Canarreos Archipelago Cuba

In conjunction with our partners at Avalon, we’d like to introduce you to Canarreos, an archipelago located south of the main island of Cuba in the Caribbean Sea. Vast in size, comprising over 350 islets and an area almost as long as the Florida Keys, it offers travelling saltwater fly fishing anglers the opportunity to fish the famous Isla de Juventud and Cayo Largo fisheries from a single live aboard yacht.

Canarreos is a unique and incomparable combination, a once-in-a-lifetime destination that allows anglers to fish in their own marine park on the southern coast of Cuba. In the east of the archipelago, its endless white sand and turtle grass flats are home to abundant numbers of Permit and Bonefish, whilst, to the west, there are plentiful habitats for Tarpon and Snook. As a result, it’s one of the best destinations globally to target a ‘Super Grand Slam’.

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. If you’d like to learn more about this incredible saltwater fly fishing destination in Cuba, visit our YouTube channel.

Fly Fishing Canarreos

Fly fishing in Cuba is far different from other destinations in the Caribbean, and it’s only in recent years that its flats fishery has been developed, and the waters of Canarroes are no exception. As a result, travelling rods visiting this unique part of the world will have the opportunity to wet a fly in waters that have not seen sport fishing for nearly fifty years. This pristine area is a Cuban National Marine Park, part of the Blue Sanctuary project and protected from all forms of commercial fishing, other than for lobsters. The flats species like Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish, Snook, Mutton Snapper, Barracuda, and a variety of Jacks are found in incredible numbers, and since the fishing pressure is so light, the fish rarely encounter anglers and can be unusually easy to catch.

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. A place where big Bonefish run toward your fly even when it hits the water too hard, rather than streaking off the flat in the other direction. A place where you have a legitimate chance for a Grand Slam every day of the year. A place where big Permit are as plentiful as they were in the Florida Keys 30 years ago, and here they take absolute pleasure in eating your fly; that’s Canarreos. An incomparable location of wadeable white sand flats where you’ll find enough big Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon, for a lifetime of fishing.

Super Grand Slam Fishing

The bounty of nature found at Canarreos is a well-kept secret. It has a pristine coral reef flanked by mangrove keys and islands with unparalleled nursery habitats for many fish species. As a result, it’s one of the best destinations to target a ‘Grand Slam’ and even a ‘Super Slam’.

Tarpon

The King of Silver has an insatiable appetite and gets very violent; they take with power and show stamina and acrobatic qualities that make them formidable adversaries on a fly rod. Fishing for Tarpon in Canarreos is divided into three categories: Baby Tarpon (fish that weigh up to 30lbs), medium Tarpon (fish that weigh between 30lb and 80lb) and monster Tarpon (fish that weigh more than 80lb and sometimes can surpass the incredible mark of 150lbs). The last category is the holy grail, but behemoths of this size are much less common.

Bonefish

In Canarreos, the Bonefish average 4-6lbs, with many over double digits. An amphidromous species, it lives in coastal tropical waters and moves onto shallow mudflats to feed with the incoming tide. Adults and juveniles may shoal together, and they may be found singly or in pairs. They prefer shallow water and can be located in depths between centimetres and 2 meters. Typically, it is possible to see them swim in schools of fish with numbers between 4 and 20.

Permit

Fly fishing for a Permit is exceptionally challenging, and the odds are often stacked against the intrepid angler looking to target this fabulous adversary. Wind, sun, and this fish’s erratic nature all conspire against fly fisherman in their quest to tail one of these majestic fish. No other fish is so challenging to predict, understand, and worse still, to deceive. Canarreos is an outstanding location for producing ‘Slams’, mainly because the permit fishing is consistently so good, not just for numbers but also for size; each year, fish of over 25lb get landed. A common way to find a Permit is to look for Stingrays feeding in 2 to 3 feet of water.

Snook

Canarreos has an incredible Snook population, and they can be targeted every day of the season. They are famed for their excellent fighting power, generated from their broad swooping tail, and anglers often have to fight tooth and nail to land one of these mangrove warriors.

As well as the four species that make up a ‘Super Slam’, it’s also possible to fish for and catch an array of other species, including Jack Crevalle, Mutton Snappers, Cudas and sharks to name just a few.

Guides & Seasons

The fishing season at Canarreos runs from October through to July. From the start of the season to mid-February, the fishing is consistent for all the target ‘Grand Slam’ and ‘Super Slam’ species, and it’s possible to catch them every day. This is the perfect and popular time to plan a trip, as the weather is warmer in Cuba than in Europe or Northern America. The high or peak season runs from mid-February through July and offers stable and perfect fishing conditions with all species present.

The fly fishing guides at Canarreos are some of the most experienced and knowledgeable in the region, spending almost 250 days every year guiding on the water. Give them a fly rod and they’ll double-haul a 100-foot cast or show you how to work a fly to make a Bonefish charge and inhale it. They spot fish as well as any of the Caribbean’s best guides and direct your casts from the poling platform. They are enthusiastic anglers and love to work long days, allowing you to fish as hard as you want, days aren’t limited to six or eight hours, and there’s never any limitation on gas used or distances travelled. If you want to get out early and fish until dark, you can do it.

Although Spanish is the guides’ native tongue, they have all taken classes in English, and they can communicate surprisingly well with their guests. They are also in constant training to improve their language skills.

Accommodation

The Avalon I has exceptional cruising capabilities allowing you to access the most remote areas of the Canarreos Archipelago during your week of fishing. 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.

FEATURES

Large AC lounge
Large open-air areas
Top open-air bar with Hot Tub
Huge dive deck and camera tables
10 people crew
Laundry Service
Daily housekeeping
Audio & video entertainment
TV & Aircon in cabins
Indoor Saloon
Warm Water Showers
220v in bar and restaurant
USB in bar, restaurant, rooms

FOOD & DRINK

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.

OTHER LIVEABOARDS

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

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Itinerary

TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS

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.

DAY 1: (FRIDAY)

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: Parque Central Hotel Havana B/B

DAY 2: (SATURDAY)

Around lunchtime, you will be picked up for your 3-hour transfer to Zapesca, once there you’ll enjoy some drinks and appetizers.

At 4.00pm you’ll navigate to Cayo Blanco. On arrival, you’ll be free to relax, enjoy dinner, overnight and prepare for the next days fishing.