Gardens of the King (GOK) or Cayo Santa Maria, as it’s also known, is an Archipelago that lies just off the northern coast of Cuba. Named for the king of Spain in the sixteenth century, this archipelago is part of the UNESCO recognized Buenavista Biosphere Reserve and is viewed as one of the most precious spots in all of the Caribbean. Its beautiful white sandy beaches, warm, clear water, intact nature, and thriving wildlife populations are highly regarded by visiting tourists, and it’s a very desirable destination amongst the saltwater fly fishing community.
Famed for its coral wall, which runs for over 400 kilometres, making it the second-largest barrier reef in the world, behind only the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and its significant Cays, GOK is renowned as a Tarpon Paradise. Heavily protected and well managed, with a ban on all commercial fishing, apart from a sustainable Lobster fishery, the Tarpon population has thrived, and it’s now viewed as one of the best destinations in the Caribbean for catching big Tarpon on the fly.
As well as the big Tarpon, it’s also home to all the traditional flats species like Bonefish, Permit and Snook, as well as a range of reef species like Baracuda, Jacks and Snapper. With the new fishery management focused on marine life preservation and a ‘good health’ ecosystem, the fishing just keeps getting better and better, month after month, year after year.
The Tarpon make this area famous for fly fishing, and abundant numbers of resident fish between 10lb and 60lb are present all year round. However, from the beginning of March through to August, the Gardens of the King begins to see the huge migratory Tarpon, with monster specimens of over 140lb present across the ecosystem. These fish provide a real test for even the most experienced fly angler.
Due to GOK’s vast array of Cays, some bigger than many countries across the globe, and its network of channels and canals, the Tarpon fishing spots can be easily determined, as they use these like roadways to pass freely from the flats to the open sea. Some of these areas can be up to 20ft deep; however, in most cases, they range from 3ft to 6ft. When fishing in this shallow, clear water, the fish are easily spotted, and even in deeper water, it’s common to observe them rolling in schools. The Skiffs will position themselves ahead of the school in these scenarios, and anglers will fish for them with interception casts.
As well as Tarpon, the region also supports a massive Bonefish population, with the fish scattered across the whole area of flats and mangrove vegetation. These can be targeted from the Skiffs or by wading. The Permit is another species that frequent the waterways and is the last to make up the famed ‘Grand Slam’. Some genuinely huge specimens often referred to as ‘floaters’ to over 40lb, can be caught in the deeper water, although they average between 15lb to 30lb.
Gardens of the King is ideal for fly-fisherman who wish to live and experience fishing from dawn till dusk, as at GOK, they offer more fishing hours than any other destination, and the fishing hours are totally at the discretion of the angler.
A regular day usually begins with a hearty breakfast around 7.00am before departing with your guides at around 7.45am. Most of the flats get found close to the accommodation, and in most cases, you can often have a fly in the water fifteen minutes after setting off for the day.
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.
On some of the more remote flats, further than 15 minutes from the accommodation, the guides will often suggest the evening before that you take a packed lunch and stay out all day. There are no gasoline limits for the guides, so if you wish, you can motor out longer distances to the flats further afield, and this can often yield some of the best, most explosive sport.
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 base 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.
To find out more about saltwater fly fishing in Cuba at Gardens of the King (GOK) or Cayo Santa Maria, as it’s also known, visit our YouTube channel.
The peak season in GOK runs from February to June, as this is the time of year when all species are present within the area. Tarpon, Bonefish and Permit are all abundant, and without doubt, these months gives the anglers trying to achieve a grand slam the very best chance. In the region, many ‘Slams’ get completed each season and a handful of Super Grand Slams, which are the big three flats species, Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit with the addition of a Snook. In the latter part of the season, when the weather is hot, the fishing is still equally productive, especially for Tarpon and Permit. However, Bonefishing is better during these weeks in the early morning and late evening. One statistic to back up the promising summer phenomenon is that the same number of fish get caught during the warmer months as in the peak season but by half the number of rods.
The temperature in Jardines del Rey or Gardens of the King Archipelago is warmer than that of the Bahamas, with an average temperature of 75 degrees F in January. These fair-weather conditions during the mid-winter months are perfect for fly fishing. August is the warmest month with an average temperature of 83 degrees F.
The fishing season runs from November until August, thus avoiding the hurricane period during September and October. The beginning of the season from November to January is excellent, and this is a nice time to visit, as the weather is much warmer in Cuba than in Europe.
The Iberostar resort is a beautiful, all-inclusive resort located on Cayo Ensenachos. With 5 star accommodations and amenities, this resort will please anglers and non-anglers alike.
Located just a short walk from a beautiful white-sand beach, Ensenachos has a full range of Double Spa Suite rooms, four restaurants, nine bars, five swimming pools, and many other features to keep guests happy and entertained.
The Iberostar has two sides: the ‘Park’ side, which is family-friendly, and the other is the ‘Spa’ side, which is adults only. Both sides have swim-up bars, and they both share the buffet in the main building and the a la carte restaurants on site.
There is also a Grand Village section, which is entirely separate.
For all fishing operations, the Spa Suites or Grand Village is usually the preferred accommodation; however, it’s possible to book into the Park suites that allow kids if you’re travelling with the family.
At the resort, the staff are some of the best you will ever have the pleasure of meeting while in the Caribbean, and everyone is friendly and willing to help every time, ensuring your stay is as pleasurable as possible.
The flat Skiffs are located at the marina on Cayo Las Brujas, a short 6-mile drive from the resort.
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.
Please note that depending on what international airport you depart from, travel to this destination may involve an overnight flight and/or an overnight hotel.
Once flights are available, your itinerary will be finalised.
Depart Any international Airport (See Details)
Arrive Havana
Transfer from Havana airport to your overnight hotel
On arrival take a taxi (not included) to your overnight hotel. Once you have arrived you’re free to relax and explore this beautiful city.
Overnight accommodation: Havana Standard Hotel in a twin room on a bed & breakfast basis
Travel from Havana to Cayo Santa Maria
You will be picked up from your overnight hotel and transferred by road to Cayo Santa Maria, a journey which takes around 5 hours.
Once you arrive at your hotel you can unpack and relax for the rest of the afternoon and evening.
Overnight accommodation: Iberostar Ensenachos Resort in a twin room on a full board basis
On fishing days one and two, you’ll get to experience your first taste of the fantastic saltwater fly fishing on offer at Gardens Of The King (GOK). The destination is renowned as a Tarpon paradise, with abundant resident fish between 10lb and 60lb present all year round. However, from the beginning of March through to August, GOK begins to see a run of migratory Tarpon, with monster specimens of over 140lb present across the ecosystem.
A typical day of fishing will consist of:
7:00am: Wake-up call.
7:30am: Breakfast.
8:00am: Fishing.
Return late afternoon, shower, relax, and prepare for appetizers and drinks before dinner.
Overnight accommodation: Iberostar Ensenachos Resort in a twin room on a full board basis
On your third and fourth fishing days, like all the others, you’ll head out with your guide and either wade the flats or fish from the skiffs, depending on your preference and the area you’re fishing. All the guides are local and know the fishing grounds intimately. All the fishing at Gardens Of The King is based on two anglers per guide and skiff.
Fact: GOK is famed for its coral wall, which runs for over 400 kilometres, making it the second-largest barrier reef in the world, behind only the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
Overnight accommodation: Iberostar Ensenachos Resort in a twin room on a full board basis
On your two last days of fishing, if you have a particular species on your bucket list that you’d like to tick off, let your guide know – he will do his best to help you achieve your goals.
While GOK is primarily renowned for its Tarpon fishing, the region also supports a massive Bonefish population, with the fish scattered across the whole area of flats and mangrove vegetation. These can be targeted from the Skiffs or by wading. The Permit is another species that frequents the waterways and is the last to make up the famed ‘Grand Slam’.
Overnight accommodation: Iberostar Ensenachos Resort in a twin room on a full board basis
Travel from Cayo Santa Maria to Havana
In the morning you will be transferred back to Havana by road, a journey of around 5 hours. Once you arrive at your overnight hotel in Havana and have checked in, the rest of the afternoon and evening is free to relax and explore.
Overnight accommodation: Havana Standard Hotel in a twin room on a bed & breakfast basis
Transfer from your overnight hotel to Havana airport
Depending on your flight times, you will need to take a taxi (not included) back to Havana airport, ready for your return journey home.
Depart Havana
Arrive Home
Please note that depending on what international airport you wish to return to, travel from this destination may involve an overnight flight and/or an overnight hotel. Once flights are available, your itinerary will be finalised.
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
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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.
| From | To | Duration | Price | Availability | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/10/2024 | 22/02/2025 | 11 | £5,056 | Enquire Now | ||
| Mid Fishing Saturday to Saturday | Mid Fishing Saturday to Saturday | |||||
| 22/02/2025 | 05/07/2025 | 11 | £6,536 | Enquire Now | ||
| High Fishing Saturday to Saturday | High Fishing Saturday to Saturday | |||||
| 05/07/2025 | 21/02/2026 | 11 | £5,216 | Enquire Now | ||
| Mid Fishing Saturday to Saturday | Mid Fishing Saturday to Saturday | |||||
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 surcharges.
Both me and my wife had a great time, it was the first time we had used Sportquest and can honestly say I could not fault it. Your lady in Cuba Idania was a great asset, although she had a broken foot she took care of everything for me and my wife. The fishing was as described so well recommended.
Malcolm it was a pleasure in talking to you on the phone about your trip, I am so happy that you both enjoyed it. It was a pleasure dealing with you from start to finish. Also thank you for taking the time to rate the holiday, look forward to the next time.
My wife and I both had some red hot tarpon fishing. We did manage to locate fish both rolling in the channels and on the large flats. Nothing can describe watching large Tarpon rise of the bottom and engulf your fly. Thats another one of my bucket list but still plenty more to achieve.
William, I love those Tarpon pictures, you both look so so happy. Glad that everything turned out as expected. Not sure whats left on your bucket list but when we talk lets look to see if we can tick a few more off. Kind regards Peter
What a wonderful holiday...
We have only been back a couple of weeks, (Sorry for the late feedback) but we are all still missing Cayo Largo. We are talking to our friends and it looks like there will be more couples returning next year.
Amazing advice from Sport quest who took care of everything. Some of the travel advice & tips were a great help.
Rebecca
Thank you for finding the time to send back the feedback very much appreciated.
I have been trying to call you all since you have returned but keep missing you.
No worries just give me a call when you have sorted things out with your friends and I can take care of everything again.
Tight lines
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.
Darren, the area is stunning so glad it lived up to your expectations. I have been there and the walk across the flats is awesome and knowing whats at the end of it makes the walk all worth while
I know they would gladly have you back anytime
Regards
Jack
We had a great time and you were spot on with the Bonefish, it was just amazing
Thanks Terry, it was pleasure to help both of you. Once you had said you wanted an ideal place for both of you, this destination just jumped out at us. Hope to help you again another day
Regards
Peter
I just never wanted to stop watching Tarpon busting and rolling just under my flies; has to be the best way of fishing in the world. Top trip.
Hi Gary, it is one of my personal favourite ways of fishing. Its just so exciting and leaves you on the edge every time
Look forward to seeing all your pictures
Regards
Peter
Caught my first Tarpon on the fly, not massive but a 20lb, it was a great way to start. Another great memory with you guys, thanks again.
Paul, it was a pleasure as always. Glad you managed a few Tarpon and told you to try the fly and i bet you will never go back
Regards
Paul
Thank you to all the guides for taking good care of us all. I got a Tarpon to stick and stay on in the end. I think i was driving the guides mad but they never showed it. Great fun, see you next time.
I did mention how hard it was to get a good hook hold…. So glad after some time you boated one. It looked like the other guys in the party done just as well.
The guides are very experienced and are use to the Tarpon throwing the hooks
I believe Simon from your party has been in contact already about next year
Speak to you soon
Regards
Phil
Got my first Bonefish over 10lb, something I will never forget and never thank you enough for.
Glad we could help. it is a great family destination and there is more than enough for the non fishing members of the group
Regards
Mel
Perfect for couples, we had it all thanks a million.
Jack, thank you for taking the time to reply, It was nice talking to you on the telephone and I am very happy that you both enjoyed your stay. It was a pleasure dealing with you both and I look forward until next time. Regards Peter
Disappointed... the weather was dreadful, the hotel is to commercialised.
Julie, thank you for taking the time to talk to me on the telephone about your holiday. Firstly I am sorry that the weather spoiled your holiday. Cuba got hit by a tropical storm which can happen in low season and this unfortunately is nothing we can control. The low season is priced at a cheaper rate for this exact reason as these things can happen at this time of year. In relation to the resort accommodation, let me apologize if we got your requirements wrong. We thought that you wanted good quality accommodation, which in Cuba is only available in these large hotel complexes. As Cuba is such a poor country there isn't available small private run cosy hotels that have any good fishing close by. Regards Peter
We returned home yesterday and what a nice welcome home from Sportquest.
You made my family feel special from the beginning. I can not rate your company high enough. Peter you should be very proud as your company certainly stands heads above the competition, and I should know as I have used them before but from now on never again.
My family and I loved the hotel so not sure what the other comment was all about, yes it is a commercial resort but that is just what we wanted, somewhere my family can enjoy what they wanted while my son and I had 6 days fishing.
The staff, guides and fishing was first class, if you are thinking of a saltwater fly fishing holiday with your family Cayo largo is a perfect destination. It is not the cheapest but I believe you always get what you pay for.
Full marks again all round
Cheers Frank
Frank
Thank you for such a nice review, however I am sure people will think I paid you to say that :)
So glad that you and all the family had such a good time as it makes our job worth while when we receive nice feedback like this.
It was also good catching up on the telephone and I will forward you all the information as discussed, along with a memory stick for your pictures.
Until next time
We travelled as 2 couples with us men fishing while the ladies relaxed. Cayo Largo was the perfect mixture for everyone.
The fly fishing for Bones & Permit was full on and are happy to report that both Kevin and myself managed to catch several permit.
Guides and fishing is first rate.
Andy thanks for the feedback and review.
I was certain that this would suit you all and are very pleased it all turned out as I thought. You are both good fly anglers so had no worries about you connecting with lots of fish.
Congratulations with the permit, have to get you both on some GT's next time.
Tight lines
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.
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