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Cayo Largo | Saltwater Flats Fly Fishing | Cuba

Overview

Tour code: CUB008  
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With our Cuba partners, we now have access to the exclusive fishing rights on the designated Cayo Largo Natural Reserve, which encompasses some 140 square miles of saltwater flats and channels. This has to be one of the best places in the world to catch a grand slam and super grand slam all on the fly.

Cayo Largo is a small resort island belonging to Cuba, in the Caribbean Sea. It is the second-biggest island in Cuba’s Canarreos Archipelago. Although only a relatively small island, it is blessed with an almost continuous stretch of pretty beach, notably along its south coast, there are six beaches all of which will be able to satisfy your sun and sand lust. There is also an abundance of natural wildlife including Iguanas and Giant Sea Turtles.

The northern side of Cayo Largo, where the submarine shelf is extended, is the ideal environment for fly fishing enthusiasts it measures an average depth of 1.5 meters ideal depths for Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon, and Jack Crevalle.

You will also be able to see Permit up to 45lb zipping and darting in and around schools of Bonefish. This is a big Bonefish destination where the average weight is approx 6lbs; you cannot beat stalking these Bonefish while wading in lukewarm water on the sand flats.

The coral barrier protects the south side of Cayo Largo and its white beach of fine sands and the flats marks it out as a fantastic place for wading. The majority of Cayo Largo Flats have firm bottom ideal for wading and most days you will have the option of either fly fishing from the skiff or walking these stunning flats.

The real beauty of this fishing is that with our partners we have divided all this vast area into 38 different zones. All zones get rotated about, making sure that we always have areas that are well and truly rested. Each evening you, our fly fishing manager and the guides will determinate the next day’s schedule on the basis of careful rotation of the productive areas to ensure the grounds are rested. This is just one reason why this destination has become one of the top 5 locations in the world to catch a grand slam (Bonefish, Permit & Tarpon all in the same day)

Cayo Largo Cuba fly fishing offers an experience, unlike any other fishing trip. If you have any questions on the saltwater fly fishing holidays we offer, then contact us in the office today. Our experienced team will be happy to help you with any queries you have. Additionally, you can request a free brochure.

 

 

 

 

 

Accommodation
Ole Villa Marinera

Ole Villa Marinera is an ideal base for anglers who do not want all the hustle and bustle of a large family resort. These wooden cabins right next to the marina and our fishing operation make them just perfect. These cabins are also located right next door to Avalon’s offices, so they keep you close to all the action and your guides on daily basis.

There are 23 rooms in total, all in a wooden cabin style, 1 swimming pool, lounge chairs, beach towels, 1 buffet restaurant, 1 À la carte restaurant and bar / social area. All rooms have air-conditioning, telephone, TV, private bathroom, safety deposit box and 220 voltage power sockets.

Board: Full board
Rooms: Twin
Telephone: In room
Laundry: Nominal charge
Power: 220 volt in rooms
Air Conditioning: In rooms
Meals: Buffet restaurant
Alcohol: Hotel bar
Cards Accepted: Credit & debit
Cash Accepted: Euros
Species Information
Bonefish
Season: March to July - October to April
Peak: April to May
Weight: 1LB to 11LB
Average Weight: 5LB
Permit
Season: March to July - October to April
Peak: April to May
Weight: 1LB to 30LB
Average Weight: 10LB
Tarpon
Season: March to July - October to April
Peak: April to May
Weight: 1LB to 60LB
Average Weight: 15LB

Itinerary

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The below itinerary is only a suggested one, as there are indirect flights departing from the UK everyday. We also have direct flights departing the UK twice a week with Virgin, which requires additional nights in Havana both at the beginning and end of the standard itinerary. Therefore should you wish to extend your stay with more time in Cuba or to use the Virgin direct flights, the itinerary below can be tailored to suit. Please note: the fishing is sold in set weeks with set start and finish days, therefore we can not make shorter fishing trips.

Day 1: (Thursday)

Depart UK (alternative routes available)
Arrive in Havana.

On arrival, our representative will be waiting to greet you. They will then transfer you to your hotel. (Note: the transfer is not included and payable locally).

The rest of the evening is yours to either relax or explore.

Overnight accommodation: Parque Central Hotel in Havana (Twin Rooms) B/B

Day 2: (Friday)

At 5.00am you will meet in the hotel reception where you will be transferred for your domestic flight to Cayo Largo.

Depart Havana
Arrive in Cayo Largo.

On arrival transfer from the airport to the Villa Marinera Hotel.

The afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy the hotel extensive facilities or the white sandy beach.

Overnight accommodation: Villa Marinera Hotel (Twin Rooms) F/B

Day 3: (Saturday) Fishing Day

You will depart at around 8.00 AM with guides for your full days fishing.

Overnight accommodation: Villa Marinera Hotel (Twin Rooms) F/B

Day 4: (Sunday) Fishing Day

Each days fishing is based on two anglers per guide and skiff.

Overnight accommodation: Villa Marinera Hotel (Twin Rooms) F/B

Day 5: (Monday) Fishing Day

Fishing is normally done either from the skiff or wading the miles of great Bonefish flats.

Overnight accommodation: Villa Marinera Hotel (Twin Rooms) F/B

Day 6: (Tuesday) Fishing Day

Each morning you will discuss with your guide which species you would like to target.

Overnight accommodation: Villa Marinera Hotel (Twin Rooms) F/B

Days 7 & 8: Tuesday) Fishing Days

Each day you will be provided with a packed lunch to take out fishing.

Overnight accommodation: Villa Marinera Hotel (Twin Rooms) F/B

Day 9: Fishing Days

At lunchtime, you will transfer back for your return flight back to Havana.

Depart Cayo Largo
Arrive in Havana.

On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Overnight accommodation: Parque Central Hotel in Havana (Twin Rooms) B/B

Day 10: Saturday

Subject to your flight time, you will arrange an airport transfer with the hotel reception back to Havana airport.

Depart Havana

Day 11: (Sunday)

Arrive UK.

Prices

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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.

Start Date End Date Days Nights Fishing Angler Non-Angler Availability Notes
08/03/2022 02/05/2022 11 10 6 £7,259 On Request Enquire Now N/A
03/05/2022 30/05/2022 11 10 6 £7,901 On Request Enquire Now N/A
01/06/2022 27/06/2022 11 10 6 £7,259 On Request Sold Out N/A
28/06/2022 07/03/2023 11 10 6 £5,791 On Request Enquire Now N/A
08/03/2023 02/05/2023 11 10 6 £7,259 On Request Enquire Now N/A
03/05/2023 30/05/2023 11 10 6 £7,901 On Request Enquire Now N/A
01/06/2023 27/06/2023 11 10 6 £7,259 On Request Enquire Now N/A

Price Notes

Prices are based on two adults sharing transfers, fishing and accommodation (unless otherwise stated) and are correct at the time of going to press. Subject to time of year or date and currency fluctuations, these prices may fluctuate slightly due to flight price increases or fuel surcharge.

ATOL
Holidays or flights booked with Sportquest Holidays Limited are protected by the Civil Aviation Authority by our ATOL bond (Number 6371). ATOL protects you from losing your money or being stranded abroad. It does this by carrying out financial checks on the firms it licenses and requiring a guarantee, called a bond.

What's Included

  • All international flights
  • 2 nights accommodation Parque Central Hotel Havana B/B
  • Accommodation Villa Marinera Hotel F/B
  • 6 full days guided fishing
  • Fishing License’s
  • Packed lunch while fishing
  • Beverages while fishing with a max of 3 beers pr client pr day
  • Marine Park License
  • Cuban visa

What's Excluded

  • Personal holiday insurance
  • Tips for guides and staff
  • Fishing tackle

Options

  • Flight upgrades

  • Direct Virgin flights

  • Additional nights in Havana

Price Supplements

  • N/A

Price Match Promise

We are so confident that our packaged prices are the best available and offer great value for money.

If, however, you find an identical holiday available with any other fully bonded Tour Operator at a lower price, we will match that price.

Financial Security

Holidays or flights booked with Sportquest Holidays Limited are protected by the Civil Aviation Authority by our ATOL bond (Number 6371). ATOL protects you from losing your money or being stranded abroad. It does this by carrying out financial checks on the firms it licenses and requiring a guarantee, called a bond.

Tour Notes

Visa

A machine-readable passport with at least 6 months before expiry. Tourist visa card required before departure (Supplied)

Medical Requirements

No vaccinations currently required

Please Note

All details of visa and medical requirements are correct at time of press however please check these requirements for changes.

Departure tax

Departure tax included in flight ticket

Flight Route & Flight Time

UK – Havana (approx 9.5 hrs) Havana – Cayo Largo (approx 40 mins)

Baggage Allowance

Your actual allowance is based on both which airline you are flying with and also what class of seat you are travelling in. Normally in economy it is 1 checked bag, Premium Economy / Business 2 checked bags, First 3 checked bags. In addition to your checked bags you are also allowed 1 cabin bag and either 1-laptop bag or ladies handbag. The actual size and weight limit for bags is dependent on the airline. We therefore recommend that once your flights are booked you check on the airlines website for the up to date allowances.

If your itinerary includes private light aircraft or helicopter flights we will advise you on your baggage and weight allowance.

Transfer Time

Havana airport – Parque Central Hotel (approx 30 mins) Cayo Largo airport – Villa Marinera Hotel (approx 5 mins)

Reviews

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carl

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

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

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.

Oscar

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.

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

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

Curtis

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.

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

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.

Claude

Simply the best Permit fishing in the world.

First class everything, we managed two grand slams in one week you can not better that

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

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.

Jarvis

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.

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

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

Parker

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.

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

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

Todd

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.

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

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

Bruce

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.

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

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.

carl

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

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

Hi Carl

Short but very sweet, thats what we like my friend. Look forward in catching up on the telephone soon.

Regards Peter

Mike

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.

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

Mike, thanks for a great report, its always a pleasure to have you on our trips.

Pat & Julie

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.

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

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

Gary

Peter just a quick one to say everything was Perrrrrrfffeeecccctttttt. Thanks to you and all the staff, so so happy.

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

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

Tim

We had a great time and you were spot on with the Bonefish, it was just amazing.

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

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

Darren

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.

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

Hi Darren another great one for you congratulations on the "slam" Also thanks for all the feedback and great scores. Regards Peter

Mark

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

Reply from Sportquest Holidays

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

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