Cayo Paredón is the hottest, newest destination in the portfolio of our partners Fly Fishing the Run. Located in the province of Camaguey, the easternmost, most significant and flattest region in the centre of Cuba, flanked by the two most extensive archipelagos in the country: Sabana-Camagüey, also known as the Jardines del Rey to the north, and Jardines de la Reina to the south. A tiny island measuring just 8.7 square kilometres, Paredón is nestled in the middle of the Gardens of the King Archipelago, just north of Cayo Coco City and south of Cayo Romano.
Falling under the remit of Marine Park Management, and with the help of Blue Sanctuary Org, Cayo Paredón is very well protected and free from all forms of commercial fishing, which has allowed the area to thrive and the populations of saltwater flats fish to flourish. Since sportfishing got authorised in 2012, Cayo Paredón has been a popular name in the saltwater fly fishing community, and each year it attracts travelling rods from all around the globe.
The vast flats of Paredón, recognised as some of the best in Cuba, are home to all the typical flats species and offer significant numbers of Bonefish and Permit and the titans of the flats, the Tarpon. White sand border the fertile feeding grounds and deep blue channels, and much of the bottom is hard, lending itself ideally to wade or skiff fishing.
The tiny island of Paredón is nestled in the middle of the famous Jardines del Rey, or Gardens of the King Archipelago, as it’s also known, off the northern coast of northern Cuba. Some of its cays are larger than some countries in the world, and its intact nature stands out, making it one of the most precious spots in the Cuban Caribbean. To the north, it’s surrounded by a coral wall of about 248 miles in length, which is the second-largest barrier reef in the world, behind only the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
The cays become more significant from West to East of Morón, Ciego de Avila Province. In this region, you find Turiguanó Island and Cayo Coco, Guayabal and Sabinal, which form a kind of exterior coast in front of the shoreline, shaping the Buenavista bays, Los Perros and Jiguey. Among the formations of the archipelago, you will find Cayo Coco, which is linked to the mainland by a 17-kilometre causeway; this also links Cayo Guillermo and Cayo Paredón, just like Santa Maria.
Paredón is well known for saltwater fly fishing and has been on the travelling anglers’ radar for decades. Its hard-bottomed flats bordering deep blue channels allow for great wade-fishing opportunities. Bonefish are numerous and big, and there’s a good population of Permit which cruise both the same flats as well as the slightly deeper water.
Paredón is famous for the big three flats species – Tarpon, Bonefish and Permit. These can be caught all year round and make it possible to achieve what is known as a ‘Grand Slam’, catching all three of these species in just a single day.
Tarpon are unquestionably one of the most exciting and challenging game fish you might catch on a fly rod, and there’s no doubt that Paredón is one of the best places in Cuba to target them. The Cayo’s (or Islands) hold significant numbers of resident fish between 10lb and 60lb which are present all year round. However, from the beginning of March through to August, the destination begins to see the vast migratory Tarpon, with monster specimens of over 100lb present across the ecosystem.
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 4lb, but you may see much larger fish on some flats, with many in the 6lb to 8lb range with a few large fish to over 12lb.
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 Paredón and in decent numbers. Along with the Tarpon and Bonefish, they also form part of the famous ‘Grand Slam’, which is possible every day when fishing at this stunning destination.
As well as the familiar species above, it’s also possible to target and catch Barracuda, Groupers, Jacks and Triggerfish, making the fishing extra varied and exciting.
One of the many reasons the fishing at Cayo Paredón is so good is the protection it receives from the Blue Sanctuary organisation, an ideology centred around protecting vulnerable and essential marine areas in Cuba. Blue Sanctuary is a group of people, humanitarians and scientific researchers that share a strong passion for the oceans while furthering their understanding and support for these places through participatory research and environmental projects. It has a history of 30 years of protecting the marine parks in Cuba. Its marine management and conservation strategies focus on:
Expert and professional saltwater fly fishermen worldwide have participated in investigative research methods, gathering data to strengthen these projects. Accumulated data has been used to continue to improve the quality of marine wildlife and supportive ecosystems through project implementation and sustainable methods. One of these areas the studies have looked at has been a range of ‘fly fishing only sanctuaries”, of which Paredón is part of.
This entire area surrounding Cayo Paredon is a hub of fine resorts, and the brand-new Cayo Paredon Grande is no different. Part of the five-star Swandor chain of hotels, it’s located around thirty minutes from Cayo Coco and served by the Jardines del Rey International Airport (aka Cayo Coco Airport).
The resort has been under construction for several years and has been designed to accommodate travellers escaping the cold winters in the northern hemisphere. However, it’s also a convenient base for travelling saltwater fly anglers.
The Hotel Cayo Paredon Grande is an all-inclusive luxury resort with over 500 rooms, multiple restaurants, and swimming pools and is located directly on the beautiful beach of Playa Los Pinos.
*The resort has delayed its opening due to Covid and the general slow-down of tourism to Cuba. It is supposed to open soon, but for the moment, anglers are staying at a resort on the island of Cayo Romano to the east and transferring each day to fish Paredon.
If you’d like to learn more about Cayo Paredon and fly fishing in Cuba, visit our YouTube channel.
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
In the morning you will meet in the hotel lobby for your transfer to the domestic airport and your flights to Cayo Coco.
Depart Havana
Arrive Cayo Coco
On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel
Overnight accommodation: All-inclusive, 5-Star Swandor Resort. (Suite DBL Room)
A typical day of fishing will consist of…
– 7:00 am: Wake-up call.
– 7:30 am: Breakfast.
– 8:00 am: Fishing.
Return late afternoon for appetizers and dinner.
Each day fishing is based on two anglers per guide and skiff and the fishing is normally done either from the skiff or wading the miles of great flats.
Each morning you will discuss with your guide what fish you would like to target.
Overnight accommodation: All-inclusive, 5-Star Swandor Resort. (Suite DBL Room)
You will check out of your hotel and transfer back to Cayo Coco airport.
Depart Cayo Coco
Arrive Havana
On arrival in Havana take a taxi to your overnight hotel (Not Included)
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: All year
Peak: April to July
Weight: 1lb to 12lb
Average Weight: 5lb
Season: All year
Peak: April to July
Weight: 1lb to 30lb
Average Weight: 10lb
Season: All year
Peak: April to July
Weight: 10lb to 130lb
Average Weight: 45lb
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/05/2024 | 20/05/2024 | 11 | £5,724 | Enquire Now | ||
| 17/05/2024 | 27/05/2024 | 11 | £5,724 | Enquire Now | ||
| 24/05/2024 | 03/06/2024 | 11 | £5,724 | Enquire Now | ||
| 31/05/2024 | 10/06/2024 | 11 | £5,724 | Enquire Now | ||
| 07/06/2024 | 17/06/2024 | 11 | £5,724 | Enquire Now | ||
| 14/06/2024 | 24/06/2024 | 11 | £5,724 | Enquire Now | ||
| 21/06/2024 | 01/07/2024 | 11 | £5,724 | Enquire Now | ||
| 28/06/2024 | 08/07/2024 | 11 | £4,516 | Enquire Now | ||
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| 05/07/2024 | 15/07/2024 | 11 | £4,516 | Enquire Now | ||
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| 12/07/2024 | 22/07/2024 | 11 | £4,516 | Enquire Now | ||
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| 19/07/2024 | 29/07/2024 | 11 | £4,516 | Enquire Now | ||
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| 26/07/2024 | 05/08/2024 | 11 | £4,516 | Enquire Now | ||
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| 02/08/2024 | 12/08/2024 | 11 | £4,516 | Enquire Now | ||
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| 09/08/2024 | 19/08/2024 | 11 | £4,516 | Enquire Now | ||
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| 16/08/2024 | 26/08/2024 | 11 | £4,516 | Enquire Now | ||
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| 23/08/2024 | 02/09/2024 | 11 | £4,516 | Enquire Now | ||
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| 30/08/2024 | 09/09/2024 | 11 | £4,516 | Enquire Now | ||
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| 06/09/2024 | 16/09/2024 | 11 | £4,516 | Enquire Now | ||
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| 13/09/2024 | 23/09/2024 | 11 | £4,516 | Enquire Now | ||
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| 20/09/2024 | 30/09/2024 | 11 | £4,516 | Enquire Now | ||
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Prices are based on two adults sharing transfers, fishing and accommodation (unless otherwise stated) and are correct when going to press. Subject to time of year, date, and currency fluctuations, these prices may fluctuate slightly due to flight price increases or fuel surcharges.
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