Cuba is recognised worldwide as one of the finest saltwater fly fishing destinations, attracting anglers in search of a true bucket-list adventure. Its pristine flats and endless coastline provide the perfect habitat for the classic inshore species, Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit and Snook, making it one of the best places on earth to target the grand slam or even the elusive super slam.
Legendary areas such as Jardines de la Reina, Cayo Largo, Cayo Romano, Zapata and Cayo Santa Maria (Gardens of the King) are now firmly established on the map for travelling rods, offering vast, untouched waters and exceptional fishing in stunning surroundings. Whether it’s stalking Bonefish on shallow flats, watching a Tarpon roll through the channels, or presenting a fly to tailing Permit, Cuba delivers the kind of action every saltwater angler dreams of.
Below, you’ll find our leading destinations to choose from.
Jardines de la Reina, or JDR as it’s known, is a pristine chain of islands stretching more than 160 kilometres off Cuba’s southeastern coast. Named the Queen’s Gardens by Christopher Columbus, this vast marine sanctuary is larger than the Florida Keys and has been protected as a Cuban National Park for decades. With no permanent human habitation and strict conservation measures in place, the fishery remains virtually untouched; only a handful of anglers are permitted each week. The result is one of the most productive and varied saltwater fly fishing destinations on earth, where Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit, and a host of other species are eager to take a fly.
The fishing grounds at JDR are as diverse as they are breathtaking. From wadable white-sand flats and turtle grass shallows to mangrove channels and coral reef edges, the environment offers endless opportunities for adventure. Migratory Tarpon draw anglers from around the world, but with Bonefish and Permit in abundance, it’s one of the few places where a Grand Slam is a genuine possibility. Add in world-class liveaboard accommodation, outstanding Cuban hospitality, and more hours on the water than almost anywhere else, and it’s easy to see why Jardines de la Reina is regarded as one of the finest saltwater fly fishing destinations in the world.
Whats Included?
- International flights
- Lodge transfers
- All accommodation as per itinerary
- All meals at the lodge
- Soft drinks and local alcohol
- Packed Lunch
- Fishing as per itinerary
- Fishing licence
- Fully guided
- Conservation fees
Visit the tour page: Jardines De La Reina, Cuba
Cayo Paredón is the hottest, newest destination in the portfolio of our partners, Fly Fishing the Run. Nestled in the province of Camagüey, in the heart of Cuba, this tiny 8.7-square-kilometre island lies between two of the country’s most famous archipelagos: Jardines del Rey to the north and Jardines de la Reina to the south. Surrounded by pristine flats, white sand, and deep blue channels, Paredón offers travelling anglers an exclusive opportunity to experience one of the most exciting saltwater fly fisheries in the Caribbean. Thanks to Marine Park Management and the conservation efforts of Blue Sanctuary Org, this protected environment has flourished, with thriving populations of Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon ready to challenge anglers of all levels.
Since sportfishing was first authorised here in 2012, Cayo Paredón has quickly built a reputation as a premier saltwater fly fishing destination, attracting rods from around the globe. Whether wading the hard-bottomed flats for Bonefish, stalking Permit in the shallows, or targeting powerful migratory Tarpon during the spring and summer months, the variety and quality of the fishing are exceptional. Add in the chance to achieve the coveted Grand Slam, with all three species in a single day, and it’s easy to see why this idyllic island is already considered one of Cuba’s most precious gems for travelling fly anglers.
Whats Included?
- International flights
- Lodge transfers
- All accommodation as per itinerary
- All meals at the lodge
- Packed Lunch
- Fishing as per itinerary
- Fully guided
- Conservation fees
Visit the tour page: Cayo Paredón, Cuba
Isla De La Juventud, or the Isle of Youth, lies 100 kilometres off Cuba’s southern coast and is surrounded by a maze of mangrove islets, turtle grass flats and endless sandy shallows. Far removed from Cuba’s tourist hotspots, it offers anglers something truly special: access to one of the best saltwater fly fishing destinations in the world, famed above all for its Tarpon. From resident fish in the 30–80lb range to migratory giants topping 100lb between March and June, Isla De La Juventud consistently delivers some of the most exciting Tarpon fishing in the Caribbean.
The fishing here is as varied as it is rewarding. Crystal-clear flats and channels also hold large numbers of Bonefish and Permit, while Jack Crevalle, Barracuda and other reef species add to the action. Fishing days are maximised thanks to Avalon F1, a luxury liveaboard that puts you right on the water, exploring the remote flats of the Canarreos Archipelago as far east as Cayo Largo. With expert Cuban guides, comfortable skiffs, and a schedule that lets you fish from dawn until dusk, this destination is ideal for serious saltwater fly anglers chasing the fish of a lifetime in an unspoiled marine wilderness.
Whats Included?
- International flights
- Internal flights
- Lodge transfers
- Soft drinks and local alcohol
- All meals at the lodge
- Packed Lunch
- Fishing as per itinerary
- Fishing licence
- Conservation fee
- Fully guided
Visit the tour page: Isla De La Juventud, Cuba
Set in the heart of southern Cuba, the Canarreos Archipelago offers one of the most exclusive saltwater fly fishing experiences anywhere in the Caribbean. Spanning more than 350 islets and over 100 miles of pristine flats, it’s a true marine wilderness where anglers can fish without seeing another soul. From the white-sand flats of Cayo Largo to the famed Isla de la Juventud, this unique liveaboard programme with Avalon gives travelling rods the chance to pursue Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit and Snook, with daily opportunities at a coveted Grand Slam or even a Super Slam.
What makes Canarreos so remarkable is not just the numbers of fish, but the sheer quality of the fishery. Bonefish regularly run 4–6lb, Permit over 25lb are landed each season, and Tarpon range from powerful 30lb babies to migratory giants topping 100lb. Add in aggressive Snook, Jacks and Barracuda, and every day delivers variety and action in waters that have been protected for nearly 50 years. Combined with expert Cuban guides, long fishing days, and the comfort of Avalon’s luxury liveaboard yachts, Canarreos stands as one of the finest destinations in the world for saltwater fly anglers chasing the fish of a lifetime.
Whats Included?
- International flights
- Lodge transfers
- All accommodation as per itinerary
- All meals at the lodge
- Packed Lunch
- Fishing as per itinerary
- Fishing licence
- Fully guided
Visit the tour page: Canarreos, Cuba
Cayo Largo, in the south-central Cuban archipelago, is one of the world’s premier saltwater fly fishing destinations and a true bucket-list location for travelling anglers. Protected as a national park and famed as the Permit capital of Cuba, it offers pristine flats, lagoons and mangrove channels that consistently produce Grand Slams and even Super Slams. Resident Bonefish average 3–6lb, migratory Tarpon can exceed 100lb, and Permit up to 45lb are caught each season, making this one of the most productive and exciting fisheries anywhere in the Caribbean. Add in Barracuda, Jack Crevalle and Snook, and every day promises variety and explosive action in waters that see little to no angling pressure.
Fishing here is based on Avalon’s luxury liveaboard Jardines Avalon I, giving you exclusive access to over 240 square kilometres of protected water and the ability to reach remote areas far beyond the range of land-based skiffs. Long fishing days, expert Cuban guides, and a carefully managed rotation of 38 different zones ensure every flat is rested and fishing remains consistently world-class. After a day on the water, you’ll return to the comfort of Avalon I, complete with spacious staterooms, fine Cuban cuisine, and even a jacuzzi on the top deck, the perfect base for one of the most mem saltwater fly fishing experiences on the planet.
Whats Included?
- International flights
- Lodge transfers
- All accommodation as per itinerary
- All meals at the lodge
- Packed Lunch
- Soft drinks and local alcohol
- Fishing as per itinerary
- Fishing licence
- Fully guided
Visit the tour page: Cayo Largo, Cuba
Zapata, on Cuba’s southern coast, is one of the Caribbean’s most protected and least-pressured saltwater fisheries — a vast UNESCO biosphere reserve where just eight anglers are permitted each week across thousands of kilometres of water. This extraordinary destination combines endless hard-sand flats, lagoons, and mangrove channels with near-pristine blue holes and coral heads, creating prime habitat for Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon and Snook, along with Cubera Snapper, Jacks, and Barracuda. With so much untouched water, many areas have never seen an angler, making Zapata a true jewel in Cuba’s ecological crown and a rising star for travelling fly fishers seeking variety, solitude and genuine wilderness.
Fishing is based aboard the liveaboard Georgiana, strategically anchored to access the most productive areas of the reserve. What makes the programme unique is its rotation of custom-built solo skiffs and traditional flats boats, allowing anglers to fish three days one-on-one with a guide and three days sharing. It’s the only operation in Cuba offering this much personal fishing time, ensuring unrivalled opportunities to stalk tailing Bonefish, cast to schools of Permit, or battle acrobatic Tarpon in pristine waters. Back on board, anglers enjoy comfortable cabins, hearty Cuban cuisine, and evenings overlooking deserted beaches and endless flats — the perfect base for one of the most exclusive and rewarding saltwater fly fishing experiences in the world.
Whats Included?
- International flights
- Lodge transfers
- All accommodation as per itinerary
- All meals at the lodge
- Soft drinks and local alcohol
- Fishing as per itinerary
- Fishing licence
- Fully guided
- Packed lunch
- Conservation fee
Visit the tour page: Zapata, Cuba
Gardens of the King, or Cayo Santa Maria, is one of Cuba’s most prized saltwater fly fishing destinations and a true Tarpon paradise. Protected as part of the UNESCO-recognised Buenavista Biosphere Reserve, this vast archipelago offers a thriving fishery with abundant resident Tarpon from 10–60lb and migratory giants that can exceed 140lb between March and August. Add in prolific Bonefish, powerful Permit and hard-fighting Snook, and it’s no surprise the region has become one of the top places in the world to complete a Grand Slam — and even the elusive Super Slam. With its endless white-sand flats, mangrove channels, and crystal-clear waters, GOK delivers the kind of variety and action that keeps saltwater anglers returning year after year.
Fishing days are based around the Iberostar Ensenachos Resort, a five-star, all-inclusive property that offers comfort and relaxation for anglers and non-angling companions alike. With expert local guides, no fuel limits, and over 400 kilometres of protected coral reef to explore, anglers enjoy full flexibility and long days on the water, targeting fish in rested zones that see minimal pressure. After casting to Tarpon schools, stalking Bonefish on wadeable flats, or sight-fishing for Permit in the channels, you’ll return each evening to first-class dining, Caribbean hospitality, and the perfect setting to relax after a day chasing some of the world’s most iconic saltwater species.
Whats Included?
- International flights
- Lodge transfers
- All accommodation as per itinerary
- All meals at the lodge
- Packed Lunch
- Fishing as per itinerary
- Fishing licence
- Fully guided
- Conservation fee
Visit the tour page: Gardens of the King, Cuba
Cayo Romano, also known as Cayo Cruz, is one of Cuba’s most exciting saltwater fly fishing frontiers. Spanning more than 366 square kilometres of untouched flats, lagoons and estuaries, it’s an ecosystem that feels like a newly discovered fishery — rich in life, lightly pressured, and virtually pristine. Renowned for its superb wading opportunities, anglers can spend hours stalking Bonefish across hard-packed white sand flats or sight-casting to powerful Permit in shallow lagoons. With commercial fishing strictly banned, the area has flourished, offering travelling rods both numbers and size in fish that see very little angling pressure.
Fishing here is guided by Avalon’s expert Cuban team, many of whom grew up working these waters and know the flats intimately. Days begin with short runs from the marina to nearby fishing grounds, with no fuel restrictions and vast zones to explore, ensuring rested waters and exceptional sport. Accommodation is at the modern Hotel Spa Cayo Romano, just 100 metres from the marina, offering spacious angler-only rooms, a swimming pool, multiple restaurants, and the perfect mix of comfort and convenience. With world-class fishing on the doorstep, skilled guides, and a pristine environment, Cayo Romano has quickly become one of Cuba’s premier destinations for anglers in search of Bonefish, Permit and the chance of a lifetime on the flats.
Whats Included?
- International flights
- Lodge transfers
- All accommodation as per itinerary
- All meals at the lodge
- Packed Lunch
- Fishing as per itinerary
- Fishing licence
- Fully guided
- Conservation fee
Visit the tour page: Cayo Romano, Cuba
Contact us
At Sportquest Holidays, we know that the right destination can turn a good trip into the adventure of a lifetime – and Cuba’s saltwater fisheries truly deliver. From the Permit-rich flats of Cayo Largo to the Tarpon paradise of Gardens of the King, and the untouched wilderness of Zapata, each destination offers something unique for travelling anglers in search of world-class sport and unforgettable surroundings.
If this blog has inspired you to experience Cuba’s incredible fly fishing opportunities, our team of experts is here to help. We’ll match you with the perfect lodge or liveaboard based on your fishing style, targets, and travel plans.
Give us a call on 01603 407596 or email info@sportquestholidays.com to start planning your Cuban fishing adventure today.
