the afternoon.
Typically, wherever you’re fishing, you’ll return to the accommodation early evening, after the witching hour, as this can often be very productive. Once back at on liveaboard and after you’ve relaxed and showered, you’ll be served some dinner, with fine cuisine, fresh fish, lobster and conch, as well as a variety of salad and fruits, washed down with a selection of world-class wines, rum and beer.
The Avalon I has exceptional cruising capabilities allowing you to access the most remote areas of the Canarreos Archipelago during your week fishing the Cayo Largo program. This very spacious 110-foot liveaboard yacht has a total of 10 rooms, with 2 being convertible queen size cabins featuring side by side beds and eight deluxe staterooms, each with single side by side beds. Each stateroom is equipped with its own private bathroom, toilet, shower, individual climate controls, and safety.
The shaded upper sun deck with cushioned chairs and couches is perfect for that afternoon siesta or an early morning cup of coffee. It’s also equipped with a jacuzzi, which is the ideal place to enjoy a mojito after a long day of fishing.
The food aboard the Jardines Avalon I is a wonderful selection of Cuban cuisine, grilled fresh seafood and vegetables, and many international delights. The chef is well versed in many different styles and will be sure to amaze you during your stay aboard this boat. In addition, there is a full bar with a selection of Cuban beers and rum, international wines, and a variety of spirits. Our attentive crew will be there to take care of your every need and make sure you have a wonderful trip.
These other vessels are available on request, and you can find out more information on each by clicking the boat name below…
Jardines Avalon I
Jardines Avalon II
Jardines Avalon III
Jardines Avalon IV
Jardines Avalon FI
Jardines Avalon F II
Although the fishing days are fixed, the below itinerary is still flexible should you require additional free days to explore at the beginning or end of your holiday; we can tailor this itinerary to suit you personally. Feel free to talk to our travel consultants who can explain all options available.
Depart Any international Airport (See Details)
Arrive Havana
On arrival take a taxi to your overnight hotel (Not Included)
Spend the rest of the day relaxing and exploring Havana
Overnight accommodation: 4-star hotel Havana (Twin Room) B/B
Around lunchtime, you will be picked up for your transfer to Avalon 1 estimated arrival time of 4:00 PM
Once you have boarded and checked in to your rooms it will be time to depart to the first anchoring point at Cayo Blanco.
Overnight accommodation: Avalon I (Single or Twin Room) F/B
A typical day of fishing will consist of a 7:00 AM: Wake-up call. 7:30 AM: Breakfast. 8:00 AM Fishing. Return late afternoon. Appetizer and dinner.
Each day fishing is based on two anglers per guide and skiff.
Fishing is normally done either from the skiff or wading the miles of great saltwater flats.
Each morning you will discuss with your guide what fish you would like to target.
Overnight accommodation: Avalon I (Single or Twin Room) F/B
Your last day of fishing will consist of a 7:00 AM: Wake-up call. 7:30 AM: Breakfast. 8:00 AM Fishing. Return 4:00 PM before cruising back to Cayo Blanco the last anchoring point of the week.
Overnight accommodation: Avalon I (Single or Twin Rooms) F/B
09:00 AM. Breakfast and Disembark and you will be transferred back to your Havana hotel
The rest of the evening is free to relax and enjoy.
Overnight accommodation: 4-star hotel Havana (Twin Room) B/B
Subject to your flight time, arrange an airport transfer with the hotel reception back to Havana airport. (Not Included)
Depart Havana
Arrive Home
The season runs from All year.
Season: March to July - October to April
Peak: April to May
Weight: 1LB to 11LB
Average Weight: 5LB
Season: March to July - October to April
Peak: April to May
Weight: 1LB to 30LB
Average Weight: 10LB
Season: March to July - October to April
Peak: April to May
Weight: 1LB to 60LB
Average Weight: 15LB
N/A
Remember that Sportquest Holidays' services are completely FREE! When you book a trip with Sportquest Holidays, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge and flights independently.
| From | To | Duration | Price | Availability | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/04/2024 | 30/04/2024 | 11 | £10,391 | Enquire Now | ||
| Possible to book as a part charter if you have a minimum of 4 anglers. | Possible to book as a part charter if you have a minimum of 4 anglers. | |||||
| 01/05/2024 | 31/05/2024 | 11 | £10,391 | Enquire Now | ||
| 01/06/2024 | 30/06/2024 | 11 | £10,391 | Enquire Now | ||
| 01/07/2024 | 31/07/2024 | 11 | £10,391 | Enquire Now | ||
| 01/10/2024 | 31/10/2024 | 11 | £10,391 | Enquire Now | ||
| 01/11/2024 | 30/11/2024 | 11 | £10,391 | Enquire Now | ||
| 01/12/2024 | 31/12/2024 | 11 | £10,391 | Enquire Now | ||
| 01/01/2025 | 31/01/2025 | 11 | £10,788 | Enquire Now | ||
| 01/02/2025 | 28/02/2025 | 11 | £10,788 | Enquire Now | ||
| 01/03/2025 | 31/03/2025 | 11 | £10,788 | Enquire Now | ||
| 01/04/2025 | 30/04/2025 | 11 | £10,788 | Enquire Now | ||
| 01/10/2025 | 31/10/2025 | 11 | £10,788 | Enquire Now | ||
| 01/11/2025 | 30/11/2025 | 11 | £10,788 | Enquire Now | ||
| 01/12/2025 | 31/12/2025 | 11 | £10,788 | Enquire Now | ||
Prices are based on 10 adults sharing transfers, fishing and accommodation as an exclusive charter and are correct at the time of going to press. This destination is also possible to book as a part charter if you have a minimum of 4 anglers. We also have some dates available for either individuals or couples on certain dates where we are looking to make up the numbers for a full charter.
A full charter includes 9 cabins for 10 anglers and 5 skiffs and 5 full-time guides, plus cabin crew.
Subject to time of year or date and currency fluctuations, these prices may fluctuate slightly due to flight price increases or fuel surcharges.
A fantastic adventure from start to finish.
Mario the fishing manager was amazing, he explained how everything was going to work, talked about tides and weather forecasts etc. had us with the guides out early every morning as it was going to be the best tides and weather and the results proved he is right.
Not only did we catch fish but so did all the guest fishing that week.
First class operation and the best we have ever fished in the world.
Thank you so much for all the organisation and recommendation, we would never have travelled to Cuba if it was not for you.
Same next year please.
It was a pleasure and thank you for the feedback, I have booked the dates for you so lets hope that next year you boys can do it all again.
Tight lines
We had a small mess up on arrival in Havana as there was no one to meet us, a quick call to Sportquest's emergency number and within an hour a nice lady met us at the airport and transferred us to the hotel.
Apart from the small hiccup at the beginning I am pleased to report everything else ran smoothly and very well organised.
Each morning we were picked up from our hotel and taken to the fishing managers house / lodge.
After a full days fishing we were again met with a welcome cocktail and tasty home cooked snacks.
The staff made us all feel very welcome and the whole holiday special.
Curtis
Please accept my apologies for the small confusion join your groups arrival. As your flights was delayed the staff to meet you had not noticed the new arrival time. Glad that the emergency number worked for you tho.
After the beginning it sounds like you all had a good time. It was also nice to talk to you and listed to all your fish captures, I have posted out a memory stick so if you can send us a good selection of your groups pictures it will be very much appreciated.
Having been lucky enough to travel the world and experience some amazing fishing the last thing I expected was to find something even better than my previous travels.
Cayo largo for its beauty, fishing, staff and organisation stands out way above the rest.
I can not recommend this destination for serious fly fishers enough. If you want permit and big bones with the real chance of a grand slam I have not been to anywhere else even remotely as good as this,.
Blown away by the trip.
Thank you to everyone.
Jarvis, thanks for chatting the phone and your feedback.
I know you are a very well travelled party so to have that feedback is a real testament to the destination and one I am sure they will be very pleased with.
I look forward in assisting you again very soon.
Regards Peter
The fishing and area was just so unspoilt. I knew it was a trek each morning but everyday was worth it ten times over. We will be back soon.
Hi Darren another great one for you congratulations on the "slam" Also thanks for all the feedback and great scores. Regards Peter
We had a great time and you were spot on with the Bonefish, it was just amazing.
Wow that was a cracking fish and yes it looks to me well over the magic 10lb mark. Also a pleasure to book you and your wife back for another trip. Tight Lines Mel
Peter just a quick one to say everything was Perrrrrrfffeeecccctttttt. Thanks to you and all the staff, so so happy.
Gary thats a nice start to my day, just love it when customers return so so happy. So what can I do for you next. Regards Peter
Mel, thank you so much for recommending this holiday to me. You were correct the resort was just perfect for Julie. We both had a great holiday, a right mixture of a weeks fishing with a weeks relaxation.
Pat & Julie. Thank you for your comments and high scores on my service. I try to fit customers to whichever destination I think is the most suitable. I am looking forward in seeing all your holiday pictures. Rgds Mel
Very well organised---the Avalon fishing centre was so professional, they covered every aspect.
I would definitely recommend this one.
Thank you all at Sportsquest-------I WILL BE BACK
Carl Ohrman
Hi Carl
Short but very sweet, thats what we like my friend. Look forward in catching up on the telephone soon.
Regards Peter
Hi Guys, thanks for organising our holiday it was a ball. The staff and guides at the resort are brilliant. We felt very special from the moment we arrived
It was a shame about the fishing as we had a big storm hit us the first day we arrived and took a little while to shift off. Eventually we did get out and had some awesome fishing. We defiantly be going back next year as i still want my 10lb fish
Mark, i did hear that there was a big storm which was a real shame. However like you mentioned when you did get out the fishing was great.
A 10lb Bonefish is a very special fish and i am sure if you keep going you will get one. Look forward to helping you next year
Regards
Peter
Cuba is one of the finest saltwater activity holiday destinations in the world, currently operating in three very different areas, two land based, Cayo Largo and Isla de la Juventud, and an offshore operation from the floating Hotel 'La Tortuga' at Jardines de la Reina. Accommodation at all three destinations is excellent as is the quality and quantity of food.
Last November 2009, I was privileged to be amongst a small party of five anglers on a trip hosted by the Jack Simpson, the noted game fisher, fly fishing casting instructor and tackle dealer, fishing from the MV Halcon at Jardines de la Reina, an archipelago of mangrove covered islets some 80 miles in length, situated off the caribbean coast of Cuba. The entire area is a protected zone, with no commercial fishing other than for crayfish permitted. Three of us, Jack, Richard and I are committed fly fishers, with between us many trips to all of the three different venues, the other two, Barry and Bill were both I believe on their second trips. Barry is a novice fly fisher but is an accomplished coarse angler and Bill a regular sea trout fly fisher and spinner.
Our primary object was to catch Bonefish, Tarpon and Permit, preferably on the fly, and hopefully all three species in one day thereby achieving a 'Grand Slam', a rareity and the ultimate in saltwater fly fishing. We fished from modern Dolphin Flat Skiffs, which were poled by our three experienced Cuban guides, Coki, Rico and Noel on the flats (shallow waters around 2 /3ft deep) searching for our quarry. The guides all have wonderful vision, and spot fish from afar and skilfully pole the skiffs into a casting position. Sometimes all of the others waded on the flats, but as I am somewhat handicapped, this is something I am unable to do, and am limited to fishing from the skiff. Often the guides tell the angler, "bone, (tarpon or permit), 40 metres at 11.00 o'clock, (using the bow of the skiff as being 12.00 o'clock) fish now 9.00 o'clock moving fast, long cast please!!" "Fish now 12.00 o'clock, 20 metres, cast, cast again more right, fish now 15 metres 2.00 o'clock, strip, strip, stop. Strip, strike!!" Our guides are good anglers in their own right and are keen to share their knowledge with their anglers and help in anyway they can to enhance the day. Nobody could be more pleased than they are when success is achieved.
Being the cooler part of the year, the Tarpon tended to be smaller, up to 70lb averaging around 25/30lb., the bones 3lb to 9lb and the few permit seen around 10/15lb. Accuracy when casting is vital, especially so when casting to tarpon at the edge of the mangroves, fishing is very visual in the crystal clear waters, and it is amazing how well an angler can cast accurately when no fish are seen, but the instant a fish is spotted, the casting 'goes to pot'. Fortunately the guides are very patient, well normally!!
Spinning provided Snappers, Barracuda, Kingfish, scierra mackerel, and best of all Jack Krevall, a member of the trevally family, and one of the doubtiest fighters one can catch.
In all our trip provided two 'Grand Slams', to Jack and more importantly to Barry, he is now, after just two trips' well ahead of me, I have yet to hook let alone land a Permit!! Not to be outdone, Bill also hooked and landed a Permit of 11lb. his first ever, plus three tarpon to 30lb , Barry also had three smaller tarpon between 10 and 20lb., congratulations to both of you. Richard had good 'bones' to 9lb and tarpon to 70lb, As for me, I landed plenty of 'bones' between 3 and 8lb along with several of the other species.
The weather for our trip was kind, plenty of sun which helps in spotting the quarry, and although brisk at times, the winds were quite kind to us, in all we all had a fabulous time, great fishing, good food, plenty to drink and exceptional company, what more can an angler wish for! I strongly recommend these trips to any angler seeking to widen his or her fishing experiences.
Mike, thanks for a great report, its always a pleasure to have you on our trips.
Cayo Largo is the home of the permit...
A big thank you to all involved, our party managed two grand slams for the week and in total 7 permit with tons of big bones some that pushed close to 10LB.
We have never seen such a well run fishery, the fishing manager and guides really do care about both the customers and about maintaining this destinations which is a credit to you all.
No need to look for other destinations as we have thanks to you now found the perfect one.
Wow Bruce your group had 7 permit, boy I need those pictures. Congrats to you all thats an amazing trip.
Thanks for the feedback and kind words, I will call you in a few days and we can talk about next year.
Yes goal achieved...
We visited Cayo Largo run by Avalon on recommendation of Sportquest.
We have been fly fishing for a few years between us all but never had managed to land that elusive fish Permit.
Sportquest recommended the best destination as Cayo largo and mission achieved. Both me and Trevor both managed to bag our first permit on the fly. I even managed to land 3 in a week.
Cayo Largo is not just about permit tho as we were very pleasantly surprised with both the quantity and quality of the Bonefish.
We must go back next year without fail.
Todd, glad it all worked out for you.
As discussed on the telephone I agree with you the Bones are great sport and provide first class fishing while looking for and chasing down the permit.
I have sent you a e-mail for next year, talk soon
tight lines
Simply the best Permit fishing in the world.
First class everything, we managed two grand slams in one week you can not better that
Congratulations on the grand slams, who caught the slams?
Thanks for the feedback can you give me a call when you are free and you can tell me more, plus we can talk about next year or whats next for you all.
Peter we have just returned yesterday from Cayo Largo in Cuba.
Thank you for recommending such an fantastic destination, the fly fishing was outstanding. The guides were amazing, everything was perfect.
I have marked down the flights due to us missing our connection in Paris, which I know was not your fault but I think its worth having the direct flights with Virgin and a few more days in Havana. So next time can you please arrange.
Oscar
Thanks for the feedback and I understand about the flights, we do offer both either the indirect or direct flights but as the direct flights means that customer have to spend additional free nights in Havana, most opt for the shorty stay.
I am sorry that if I did not make the options clear when we were talking about the booking.
No worries I will look for available dates for next year and also include the additional nights in Havana and direct flights with Virgin for you all.
Be back to you very soon
Regards Peter
Peter
As usual, well organised, staff waiting to assist at, airport ,hotel and fishing lodge.
My guide was excellent and spoke very good English,----he was determined that I would achieve the grand slam---and we did.
I now have to decide which of your trips to go on next,
Being a single angler I do look for accommodations which are not penalised for single occupancy------it makes a vast difference.
THANK YOU ALL at Sportquest
Carl
Carl
It is a pleasure having you on any of our trips as always.
So glad you had a good time and that the staff took very good care of you.
Also a huge congratulations on achieving your very first Grand Slam
I look forward in booking you something else soon, it iOS about time I had you back on one of my hosted fly fishing adventures as you know I will also look after you very well.
Thanks to its excellent fishing and easy access, the beautiful National Park of Los Roques has gained a reputation for being one of the best fly fishing destinations in the Caribbean, attracting travelling rods from all around the globe.
Think about a place where you can fish more than 100 miles of flats without seeing another fisherman. A place where the flats fishing is so good, you can catch seven fish species in one day and a place where you have a legitimate chance for a ‘Grand Slam’ every day of the year; that’s Canarreos.
Bluewater Fishing Panama offers travelling anglers the chance to enjoy a fantastic week of mixed fishing for an array of hard-fighting species. Fishing the rich waters of the Gulf of Chiriquí, an area responsible for over 50 IGFA World Records, you'll wet a line in some of the most famous fishing marks on the planet.
The Maldives Liveaboard trip allows travelling rods to experience some of the most exciting and explosive bluewater fishing in the world, casting poppers and jigs to some of the most remote areas of the Laamu Atoll. Situated in the rich waters of the Indian Ocean, it's home to over 1,100 fish species, from small reef dwellers to giant pelagics.
The Maldives is one of the top five names that appear on anglers' bucket lists worldwide. Home to over 1,100 fish species, from small reef dwellers to giant pelagics, it offers travelling rods the opportunity to enjoy some of the finest bluewater popper and jig fishing found anywhere on the planet.
