Jardines De La Reina Safari

Ultimate Fly Fishing Safari Experience.

This has to be the best way to fish and explore the vast untouched areas of Jardines de la Reina. We fish is approximately 2600 square miles, a vast offshore wilderness, where you will never see another angler most days, other than people in your own group. On this trip you get the real Cuba safari for your main accommodation is one of our three live aboard boats, the Halcon, Caballones and the La Reina. The advantage of these safaris is that the mother ship while you are you fishing each day will move to a completely new area. This way you will your fellow guests will cover many hundreds of miles of fishing in areas that receive very very little fishing pressure or may even be the first time that flat / channel has been fished for many years. To give you some idea of the size of the operation and area, imagine fishing, roughly the equivalent to the Florida Keys from Key Largo to Key West, a distance of 90 miles long by hundreds of miles wide.

You will talk with your guide the evening before and plan on what you would like to do the following day. This is often dependant on the weather, the tides, and also what fish the anglers prefer to target that day. With such a huge amount of water available, it is easy to spread all the anglers out where everyone will be in their own superb water. There are no restrictions on where you can go or what you can fish for.

Your fishing day in the Jardines de la Reina is completely flexible. Our guides are hard working fellows, and often end up fishing from early morning to dusk. A nine hour fishing day is probably average, but some days we'll get up and fish for tarpon at 5:30 AM, come back for breakfast and then take off the rest of the day and fish until dark. The guides are enthusiastic and love to fish long days. Ten and even twelve hour fishing days are not uncommon. Just remember to give your guide a larger tip if you are fishing long hours.

If you would like to do some night fishing, just let your guide know and special arrangements can be made to do this after dinner. If a full day of fishing has not tired you out, you can have some spectacular fishing for tarpon, jacks and other fish at night in the JDR, especially with bait on spinning rods.

The fishing for baby Tarpon (fish in the 15-40 pound class) is spectacular. It's not unusual for clients to catch 10-15 or more in a day. Larger Tarpon, up to 85 pounds and some up to 110 pounds, especially in the late spring and summer months can be found. The most fun though, is catching good numbers of baby Tarpon, perfect fish for a ten weight rod. These fish are found on vast ocean side flats, as well as in the many channels that connect the ocean with the backcountry.

The island system is also teeming with spectacular Bonefish flats, many of which can be waded. Bones average 3-4 pounds but on some flats you will see much larger fish, many in the 6-8 pound class with a few as large as 12 pounds. In some of the more remote areas in the JDR, you will be fishing for Bonefish where very few, IF ANY, anglers have EVER fished for Bones! They are so unafraid, that 4-5 pound Bonefish will cruise right up to within a few feet of the flats skiff!

Permit are very common in the JDR, and these are "Florida sized" Permit, with many fish in the 25-35 pound class. Most of the Permit are found on flats closer to the deep water and the reef, on the ocean side of the island system, but there are many good Permit flats in the backcountry. Also If anglers devotes a few hours, during the best tides, to fishing for Permit, it is not unusual for them to get up to a dozen good shots at Permit, and a lot of these will be singles, doubles and small groups of big fish.

The large variety of flats fish and reef fish available make the JDR the finest destination in the World if you enjoy catching a variety of fish. Not only do you have the big three (Bonefish, Tarpon and Permit) but the JDR is perhaps the last place in the world where you can catch big Mutton Snappers on the flats, like you could in Florida forty years ago!

In addition to Muttons, there are lots of Jacks and some are huge. The largest Jacks are the Jack Crevalle, and it is not unusual to see twenty pound plus Jacks cruising the flats, eating everything in their path! Big Horse Eye Jacks are common - up to 14 pounds. There are Yellow Jacks (great for Sashimi) as well as schools of Bar Jacks and
Yellowtail Snappers.

Out along the reef, there are a huge number of big Snappers, and Grouper, including World Record size Cubera Snapper. Anglers that troll or bait fish along the reef will hook some huge Snappers and Groupers that they will never land. The big Goliath Groupers (Jewfish) up to 5-6 feet long, for 300/400pounds, are common.  The Sharks and Cudas are lots of fun to catch on the flats, and they can be caught easily by fly fishing on a variety of poppers utilizing wire tippets. Silky Sharks in the 3-5 foot range are very common and can also be easily caught while fly fishing.

Your trip begins in Havana, Cuba's capital, providing a great opportunity while visiting this great country to experience all of its history and culture, before moving down to the port of Jukro (Huckers) where your mother ship will be to collect you.

What our customers have to say: "We had a great time and you where spot on with the Bonefish, it was just amazing." Dr T Smith "The fishing and area was just so unspoilt, I know its a trek each morning but everyday was worth it ten times over, we will be back soon. " Darren Hope. "Got my first Bonefish over 10lb, something I will never forget and ever thank you enough for. "Pat & Julie Roy. "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." Richard Foster "Caught my first Tarpon on the fly, not massive but a 20lb it was a great way to start, another great memory with you guy's thanks again. " Paul Hatchet. "I just never want to stop, watching Tarpon busting and rolling just under my flies, has to be the best way of fishing in the world, top trip. "Gary Blaine .

For both your first and last night you will be staying in Havana. Note if you wish to extend your tour you can have additional days in Havana to see more of this beautiful country.

Hotel Parque Central Havana Cuba

B/B

As a sign of modernity and distinction raises the Hotel Parque Central in the middle of heart of the legendary and historical center of the city of the Havana, leaving to the light some vestiges of other times, transformed into arcades that didn't want to give to the unshakable step of the time. The Hotel Parque Central occupies the whole block of the street Neptune between the interceptions of Padro and Zulueta, in front of the Parque Central, thanks to its excellent location, the main tourist attractions of the old Havana are very close to this hotel.

Hotel Parque Central Rooms, with fabulous views of Old Havana are very comfortable and roomy with a soft one carpeted, comfortable upholstered seats, double glasses that provide an escape to the high levels of noise, wooden furniture of classic style and a well designed illumination characterize to the rooms of the Hotel Parque Central, almost all have a fabulous view to the Parque Central, the famous Walk of the Grassland and to the buildings with Baroque style and Rococo that surround it.

The Hotel Parque Central has 277 rooms divided in Standard 234 Double Rooms, 13 Superior Rooms, 11 Junior Suite, 12 Suites, 6 Master Suite and 1 Presidential Suite.

The Junior Suites in the Hotel Parque Central follows the same stylistic lines that the rooms standard and the superior rooms, but they have an area of being quite big and two French windows with excellent views of the Walk of the Grassland or of the Parque Central. The area of the bedroom has little privacy regarding the area of being for what these rooms are not ideal for meetings of business. The bathrooms are big with double lavamanos in a marble support.

The Suites Master in the Parque Central is those that can be used for parties, meetings, etc. without the companies or the partners feel that you have invited them to your bedroom. The Suites consist on three separate rooms. An attractive living room very near the door with their bathroom for companies. Then it is the room to have dinner or meetings that it includes a desk in the furniture to take place. To the great bedroom one enters through a separate door and you is luxuriously equipped with a floral green carpet, furniture of classic style and the covered window by curtains. The bathrooms are tiled blank, beige and dark red marble, with the area of the bathroom and of the toilet separated from the double lavamanos and the shower.

The Presidential room in the Parque Central is magnificent. With their privileged position above the park has a wonderful view of the noble facades of the surroundings, the exquisite brass goddesses that crown the towers of the Great Theater of Havana and the imposing vault of the Capitol. The vast drawing of the room opens up with a series of French windows on its own balcony that opens up toward the right of the center of the building. The library and the office/meeting place have some well equipped booksellers and the room finds out it equips with old furniture and silk curtains and elegant brocades. He/she also has an area to use as wardrobe and a room of enormous bathroom with a Jacuzzi

On this tour there are 3 different mother ships to chose from as detailed below.

Halcon.

F/B

This recently-restored 75-foot luxury yacht features 6 cabins, three bathrooms and showers with plenty of hot water to make things comfortable.

Up top there is a large salon, which is fully air conditioned and a perfect place to have cocktails after fishing, before dinner. Meals are usually served on the afterdeck allowing you to enjoy your meal with a light evening cool breeze. The chef on the Halcon does a wonderful job, food is primarily seafood - fresh fish every day, lobster and conch. But for those that would like something different, chicken and pork are also available, along with salads and a variety of fruits that are served every day. For those who still have room the desserts like flan, and rum cake are delicious.

This boat is designed to take up to 8 anglers with 4 skiffs, your guides and crew all live aboard with you for the duration of your stay. This is the perfect way to see and fish large areas of Jardines de la Reina in comfort of your own private little world and oasis.

Caballones.

F/B

Caballones is a very comfortable yacht, which was fully refurbished at the end of 2006. This impressive yacht is seventy-five feet in length, all the rooms are air conditioned, with 4 double rooms (one is a queen bed for a couple) 4 bathrooms with showers and plenty of hot water to make things comfortable thanks to a new water maker.

The chef on the Caballones does a wonderful job, food is primarily seafood - fresh fish every day, lobster and conch. But for those that would like something different, chicken and pork are also available, along with salads and a variety of fruits that are served every day. For those who still have room the desserts like flan, and rum cake are delicious. Meals are normally on the large upper deck where meals are usually served from a "on show” cuisine!

Our guides live aboard the Caballones along with you (in a complete separate area for everybody's comfort). Having your guides stay with you provides the flexibility to travel around this huge islands system in order to find the absolute best fishing is a key to the popularity of the Caballones.

The ideal group of anglers is 6 to 8, with three to four guides and three or four flats skiffs available at all times. The Caballones is superb and suggested solution for those guests that would love to try all kind of fishing techniques in Jardines de la Reina, from Spinning, Fly-fishing, trolling or bottom fishing.

La Reina.

F/B

La Reina. The brand new yacht

La Reina is a comfortable yacht, Fully refurbished end of 2005 sixty-nine feet in length, all air conditioned, with 4 double rooms and 4 bathrooms and a large upper deck where meals are usually served! Showers with plenty of hot water make things comfortable thanks to a new water maker. The chef on La Reina does a wonderful job with the meals. Dinners are primarily seafood- fresh fish every day. For those that would like something different, chicken and pork are available as well as vegetarian meals. Salads and a variety of fruits are served every day. The desserts like flan, and rum cake are delicious. The guides live aboard the La Reina along with the guests, and having the flexibility to travel around this huge island system in order to find the absolute best fishing is a key to the popularity of the La Reina.The ideal group of anglers is four, with two guides and two flats skiffs available at all times.

La Reina is superb and suggested  solution for those guests that would love to try all kind of fishing techniques in Jardines de la Reina, from Spinning, Fly-fishing, trolling or bottom fishing.

 

 

Suggested Itinerary

This is a suggest itinerary which can be changed if you so wished to suit your requirements personally.

10 - Days / 6 - Days Guided Fishing

Day 1 (Friday)	Flights are available from Virgin, Iberia and Air France Arrive HAVANA (HAV) PM On Arrival you will walk through the terminal building where outside our representive's will be waiting, holding up your name. They will then transfer you to the Parque Central Hotel in Havana. (Note: The transfer is not included and payable locally) Rest of the evening is yours to either relax or explore Havana's many clubs and bars. Overnight: Accommodation Parque Central Hotel in Havana B/B
Day 2 (Saturday)	4.30 am Meet in the Hotel lobby for your transfer to Jardines de la Reina at Jurcaro Port. 10.00 am Board your mother ship and depart for the Jardines de la Reina fishing area. After some refreshing drinks and you have unpacked, Its time to leave for a full afternoons fishing. Overnight: Accommodation Mother Yacht of your choice F/B
Day 3 to 7 (Sunday to Thursday)	7.00 am Wake-Up call 7.30 Breakfast 8.00 Depart with guides for your full days fishing Note: Schedule can be changed according to your preferences and your guides suggestions. Overnight: Accommodation Mother Yacht of your choice F/B
Day 8 (Friday)	Morning fishing with guide. Lunchtime transfer back to Jucaro Port and then transfer back to Havana. Approximate arrival time back in Havana 8.30 pm. Overnight: Accommodation Parque Central Hotel in Havana B/B
Day 9 (Saturday)	Subject to your flight time arrange a airport transfer with the hotel reception back to Havana airport. Depart HAVANA (HAV)
Day 10 (Sunday)	Arrive London AM

Departure Dates & Prices

La Reina and Caballones

Dates	10 days / 6 days fishing
Low season (All year accept the below dates)	From £2,599 pp
High season (1st Feb - 26th June)	From £3,399 pp
Peak season (21st March - 5th June)	From £3,599 pp

Halcon

Dates	10 days / 6 days fishing
Low season (All year accept the below dates)	From £2,799 pp
High season (1st Feb - 26th June)	From £3,599 pp
Peak season (21st March - 5th June)	From £3,799 pp

 

Additional Pricing Info:

Note: The above prices are per person and are based on two people sharing accommodation, transfers and fishing. These prices are for guide purposes only. Prices will increase or decrease dependant on number of people sharing accommodation or the fishing.

Whats Included & Excluded

Options Business Class Flight Upgrades.

What's Included International return flights Transfers to / from Jucaro Port and to / from Jardines de la Reina . 2 night's accommodation on B/B basis Hotel Parque Central 6 night’s accommodation on mother yacht F/B 5 Full day/s fishing as indicated on itinerary. 2 half day/s fishing as indicated on itinerary. Fishing License’s Packed lunch while fishing 10 beers, 30 water & soft drinks Marine Park License.

What's Excluded Holiday insurance Personal items Local Tips Local Departure Tax

Enquiries & Bookings

Once you have an idea of what destinations and duration of the holiday you would like, contact one of our consultants on 01603 407596 who will be pleased to assist you with any questions and additional literature you may require to help you finalise your holidays itinerary, availability and prices.

When you are ready to book your holiday, our consultants will take down all particulars and take a deposit payment, please make sure that before making any booking that you have read our terms and conditions. At the time of the booking we will ask you to correctly spell the first and last name of each traveling member, as some flights will need to be ticketed at the time of booking and due to airline regulations no name changes can be made, once a ticket has been issued. On receipt of the deposit we will send the lead booker a “Booking Form” and a deposit receipt invoice which becomes the legal contract between Angling Direct Holidays and your party

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Fly fishing:

Bonefish: 9 foot rod for 7 - 9wt lines. Saltwater reels with fly line plus 150 - 200 yards of backing 20lb test. WF-Floating lines for use in tropical climates. Knotless tapered leaders 6-9 feet long 8 -12 lbs in strength.

Permit: 9 foot fly rods for 9-10 wt lines. Saltwater fly reel with fly line plus 200-300 yards of 20lb backing. WF-Floating lines for use in tropical climates. Knotless tapered leaders 6-9 feet long 12-16 lbs in strength.

Barracuda / Sharks: 9 foot fly rods for 12-16 wt lines. Saltwater fly reel with fly line plus 200-300 yards of 20lb backing. WF-Floating lines for use in tropical climates. Knotless tapered leaders 6-9 feet long 12-16 lbs in strength. with single strand or braided wire shock tippet.

Clothing: Light weight quick drying ultra violet proof non cotton long and short sleeved shirts. Shorts and long trousers, Alternatively trousers with zip off legs. All clothing should be in light natural colors. Peaked cap with protection flap for ears and neck. Polaroid sunglasses with amber and yellow lenses. 12 to 30# strength waterproof sun cream. Insect repellant.

Flies: You will lose flies for all variety of reasons. Break offs occur when a fish makes the initial run on to coral or mangroves. Depending on your fly selection and your hooking success we recommend you take at least 50 Bonefish flies of various colours and patterns for six days fishing. For Barracuda and Sharks one fish one fly it's as easy as that.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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